Through the Black Line
Another day rose up in Brightmoon, but while some were just waking up, in the courtyard, Izuku and Catra were hard at work. They were training to not only stay in shape, but to also help Catra get more used to the power of the She-Ra transformation. After their adventure in Plumeria, Catra has been asking Izuku to help her figure out more about her power, as they were similar to One For All.
However, unbeknownst to them, Glimmer had been woken up by their training. She snuck out of her room and was now watching their training with wide eyes.
"Whoa," Glimmer gasped.
Izuku charged at Catra with his green aura blazing around his body. He jumped, landing a spinning kick to her forearm, using his momentum to swing Catra into the air. Using a trick Toshinori taught him, he jumped in the air after Catra, reeling back his right fist only for his punch to be caught by Catra's hand.
Catra spun Izuku down, flinging him with a mighty pull. She landed with the grace of a cat as Izuku skidded to a halt. She charged towards him, swinging her sword.
"You can't just tank all the attacks and push through," Izuku instructed, dodging the swings. "You've grown larger, but you are no less agile." He ducked under a swing, throwing a punch at Catra's stomach, sending her back.
"You're one to talk. Stop holding back. Besides, I grow taller with the transformation," Catra countered, channeling the energy of her sword before bringing it down.
Catra's attack sent a powerful cutting wave through the ground.
Izuku jumped to the side, avoiding the attack before charging once more. He blinked before Catra before throwing a powerful punch to her face. However, before his fist could connect with Catra's face, he stopped.
"Tie again?" Catra chuckled.
"Yeah," Izuku smiled, looking down at Catra's hand grabbing his shirt. "We tie again."
Catra de-transformed before they both dropped down with a sigh.
"Man, these suddenly got a lot more intense, didn't they?" Izuku asked, panting with a smile.
"Yeah, you got me all sweaty," Catra replied, wiping the sweat from her brow. "I could use a shower." She noticed Glimmer looking at them, getting a sneaky idea in her mind.
"Sounds like a good idea, we should do that before breakfast," Izuku replied.
Izuku turned, only for Catra to pull his face towards her. She then got on top of him, like a cat playing with her prey. She smiled at him, a smile that hid more than mischief behind it.
Izuku was confused by her actions and how she was swinging her tail from side to side. He noticed how her fur was looking fluffier and how her eyes had a certain glow to them, like the kind of glassy glow that the sands of the Crimson Waste had early in the morning.
"Say, Izuku, why don't we have a shower… together~?" Catra said in a sultry tone, letting out a slight purr with her final word.
"Wha-what?" Izuku asked as his face turned bright red.
"Oh come on, Izuku~. Don't make a girl beg," Catra whispered into Izuku's ear, which nearly made him let out lots of steam from his head. "How long have we known each other~? Haven't you ever been curious about what I look like under all these clothes~? Or perhaps you want me to see what's under your clothes~?" Catra taunted like a cat in heat.
"C-C-Catra, I-," Izuku began only for Catra to place a finger on his lips.
"You know, I've been feeling some needs that only you can satisfy~," Catra smiled, looking over to where Glimmer was hiding. "I'm not a kitten anymore, I'm all grown up and ready to show you all my stripes~. I wanna take our relationship to the next level~." She gave Izuku a lick which made him nearly pass out.
Glimmer was listening to everything that Catra was saying. Her face turned red as she had never heard this kind of talk before. She'd heard Netossa and Spinnerella flirt from time to time, but that was never this intense. Her face was burning and she was starting to feel dizzy as she started to imagine a naked Izuku and Catra going at it in one of their rooms. Shaking her head, she tried to get those thoughts out of her mind, but she had a pair of naked friends doing the deed in her head. Glimmer didn't even know why but she imagined herself in the middle of that treatment, or better yet, taking the place of Catra.
"Get the picture, Sparkles?" Catra asked, snapping Glimmer out of her thoughts.
She jumped up screaming in shock. She turned around, looking at a sweaty smiling Catra who was holding back a bucket of laughter.
"You're the worst!" Glimmer growled.
"What? You were watching us," Catra countered. "Figured a small bit of teasing was in need. Also, you look a little flustered." She laughed.
Glimmer was bright red out of embarrassment and quickly teleported out of the courtyard.
Izuku, with a red dizzy face that would've matched Glimmer's, walked next to Catra.
"You shouldn't joke about those things, Catra. For a second there," Izuku said before stopping himself.
"You thought I was serious?" Catra asked, looking away, not wanting to admit that she was being truthful and serious of what she was saying. "Don't worry Izuku, I was doing that to mess with Glimmer. No need to get weird around each other. Oof, I stink." She laughed before rushing to her room to avoid the awkward conversation.
Izuku was left alone, wondering what had just happened. He had known Catra to play tricks on him and others, but this one felt weirder. Like she was being sincere. His hand shot up to his chest as he noticed that his heart was beating faster and faster. He feared that it was gonna burst out of his chest. Izuku looked up to where Catra had run off to, and began to wonder if he was falling for his oldest and dearest friend.
"Oh, man, what would she think of me if this is true?" Izuku asked, thinking about Catra.
Izuku sat down between Catra and Glimmer as Queen Angella began the war meeting. He felt embarrassed because of what had happened that morning. Catching sight of the blushes that Catra and Glimmer had on them, he wished that he could hide his face. He nearly paled in fear when Queen Angella caught sight of him.
"Let us begin. Spinnerella, Netossa, what do you have to report?" Queen Angella asked.
"Thanks to the relief mission from a few days ago done by Princess Glimmer, our relationship with the Kingdom of Plumeria has increased dramatically," Spinnerella replied, holding up a flower-covered scroll. "And Princess Perfuma has agreed to come to Brightmoon once her kingdom is reinforced and back to full strength. Again, thank you, kids."
"Nice going on your mission," Netossa begrudgingly said.
"Um, well, you're welcome," Izuku sheepishly replied, only to get Catra's arm wrapped around his shoulder.
"Yep, we get it done." Catra smiled, causing Glimmer to look away blushing.
Queen Angella raised an eyebrow much to Izuku's fear.
"Sadly, it's not all good news. We've been having problems on the coastline and the sea between us and Salineas," Netossa admitted, bringing up a large map of the sea area and the Sea Gate. "The Horde has established several supply lines in the Azure Sea in the area known as the Black Line. Not only does this help keep the Horde's forces at top strength but it cuts us off from the Sea Gate, the only way into the Kingdom of Salineas and our only defense against sea invasions."
"What of our forces near the coast?" Queen Angella asked.
"They won't go in the water after the last expedition," Netossa replied, making the queen sigh.
"Why don't we mount another expedition?" Glimmer suggested. "We can get information about the supply lines and check up on the Sea Gate. And we can get the princess of Salineas into the Alliance just like we did Perfuma."
Queen Angella could only imagine what kind of plan her daughter had cooking. She was well aware that her daughter tended to cook up half-cocked plans that didn't end well. But she was partially intrigued by what her daughter was planning. Angella had seen a slight change in Glimmer ever since she brought Izuku and Catra into the Alliance.
"Yeah, we can get the other princesses back into the Alliance, just like in the old days," Bow said in agreement.
"Glimmer, please explain." Angella gestured.
Glimmer stood up, clearing her throat.
"We could get a small team with a small ship that isn't recognized by the Horde as part of the Alliance and could get information on when and how the supplies are coming in," Glimmer suggested. "And while we're around the area we could go see what's the situation with the Sea Gate."
Queen Angella didn't look convinced by what she had heard.
Izuku saw this and shared a look with Catra that told him that she wasn't all for an all-watery mission. He didn't know if it was a good idea but if they didn't do something to hit the Horde then they would continue to gain ground. Maybe they could find a way to get a hold of some kind of schedule or put a tracker on one of the ships or the radio frequency they used would help the Alliance a lot.
"Um, I don't know if I can ask this, but what do we know about the princess of Salineas?" Izuku asked, hoping to learn more and help Glimmer's case.
"Not much for almost two years now," Spinnerella sighed. "Her name is Mermista and she took over the kingdom after her parents fled the kingdom, leaving her in charge."
"Parents of the year, right there," Catra grumbled.
"Indeed," Queen Angella agreed quietly.
She had never liked the former king and queen of Salineas, from their tendency to arrive enebriated to every meeting to making lewd comments about her and the other leaders of the Alliance, those alone were enough to deal with.
"Mermista did a pretty good job at first, but with more and more people leaving her kingdom, she disappeared and we haven't been able to make contact with her since." Spinnerella ended.
"So we have no idea if the sea princess is alive or not? And the kingdom could be completely deserted for all we know?" Catra asked. "Perfect."
"Which is exactly why we must go there and find out what is going on," Glimmer affirmed. "If the Sea Gate is unattended then we need to get someone to fix or guard it or else the Horde will be coming for us soon."
Queen Angella knew that her daughter was speaking the truth. If the situation was that dire then they had to go and see for themselves to try to fix it. Or worse, if the Horde had either captured The Sea Gate or Princess Mermista then the Alliance could be given a devastating blow.
"Very well, Glimmer, you and your team will go to the coast and see the situation of the Sea Gates and see if you can get any information about the Horde supply lines," Queen Angella instructed. "Do not engage unless you have to. Understood?"
Glimmer was joined by Izuku, Catra and Bow in giving her mother a salute.
"Don't worry, mom-I mean your majesty. With She-Ra on our side, we can't lose," Glimmer said.
"You do know that I'm not a big fan of water right?" Catra whispered to Glimmer.
"We also need a captain and charter a ship to get there," Izuku added.
"And lots of life jackets in case," Bow added more.
"We got this," Glimmer said, putting on a confident smile on her face.
As Izuku and the team were about to leave the war room, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He stiffened up, thinking that the queen was going to threaten him again given how Glimmer was blushing at the beginning of the meeting. He slowly turned around to see Spinnerella, giving him a worried look.
"Are you alright, Izuku?" Spinnerella asked. "I noticed that you were a bit tense during the meeting. Are you worried about the mission?"
Izuku was relieved that it wasn't the queen about to chew him out for something that hadn't happened. But he found himself face first with a woman radiating such a nice and nurturing aura around her. Izuku was a bit confused as he'd never been given that kind of care and desire to check up on his well being.
"Um, a little. Growing up in the Crimson Waste didn't teach us a lot about swimming." Izuku admitted. "Also there was a bit of a prank that Catra pulled on Glimmer that I think backfired."
Spinerrella looked at Catra and Glimmer and how they were messing with each other. She then looked at Izuku once more before a lightbulb lit up in her mind.
"Ooh, I think I get it." Spinnerella realized.
"You do?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah, you just gotta be yourself." Spinnerella assured.
"Really?" Izuku asked.
"Of course. It might be awkward at first to realize your feelings but the way they look at you, you've got nothing to worry about," Spinnerella said, causing Izuku to blush in embarrassment. "I think you've got a shot with them both and I think they feel the same. So don't worry."
"Wait, wait, I-I-I didn't-," Izuku stuttered.
"Oh don't be modest. You are quite the good looking young man, I'll be rooting for you, tiger." Spinnerella smiled, patting his back.
Netossa walked after her wife as she swayed her hips. She shot Izuku a 'I'm watching you look'.
"Why is my life so complicated?" Izuku moaned with comedic tears in his eyes. "How could this day get any worse?" He taunted.
Adora was getting ready for her mission. She looked at her face in the mirror, remembering the night she lost her friends. Her head was filled with flashes of that night.
-Flashback-
Adora had been woken up by the sound of explosions. She looked around for any signs of Izuku and Catra, but she didn't find them in their bunks. She ran out of her barracks, hoping that they were just out waiting for her.
"Please don't have done anything dumb." Adora looked around for her friends.
She took a turn, only to find Shadow Weaver standing in the middle of the hall.
"Adora, what are you doing up so early?" Shadow Weaver asked.
"I-I-I'm just looking for Izuku and Catra," Adora replied with her heart pumping in her throat. "They weren't in their beds and I thought…"
"Oh Adora," Shadow Weaver began, caressing Adora's cheek. "I am sorry, but your friends are gone."
"What?" Adora asked in disbelief, looking at Shadow Weaver.
"The princesses. They launched a surprise attack last night, and I'm afraid your friends were caught in the crossfire." Shadow Weaver watched as Adora fell to her knees. "We couldn't even find the bodies."
Adora quivered as tears ran down her cheeks. She couldn't believe it.
"If only they had listened to you they would still be here," Shadow Weaver continued. "If only they'd seen that you were trying to protect them from their weakness. Maybe they'd still be here."
Those words cut Adora like a knife.
"I hope this doesn't happen again," Shadow Weaver said, leaving Adora to ponder that notion.
-Present-
"I will bring them back, but for that I need a team." Adora walked out of her room and quickly bumped into her first recruit. "Scorpia, I need to speak to you."
Scorpia was a tall woman with fair skin with red eyes, black eyebrows and white hair with shaved sides. She wore the standard red and black uniform Force Captains wore, only her's was slightly modified. Her uniform had a diamond shaped boob window and no sleeves with her captain's badge on her left pectoral. But what made her stand out most was her long red scorpion tail arching behind her with a sharp stinger, spiky exoskeleton shoulder pads and red pincers instead of hands much like those of a scorpion.
She turned around, wearing a serious look on her face. She looked down to see Adora, only for her seriousness to melt away.
"Hey Adora, what's up girl?" Scorpia asked. "I heard what happened in Thaymor, man having this new princess and mysterious warrior show up out of nowhere. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," Adora replied, leading Scorpia as they walked to an empty hall. "Have you heard stories about She-Ra?"
"Sure, I mean, one or two, but they're fairy tales. I mean, a badass woman with a sword wielding more power than all the Horde and the Alliance combined?" Scorpia snorted. "I mean, all for girl power here, but it sounds way too out there."
Adora looked down before giving Scorpia a look of determination.
"Well, she's real. She's the new princess that appeared in Thaymor." Adora revealed.
Scorpia's eyes went wide at the revelation.
"What?!" Scorpia snapped, causing Adora to cover her mouth as some of the soldiers passed them by.
Adora looked back at Scorpia with a sigh.
"Yes, that was her, and she's just as powerful as the legends you heard of," Adora said, letting go of Scorpia's mouth.
"Oh my gosh, what do we do?" Scorpia asked, freaking out.
"I've got a mission from Shadow Weaver, to find her and the warrior and bring them to the Fright Zone." Adora revealed. "Maybe we can make them see that we're on the right side. But for that I need a team. Wanna join?"
"Well my duties have been turning a bit stale as of late, so yas queen, let's slay!" Scorpia exclaimed, posing like a dork.
Adora sighed at her friend making a fool of herself.
"You should really stop hanging around Lonnie." Adora sighed.
After two days of travel, Izuku, Catra, Glimmer and Bow had finally arrived at the coastal town of Sea Worthy near the Brightmoon coastal defenses. They looked around at the old shack homes with purple roofs and white walls as the people went about their day. Many of them shared or had fish-like parts or appearances with some even giving the group a shady look or two.
"Lovely place, reminds me of home," Catra commented, keeping her ears and eyes open in case any of the local low lives tried anything funny.
"Only a lot closer by the water," Izuku added, looking at the waves hitting the docks and the docked ships with awe. "Whoa, Catra look at that! It's the ocean."
"Technically that's the sea!" Bow called out as Izuku and Catra rushed to the small beach. "But yeah, everyone here looks like a pirate!"
Izuku and Catra went up to the beach where the sea met the sand. They were amazed by the salty smell of the air and how humid the sand was compared to the arid burning sand of the Crimson Waste. Even in the sun, Izuku and Catra could safely say that they would've liked to have lived near the sea, if only for a time.
"This is amazing," Izuku said in awe with stars in his eyes.
"What's that smell?" Catra sniffed. "It smells so good! We're definitely getting a place near the sea."
As they thought about their future living accomodations, they spotted a ship coming in carrying the catch of the day. But there was more to that ship than they thought.
"What happened?" Izuku asked as Glimmer and Bow caught up to them.
The fishing ship had scorch marks on its hull.
"It looks like it was attacked." Bow gestured to the marks.
"Not surprising, a lot of the good fishing spots are near the area where the Horde ships have been spotted," a nearby sailor commented. "And if it wasn't them, then the crew of the Blue Pearl Mermaid must've done a run at them."
The group from Brightmoon turned to the sailor, hoping to get more information about what they had just seen.
"Excuse me, what is this about the Blue Pearl Mermaid and attacks by Horde ships?" Glimmer asked.
"It's no secret. The Horde has been spotted near the Black Line but there's also this new pirate crew that sails under a ship called the Blue Pearl Mermaid," The sailor explained. "They appear and disappear with the waves of the ocean, hitting Horde and other pirates alike almost as if they could control the sea water itself."
Glimmer's eyes widened at the sound of that. She pulled Izuku, Catra and Bow in close.
"Princess Mermista's powers are to control water in all its shapes, sea water or not," she whispered to her friends. "There's only one way that these pirates could've gotten ahold of such an ability."
"You're not saying-," Bow gasped.
"That's what I'm saying." Glimmer affirmed.
"Um, care to enlighten us?" Catra asked, before turning to Izuku. "Do you know what's going on?"
"I think they believe that these pirates kidnapped the princess of Salineas and are forcing her to help in their pirate activities," Izuku guessed with Glimmer poking his nose in the form of hitting the bullseye.
"Exactly," Glimmer replied before pulling back her finger. "This has now turned into a rescue mission." She then turned back to the sailor. "Thank you for your information, sir. Could you tell us where all the sailors and captains hang around? We'd like to charter a seaworthy vessel."
The sailor looked at them with a confused look. He pointed to a nearby pub with his thumb before taking his leave.
"Thank you," Izuku said before they looked at the tavern.
The tavern looked like the oldest building in the whole sea village. Its walls were turning gray and the roof had missing tiles. On the side of the entrance hung the sign of the pub's name. The sign showed a broken suit of armor on top of a skeleton horse and a large barrel of beer.
As the group got closer to the entrance they could hear a few patrons fighting inside.
"The Drunken Knight?" Catra asked. "Nice to know this place is looking more like home by the minute."
Just then an old man was tossed out of the tavern.
Izuku's instincts kicked in, jumping to catch the old man before he got hurt.
"Are you alright, sir?" Izuku asked, landing on the ground.
"I'm-I'm alright, young man." the old man coughed. "The cheeky knave got a lucky opening. I shall straighten him as soon as my legs find their footing."
Izuku and Catra helped the old man get his footing before they got a good look at him.
The old man was easily in his late fifties or early sixties with lightly tanned skin, graying hair combed back and a connected beard that was put together by a magnificent twirled mustache. His baby blue eyes were probably the youngest part of him that showed off through his old body. He wore an old busted armor chest plate, hip guards, pauldrons, and greaves. Underneath his rusty and banged up armor was a white shirt, and purple pants. Around his hip was tied an old sword with its brown leather sheath.
"Thank you, good sir. Allow me to introduce myself," the old man said before bowing. "I am Captain Loyax of the army of Brightmoon. At your services."
"Aren't you a bit old to be playing soldier?" Catra snickered.
"Oh, um, please rise, captain," Izuku said. "My name is Izuku, and these are my friends. Catra, Glimmer and Bow." He gestured to his friends.
"Glimmer?" Loyax asked, looking at Glimmer. "May I ask, are you Princess Glimmer of Brightmoon?"
"Yep, that would be me," Glimmer replied with a great amount of pride.
"You should not be here! This port and these waters are not safe," Loyax firmly said. "I'd escort you back to Brightmoon, but my duty is to remain here."
"Well, that's a good thing, because we're here on a mission." Catra walked past Loyax, pushing Izuku, Glimmer and Bow with her.
Loyax could only watch in disbelief at the sight of Catra and Glimmer walking into the tavern. His old sense of duty sobered him up, making the pain from the punch he had received earlier fade to the back of his mind. He rushed in, following the group inside like the loyal knight that he was.
The group looked around and saw all manner of strange characters that could be more at home at the bottom of a sunken ship than sailing one. They approached the bartender, hoping to get information.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Me and my friends were hoping to charter a ship to go to Salineas," Glimmer told the bartender. "Do you know of any captains that are available for the job?" She asked, only for the bartender to point to a table where they were playing arm wrestling.
"Guess we have our answer," Izuku chuckled.
"This is going to be so cool." Bow beamed as Loyax caught up with them.
"My lady, please, I beg you to return to the castle! This is not a place for a woman such as yourself," Loyax said, earning a curious look from both Glimmer and Catra. "Please, take your friend and leave the mission to me and your companions."
"Oh, really?" Catra growled. "Hey Glimmer, I'm suddenly in the mood to arm wrestle, care to join me?"
"Thought you'd never ask." Glimmer and Catra walked straight to the table, leaving Loyax with Izuku and Bow.
"This isn't going to end well," Bow muttered.
As Catra and Glimmer walked up to the table there was a loud thump from the arm wrestling.
"Ha ha! Another round of drinks on my friend's tab!" A jolly voice called out.
The man sitting at the booth put his feet on the table in jolly victory. The man had well-tanned skin with burgundy hair that was held back with a black headband, black eyes, and a natural sleek mustache. He wore a white shirt with a square collar, a triangle cut out and a red handkerchief wrapped around his neck. He had a blue jacket with golden accents, brown bracelets, dark pants, a brown belt, and high cuff leather boots.
"Hello there, sir," Glimmer greeted. "The bartender told us that you were a sea captain."
"Ha ha, miss. I am no mere sea captain! I am Sea Hawk!" Sea Hawk claimed proudly, like his name was a gift to all who heard it. "I assume my reputation precedes me?"
"Yeah, we don't care. We need to charter a ship to take us to Salineas, would you like to interview for the position?" Catra asked.
"I am Sea Hawk, my name should be enough to shoe me in for the position," Sea Hawk boasted as Izuku, Bow and Loyax came up to the table.
"Your highness, I highly encourage you not to hire this man," Loyax advised.
"Zip it, Don Quixote," Catra growled before turning to Sea Hawk. "What exactly can you do to get us to Salineas and a few other stops?"
"Hmm, let me think. I once ran the Galebreath Gauntlet in less than 20 klicks. I maneuvered the straits of the Serpentine with nary a chip of paint on my bow," Sea Hawk recounted. "And my facial hair is all natural." He added with a wink.
The group looked at each other. The qualifications that Sea Hawk had just given them were not all bad, and it did show that he had some skill. They looked around and saw that everyone that could be considered captain material was minding their own business.
"Well, apart from the facial hair, I think we've got our captain," Glimmer said, only for Sea Hawk to laugh.
"Now hold on my friends, what makes you think you can afford me?" Sea Hawk taunted.
"Afford you?" Izuku asked.
"We can assure you, money won't be an issue." Glimmer smiled as Sea Hawk slid them a paper with a number on it. "Money might be an issue." Her eyes went wide at the sight of the paper.
"That's highway robbery," Izuku commented.
"Knave, you mercenary dog, do you have no honor?" Loyax asked at the sight of the proposed sum. "These brave men-"
"And women." Catra snapped.
"-and women, I was about to say that, my lady. These brave men and women are asking for your help and you demand a king's ransom," Loyax exclaimed. "Do you have no sense of honor or duty to defend your home? If I was your age, I'd be at the front lines and would not think twice to take them to their destination. From where I stand, I am twice the man you are."
"You are three times my age, old timer. Everyone knows that you are only still here because you lost your ship." Sea Hawk laughed. "I sympathize with your plight old man, but we have businesses to attend to."
Izuku saw the sad look on Loyax's face. He understood the feeling of powerlessness that he could see in the eyes of the old man. It reminded him of his early years in the Horde and how people used to look down on him. The green haired young man looked at Sea hawk and decided to make something of an assured gamble.
"Alright, Sea Hawk, we'll make you a deal. But you must give us your word that you'll honor it," Izuku said, sitting down. "One round of arm wrestling. You and me. Loyax can be our witness." He added, getting the old captain's attention.
"Oh, interesting. And what will be the wager, my green haired friend?" Sea Hawk asked.
"Izuku, what are you doing?" Glimmer asked, only to be stopped by Catra.
"Let's see where this goes." Catra smiled.
"If I beat you, you'll take us to where we need to go and we'll pay you a fair rate for your services. If you beat me, we will pay your full fee plus extras." Izuku put up his right arm to wrestle.
"You've got yourself a deal, my friend," Sea Hawk agreed, slamming his elbow on the table.
"Very well, I, Captain Loyax, stand here as witness to this challenge." Loyax saluted like the soldier that he was.
"Oh no, how is Izuku going to win?" Bow asked in fear, only to get deadpan looks from Catra and Glimmer. "Oh right."
Izuku and Sea Hawk gripped each other's hands, looking at each other with determination. They began trying to push down the other's arm. Applying strength little by little; they stayed in the same position. But sweat started to seep through their brows.
"I must say, you're much stronger than what I expected." Sea Hawk grunted.
"Then I'll be sure not to disappoint you!" Izuku called out, bringing down Sea Hawk's arm to the table with a heavy slam.
"Young Izuku is the winner!" Loyax exclaimed, lifting Izuku's arm. "Now, you sir, must honor your bet."
Sea Hawk was shocked at what had happened. He had never lost like that. He slumped over, admitting defeat.
"Very well." Sea Hawk grumbled, before his spirits returned like a roaring fire. "Let us set sail for sea adventure!"
"Wow, he turned around quickly," Catra commented.
The group started to leave, following Sea Hawk to his ship. They arrived at the docks where his ship made port. It was a large sailboat with blue sails and golden accents on the hull.
"Welcome aboard, to the Dragon's Daughter 3, my friends." Sea Hawk introduced.
"Wow, that's a nice boat," Izuku said.
"Ship, good sir, this is a ship, despite being called a sailboat," Loyax corrected, reminding the group that he was with them. "It is small enough to get you to your destination and back with great speed. But it doesn't have any weapons or defenses, which will affect the route to where we're going."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, you've been trying to deter us from going and sending Izuku and Bow instead. You're not coming with us," Catra said.
"Captain Loyax, we thank you for your aid. But we've got it from here," Glimmer respectfully thanked. "We have our captain and ship and a map to our destination. We are more than capable of getting there."
On the deck of the ship, Sea Hawk made the preparations to set sail only for Bow to gawk at his skills and how his ship looked.
"This ship is so amazing!" Bow gawked.
"Yes, she is a beauty, just like her fallen sisters," Sea Hawk replied with pride. "The Dragon's Daughter 1 & 2. They went down in a blaze of glory."
"Did you lose them to the Horde? Pirates?" Bow asked, expecting to hear a swashbuckling adventure.
"No, I set them on fire," Sea Hawk admitted.
Izuku, Catra and Glimmer heard Sea Hawk's confession. The thought of going on a ship across dangerous waters with a captain that had set his past two ships on fire made them turn white. Adding to the fact that Bow was still enamored by the sea captain's style and dramatic flare wasn't helping their situation.
"Okay, the old man can come," Catra sighed.
"Are you two sure?" Izuku asked.
"We just lost Bow and Sea Hawk is a potential fire hazard on a ship made of wood, Izuku." Glimmer deadpanned. "An extra pair of hands keeping us afloat would be greatly appreciated."
"You will not regret this, your highness." Loyax knelt before Izuku, Catra and Glimmer after drawing out his sword. "I swear that I shall aid you and do everything in my power to fulfill your mission. I will protect you and give my life should it be necessary."
Izuku, Catra and Glimmer didn't know what to say. The old man was swearing to do a lot for them. Their mission was not for the faint of heart, but there was nothing they could do to stop him.
"Well, we're going to the Black Line and gather information on the Horde's supply lines and find the whereabouts of Princess Mermista," Glimmer explained.
"Understood, I shall follow your commands, your highness," Loyax said as they all boarded the Dragon's Daughter 3.
"Let's set sail," Izuku muttered.
Back at the Fright Zone, Adora and Scorpia walked down to the armory where they would find their next members of their task force.
Working on an electric baton, was a young boy with fair skin and short blond hair and brown eyes. He wore the Horde's red and black uniform with a pair of beige pants. He was only a few years younger than Adora and Scorpia, which was why they put him in charge of keeping up with the equipment.
Next to him was a tall anthropomorphic lizard man with the same uniform.
"Kyle, Rogelio, I need to speak with you two," Adora spokem
"What's up guys? Come here," Scorpia said, hugging both Kyle and Rogelio.
"Oh, hey, Scorpia," Kyle groaned in the bear hug.
"Scorpia, please, this is serious," Adora sighed.
"I can't help it, I'm a hugger and you know it," Scorpia said, putting down Kyle and Rogelio.
Kyle and Rogelio took a minute to put their bones back in their original position before dusting themselves off. As much as they enjoyed getting visits from their friends and comrades, there were other things they enjoyed, like not having their spines snapped.
"So, what can we do for you guys?" Kyle asked. "Are you here for some needed upgrades to your baton, Adora? Or maybe some better armor, yours looks like it was used as a battering ram. No offense."
Rogelio growled something under his breath, causing Kyle to flinch.
"I didn't mean it like that," Kyle replied, holding up his hands in defense.
Adora smiled, knowing that Kyle and Rogelio were the only ones that could understand each other. However, she had work to do and she couldn't stand there all day.
"I need you two for a special task force I'm putting together," Adora stated, making the two friends stop their arguing.
"You want us to join a task force?" Kyle asked, unsure if he heard her correctly.
"A special task force," Scorpia emphasized.
Kyle and Rogelio looked at each other, wondering what they should do. Usually whenever they were out on the field, Rogelio was usually the one that the teams wanted given his build and stealth skills, while Kyle was stuck as a walking ammunition mule and rarely because of his communication skills.
"And you want both of us?" Kyle asked.
"Yes, are you in or not?" Adora asked. "Look, Kyle, I know that this is more your speed but I need someone I can trust to keep the team on task. That's why I need you two."
Kyle and Rogelio shared another look. They turned their heads to face Adora and Scorpia before giving them a smile.
Rogelio growled, nodding his head.
"We're in." Kyle gave a thumbs up.
"That's great the gang is really coming together!" Scorpia hugged Kyle and Rogelio once more.
Adora smiled as her friends celebrated their new team coming together. But the sight also saddened her as she hoped that one day it would be her, Catra and Izuku forming a team together. But this time she would not allow anything to happen to her team. She would bring them back.
"Celebrate later, we still need one more person for our team," Adora said sternly, turning to leave the room.
"Awesome," Kyle grunted as Scorpia put them down. "Where are we going?"
"To the gladiatorial arena," Adora replied.
Back with Izuku, Catra, Glimmer, Bow, Sea Hawk and Loyax, their sail towards the Black Line had been a mostly smooth ride. Izuku and Bow made sure that the knots and the sails were tightly secured at all times. Glimmer sat at the crow's nest with the map of where they were going to and kept them going as the crow flies. And loyal Loyax was tasked with keeping Sea Hawk from setting fire to the ship and not to take them on any detours.
As for Catra…
"Bleech!" Catra threw up by the side of the ship.
"Are you feeling alright, Catra?" Izuku asked, rubbing her back with his friend's back. "You don't look so good."
"Why is the sea moving so much?" Catra groaned, trying to hold on to the railing of the ship. "I think I just threw up a sand snake that we had for breakfast last month."
Izuku held back the urge to vomit at the comment. He rubbed her back in hopes of helping her get better as she wiped her mouth. He wanted to help her get better, but this was also new ground for him. He'd nearly fallen on his butt several times before getting his balance just right.
"Is something the matter, Master Izuku and Lady Catra?" Loyax asked.
"Nope, no problem!" Catra snapped, trying to look tough. "I just thought that the water looked fascinating."
Loyax however was able to see that there was more to her claim.
"It's our first time on a ship," Izuku admitted, only to get an elbow on the side, courtesy of Catra.
"Ah, I understand. I suggest looking at the horizon," Loyax pointed out into the distance. "Once you find your center, everything will become clearer. Just like when fighting with a blade or your fists, a knight must find balance to where you need to go and young man, I can assure you, you'll find your way."
Catra had noticed that comment. She narrowed her eyes at Loyax.
"Thanks, Loyax, that helps," Izuku said, hoping to keep things civil.
"At your services, Master Izuku. I shall return to my post then," Loyax said, only to be stopped by Catra.
"What's your deal? You've been trying to get rid of me and Glimmer from the beginning," Catra accused.
"Catra, please-" Izuku countered.
"No, I wanna hear your explanation." Catra stood firm.
"Very well, I shall explain my actions. I do not believe women should fight," Loyax admitted.
Izuku and Catra looked at the old knight with a look of confusion. They had seen both men and women fighting their whole lives and could speak from experience that both genders were capable fighters. They were great examples of that themselves. Even before Catra had the sword she was a great hand-to-hand fighter and with a few weapons or before Izuku had mastered One For All he was also very competent. Heck, they knew the Horde knew that and had several Force Captains that were both male and female. They just couldn't wrap their heads around how Loyax could say such a thing and not realize the situation that the world was in.
"Are you serious?" Catra asked. "You seriously think that women can't fight. Well, I got news for you, old man. I've fought tooth and nail to get where I am, the ones heading the Alliance are almost all women, so you better get your head out of your old dusty nonsense before I have to knock you on your ass!"
"I do not mean that women cannot fight but that women should not have to fight!" Loyax raised his tone for the first time since they had met him.
Loyax walked to the railing of the ship as the two young warriors registered what he had said.
"I apologize for my outburst." Loyax apologized. "Many years ago, I set out with my battalion across the Black Line in search of a rumored Horde superweapon. We found it. We engaged the Horde in combat, but the area was soon enveloped by a large storm fueled by a strange energy. The waves grew so big that we lost our way. We could not know the difference between right and left, up and down. The Horde didn't fare any better. I was tossed out of the ship as a wave swallowed it whole. The next thing I knew, I woke up in a broken lifeboat, and clinging to it I made it back to Seaworthy."
"Loyax, what happened wasn't your fault." Izuku tried to make the old captain feel better.
"But it was my duty to see my men to the bitter end. I was the one that promised their families that they would return once our watch was over," Loyax rebuffed. "I had been told that I was too old to serve. That I should retire. But I stubbornly wished to fight on, to serve my kingdom. Even if it cost me my life. And now as the last member of my company, I will continue the watch until the end comes."
"Then why not do it with the other soldiers? What about the forces near the coast?" Catra asked.
"I could never look them in the eyes after what happened. I failed in my duty. A man should never break their promise, no matter the cost," Loyax said with a stern tone. "Death should never be used as an apology for breaking a promise!"
Izuku and Catra looked at the old man with a newfound respect for him. He had endured for many years the shame of being the only survivor of a horrible plight in the middle of these waters. He had lost his men, his status, all but his sense of duty. They could see that below that rusted old armor was a man willing to endure it all for the purpose of upholding his code.
"Ship to starboard! Ship to starboard!" Glimmer called out, pointing to the right side of the ship.
The whole group turned to see a large Horde ship sailing on the other side of the misty waters. It was a large metallic beast that seemed to be carrying some precious resources for the Horde's war machine.
"Looks like we've got to get ready for the first part of our mission," Catra said as Glimmer teleported to their side.
"Any suggestions?" Bow asked.
"We could set the ship on fire and ram it into their engines, making the metallic monstrocity fly into the air!" Sea Hawk suggested, only to get deadpanned expressions from everyone else.
"It looks like they haven't spotted us yet. We could sneak aboard their ship and get their radio frequency to know when they are coming and disrupt their supplies," Izuku offered.
"Sounds like a good plan to me, but we'll need a distraction," Glimmer said.
"I got one, right here," Catra said, drawing out her sword.
Back in the Fright Zone, Adora, Scorpia, Kyle and Rogelio were going down via elevator to one of the specialized training rooms, the gladiatorial arena. They walked out of the elevator to see a large metal cage with electricity coursing through it. Inside they spotted their last member and friend fighting a large robot.
Inside the metal cage was a young light dark-skinned woman with braided short brown hair tied up in a wolf tail and clear eyes. She wore a short-sleeved red Horde uniform shirt under an armor plated vest, brown cargo pants with armored combat boots and fingerless gloves. She held a one-handed battle ax in one hand and a club in the other. This was Lonnie.
Lonnie blocked the swings from the gladiatorial bot with ease, smacking them away with her club before hitting its chest with the ax. She was smacked back to the floor, forcing her to roll out of the way from the stomp of the robot. With a gladiatorial roar she smashed the robot's leg with her club. After ripping out her battle ax, she decapitated the robot.
"Still loving the adrenaline, Lonnie?" Adora asked as Lonnie panted.
"Adora, here with the rest of the group?" Lonnie asked, looking at her waving friends. "Why do I feel like this isn't a social visit?"
"I'm putting together a special task force to capture the newest princess and the warrior. Figured you'd be interested," Adora explained. "These are orders from Shadow Weaver, in case you're wondering."
Lonnie looked at Adora with skepticism.
"Okay," Lonnie walked up to Adora. "If you tell me what's really going on."
"What do you mean-" Adora began.
"Shadow Weaver wouldn't want anyone captured, she'd want them dead and buried. So either this is a weird day for her, or you're hiding something," Lonnie sumized. "Which is it?"
Adora sighed, knowing that she had to tell her the truth or else she wouldn't agree to it.
"Izuku and Catra. They are who we're after," Adora admitted, shocking everyone.
"What? Adora, that's-but they- They told us that they were-" Kyle ranted in confusion.
"They were captured by the rebels and are being used as their new weapons of wild magic," Adora repeated Shadow Weaver's explanation. "I failed them once, but not this time. Which is why I need your help."
Lonnie looked down in doubt. She had heard the report and read it. But she also knew that Adora was not a good liar. This was all real.
"I'm in!" Lonnie said, taking Adora's hand with both flexing their muscles.
Aboard the Horde supply ship, one of the guards was leaning on the railing of the ship. Just then an arm pulled him overboard before he could scream and into the water.
Glimmer teleported on board of the supply ship, helping a soaked Izuku and Catra onboard.
"Not bad for your first time swimming," Glimmer commented as Catra looked at her in anger. "How was it?"
"It was the single worst experience of my life, seconded by almost being drowned as a kid." Catra shook her body, getting rid of all the water.
"At least we knew where we were going," Izuku commented. "Alright, me and Catra will create a distraction while Glimmer secures the radio frequency and their routes."
"You got it." Glimmer gave him a thumbs up.
"Finally. For the Honor of Grayskull!" Catra roared, transforming herself into her She-Ra form.
Catra lifted her sword, bringing it down on some of the machinery before her.
The Horde soldiers on board heard the destruction as Glimmer disappeared from sight.
Izuku and Catra found themselves watching as several Horde troopers ran towards them. They didn't have to defeat them, just buy time for Glimmer to do her part of the plan, but that didn't mean that they had to hold back much. They smiled at each other as they charged at the soldiers.
Catra swung her sword at the soldiers, knocking them back like ants. She grabbed one of the metallic floor planks, using it as a shield. She blocked the fire from their electric batons with her makeshift shield before sending it spinning towards the soldiers. Catra spotted a large claw coming down at her, forcing her to jump back.
"Okay, I like a challenge," Catra muttered with a smile.
Catra ran with agility towards the large mechanical claw as it tried to crush her. She jumped to the side as the claw came down. She unleashed a circular slice on the claw, cutting it off the metallic hand. Not stopping for a second, Catra used her cat-like agility to jump and climb up to the controls. Her claws dug into the metal, pushing her forward with each step. She landed on top of the controls, kicking the soldier through the glass door.
"I'm pretty sure he's okay." Catra shrugged.
Izuku was running circles around the Horde soldiers, literally. He kicked a soldier in the stomach before jumping back. Spinning in the air, he sent a powerful shockwave to the other soldiers, knocking them over the side. Izuku pushed himself with his hands, slowing to a halt with his heels digging into the floor. His eyes scanned for the next opponent, only to spot a large mechanical suit being piloted by one of the Horde soldiers.
"Looks like they've got some heavy equipment here," Izuku muttered as the mech suit tried to crush him. "Don't think it'll be that easy!" Izuku jumped out of the way from the large suit's mechanical fists.
Coated in his green aura, Izuku slid underneath the armored suit, dodging its large mechanical fists and legs. He jumped up and landed a double kick on the back of the suit, sending it to the floor. But before he could land, he was smacked in the back by another large mechanical hand. He recoiled in pain as he got back to his feet. He saw another suit coming his way with two flamethrowers aimed at him. Izuku aimed his hand in a flicking motion, focusing One For All on the tip of his finger.
"Smash!" Izuku flicked his finger, sending a blast of compressed air at the flamethrowers, causing them to explode.
Izuku used this opening to rush in. He reeled back his right arm, looking at his opponent with steely determination. He punched through the mechanical suit, sending it flying backwards and into the supplies that the Horde was transporting.
Up on the bridge, a tall blue man with spikes all over his body, yellow eyes, fangs, a sword, the Horde uniform and a snarling face, slammed his hands at the control console. This was Force Captain Blue Fang, and he was not playing around.
"I'll deal with these Alliance fools myself!" He snarled, getting out of the control bridge.
As soon as Blue Fang was out, Glimmer teleported in to gather the information. She quickly wrote down the radio frequencies that were programmed on the radio before looking at all the maps and marked routes.
"See you soon, Horde punks." Glimmer teleported herself with the maps and busting the radio.
Outside on the deck, Blue Fang pulled out his trusty rifle and took aim at Izuku's head.
"Say goodnight, you princess lover," Blue Fang chuckled.
However, before he could fire, a sword knocked the rifle off of his hands.
"Aaah!" Blue Fang cried out, spotting Loyax brandishing his sword at the Force Captain. "Is this a joke?"
"Only a coward attacks an unarmed man with a rifle when he isn't looking," Loyax said, holding his combative stance. "Fight me like a man, if you dare."
"Alright, old man." Blue Fang drew his sword. "It's about time someone puts you out of your misery."
"Have at thee then!" Loyax challenged, swinging his blade at the Force Captain.
Loyax clashed blades with Blue Fang, and as soon as their blades connected, Loyax could tell that Blue Fang was stronger. He was pushed back with the swipe of Blue Fang's blade. But he did not relent. He dodged and weaved, using his old sword to parry whatever attack came his way. Loyax maintained his stance as the Force Captain used his greater force to push him back like a cat would play with a mouse. The old captain thrusted forward, but all that got him was a knee to the stomach.
"This is pathetic." Blue Fang laughed.
Loyax used this chance to jump back to his feet, getting in a good slice across Blue Fang's face.
"It would seem I drew first blood," Loyax replied as Blue Fang glared at him with rage.
"I'm going to kill you, you old wretch!" Blue Fang swung wildly, forcing Loyax to walk back and dodge the attacks as they cut down parts of the ship without realizing it. "You think you're a soldier, I'm a real murder machine! You are just an old fool that's playing pretend! You think you'll survive this fight?!"
"What soldier goes into battle not knowing that this would be his last breathing day?" Loyax bit back, parrying Blue Fang's blade. "You may think that being a soldier is a pass to kill all your enemies, but the mark of a real soldier is not the amount of people he has slain but how many people he has saved."
Blue Fang headbutted Loyax, sending him back. He then punched the old soldier across the face before kicking him against the railing.
Loyax fell down with blood trailing the side of his mouth. He spat out blood, as Blue Fang lifted his sword above his head.
"Any more witty remarks, old man?!" Blue Fang snarled.
"I believe the young lads and lasses call it; you should see the look on your face." Loyax smiled.
Blue Fang brought down the sword on Loyax.
But it was blocked by a larger and more powerful blade.
Catra in her She-Ra form stood between Loyax and Blue Fang, using the Sword of Protection for its namesake.
"You like to pick fights with old guys?" Catra asked, baring her fangs. "How about you try that with me?"
Blue Fang looked at his sword. He attacked once more, but Catra's sword sliced it in half with little effort.
Catra reeled back her fist before punching Blue Fang off of his ship. She turned to see the beaten Loyax as Izuku helped him up.
"Are you alright, Captain Loyax?" Izuku asked.
"I am alright, Master Izuku," Loyax replied before turning to Catra in her She-Ra form. "Thank you for your assistance, Lady Catra."
"Yeah, let's go before the crew get's back on their feet." She-Ra shrugged off.
Just then the whole ship began to shake violently. They looked down to see the water around them glowing like the moon was shining on top of them. The water then began to rise and grab onto the ship, dragging it down.
"Okay, time to go!" Glimmer said, appearing next to the group before teleporting them away.
The group returned to the Dragon's Daughter 3 as they watched the Horde ship sink into the waters.
"What was that?" Bow asked.
"Oh my god the legends are real!" Sea Hawk screamed as a big pirate ship came into view.
"The Blue Pearl Mermaid Pirates." Izuku narrowed his eyes at the waving black flag with a blue skull with a mermaid's tail and tridents as its crossbones.
On board of the pirate ship a woman stepped forth, wearing a pirate captain's blue coat with light blue accents and inside, a black and blue corset with a golden upper trimming, dark blue pants with light blue sides with a golden belt, golden earrings on the top of her ears, golden boots with matching bracelets. She had dark skin with sea blue hair tied in a side ponytail and brown eyes.
"Get ready to board the Horde ship! All their loot will be ours!" she called out, holding up her silver trident.
"Yes, Captain Mermista!" The crew cheered loudly.