Single Snowflake
Princess Frosta woke up for a brand new day in Brightmoon, she had been splitting her time between here and her kingdom to better support the Alliance. She stretched her arms, letting out a yawn before getting out of bed. She smiled as her feet had finally gotten used to the warm weather of the Whispering Woods. She quickly made it to the mirror, looking at her messy dark blue hair. If she were still in the Kingdom of Snows, her ladies in waiting would've combed it by now, but that wasn't the case.
"Looking good, Frosta. Ready to kick butt today and have some fun!" Frosta declared before going to the shower.
Frosta had gotten pretty well adjusted to life on Brightmoon with Izuku and the other princesses. She had expected to be surrounded by stuffy young women in dresses dictating orders like they were playing chess one afternoon. But instead she was surprised to be in the same place as such wild and unpredictable women. One of her new friends was a freaking pirate queen and she loved it.
As Frosta walked down the halls to the War Room meeting, she caught sight of Izuku and Catra as they talked with Glimmer and Bow.
"So, yeah, we got drunk waiting for Loyax and Seahawk to come get us, big deal." Catra shrugged.
"You may want to skip that and some other parts when you tell my mom about it, Catra." Glimmer whispered, looking away with a light blush.
"I can't believe you guys went on a pirate adventure without me, I am so jealous," Bow replied. "I worked with Entrapta on a way to detect any other First One's tech. But it mostly blew up."
"That does sound like Entrapta's thing," Izuku chuckled, remembering the time all of Entrapta's robots tried to kill them.
"Hey guys, so what do you think we're having to do today?" Frost asked, getting next to the group.
"Oh good morning, Frosta. I hope you had a good night's sleep," Izuku said.
"Morning, snowflake." Catra rubbed Frosta's head in a teasing fashion. "You getting used to the weather yet?"
"Catra, Frosta is a princess, not a little kid." Glimmer scolded Catra.
"Careful, Sparkles, your mom's side is showing." Catra giggled. "And to think you're usually so rebellious."
Glimmer growled at Catra before giving chase to the cat girl in a comedic fashion. The princess of Brightmoon ran after Catra, feeling very tempted to use one of her new spells to get even with her. She ran after her like a cat would a mouse, only this time the roles were reversed. Glimmer teleported on top of Catra, only for her to dodge and move around the hall with ease.
"Get back here, Catra!" Glimmer shouted.
"Make me, Sparkles!" Catra teased, jumping out of the way of Glimmer's teleportation.
Frosta laughed at the sight before her. She would've never had expected such a sight before and now it was a common occurrence.
"They almost act like sisters," Bow chuckled. "I'm so proud." He wiped a tear off of his eye.
"Yeah, Catra never had that many girl friends back when we were in the Crimson Waste." Izuku scratched the side of his face sheepishly. "But now it seems they're getting along quite well. I'm surprised that Glimmer isn't using some of her new spells on her though."
Frosta however, caught up on what Izuku had mentioned. She had thought that someone as wild and carefree as Catra would've had many friends, or at the very least that she'd be popular. But to hear that she was only together with Izuku made her curious.
"I thought you and Catra had many friends before," Frosta commented.
"Well, we did have a few before leaving the Fright Zone, Adora and Lonnie mostly. But after that it was just us against the world with Toshinori," Izuku replied. "The fact that now we have so many friends is a very welcoming change."
"That is so sad and so stoic at the same time, Izuku." Bow said with anime tears of admiration streaming down his face.
"Does that mean that you two consider me a friend?" Frosta asked.
"Of course, Frosta. You're our friend too." Izuku placed his hand on Frosta's shoulder, making her blush.
"Well, in that case, let's hang out!" Frosta took Izuku's hand and dragged him all the way to the War Room.
"Hey, don't leave me behind!" Bow called, running after them.
Izuku, Frosta, and Bow caught up with Catra and Glimmer as the pink princess held the cat girl in a magical suspended hold.
"Come on, Sparkles, this is a bit much. Please, put me down!" Catra said. "I promise to make it up to you."
"Oh tempting, tempting," Glimmer said, before noting Izuku's presence. "Say, Izuku, when was the last time Catra had a cold bath?"
"Don't you dare!" Catra growled with her fur standing on end.
"Oh um, we could instead just put some ice cubes on her pants!" Frosta suggested, getting strange looks from Izuku, Catra and Glimmer. "I… I mean, that's what I heard that-um, just forget what I said."
"No, no, no, it sounds perfect. But maybe later, Frosta." Glimmer dropped Catra in Izuku's arms. "Let's do that after the War Room meeting."
"Traitors." Catra hissed as Glimmer led Frosta into the room.
Izuku could only chuckle at the actions of the girls of the rebellion. Part of him almost forgot that they were princesses. He was sure that if he didn't say anything they would continue talking like that and acting like friends all day long. Ha continued carrying Catra as she clung to him like a kitten, trying to avoid taking the bath that she needed.
"You know that if they prank me, I'll prank them back, right?" Catra hung onto Izuku.
"I think Frosta would like that. She seems to enjoy being treated like one of the group." Izuku replied as they walked into the War Room.
As the group walked into the room, they spotted Mermista talking to Perfuma, Entrapta, Spinnerella and Netossa in whispers. They didn't know what she was telling them, but the other princesses were clinging onto the former pirate's words. Mermista was making sure that no one other than the girls around them were listening to her words, which made the newly arrived group curious. They saw the princesses having a variety of expressions from whatever Mermista was telling them.
Perfuma had a light blush, covering her mouth with her hand.
Entrapta was taking notes on her datapad as her hair got her closer to the conversation.
Spinnerella had a blushing face that made her look like she had eaten a bowl of spicy food.
Netossa went from gawking and blushing to covering her mouth at what she was hearing, almost like she couldn't believe what she had heard.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Izuku asked.
"No idea, but I think it's something good if all four of them are so invested in Mermista's… words…" Catra began until her mind came to a realization. "You don't think she's telling them about that, do you?" She whispered.
Izuku's eyes went wide. All color drained from his face. He couldn't believe that Mermista had the lack of shame to tell four other women about what happened on that island out in the open. He could already imagine what the queen would say if she caught word of what Mermista was saying.
"She wouldn't," Izuku muttered.
As the door closed, the presence of their arrival was noticed by the other princesses. They turned towards them, smiling and waving at the group, particularly at Izuku and Catra.
"Oh she totally did." Catra narrowed her eyes at the sea princess.
"What are you two whispering about?" Glimmer asked.
"We think that Mermista is telling the other princesses about our time on the island." Izuku could feel the gazes of the princesses looking at him like he was some sex thirsty man that had gotten in bed with his best friend, the princess of Brightmoon and the princess of Salineas.
Glimmer nearly froze stiff at the idea of their secrets being out in the open thanks to Mermista. She could already imagine all the things her mother would say to her and the many other painful things her mother would do to Izuku if she found out.
"Good morning, everyone." Queen Angella greeted everyone, causing Izuku, Ctra and Glimmer to jump in fright.
Izuku had Catra and Glimmer clinging onto him for dear life.
"Um, what are you guys doing?" Frosta asked.
"Um… reflex exercise?" Catra lied. "Gotta be sure that you're ready for action."
Back on the table, Mermista giggled at their reaction.
"Can I try?" Frosta asked.
"Oh, uh… yeah," Glimmer replied.
"Cool!" Frosta jumped at Izuku's arms, getting him to catch her. "Wow, Izuku, you can handle three women at once! I bet you could handle up to ten!" She praised Izuku, causing him to blush.
"Oh, I can attest to that~." Mermista whispered to herself, blushing at the implications.
Catra and Glimmer sat on either side of Mermista, giving her a pair of glares. They were giving her a good idea of what they wanted to tell her. But Mermista's smirk never left her face.
"What were you telling them?" Glimmer whispered.
"If you snitched on us, you're gonna be my scratching post, Mermista." Catra threatened in a whisper.
"Oh, tempting, kitty~. I just told the other ladies that you and Izuku were great at singing old pirate songs. Especially when you were drunk." Mermista replied. "Right girls?"
"I mean, I would've paid to see those two singing myself," Netossa replied. "She said you guys were so off key that all the fishes nearby were jumping out of the beach."
"Oh don't tease them, honey, I'm sure they were doing their best." Spinnerella held back a blush at the image of Izuku and Catra singing bad songs.
Catra and Glimmer looked at Mermista with surprised expressions. They couldn't believe that of all things that's what she had come up with. However, they inwardly sighed in relief. The last thing that they wanted was to have it spread that Izuku and Catra were planning to create a harem out of all the princesses. As tempting as Mermista made the proposition, neither Catra nor Glimmer wanted to get involved in something like that without the consent of their partner and the other princesses. And they also didn't want to get on the bad side of the queen.
"You know Catra, if you and Izuku wish to sing some more, a festival of my people will take place next week," Perfuma said. "You two are most invited."
"Eh, we will… think about it, Perfuma," Catra chuckled.
Izuku sat next to Glimmer, feeling like his soul had just left his body only to return to it. He saw Frosta sitting next to him with a bright smile on her face. He smiled back at her, hoping to play along with what Mermista had said. Izuku hoped that the rest of the day was not going to be anything too exhausting. He turned to the queen as she started the meeting.
"Everyone, please be seated, we have received some news from the Kingdom of Snows this morning." Queen Angella pulled up a scroll with the symbol of said kingdom.
Frosta tensed up at hearing that it came from her kingdom. She looked at the scroll as the queen opened it. Her hand held Izuku's as she expected the worst to come.
"Is something wrong?" Izuku asked.
"I-I don't know. I left my uncle and cousin in charge while I'm here," Frosta replied, as the possibilities of something bad happening to her home piled on in her head. "I mean, nothing bad could've happened in the last two weeks, right? There's no way the people might've revolted or for the inner council to be butting heads with my uncle, right? Everything is fine, right?"
"Frosta, take a deep breath. I bet it's nothing serious," Izuku said.
"Yeah, it's probably a note telling you how fine everything is. I mean, that's what royals send from time to time, right?" Catra asked.
Mermista shrugged.
"If I may, it is a summons by the inner council of the Kingdom of Snows. It reads that they wish to discuss the arrangements in regards to the… marriage of Princess Frosta with the Hero of Brightmoon… Izuku Midoriya?" Queen Angella raised her eyebrow at what she had read. "A failure to do so will lead to an abdication of the throne. What?"
"WHAT?!" Izuku, Catra, Glimmer and Frosta all shot up in confusion and shock.
Queen Angella looked at her daughter with a raised eyebrow. She had expected Izuku and Catra to react to the scroll's words, Frosta too for obvious reasons. But she had not expected her daughter to react like that. Angella had noted that her daughter had been changing and becoming a powerful sorceress and member of the Alliance, but she couldn't help but notice the glances that she gave Izuku and Catra.
"I-I mean, I thought that we didn't have to do the marriage thing." Glimmer covered. "I thought that the Kingdom of Snows was a member of the Alliance. Why are they asking for this now? I thought we got everything sorted out without the need of a marriage."
Queen Angella noted how her daughter changed the reason for her reaction. But it did make her curious.
"Yeah, who are these inner council guys anyway?" Catra asked.
"The inner council is a trio of advisors that help the queen rule the Kingdom of Snows. Since the kingdom is so big, we do need help running it." Frosta rubbed her temples, remembering the many meetings she had with the three men. "They're such sticklers for the rules."
"Do they have the kind of authority to pass the throne to someone else?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah, they kinda do. In the absence of the queen or princess, they can make those decisions," Frosta said. "But I don't know where they got that I'm marrying Izuku."
"I'd also like an answer to that as well." Queen Angella rolled up the scroll and handed it to Frosta."If the inner council do pass the throne this could be seen as a sign of sedition and could cause trouble within the Kingdom of Snows, something the Horde won't hesitate to jump on. Princess Frosta, you need to set your kingdom at ease."
"I'll go with her." Izuku raised his hand. "I mean, I am being asked to go too. Right?"
"I'll go too. I mean, She-Ra's word might do something against senile old men," Catra added.
"Very well, the three of you will go to the Kingdom of Snows and try to sort this mess out." Queen Angella placed her hand on Izuku's shoulder. "And please, if you can avoid it, don't get married just because of some old tradition."
Izuku only chuckled awkwardly as marriage was far from his mind despite having several lovers already.
"Yeah, we wouldn't want you getting hitched just yet, right Greenie?" Mermista teased.
Izuku blushed at Mermista's words. He was not against marriage, but not so soon.
"We should probably go," Izuku said.
Catra rolled her eyes as she grabbed both Izuku and Frosta before walking away from the other princesses and the War Room. She did make a mental note to glare at Mermista when she got back and have a long conversation about what to say and what not to say. She was all for teasing and stuff like that but she didn't like the idea of speaking about her sex life without her consent. Catra gave Mermista one last glare which was only returned with a wink.
However as Izuku, Catra and Frosta walked out of the War Room, Netossa leaned in on Mermista's ear.
"You actually had sex with them on that island, didn't you?" Netossa whispered.
"What can I say? I'm in an amazing relationship with a good man and a sexy cat girl," Mermista whispered back. "But yeah, I'm very happy."
"Didn't know you were bi." Netossa raised an eyebrow.
"Pan actually. And if you and the others play your cards right, maybe you will too." Mermista winked at Netossa.
"Really?" Spinnerella, Perfuma, Entrapta and Netossa jumped in with blushed on their faces.
Queen Angella could only sigh, rubbing the bridge of her nose as Glimmer softly face palmed herself.
"When did the War Room become a gossip room?" Angella groaned.
Izuku, Catra and Frosta all traveled to the Kingdom of Snows in a carriage much like they had done for the Snow Ball. They all sat together as they came into the kingdom and the snow came down around them. There was a silence between the three passengers of the carriage through the whole drive. No doubt all three of them had their own thoughts on the situation and how this mess could be resolved. Izuku hoped that he could explain the situation to the inner council and make them understand Brightmoon's position, or more specifically, their reasoning. Catra just wanted to know who told these old geezers that Izuku was marrying anyone and then slap them silly to drill the truth into their heads. And Frosta mentally prepared herself to fall back into the role that she played as the ruling queen of her kingdom.
"Alright, so, I know this is awkward to talk to, but is something wrong, Frosta?" Izuku asked.
"Oh there's nothing wrong, Izuku, I can assure you," Frosta replied with a regal tone that fitted more a queen than a teenager.
"Then why are you talking like Queen Angella?" Catra asked.
"I guess this is about as good a time as any to go over a few rules of etiquette." Frosta let out a tired breath. "The inner council members are not a trio to take lightly. They can be quite touchy about the rules and traditions. I don't put this under them just nitpicking at me not getting married."
"Wow, they clearly don't want your cousin to take the throne, huh?" Catra asked.
"Yeah, I guess." Frosta covered her face in frustration. "Now, remember, we have to speak when spoken to. No snarky comments. Straight posture when walking. No fun. And no crass language."
Izuku and Catra looked at Frosta as every word she said made her lose part of her smile and youth. Their time with the princesses had shown them that they all had grown up around rules and traditions inherited from the previous queens and princesses, but none ever looked so miserable about them. Izuku and Catra had seen each princesses' personality shine through and yet it seemed like Frosta was much happier being far from the kingdom she had been tasked with running. The Frosta they had come to know was more interested in fighting, having fun, getting messy, and experiencing new things, not this cold ice queen.
However, before they could ask Frosta about the situation, the carriage stopped before the entrance to the palace.
The trio were led to the office of the inner council by the guards with Frosta at the front and Izuku and Catra behind her. They were met with Endeavor and Shoto at the entrance of the chambers.
"Uncle Endeavor, Cousin Shoto, it is good to see you once more." Frosta bowed to her family, like a lady of standing. "Though I wish it could have been on better terms."
"Greetings cousin, I hope your time in Brightmoon has been enlightening and well spent." Shoto bowed to his cousin in a similar fashion, furthering Izuku and Catra's curiosity.
"Um, it is good to see you again, Mr. Endeavor, Shoto." Izuku bowed his head.
"Yeah, how's running the place while Frosta's away?" Catra asked.
"Izuku and Catra, it's nice to see you two. I hear that you are supposed to marry Frosta, Izuku," Endeavor looked down at Izuku with a fiery gaze. "Care to explain?"
Izuku felt a chill down his spine at the glare of the fire sorcerer. He had only been glared at like that by his enemies, although in this case he could not feel any real malice coming towards him. He felt more like this was the same kind of feeling that any criminal or thug in the Crimson Waste experienced whenever his father glared at them. Izuku guessed that the news of the impending marriage was not to his liking. Not like he could blame him one bit.
"Hey, we just learned about it today ourselves, pal." Catra got between her friends and Endeavor. "You want to be pissed at someone, then get pissed off at these council jerks. In fact, why don't you just kick down the door and demand an explanation?"
"Your friend is as fiery as ever, Frosta. I'd expected no less from She-Ra." Shoto turned to Frosta as Izuku pulled Catra away from Endeavor.
"Yes, she is indeed fiery." Frosta smirked as the doors to the chamber opened up. "The inner council must be ready to see us."
"Finally! I wanna have words with those old bastards." Catra cracked her knuckles.
"Catra, please, let's try talking first." Izuku held Catra's hands, calming her down.
From inside the chamber of the inner council, its three members came out to greet the group. They walked out in a three formation.
The first one was a tall woman dressed in a blue business jacket, tight blue pants, black knee length boots and a white shirt. She had baby blue hair tied in a single blue bun and a pair of small glasses. This was Willow, the head of coin and accountant of the kingdom's wealth.
The second one was another tall woman dressed in a white robe dress with poofy sleeves up to her elbows with blue bracelets, a blue sash around her waist and a blue choker. She had pale skin with a matching wavy hair with a bang that covered her right eye, and had a blue snowflake on her left cheek. This was Misty, the Spiritual Guide of the kingdom.
The third member that stood in the middle was a short man with a long white beard and a colorful red nose. He wore a blue jacket with white borders made out of fur, white gloves, blue pants, black boots and a small blue headband on his forehead. This was General Jack, the Head of the Kingdom of Snows' army.
"Greetings, Princess Frosta, ruler of the Kingdom of Snows." Jack knelt along with his two fellow council members. "It brings us a big sense of ease to have you back in the kingdom."
"General Jack, a pleasure to see you once more. Lady Willow, Lady Misty." Frosta bowed to the two women respectively.
"Your highness." Willow bowed along with Misty.
"We are anxious to see you back on the throne, your highness." Misty then spotted Izuku standing there with Catra, Endeavor and Shoto. "Oh, and this must be your future husband, Izuku the Champion of Brightmoon. Your tales have reached all the way here, my lord." She bowed, making Izuku feel uncomfortable.
"P-Please, no need to bow," Izuku said. "I fear that there's been a misunderstanding. Frosta and I-" He began only for Endeavor to step in.
"You think we've got time to play around in your little games? There are reports of the Horde convoys coming this way," Endeavor said. "We should prepare for an attack any day now."
"Now that the princess is here, you don't have the right to speak like that to us, Sir Endeavor." Willow glared at Endeavor. "Our kingdom has withstood many threats, and now that Princess Frosta has returned, we're stronger than ever."
"And the man she's chosen seems like a good lad, I believe their little ones will be more than capable of protecting our people." General Jack laughed, causing Izuku and Frosta to blush.
Catra could tell that these three old geezers were not going anywhere any time soon. So, she decided to get some answers.
"Excuse me but, may I ask who told you that these two were getting hitched?" Catra asked.
"Well, um, sorry but who are you, young lady?" General Jack asked.
"For the Honor of Grayskull!" Catra transformed before the eyes of the inner council. "Going back to my question now. Care to explain."
The inner council was silent at the sight of She-Ra. They had seen her back at the Snow Ball but now she stood before them in all her glory. Despite the different look and appearance that they had expected, they all bowed to the presence of the Princess of Power. If the legends and tales of Izuku as the Champion of Brightmoon had reached them, then She-Ra was on the same boat of power.
"Our deepest apologies, She-Ra Princess of Power." Willow lifted her head. "We did not recognize you without your-"
"Extra feet in height and large sword? It happens. Now, just so we're on the same page, where did you get that Izuku and Frosta were going to get married?" Catra asked, transforming herself back before leaning on her sword.
"Misty saw it on a vision from within the Ice Diamond," General Jack replied, gesturing to Misty.
"The Ice Diamond?" Izuku asked.
"It is the runestone of the Kingdom of Snows. It connects the princess with all the powers of snow and ice," Frosta explained. "One of the daily tasks of the Spiritual Guide of the inner council is to see any possible predictions done through the Runestone."
"So, you look into a runestone for hours hoping to see something other than bright lights?" Catra asked.
"I commune with the Ice Diamond using magic, as the past Spiritual Guides have done in the past." Misty turned to Catra.
"Well, um, I hate to contradict the vision you had but, um, me and Frosta aren't married." Izuku scratched the side of his head. "With all due respect, maybe you interpreted wrong or?"
"Never, I have done the same ritual every winter of my life since taking this charge." Misty puffed her chest.
"It is also a big waste of time." Endeavor stepped in. "Instead of looking up who my niece is going to hook up with, you should look into the possible ways the Horde may attack us or our allies."
Misty glared at Endeavor, not liking the tone of the fire sorcerer one bit.
"Um, perhaps it is best we reconvene at another time, our esteemed guests must be tired from their long trip here." General Jack got between Endeavor and Misty, hoping to prevent the two sorcerers from murdering each other. "We hope that your rooms are to your liking."
Izuku placed a hand on Catra, stopping her from arguing with the inner council.
"Fine, but this isn't over." Catra whispered.
Izuku, Catra and Frosta were shown to their respective rooms, which were right next to each other. Once the guards had left, Izuku and Catra snuck into Frosta's room. They whistled at the sight of the big room filled with books, scrolls and a large portrait at both sides of the door. However, they did notice that Frosta wasn't in the room.
"Where's Frosta? Catra asked. "And why is this room so cold?"
"That might be the reason." Izuku pointed to the slightly opened window.
Izuku and Catra opened the window, seeing a bunch of ice spikes on the wall of the castle. Their eyes then landed on Frosta as she continued to climb down the wall of her own castle like a thief after stealing the royal jewels. They cleared their throats, getting the princess's attention, who only sighed, knowing it was them.
"Hey guys, lovely night, right?" Frosta chuckled.
"Wow, not even the night before the wedding and you're already trying to bail on the wedding. Nice quick change of clothes by the way." Catra leaned on the railing of the window as Frosta sighed once more.
"I just needed some air, that's all." Frosta created another icicle from her hand.
Izuku could tell that Frosta needed to talk.
"Um, Frosta, do you want to talk about being back in the castle?" Izuku asked.
Frosta looked up to see Izuku reaching down for her. She could tell that he was trying to help her. And he was also trying to get as much a handle on things as she was. She sighed, knowing she couldn't just run away. Climbing back into her room, she dropped on her bed.
"Okay, so what do you guys wanna talk about?" Frosta asked.
"Oh, um, first off, nice room," Izuku said.
"Yeah, this room is way more princessy than Sparkles." Catra jumped on the large king-sized bed. "Bet you had a lot of fun sleepovers in this bed. Or just lay on the bed for hours and hours."
"Y-Yeah, because I know all about sleepovers. I-I mean, I've never had one like you and Izuku, but-" Frosta began.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, that's not exactly a sleepover, Frosta," Izuku said. "But, um, changing the subject now. Why are you talking so formal and well, cold? Is something wrong?"
Frosta looked down. She pulled a small box from under her bed. She opened it to reveal only a couple of childhood dolls. They were old but in very good conditions, almost as if she hadn't played with them in many years. Frosta frowned sadly at the dolls, remembering when she used to play with them with her mother.
"It's not easy taking over as a kingdom's ruler when you're twelve years old. You're told that your choices now affect all your people, and that you must uphold centuries of traditions," Frosta recounted her experience on the throne. "Which means stop being a child and instead focus on normal kid stuff, like going to parties, hanging out with friends, just being a kid. Can you imagine spending every day of your childhood doing stuff you don't even understand, hoping it'll work?"
Izuku and Catra looked at each other. Despite the differences between Frosta's experience and their own, they understood very well what all this meant. Up to the tender age of eight, their days were filled with drills and training meant to turn them from innocent children into vicious soldiers from the Horde, stripping them of any form of free will. While growing up in the Crimson Waste, they wondered what would've happened to them if they had been captured or never tried to escape in the first place.
"We might have an idea." Catra sat down next to Frosta.
"Oh right," Frosta added. "Sorry about that."
"Don't be, this is a mess we're all in. I'm sorry that you had to go through that, Frosta. But you don't have to keep playing the traditional princess," Izuku said.
"You don't understand, the inner council sees me as the only one that can uphold the traditions of my kingdom," Frosta said, looking at her old doll. "The only reason I was able to break the neutrality stand was because the Horde attacked us. I still have to uphold the rest of the traditions. The perfect princess."
"Seriously? But none of the other princesses we've met are like that." Izuku looked at Frosta.
"Every one of the princesses is unique in their own way. Glimmer is a fighter and doesn't hesitate to take action. Spinnerella and Netossa are generals and ambassadors that know how to fight and look out for others. Perfuma is all about nature and I'm pretty sure she's never slept in a castle in her life. Mermista is a pirate queen who's as laid back and wild as they come. And Entrapta, she's as far from being a normal traditional princess as Izuku is from being someone that lives in the Crimson Waste."
Frosta thought of what Catra had said and she was right. All the princesses were completely different from what she'd been raised to act and be like. Heck, she liked being out on the field and helping the Alliance to fight the Horde. It was like-no-it was being free from the responsibilities she had to uphold for six long years. She knew that she would have to come back and be there for her subjects and her people, but for the time being, she would be a wild kid for just a bit longer against the Horde.
"I think it's about time to have a talk with the inner council, maybe even sort this thing out without issues," Frosta perked up. "I mean, there's no reason why they'd not understand where I'm going to have to do. They aren't completely unreasonable with the whole situation. I mean, what's the worst thing that could happen?"
"That's the spirit!" Catra cheered.
Meanwhile, not far from the kingdom's border, a large Horde convoy drove towards the Kingdom of Snows with Modulock at the helm of the ship. He was displeased when Hordak sent him out onto the field once more. He was grumbling under his breath as the feeling of the cold wind coated his skin, freezing his flesh like a piece of meat inside a freezer.
"Oh, why couldn't I have just outsourced this job to one of the Force Captains?" Modulock grumbled. "Oh right, most of them are completely useless when it comes to technology. Not to mention they are all for the bounties Hordak has placed on the heads of that deserter girl and the Alliance brats. I get the Alliance brats but the other one is just a waste of time."
Modulock turned back to the large truck covered with a large tarp. He smiled a sinister smile that would've sent chills down people's spines if they weren't already shivering from the temperature. He walked towards his latest creation with the reptilian smile plastered on his face. He pulled up the tarp before him, getting a peek at what he had planned for the Kingdom of Snows.
"I can't help but wonder why Hordak wasted so much time in tiny spots of land when the big fish is best. Better to take out the big fish that eats all the little fishes than to let the little fish join together," Modulock mocked. "Too bad, so sad. Though, I suppose now we've got only one enemy to deal with. One big joined army to deal with. I can't help but get jittery at the thought."
The creation that Modulock had brought to the Kingdom of Snows was revealed as its creator tore off the large tarp. It was a large machine with the menacing look of a prehistoric creature, armed with razor sharp drills and chainsaws. This was one of Modulock's great creations that he was so eager to unleash upon the battlefield. It was the unholy union of First Ones' technology and of his own twisted mind.
"Now, let us see if the mighty Kingdom of Snows can beat my mighty weapon of cold heartless steel!" Modulock laughed like a mad scientist as the border of the enemy kingdom was now being crossed in the dead of night. "I can't wait to see Hordak's face when I show him the results of my baby."
Morning came to the Kingdom of Snows and once again Izuku, Catra, Frosta, Endeavor and Shoto were in a meeting with the inner council.
"I regret to inform you all that Izuku and I are not engaged to be married," Frosta said, sitting at the top of the table.
"What? Is it true?" General Jack asked in a baffled tone.
"I don't understand, the vision was so clear and vividly showing the princess in the arms of Brightmoon's champion." Misty explained.
"It seems your little ritual wasn't as accurate than you expected." Endeavor fought to hold back his laugh.
"Whether it is a wrong vision or not, that doesn't change the fact that the princess must be married or else abdicate the throne," Willow stated. "It has been that way for centuries. The crowned queen must take a partner to consolidate her take of the throne."
"I never said I wouldn't take someone as my partner, lover, wife or husband. All I'm asking is that you give me some more time to-" Frosta glanced at Izuku and Catra. "-to find them. The Kingdom of Snows is strong and stable, even without me around. That's why we must stand together."
"What do you propose we do now, Princess Frosta?" General Jack asked.
"I will divide my time between here and Brightmoon as do all the other princesses, and while I'm away, my uncle will speak in my stead." Frosta gestured to Endeavor.
"With all due respect princess, Endeavor is seen by many of our subjects as an outsider and despite the respect they have for prince Shoto, Endeavor isn't seen as the symbol of prosperity and peace that they are used to seeing." Willow explained.
"You're kidding me?!" Endeavor jumped up, snapping at Willow. "I've made sure that this kingdom is protected against the Horde and urged us to fight against them for years and now you want to nitpick at what we're supposed to do?!"
Izuku and Shoto quickly grabbed Endeavor, hoping to stop the fire sorcerer from melting the room. They did their best to hold him back, but they could tell that he didn't like being underestimated by the inner council. The two young men were able to put him down back on his seat as he glared at Willow and Misty, who kept a cold look on him.
Izuku didn't need any more evidence to tell him what was going on. The vision that Misty had seen was probably a way of getting Frosta back and Endeavor out of the power. He knew that Endeavor tried to do what was best for the kingdom, but his methods and scowling demeanor were a turn off for most citizens of the Kingdom of Snows. He couldn't blame him for being frustrated with the council. Izuku had to think of a way to calm down the situation, two thirds of the council didn't want to budge or were reluctant to do so.
"How about we put it to a vote?" Izuku suggested.
"Isn't a hierarchy the opposite of a democracy?" Catra commented.
"It's best we have everyone on one side and if not we find a way to compromise," Izuku replied.
"In all the history of the Kingdom of Snows, this is the first time the kingdom has gone to war," Shoto said. "There are those that don't see how this could work out."
"Can't hurt," Catra argued. "Listen, we aren't here to go around in circles. Some of you may not like it, but Endeavor and the Kingdom of Snows, which includes you three, is on the side of the Alliance. If we start backstabbing and undermining each other, we will end up doing the Horde a favor. First we take down Hordak, and his goons, then you can theorize and ship whoever you want with whoever you want. Not a moment later."
"I believe what She-Ra is trying to say is-" General Jack began.
"What Catra is trying to say is that we must all be united in this front," Frosta clarified.
The inner council looked at each other. The three of them had served Frosta and her mother and grandmother for many years, always knowing what to say and do. But now, as much as they hated to admit it, they were in uncharted waters. A leap of faith was all that they had left.
"Very well, we shall take a vote then," General Jack said. "All in favor of having Endeavor be acting as Lord Protector while Princess Frosta is away, say aye."
"Aye." Frosta, Endeavor and Shoto said.
"...Aye," General Jack said, although his tone was weary of what might happen.
All eyes fell on Willow and Misty. Tension and begrudging opposition were written in their faces as the other members of the room waited for them to say their piece. If they didn't agree, they'd be outnumbered by the rest and the decision would still pass. But if they agree, they would be standing against the many centuries of tradition that they had lived their lives by. They were in an unwinnable situation. Damned if they did or damned if they didn't.
Willow and Misty looked at each other from across the table. They knew that if they didn't say their votes then they could be stripped of their position. They looked at Princess Frosta, hoping that it was all just a bad joke. But as soon as they saw her they got a good look at the authority of the true ruler of the kingdom. They didn't like that the girl they helped raise and mentor was now standing against the rules and traditions they were raised with. Willow and Misty were left without a choice, they were going to stick to their beliefs.
Just as they were about to draw their vote, a loud boom shook the room.
"What was that?" Shoto asked.
"Are quakes usual around here?" Catra asked.
"No, we don't. This isn't normal." General Jack got up, turning to the guards. "Guards, what's the source of this?!"
After General Jack asked his question, another loud boom caught everyone's attention.
"Okay, that's not normal!" Izuku said.
"It came from the city!" Frosta jumped out of her seat.
The group ran to the windows, looking at what was going on in the city. They saw people running away in terror from a stack of black smoke coming out from the ground. They could see cracks even from the top of the castle.
Down on the streets from where the black stack was coming from, a large metallic drill came out from the ice, followed by the body it was attached to and its buddies. From inside the hole came out three large T-Rex-like drones, covered in heavy black armor straight from the Frightzone with large sharp drills coming from their heads and arms. Their large metallic legs had razor sharp claws that dug into the ice as their long armored tails broke down anything that was in their wake. These were the Icebreakers, Modulock's latest creation meant for one thing: The destruction of the Kingdom of Snows.
"What are those metallic monstrosities doing in our city?!" General Jack demanded.
"Looks like the Horde brought some new toys to play with." Catra unsheathed her sword. "You guys coming or what?"
"Right behind you." Izuku turned with Catra, walking out being followed by Endeavor and Shoto. "Frosta, are you coming with us?" Izuku asked Frosta.
"The princess cannot go out there where it's dangerous!" Misty stated.
"Princess Frosta, please, let the militia protect this kingdom." Willow added.
"No. This is my home and I won't sit idly by as the Horde's bots conquer and hunt our people!" Frosta tore off her dress before joining her friends.
The action shocked the two remaining members of the inner council. They looked at Frosta and the others walked out of the chambers. Willow and Misty were left alone in the chambers, with nothing but old traditions that no longer protected their people.
Down on the streets of the kingdom, the Icebreakers ran rampant and unopposed by the soldiers. They roared in defiance as the spears of the soldiers bounced harmlessly off their armored bodies. They stomped over the fleeing citizens, threatening to crush them under their clawed heels.
The citizens ran in fear as one of the bots slammed its massive tail on the ground, sending a shockwave and cracks through the street.
A couple fell to the cold ground, losing their balance as one of the Icebreakers came stomping towards them. The couple looked up in fear as the foot of the beast casted a shadow over them. They held each other as the massive clawed foot came down on them. They screamed in terror, believing this to be the end.
But the massive bot's foot never came.
The couple opened their eyes to see Izuku standing between them and the Icebreaker's large foot. As green lightning coated his body, he pushed back the beast's foot with his bare hands before them.
"No need to fear, because we're here!" Izuku smiled over his shoulder as some of the guards helped the couple get away.
Izuku pushed back the Icebreaker with his Herculean strength, as the rest of the Alliance arrived. Once they arrived, he moved first followed by Catra and Endeavor.
"For the Honor of GraySkull!" Catra unsheathed her sword, transforming into her She-Ra form. "Corner those bots and keep them away from the citizens!"
"Right!" Endeavor called out.
"You got it!" Izuku narrowed his eyes as green lightning crackled around him.
Using One For All to cut the distance between them, Izuku ran circles around the first Icebreaker, jumping on top of the beast's head. He caught hold of the dinosaur bot's tail, pinning him in place. He pulled at it, holding the bot from continuing its rampage. Izuku let out a determined roar, lifting the Icebreaker's tail before ripping it off from the metallic beast's body. Izuku jumped high in the air, smacking the icebreaker bot across the face with its own tail.
Catra jumped at one of the Icebreakers, clashing her sword against its face drill. The bot roared in rage as she blocked the drill with her shield. She parried under the drill, landing an uppercut with her shield. In a flash, Catra transformed her shield back into a sword, slashing at the openings in the armor of the large dinosaur bot. Her sword started glowing as Catra focused the energy into the blade, before unleashing a powerful magic wave. She sliced the Ice Breaker in two, before smiling cockily.
Endeavor flew around the final Icebreaker, using his fire magic with great control, blasting it with powerful flames. The bot's cries made Endeavor increase the intensity of his attacks. He coated his right fist in flames before landing a blow on the beast's head, melting the steel with his intense heat. However, just as he thought that the beast had been reduced to a puddle of melted steel, it started to reform before his eyes.
"What the?" Endeavor asked, before spotting the other three Icebreakers pulling themselves back together. "This must be the Horde's newest trick!" He spat out before regrouping with Izuku and Catra.
"I think this is the result of what Modulock must've gotten from the Northern First Ones Ruins," Izuku said.
"Great, just what the Horde needed, self-repairing robots." Catra held up her sword with both hands as the three Icebreakers roared at them.
Far from the battlezone, Modulock was watching all the events happening through a camera. He smirked as he took notes on the progress of his latest creations.
"Oh I do love it when my enemies find out about my creations in such a brutal and soul-crushing manner." Modulock chuckled taking in the angered looks on Izuku, Catra and Edeavor's faces. "I wish I had some popcorn for what comes next."
Back in the battle, Frosta and Shoto had joined Izuku, Catra and Endeavor's efforts in bringing down the three large Icebreakers. The cousins were sending wave after wave of ice at the bots while the other three were keeping them distracted. But their progress was slow going due to the Icebreakers' self-repairing capabilities. But they weren't being deterred by that small detail, a fire had been lit under their bellies and they wouldn't be stopped until they saved their kingdom.
Frosta wanted to prove that she was more than some old princess, and would not stand by the sidelines any more. She summoned a large wall of ice, decapitating one of the Icebreakers before Izuku punched through its body. But she noticed that as long as one or two of the bots were still standing they'd keep coming back.
"We need to destroy them all at once!" Frosta sent a wave of ice spikes at one of the Icebreakers.
"Any ideas, cousin?" Shoto blocked the iron tail of another Icebreaker before it could hit his father.
Frosta was sadly not a strategist, but she did have an idea.
"Izuku, try to get these things in one blow!" Frosta called out.
"You got it, Frosta!" Izuku gave her a thumbs up before turning to Catra and Endeavor. "Catra, Endeavor, let's line these things up and take them down at the same time!"
"You got it, Izuku!" Catra grinned.
"We'll need to put them together and pin them in place!" Endeavor sent a fire spear into the eye of one of the Icebreakers.
"Leave that to us!" Shoto called out as he created two magic circles, one blue and one red.
"For the Alliance!" Frosta commanded, creating two large walls of ice between the three Icebreakers. "Shoto help me encase them, freeze their feet!"
"Right!" Shoto slammed his right hand on the icy ground, summoning a fresh coat of ice from the ground, keeping the Icebreakers from moving.
The bots roared and thrashed as the ice climbed up their legs. They swung their drills at the ice, managing to chip away at it. But as soon as they got low enough to the icy ground, the ice walls clamped down on them. The Icebreakers were trapped in a tight hold of ice, unable to move or break free.
Frosta's hands glowed as her power over the ice and snow resembled that of nature's wrath. Her eyes glowed as she felt the power of her Runestone coursing through her like a battery filling her with energy. She clasped her hands together, increasing the pressure of the ice, holding down the Hordebots.
"They're all yours!" Frosta called out as Izuku, Catra and Endeavor got ready for the next strike.
"Right!" Izuku, Catra and Endeavor agreed as they got into position for their final attack.
Izuku became cloaked in the green aura of One For All while getting into a racing stance. He felt the ice cracking under his feet as he channeled more and more power into his body and legs. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on where he was aiming before cutting loose. He grabbed hold of Catra as he rushed to the Icebreakers with Endeavor right behind them. In the blink of an eye, Izuku and Catra became engulfed in the green aura of One For All as they struck the first Icebreaker's head.
Catra focused her sword's energy into the blade once more, transforming it into a golden spear. She thrusted the spear forward, using her magic and Izuku's speed and power in one deadly thrust. As the cold wind became warm around her, Catra could feel the power of magic around her while she pushed forward. Her weapon pierced through the Icebreaker's armor before going through it like a hot blazing knife through butter. With a war cry, Catra's spear went into the next Icebreaker and then the last one, destroying them with the combined powers of her sword and One For All's power. She landed on the other side with Izuku by her side, turning to see the Icebreakers collapse into pieces beyond recognition.
But before the remaining pieces could pull themselves together, Endeavor followed soon, coated in bright orange flames. He channeled his fury and fire into his fists, making them glow brightly. With the intensity of the sun in his arms, Endeavor slammed his fists against the ground, unleashing the flames against the remains of the robots. His flames were so intense that Frosta and Shoto had to raise more ice barriers to block the fires. Endeavor kept on burning the Icebreakers until there was nothing left of them but melted steel. He stood up as the citizens of the Kingdom of Snows approached them.
The people cheered for their heroes as they helped clean up the remains of the battle.
Back on the outskirts with Modulock and the rest of his forces, the mad scientist growled and punched one of the soldiers next to him.
"Damn it! I hate it when they break my toys," Modulock sighed. "Oh well, that's why we have test runs. And we did get what we came for." He lifted his tablet, looking at the recording of Frosta's connection to her Runestone. "It is time to see if Hordak's plans will work. One down, five more to go."
Back at the palace, Izuku, Catra, Frosta, Endeavor and Shoto were facing the inner council once more. The tension was there just like it was before the attack of the Icebreakers. But now the people had seen not just the Alliance protecting them but also seen Endeavor and Shoto taking part in the fight against the Horde.
"Endeavor… I know that we haven't been the easiest people to get along with. A lot has changed in the last few months, and our usual way of life has been rocked to its core." General Jack straightened himself up. "I-We are sorry for mistrusting you."
"Despite your less than ideal approach to managing a kingdom, you have its best interest at heart." Willow bowed in respect.
"You have our support for the betterment of our kingdom and protection of our people." Misty added, bowing as well.
Endeavor was feeling a great sense of vindication for his years of work within the kingdom. He knew that his niece would be a great ruler, and that she would be a great queen one day. But for now she was only a child and they shouldn't have to bear the weight of this war on their own. Endeavor bowed in respect to the inner council, accepting their support.
"Thank you for your trust," Endeavor said. "I promise to do my best in protecting this kingdom and its citizens."
Izuku, Catra and Frosta smiled as they felt things would be better and the Kingdom of Snows wouldn't leave the Alliance now that they were pushing back.
"We also expect Princess Frosta to grace us next time with an heir to the throne." Misty added.
Izuku and Frosta blushed as Catra snickered at their faces, holding back her own blush at the idea.