Authors Notes: A...nd we're back with Heroes of Power folks, my apologies for the long delays with update but I have not abandoned this story nor do I intend to. I have a lot going on with my freelance work at the moment, but I'm doing the best I can to get my stories updated so I appreciate everyones continued patience. Now onto the next chapter of the story of a certain dark sorceress with some added elements as I felt I could add more to this particular chapter.
So for now, enjoy!
Ben 10 (c) Cartoon Network
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (c) Dreamworks Animation
:Masters and Students:
Many years ago:
A veil of clouds retreats into the clear sky revealing the hidden floating kingdom of Mystacor. Within its hallowed halls of magic within the Hall of Sorcerers the statues of the great Sorcerers of Mystacor stood tall and proud. Suddenly swooping past the statues was what appeared to be a falcon made of golden light flying out of the halls and into the skies above.
Far below on a platform was a sorceress and two younglings watching her cast the spell circles that were controlling the bird. The sorceress had dark and light purple robes with gold linings greenish gray skin and flowing dark green hair and bright green eyes, she wore a face mask and on her chest lay the Sorcerers guild symbol. The two young ones watched in wonder as she cast her magics.
Nearby another young sorcerer was also performing magic. He was rather young with black hair, and was in blueish violet clothing with gold linings. He started to cast his own spell circles he was smirking rather confidently as he cast his spell. The golden falcon flew gracefully, when suddenly a blast of blue magic that took the shape of a ram which rammed into the falcon blasting it to pieces.
The Sorceress's spell circle disappeared as the young sorcerers Ram then floated in place and bowed gracefully. The sorceress looked in surprise then walked over to the culprit responsible. The young one could see she looked rather angry while he was rather nervous.
However what happened next he didn't see coming the Sorceress then cast her spell circle again reforming her golden falcon which in one fell swoop destroyed the ram and flew into a majestic pose while the other young wizards looked and laughed in joy and amazement.
"Impressive casting, Micah." She said to her student. "But you allow yourself to become distracted."
"Oooooooh" The students said seeing the student named Micah was in some kind of trouble.
Young Micah just smiled. "You can't expect me to out-cast Light Spinner; the greatest sorceress to ever walk the halls of Mystacor." He said walking to Light Spinner in some form of admiration.
Light Spinner however seemed unfazed. "I have no time for your flattery." She said. "If you're going to interrupt my lessons, you might at least apply yourself." She prodded Micah in the chest as he backed away. She then looked to her students.
"I want focus as you cast your illusions." She instructed as her students began casting their illusions again.
"Light Spinner, wait." Young Micah said rushing over to her.
"What is it this time, Micah?" Light Spinner asked while overseeing one of her students in casting spells.
"I'm bored. I've been doing light illusions since before I can even remember." Micah explained to her as she helped her student complete her spell circle which she smiled in gratitude as Light Spinner moved to help her other student as Micah persisted. "Teach me something real. I wanna levitate, and travel through mirrors, and shapeshift! You know, the cool stuff."
The student had made a bit of a tangled mess of her spell circle until Light Spinner helped her correct it, much to her smiling students gratitude.
"The Guild forbids third years from learning such things." Light Spinner said as she walked away with Micah following as he conjured a spell. "You know that, Micah."
The spell he cast made what looked like a glowing costume of one of the Sorcerers around him. Though his eyes were exposed. It actually looked like a poorly made halloween costume.
"The Guild of Sorcerers prides itself on being out-of-touch geezers." He said in a rather mocking tone trying to reach his teachers sense of humour. Though it seemed she didn't have any such thing. "We wouldn't want anyone to learn actual magic or anything fun."
"That's a poor likeness of Master Norwyn." Light Spinner criticised as she looked at the illusion which was rather poor. Micah then revealed himself as his illusion disappeared.
"Then teach me shapeshifting!" Micah asked very enthusiastically with his arms in the air.
"Patience, Micah. You must start at the beginning." Light Spinner told him in an understanding tone.
The Fright Zone: Present day:
Shadow Weaver remembering her past as Light Spinner sat still confined to her cell. Still in shackles she scratched her nail on the wall next to three other scratches she'd made, as if she counted the days, or weeks she'd been in the cell like any normal prisoner.
Just as she looked down in some form of despair Catra arrived at her cell door with a tray of food. "Why do you bother? You're never getting out of this cell."
She smirked as she deactivated the field and dropped the tray of food as it clattered to the ground before taking her leave. The cell doors closed leaving Shadow Weaver leaning agains the wall of her cell, alone and powerless.
Bright Moon:
Meanwhile in the vibrant afternoon over the kingdom of Bright Moon all was quiet. That is until the rather loud sound of a whistle echoed through the air. In the garden area of Bright Moon were Mermista, Perfuma, Spinerella, Netossa, Frosta, Glimmer and Sea Hawk in what looked like a soccer field. Two goals were set up made of vines compliments of Perfuma with white lines on the ground. Each of the princesses and Sea Captain had a bandage on their arms.
Mermista, Perfuma's, Glimmers and Frosta's were in blue while Spinnerella, Nettossa and Sea Hawks were in red. Ben stood with them with a soccer ball in hand and without his jacket on, he also wore a red band on his left arm.
"Okay Princesses, and Sea Hawk welcome to a little something I like to call Soccer 101, meet your instructor Ben Tennyson." Ben said to them wearing a whistle on his neck.
"Uh we already know who you are?" Mermista questioned while Ben just looked blank at that comment.
"Uh thank you Mermista." Ben said sarcastically.
"So Ben what's this fun game you wanted to show us again?" Glimmer asked. "And why did we have to turn the gardens into this uh?"
"Soccer pitch." Ben answered. "And to answer your question Glimmer, the game we're playing is Soccer. It's a game I played in high school back home. It's basically a ball game."
"Oh is this another of your Earth traditions?" Perfuma asked rather intrigued.
"Sounds awesome!" Frosta exclaimed excitedly.
"I figured with all thats been happening you guys needed a pick me up, plus do you know what I went through to ask Angella to let us do this." Ben said. "Anyway the aim of the game is simple each team tries to kick the ball." He gestured to the soccer ball in his hand. "Into the other teams goal to score a point but you have to try and get past the goalie thats me and Mermista the team with the highest score wins."
"Now this sounds like a game I can defiantly win!" Netossa said rather competitive like slamming her fist into her palm.
"Now darling remember this is just for fun." Spinerella reminded her beloved knowing her competitive streak.
"So we just need to kick a ball into a net doesn't sound so hard?" Mermsita questioned.
"Don't be so sure Mermista it's like clashing with rival pirates on the seas trying to claim the treasure with cannon fire after bloody cannon fire." Sea Hawk said.
"Look guys there's nothing to it, you kick the ball you block the ball you spin around in summersaults." Ben explained to them. "Now I've divided everyone up into teams by the arm bands your wearing. Glimmer, Nettossa your team captains." The two princesses nodded acknowledging it.
"Now some ground rules. First no cheating or dirty tricks, no touching the ball just kick it and most importantly NO POWERS!" Ben said in a serious tone.
"WHAT!" Some of the princesses just complained and groaned at that notion. "Are you serious?"
"This is a game of skills so let's see what you can do." Ben told them. So everyone moved into position on the field. Ben and Mermista stood in their respective goals, while Team Glimmer and Team Netossa stood opposite each other on their respective sides of the field. Everyone staring at each other in determination to win. In fact the most determined of all, was Netossa.
"We're so gonna win this thing!" Netossa said eagerly.
"Now darling don't get cocky this is just for fun!" Spinerella insisted.
Just then Swift Wind trotted onto the pitch with the ball that Ben was holding earlier balancing on his horn. Glimmer and Netossa shook hands between them then joined their teams.
Then with one blow of Bens whistle Swift Wind tossed the ball in the air and suddenly Netossa leaped in the air and kicked it across the pitch and the game began. Frosta managed to intercept the ball by catching it under her foot.
"Uh now what do I do?" She asked.
"Quick kick it over here!" Glimmer called and Frost kicked the ball to Glimmer who began kicking the ball along the field just to see Netossa coming towards her. "Perfuma think fast!"
However Perfuma shrieked as the ball headed towards her and didn't know what to do and as a result it hit her on the head causing it to bounce to Sea Hawk who then kicked the ball by skidding across the ground "Ha ha ADVENTURE!" He cried.
Just then Spinerella had the ball kicking it along the floor but found herself being blocked by Glimmer. "Spinny over here!" Called her beloved and Spinerella quickly kicked it to the side and Netossa with one ferocious kick sent the ball flying towards the net. Mermista leaped to try and grab it but she couldn't and it landed right in the goal.
"HA BOOM BABY!" Netossa exclaimed excitedly. Ben had to admit despite her competitive streak she did make a good striker.
Swift Wind proceeded to tally up the score, on the score board to 1-0. Glimmer soon had the ball and kicked it along the field then kicked it to Perfuma who started to get more confident with this game. She kicked the ball along but saw Spinerella coming towards her she quickly kicked the ball to the right to Frosta who saw Ben in the goal, with one swift kick she kicked the ball into the goal only for Ben to grab it with his hands. Then kicking it back into play.
Netossa took the ball and kicked it through the soccer field solo slipping past Perfuma and Glimmer like a bull possessed. She was heading for the goal when suddenly Frosta slipped in and stole the ball from her and kicked it to Perfuma who then headed it to Glimmer and with one kick it soared past Ben and it scored them a goal.
"Yeah!"Glimmer cheered as Swift Wind marked up the points to 1-1.
High above in the tower close to the gardens, Queen Angella watched the game from the balcony. She had to admit she found this rather entertaining to watch, she could see this game Ben insisted on setting up was helping the other princesses morale. Plus it gave them all a chance to let off steam.
Glimmer and Netossa were both fighting for control of the ball and the Net princess soon kicked the ball to the right which accidentally tripped up Glimmer causing her to hit the ground.
"Hey no fair!" Glimmer called.
Netossa ignored that and kicked the ball to the goal but this time Mermista leaped to the left and blocked the ball kicking it back into play. "Not today Nets." Mermista smirked.
The game continued to progress and Netossa was becoming more and more competitive, Spinerella had managed to score a goal bringing the total to 2-1 Frosta skidded across the ground kicking the ball away from Sea Hawk accidentally tripping him up, before Perfuma kicked the ball to Glimmer who tried for another goal only for Ben to block it, given his experiences. Sea Hawk then scored a goal by simply winking at Mermista to annoy her making her slip her focus. The score was tied.
Frosta kicked the ball to Perfuma who kicked it all the way along the field only to be blocked by Spinerella who then kicked it away from her and to Sea Hawk. However Team Glimmer wasn't being beaten that easily Glimmer then sped towards Netossa and as the net princess kicked the ball. Glimmer jumped and head butted it towards Frosta who then gave a great kick and the ball soared straight towards the opposite goal Ben got ready to block it, however it struck him right in the gut right where it hurt. He was catapulted into the net and fell to the ground groaning.
Everyone gathered round to see Ben groaning in pain. "Uh thats a goal right?" Frosta asked.
"You okay Ben?" Perfuma asked in concern.
"Ughhhhh yeah yeah. I think it's half time." Ben groaned in response. From the balcony Angella couldn't help but silently giggle at Bens unfortunate misfortune.
Later:
Ben soon entered the cave that Rook was using as a garage for the Proto Truck, and a makeshift workshop. He was holding an ice pack on his side given the soccer game he'd just gone through. He found Bow was working on his Tracker pad in the workshop, he was sipping on a smoothy as well.
"Hey man." Ben called getting his attention.
"Oh hey Ben." Just then Bow noticed the ice pack on his side "Whoa what happened to you?"
"Lets just say a reminder to be careful when teaching soccer to over competitive princesses." Ben replied slightly groaning.
"Ouch, but man sorry I missed it." Bow said.
"So what you doing anyway?" Ben asked.
"Well me and Rook were trying to see if we could boost this degraded signal we found back in Alwyn. I've got a feeling there's more to it." Bow answered.
"Your still on that, no offence dude but don't you think it's just a wild goose chase?" Ben questioned.
"There's a meaning behind this Ben I know it, we know the First Ones left behind a lot of this tech and we know from that underwater base some of it helped regulate the planet." Bow explained. "But maybe there's more to it."
The Omnitrix bearer could see the determination in Bows eyes to uncover this little mystery behind the transmission they found in Alwyn during their night of frights. So if he thought there was more going on he could see he wouldn't rest until he found out why.
"Well okay man if you say so." Just then Ben noticed someone was absent from this investigation. "By the way where is Rook isn't he helping you?"
"Oh Adora wanted to talk to him about something." Bow explained to him.
Ben wondered what could Adora want to speak to Rook about, but in truth he too had something on his mind. Something thats been bugging him since Mystacor and he knew who he had to talk to about it.
The Fright Zone:
Within the dark confines of the Fright Zone Hordak was in his sanctum. Mechanical appendages were being attached to his body. For it was revealed he was rather limp looking, and his arms almost looked like bones, his blue skin shaped like cracks over his white skin. He cringed in pain as his appendages were being attached to him it was like a scene out of Star Wars. One of the robotic arms attaching his armour suddenly sparked and scratched his chest plate causing him to scream in pained rage as he swatted it away clanging on the floor. He walked forwards and tried to retrieve this robotic arm, but as he did he saw his hand was becoming almost skin and scowled as he walked away with the attachment just as Catra appeared from the side.
"Lord Hordak." She called then gasped seeing the very sight of him in his weakened state, she quickly bowed in respect. Hordak simply kept his back turned to the Force Captain as his armour was still being attached.
"Tell me Force Captain. Why is Shadow Weaver still in the Fright Zone?" He scoffed in a questioning way.
"She's…She's my prisoner." Catra replied.
"A dangerous that has outlived her usefulness and demonstrated nothing but disobedience and incompetance." Hordak said as his cloak was attached to him along with the rest of his exo armour. "I want her banished to Beast Island at once."
"What?" Catra exclaimed standing up, she'd heard the stories of Beast Island when she was a cadet in the Horde, a barren island with nothing but savage beasts roamed free. It also served as a prison for the Horde where only the most dangerous prisoners were kept or those who were just sent there to die of starvation and thirst but not before the beasts hunted them down. None the less, Catra wasn't sure about sending Shadow Weaver there despite all she's done.
Hordak turned to her growling in anger at her defiance. "Lord Hordak, Shadow Weaver is still useful to us if we can get her to talk." Catra made her case. "She knows more about Etheria than anyone else. There's more than she's letting on, something she's even hidden from you!"
"Yes she knows of Etheria and also about the Fright Zone. Have you considered the consequences if that information were to fall into the wrong hands?" Hordak explained. "For example into the hands of the enemy any and all knowledge would fall into the finger tips of the Rebellion."
"That won't happen." Catra protested. "Without the Black Garnet, she's completely powerless, she has no means of escaping this place. I can handle her."
"Like how you handled She-Ra and Tennyson when they rescued the captured princess." Hordak pointed out. "Yet how they managed to overpower you was all too clear yet how was it you lost the sword and enabled the other prisoners to destroy half our arsenal thanks to your prisoners incompetence! Incompetence that seems to be shared among my second in commands."
Hordak said glaring while Catra just squinted her eyes at that, however before she could say more the lights went out as Catra's eyes were illuminated in the dark. Just then the lights flickered back on again. She looked tense when suddenly she heard a noise from behind her and looked to see Entrapta in the sanctum working on the wires behind her.
"Oh, hi Catra! What are you doing here?" Entrapta asked.
"I'm a Force Captain. What are you doing here?" Catra asked her wondering what exactly she was doing in her masters sanctum.
"I've been integrating the First Ones' tech we got from the Northern Reach into Hordak's pre-existing portal mainframe, but it maybe slightly, completely overloaded the Fright Zone energy grid." Entrapta explained as outside the whole Fright Zone went into total darkness showing how badly her experiments overloaded the grid. "So we're gonna have to redesign that." She said walking over to Hordak.
"Portal?" Catra asked. "What are you…"
"What Entrapta is doing does not concern you, Force Captain." Hordak interrupted her as Catra squinted her eyes a little in frustration. Entrapta could see there was some tension between the two and clearly she was interrupting something.
"Oh, were you two having a meeting? Sorry, again. I guess I should be going." Entrapta was about to leave when Hordak stopped her.
"No, you stay." He then approached Catra before speaking again. "If you believe Shadow Weaver has information she has concealed from me, then you have two days to extract whatever information you can from your prisoner. Then you will banish her to Beast island." Hordak said delivering his ultimatum to his servant.
"But.." Catra was about to protest.
"DO you understand? Or do I have to make myself understood?" Hordak told her in a rather stern tone that had a very ferocious sting in his voice.
Catra knew what he was talking about and could see he meant it, so she simply bowed her head. "No, Lord Hordak. I understand." She answered.
"Good. Dismissed." Hordak dismissed her. Catra walked away leaving the sanctum but turned back to seeing her master on his throne while Entrapta sat on the arm of it discussing her thoughts.
"We should be able to initiate our first test of the portal machine as soon as I rebuild the electrical grid." Entrapta explained in the background while Catra maintained a frustrated scowl as she left the room.
Prison Block:
Back in her cell Shadow Weaver tried to reach for her food tray. However she was held back by her shackles no matter how many times she reached out and pulled on them she couldn't reach it. In the end she gave up. Instead however she flexed her hand several times almost as if she was calling the tray to her, but sadly it was to no avail. She reflected back to a time of long ago when she possessed the skill.
Mystacor: Many Years Ago:
In a room within the magic academy of Mystacor, Light Spinner flexed her hand at a pink crystal and it moved towards her. Young Micah was also in the room leaning on the table and he gasped in amazement at what he'd seen his teacher accomplish.
"You actually moved it. How?" Micah gasped in surprise.
"There's magic everywhere." Light Spinner explained placing her hand on Micah's shoulder and walking away while he picked up the crystal. "The Princesses channel elemental magic through their Runestones." As she spoke Micah inspected the crystal then started gnawing and biting at it. "But sorcerers can learn to channel lesser power through spells and incantation after many years of serious study and discipline."
She turned round to see Micah gnawing at the crystal and he quickly put it away and smiled innocently.
"The Guild brings those who have a talent for magic to study here in Mystacor. But I only train the truly gifted." Light Spinner waves her hand as her magic moved the crystal along the table towards her much to Micahs amazement. "You're one of the most talented students I've ever seen. But you lack dedication."
Micah however wasn't having it. "I'll prove it to you that I'm worthy. Here, I'll show you." He was about to cast magic on the crystal until Light Spinner set her hand upon his.
"Not yet. First, you must promise to do exactly as I say." Light Spinner instructed.
Minutes later the two were in the Lumarium, they were gathering the crystals from the walls of the room. Micah had an arm full of crystals as Light Spinner collected hers, they were suddenly alerted by the sound of a door opening and they quickly fled before a sorceress entered the room unaware.
Later Micah was using a wheel grinder to grind the crystals into what looked like blue powder under Light Spinners guidance and supervision. Light Spinner took some of the powder in her hand and it began to glow with magic her student picked some up too and it glowed too as he chuckled in amazement.
The two were sat on the floor as Light Spinner created spell mandalas on the ground with the dust. It glowed briefly for a moment but then it died down. Light Spinner looked surprised as she studied the scroll she had. Micah looked at the bowl of grounded crystals and took a hand full running away. Just as his teacher finished reading the scroll she saw the mandala turned red then glowed bright maintaining its glow. She gasped in surprise as she looked to see her student had done more to the mandala making it shine. He chuckled in amazement with a beaming smile.
The two now stood in the lumarium before a basin of water, as they exchanged looks and Micah nodded in response. Light Spinner formed a spell Mandala and cast it over the water and the blob it created began to take the shape of a diamond. It suddenly began to lose its shape and Light Spinner growled in frustration. Micah closed his eyes and concentrated focusing on his own mandala that took the shape of a diamond which seemed to stabilise his teachers spell. Then took the shape of a prism which began to spin and orbs gathered around it. Micah beamed in amazement as the spell then faded back to water.
Light Spinner couldn't believe what she was seeing "Impossible." She said before leaning over the basin with Who else has been teaching you?" She exclaimed rather accusingly.
"No one. I just did what you taught me. Did I do something wrong?" Micah answered a little afraid he'd done something wrong.
"No. I knew you were gifted, I just didn't realise how gifted." Light Spinner said in a much calmer tone but still amazed. "You have incredible power!" She turned away. "And I'm the one who will mold that power." She said rather ambitiously quiet.
"So you'll keep teaching me?" Micah asked rather sheepishly as his teacher walked over to him.
"Of course we're going to do great things together." Light Spinner praised as she placed her hands on her students shoulders.
"Yes!" Micah beamed as he bounced in the air happily but then straightened up. "I mean, ahem, thank you, Light Spinner." He bowed in respect.
"The Guild needs talents like ours more than ever before. Perhaps…"Light Spinner soon looked away in thought about what she was about to suggest to her young protege "No.. you're not ready." She decided.
"I… I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm ready for anything. What is it?" Micah asked.
Light Spinner stood over the basin of water and cast a magical enchantment. "Show me." She said as her student looked into the waters what he saw he couldn't have ever foreseen.
It showed visions of an area of Etheria it looked like a mountainous terrain with what looked like a kingdom. It was under attack by very familiar looking tanks bearing the same bat winged symbol. Micah looked in horror at this vision it was like his home was under siege it put the looking glass from Lord of the Rings to shame.
"It's awful. Why would you conjure this?" Micah asked his teacher horrified at this illusion.
"It's no illusion. This is really happening. An army has invaded our lands from another dimension origins unknown. They call themselves…" Light Spinner tapped on the water showing the vision of a familiar flag as it flapped in a burning blaze of fire. "The Horde. The Princesses have proved ineffective against their strength. They've accomplished much more in a short time, more than our so-called leaders have." Light Hope said with anger in her eyes at her masters turning a blind eye to this threat from another dimension.
"We have to do something!" Micah exclaimed. Swashing the water away in anger at this.
"Easy, Micah." Light Spinner assured. "The Sorcerers' Guild meets tomorrow to decide a course of action. I have a plan to give us the power needed to stop the Horde. I only hope that Norwyn and his followers can see the threat as clearly as you do."
"You'll make them see. If anyone can do it, it's you." Micah said putting his hand on her arm, Light Spinner looked at her students encouragement in surprise. Though deep down she did have her doubts whether her fellow Sorcerers would listen to reason.
Fright Zone: Present day:
Shadow Weaver sat in her cell reminiscing on that very day. While outside high in the sky the moons/planets thats surrounded Etheria were closing in together almost in alignment.
Earth:Friedkin University:
In the starry night sky above where said planets would be it shines down on Friedkin University, a prestigious if not unusual school located on the east of Bellwood. All was quiet on the within a certain sanctum of the library in the school a certain reformed Skull faced sorcerer stood quietly in his robes. He suddenly opened his eyes as he sensed someones presence.
"Hello Gwendolyn." Professor Hex said as stepping out of the shadows was Gwen Tennyson in her Lucky Girl/Anodite form.
"Professor Hex." Gwen greeted.
"We were expecting you." Hex said as then a janitor appeared next to him who then transformed into a red robe for he was the great Bezel.
"Then you know why I'm here." Gwen knew why these two were present in the room.
"Yes and though we were once enemies I urge you not to pursue this path." Hex told her. "Dream walking while beyond the confines of the physical laws of reality is a magic that was outlawed for a reason."
"I have to. My cousin is lost in a shadow dimension and I need the spell in your tombs so I can try and reach him in the Mana field." Gwen urged.
"Sure it's true you can reach out to those on the spirit plane but the toll it takes on you ain't worth it." Bezel said. "Why'd you think my buddies and those in Legerdomain outlawed that magic thousands of years ago."
"It won't, not unless I do it within the approaching alignment, it's the only time when I can focus my powers at the peak of it." Gwen explained to them almost in a begging way. "Ben and Rook are alone out there fighting who knows what please."
Professor Hex and Bezel looked at each other in contemplation. Hex knew even back when he, and her cousin were enemies, when Gwen put her mind to something she was determined to see it through. Even rescuing his niece despite her being too far gone even sacrificing the realm she'd conquered. He knew even his niece wouldn't dare cross that line for what Gwen sought.
However he also knew after he was captured by his niece for use of his powers Gwen watched over his sanctum. Even after he was safely rescued by Ben and the others. With a grim expression and a deep breath he turned to the clock in the centre of the room extended his hands and his staff appeared. He conjured a spell mandala of several circles and the clock opened to reveal a dark tomb in gray and black with magical symbols surrounding it and silver corners.
He levitated it over to Gwen who took it in her hands. However he didn't release his spell grip on it. "Gwendolyn, once you open those pages there's no going back, it takes a toll on the user the more you use it, and the spell you need could affect more than you. It could affect the one you wish to reach out to." Hex told her.
Gwen nodded in understanding knowing she was willing to take the risk and so Hex released his spell grip upon it. She then turned to take her leave.
"Oh kiddo one more thing." Bezel called out to her as she turned to face him. "I wouldn't risk any more than six minutes."
Gwen then took her leave from the library as Hex looked down on himself almost damned that he even let her have that tomb.
Etheria: Bright Moon:
The planets drew closer in alignment far below on Bright Moon standing in the courtyard of the castle were Adora and Rook. Adora was stripped down to her white shirt and grey pants walking bare footed. She was wielding a staff in her hand. While Rook who's upper half of his Proto Tech armour was gone and wore a simple white vest stood with another staff.
The two stood opposite each other staring each other down. Then Adora charged forwards swinging her staff at Rook who avoided her jabs swiftly. She then threw a swift round house kick which the Revonnahgander blocked with his right hand and as she threw a punch he grabbed her wrist and flipped her onto her back swiftly.
"Gah!" Adora grunted. "This looked a lot easier when you do it." She breathed as Rook offered her his hand which she accepted.
"In fairness I did tell you that Revonnah Kai was not an easy fighting style to master even to one not born of Revonnah." Rook told her.
Following the events of what happened at the Northern Reach, Adora decided she needed to be better prepared against Catra's cunning. So she decided to try something new, as Rook was a skilled fighter she asked him to train her in his native fighting style of Revonnah Kai. Though Rook was hesitant as he knew tradition forbid him from sharing this with anyone outside his people. That and he was no grandmaster like Kundo. However given the circumstances and how the Horde grew and interest in First Ones tech he decided to train her. Though as she discovered it wasn't an easy task.
"Yeah well nothing worth having ever is easy." Adora said. "But still I gotta be prepared Catra knows how I fight but if I try something she doesn't know then she'll be caught off guard."
"Be that as it may Adora this is different compared to what you learned in the Horde." Rook said to her. "In Revonnah Kai you must learn to be one step ahead of your opponent, make them do what you want them to do and lure them into a trap." Rook instructed.
"I know, and I'm trying." Adora said stretching her arms.
"Yes and you give the physical side of it one hundred percent, however you must also be patient, calm and find your still point." Rook explained. "Now try again."He took up his fighting stance.
Adora nodded and took up her own stance, then she surged forwards throwing punches at Rook who blocked them and jumped back. The two circled each other, then Rook attacked with a swift spin kick which Adora dodged, then performed a round house kick to block an incoming kick from Rook. Adora pushed back and then perfumed another swift roundhouse kick and kicked Rook back. She smirked confidently as sweat dropped from her brow.
Rook stood up. "Good now in the chaos find your centre, your still point." He said to her.
Adora took several breaths and closed her eyes. "Find my still point, find my still point." She whispered.
Rook then ran forwards towards Adora who stood in place not doing anything. Then once Rook was close enough Adora swiftly leaped over Rook then tripped him up with a leg swipe.
"Like that." Adora said smiling.
"You really are a fast learner." Rook said impressed as Adora helped him to his feet.
"Helps when you spend most of your life in the Fright Zone." Adora said. "But yeah this is tougher than I first thought."
"Do not worry my friend all will come with patience and focus." Rook assured her to which she smiled back in return. "Now back to stance and remember find your still point."
The two went back to a fighting stance and resumed their training/sparring match. While a distance away shone a certain green light from the tower. Emerging from it was Ben now in the form of Jetray as he flew away from Bright Moon.
The Areophibian flew through the skies of Etheria even passing the slowly aligning planets. Some hours later his destination homed into view. Mystacor. He flew through the cloud bank.
Far below Casta was helping some students in casting magical spells. The student soon cast a perfect spell mandala which created the image of a Phoenix. She jumped for joy and Casta looked very proud.
"Castaspella." The student pointed to the sky and she turned to see a certain shapeshifter arriving on the green fields.
Jetray landed just as the Omnitrix timed out and reverted him back to Ben. He looked to see Casta coming to him. "Benjamin what an unexpected pleasure." Casta greeted happily.
"Hi Casta, I wish I could say this is a social call but sadly not." Ben greeted her.
"So what brings you to Mystacor?" Casta then asked him.
"Well actually I came here to see you." Ben answered much to her surprise. "You see I've got something on my mind, something I'm trying to make sense out of."
"Oh really." Casta asked with interest. "What might that be?"
"Well maybe I should show rather than tell." Ben explained much to her confusion just then. "CONTIGO!"
A pink mana shield emerged in front of Ben much to the surprise of Castaspella. "Oh my…Ben I..I didn't know you had magic potential!"
"Yeah me neither." Ben said as the magic shield disappeared.
"How long have you been able to do this?" Casta asked now with greater interest.
"Well thats just it I was only able to do it when Shadow Weaver attacked Mystacor. But I've been able to do magic at other times too." Ben explained. "The thing is though I've never been able to do magic like my cousin, and since she's not here your the only other person I could talk to."
Casta remembered how Ben mentioned his cousin being talented with magic, to say this was a rare case was of great interest to her. She placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Well then come on inside, tell me everything don't leave anything out." She began leading him inside the halls of Mystacor. "You know Glimmer was the exact same way when she discovered her powers, though Angella didn't tell me much."
"Hoo boy let's hope this was the right call Ben." Ben thought to himself.
The Fright Zone:
In the Fright Zone in a lonely place in the upper levels of the complex. Catra sat perched on a rail over looking the Fright Zone. She was lost in thoughts on this whole situation between Shadow Weaver and Hordak ordering her to banish her to Beast Island. Suddenly she jumped a little as it felt like the railing was being shook as she clung to it for dear life.
She sighed as she looked to see Scorpia sheepishly waving on her left. "How'd you find me?" She asked grumbling.
"You always come here when you're upset." Scorpia said walking over to her and clung the railing. "Also, I looked everywhere. Now, what's troubling my bestie?" She said nudging her shoulder friendly like.
"I'm not your bestie." Catra said swatting her claw away. "And I'm fine."
"Oh, I don't accept any of that." Scorpia said.
"Yeah, well, get used to not getting what you want in life." Catra raised her voice with a bit of a scowl towards the Scorpi Force Captain. Her expression then softened. "Hordak is making me send Shadow Weaver to Beast Island."
"Wait. Beast Island is real?!" Scorpia said in shock unintentionally yanking the railing from its holding. "Oops. That's not good. Oh, shoot." She said as she began to stretch the metal with her strength and it started to straighten. "Okay, let me just fix that." Suddenly it snapped in half. She banged the two halves together. "Uh, Catra, can I get a hand?"
She turned to Catra only to find she's gone hearing her claws clanging the metal railing as she crawls along it. "Catra?" She called but still had the railings in her hand. She discreetly places them where she found them and ran away before they fell off the edge.
She turned a corner and saw Catra sitting with her knees close to her chest on a metal box. Judging by her pained expression something was wrong.
"I thought Beast Island was just a story they told to keep us in line." Scorpia said as she slowly sat next to Catra. "Being sent there is supposed to be a fate worse than death!"
Catra just turned and glared at Scorpia who could tell was the wrong word to say. "I…I bet there's some nice stuff, too." She said trying to find a bright side to the subject. "Maybe Shadow Weaver will write and tell us."
"What is wrong with you?!" Catra exclaimed getting into her face. "People don't send letters from Beat Island. They go and never come back!" She shoved her aside and just kept voicing her frustration. "It doesn't matter how hard I work or what I do, Hordak doesn't trust me. After all I've done to prove myself using the Black Garnet to sap the Princesses power, and coming closer to conquering Bright Moon but after all I've done to him its nothing! He never listens to me." Catra said. "Entraptas been here for what a few weeks and now all of a sudden she's in his good graces with his little secrets!"
Scorpia could see how frustrated Catra really was. "Shadow Weaver is useful and she can help us. She knows something I know she does." Catra continued.
"Seriously?" Scorpia asked. " Because she hasn't exactly given us any information.. Why do you really wanna keep her around? She's never been very nice to you. I thought you kind of hated her."
Catra just looked down confused by Scorpias words and just when she was about to say something. "Y…"She sighed. "You wouldn't understand. Not that you ever did." She just leaped away before Scorpia could stop her.
She sighed and looked out from the railing at the sky, though she wouldn't say it Bens words from the Northern Reach still lingered in her mind. "Well she's no gem herself Scorpia, all she does is try to prove she's more than Shadow Weaver thought she was, but it's taking her to a dark place."
As she looked out at the slowly aligning moons deep down she couldn't help but wonder if he was right.
Earth: Gwen Tennyson residence:
Night had fallen over Bellwood and within Gwens Room all was quiet. The dark was then pieced by the lighting of candles in the room. Gwen placed the tomb she acquired from Hex as it floated in place and the pages opened. Before she could begin the door swung open revealing Kevin looked rather distressed and anger.
"You went to see Hex!" Kevin exclaimed.
"Kevin you could knock you know!" Gwen said to him. "Yes I went to see him because he had what I needed to try and reach Ben in Despondos."
"Uh last time I checked Paradox warned us going to Despondos would leave Earth vulnerable." Kevin reminded her.
"Yes but not on the spiritual plane. If I can dream walk into the spirit plane I might be able to contact Ben through the Mana field if there is a planet in there it can go beyond the confines of a shadow realm." Gwen explained. "Plus tonight is the night when the legendary Moons of Enchantment align so it should make my chances of reaching him stronger."
Though Kevin could see the benefits that wasn't to say he wasn't concerned about his girlfriends idea. "Gwen I know we want to know what Bens doing in this world but this dream walking doesn't sound like the right way to do it. You don't have any idea of what this could do."
"I know the risks of dream walking but as long as I keep it brief I'll be fine and if it means we contact Ben it's worth the risk." Gwen explained. "Now I need to concentrate, so if you wouldn't mind giving me some privacy."
"You sure what if something happens?" Kevin asked.
"Kevin if I'm going to make this work it's vital that you leave me alone no matter what you hear!" Gwen raised her voice slightly which did take Kevin by surprise.
"Fine just let me know when you need help." Kevin said simply as he shut the door behind him. Gwen did feel some regret on what she said to her boyfriend rather harshly but she needed the quiet to focus.
"I'm sorry but some journeys are meant to be made alone." Gwen said as she sat crosslegged in the circle of candles.
Closed her eyes and concentrated as her pink aura surrounded her and she levitated off the ground. The tomb floated up in front of her as the pages opened faster and faster when suddenly it reached the spell she needed. It illustrated a person and a person opposite on some sort of other plane. Gwen opened her eyes as the spell began its work.
Etheria: Mystacor:
Ben and Castaspella stood in the Lumarium. Ben had finished explaining his story of his cousin Gwen, her Anodite heritage and of his grandmother Verdona. He awaited Casta's response.
"And thats pretty much it." Ben finished.
"I see." Casta replied. "So your grandmother was one of these Anodites, and your cousin inherited her powers from her."
"Yeah because she has the spark, its what makes someone an Anodite but my dad and Gwen's dad didn't have it though he could sense when she was around . Plus some years ago when my grandpa met my grandma they developed a bond." Ben explained remembering the story his grandfather had told him.
"Hmmm." Casta pondered. "Based on what you've told me your cousin at a young age would've started to develop her powers through magic. As she aged her powers would start to mature."
"Okay but it doesn't explain how I'm able to do magic, I don't have the spark like she does. I mean I met a version of my future self who used one of Gwens spells during a little uh cross time mishap." Ben explained.
Casta then drew Bens attention to the basin of water in the middle of the room. She began casting a spell to show visions of Etheria. "Perhaps its been inside of you waiting to be awakened." Castaspella explained. "You see Etheria is a planet naturally charged with magical energies, it exists all around us. What we call magic you call mana the very life energy all around us and many sages have interpreted it as many different forms one of which is….quintessence."
Ben suddenly realised something by the mention of that word. "Wait the princesses have elemental powers, earth, water, Ice and wind thats some of the elements that create life well except fire anyway haven't seen a princess do that yet. Well not unless you count that thing with the Fire runestone."
"Very observant Ben, yes the magic courses around us and perhaps the short time you've spent on this world has awoken that dormant power in you. You may not have the spark like your cousin but that doesn't mean you don't have the same potential for magic." Casta explained. "The fact you were able to conjure a protection spell proves that."
This made Ben wonder, it was true he didn't have the spark of an Anodite but if he had the potential could it be useful?
"If you would like some help in discovering your potential, I could help you, that is if you want?" Casta then offered. "Though what you learn maybe different than your cousin."
"Well since Gwens not here to help I guess I can take you up on that, plus this could be useful in a tight squeeze." Ben then smirked childishly. "Plus it be an awesome way to see the look on Gwens face when we find a way back home. So Casta, start your teaching."
"Marvelous!" She said rather excitedly. "We'll start with the basics." She lead Ben out of the Lumarium as the scene revealed the moons almost in perfect alignment.
Many years ago:
The scene fades to yet another memory of long ago. The council of Mystacor are gathered as Light Spinner speaks from the centre of the room.
"We can no longer stand by while the Horde conquers more and more territory." Light Spinner spoke to the council. "The Princesses have been unable to stop them, and now they have taken a runestone, the Black Garnet."
Light Spinner uses the water basin to show a vision of the Horde conquering one of the kingdoms and seizing the Black Garnet. Around them Horde soldiers were tying up what appeared to be Etherian Scorpi's for this was the kingdom of Scorpias people. Its queens were restrained in bonds under the guard of some Hordesmen.
The council and mages were horrified at this recent revelation. "No." A sorceress breathed in horror.
"No, it can't be.." Gasped another.
Light Spinner turns to the council. "We may not have Runestones, but there is a way we can make ourselves strong enough to stand against the Horde." She turns back to the basin and then shows a vision of a certain mandala in the shape of a star in the centre of diamond shapes. "Cast the Spell of Obtainment and take power for ourselves!" The mandala reflected in her eyes.
"What you propose is forbidden, Light Spinner." Master Norwyn exclaimed as he didn't like what she was proposing. Using a forbidden form of magic. "The Spell of Obtainment leeches power, turning the caster into a magical parasite. If it does not kill the caster outright." He said as he walked to the basin standing in front of her.
"But I've modified the spell. Tonight the three Moons of Enchantment come into alignment." Light Spinner explained practically pleading with her fellow Sorcerer as she gestured to said alignment. "This will make all the magic of Etheria stronger. Think of the lives we'll save and the good we'll do!"
"There can be no good from this." Norwyn told her sternly. "If we use such a spell all it will do is bring carnage to this world and make us no better than The Horde. If anything it could open Etheria to a new threat all together."
"So we do nothing!" Light Spinner argued slamming her hands on the basin.
"The Princesses will settle the problem. Etheria will take care of itself as it has always done, without resorting to twisted spells." Norwyn waves his hand energised by magic and caused the spell to melt away before Light Spinners eyes. That were now enraged by her masters decision.
"You know I'm right. If we don't fight, if we don't become stronger, we won't have a planet to protect!" She turned to her fellow sourcerers and sorceresses angrily trying to make them see her way. "This force is beyond anything we can possibly comprehend and you let Princesses who have little power handle this they are nothing!"
Despite her words the council remained silent and unconvinced as they stood by their decision. Light Spinner looked back to Norwyn.
"Be satisfied with what you have, Light Spinner. Some power is not meant for you." He simply said.
"You are all blind fools you hang onto ineffectual methods! Am I the only one with the strife to do what must be done!" Light Spinner protested.
"We have made our decision, the council is not changing its standing on this." Norwyn said more sternly.
Light Spinner glared at him with more rage than before. "You wish to leave the fate of Etheria to the princesses, then you've already surrendered it to the Horde!" She marched out of the council room angrily and Norwyn just stood by his decision.
Outside in the courtyard teenage sorcerers including Micah were practicing their spells. Just then he noticed Light Spinner marching down the hallway. So he decided to follow her as he wanted to know the councils standing on the current situation. He climbed through the window and caught up with his teacher.
"What did they say?" He asked.
"They refuse to lend me their strength to do what must be done." Light Spinner voiced her frustrations without even turning to look at her student. "They never listen to me! After everything I've done, I still haven't earned their trust." She held her guild badge in frustration. "Norwyn and those fools don't care about magic, they just wanna hold the rest of us back. Clinging to ways that will do nothing to change the fate of this world!" She blasted magical blasts at the floor which scared away a couple of students.
"Then go back and make them understand." Micah told her in an urging and encouraging way. "The Horde will destroy Etheria if we don't stop them."
Light Spinner looked back to her student in surprise seeing he was wanting to help. Then she happened upon an idea.
"If you want to help Etheria, there is another way." Light Spinner told him and Micah nodded in response as he followed his teacher to carry our her plan to save the planet.
Mystacor Present day:
Ben and Casta stood opposite each other in the courtyard. "Now lets see what spells you do know?" She told him.
The Omnitrix bearer then took up a stance and concentrated. "Eradico!" He exclaimed as he launched pink energy tendrils from his hands. Casta then cast a protection spell seal protecting her from the spell. The spell then vanished.
Casta then launched a wave of energy towards Ben. "CONTIGO!" He exclaimed and formed an energy shield to block the spell only for the energy wave to explode and shatter the shield.
"Gah!" Ben exclaimed as he lost his balance and fell on his back. Casta walked over to him as he got back up on his feet. "Man I gotta give Gwen credit she makes this magic stuff look easy, same to Adora."
"Well many things often are Benjamin." Casta giggled as Ben stood up. "Still for a beginner not bad, though you need to put more strength into your spells in order to make them effective."
"I did it when I faced that shadow spy and blocked Hordak's attack." Ben questioned.
"Yes because you put strength into your spells, you felt under threat so it focused you." Casta explained. "Many mages focus on the power within to fully manifest their spells." Casta cast a spell circle focusing her powers then pushing it forwards casting an illusion of Ben himself.
Ben looked at the illusion of himself rather impressed. "Hm not bad you got my good side.
The illusion giggled and it transformed back to Casta. "So unless I'm being attacked by bad guys my magic doesn't work." Ben got the gist. "Man never thought I'd see me in a Doctor Strange film."
"Who?" Casta asked not getting the reference.
"Oh nothing it's a film back home." Ben said.
"Don't despair Benjamin, there are ways to help you focus your mana, and as tonight is the night the Moons of Enchantment come into alignment we may have a way of doing that." Casta explained gesturing to said alignment which was nearly at the height of totality. "Come." She walked away and Ben soon followed wondering what she had in mind.
The Fright Zone: Cell Blocks:
Shadow Weaver continued suffering the isolation of her cell. Until the cell door disappeared entering Catra. "Pack your bags. You're going to Beast Island." She simply said to her almost in a taunting way as she walked over to her. "Oh, that's right, heh, you don't have anything."
However the weakened Sorceress said nothing as she faced away from her. She then turned to her. "When?" She asked simply.
"Don't you care?" Catra asked but this wasn't in a taunting or ignorant way, it sounded more of a tone of confusion. "It's a death sentence. What don't you get about that? You're a goner unless you can give me a reason good enough to convince Hordak you're worth keeping around." Shadow Weaver just looked away from her slightly in her weakened state. "Don't you have anything to say? Just give me something!" Catra demanded.
"I've given everything I have to the Horde." Shadow Weaver said very weak. "Any other knowledge is already in their hands."
Catra just growled in frustration. "You really are useless." She said as she started to walk away. "You are getting what you deserve. And good riddance if you ask me." She said.
"Wait." Shadow Weaver said making the feline Force Captain stop dead in her tracks.
"Take pity on an old, powerless women. I know my days are here are numbered. I want to see my old Sorcerer's Guild badge one last time. It must be among my things. Bring it to me. It's the last thing I'll ever ask of you." She said almost pleading.
Catra didn't turn her head to face her old tormentor as her tail swayed behind her. "You don't get to ask things of me anymore." She said coldly as she closed the cell door behind her.
Mystacor: Many years ago:
Night had fallen over Mystacor, and as the Moons of Enchantment had come into the full totality of their alignment. Light Spinner and Micah snuck into the Lumarium.
"The Spell of Obtainment is difficult." Light Spinner explained as she and Micah gathered around the basin in the centre of the room. "You must stay focused, though. Once we begin casting, we cannot stop."
"Are you sure about this?" Micah said rather nervous, though he trusted his teacher and was willing to help he wasn't sure about this spell.
"We need this power. It's the only way to protect our people." Light Spinner pulled out a vial of the blue powder from her robes as she looked determined to see this through. Though nervous Micah nodded in response determined to see this through if it meant saving his home.
Without another word Light Spinner poured the blue dust into her hand as she sprinkled it into the water basin. "Do exactly as we practiced." She told her student.
Together the two of them started to lightly touch the water surface and drew out the spell symbols to cast the Spell of Obtainment. As they began casting the symbols within the chamber began to glow in a golden light. Just then the spell mandala erupted from the pool in a bright light as a blue and purple diamond shape object was formed from it. Micah gasped in amazement and Light Spinner looked at what they had accomplished with triumph and pride.
However their optimism was short lived. Suddenly a blot of darkness began forming within the diamond, then what looked like hands emerged from it pushing and trying to break through the spell.
"Light Spinner, what's happening? What is that?" Micah asked in an almost frightened tone.
Light Spinner gasped she saw that while she altered the spell, it was beginning to fight back against her. Acting quickly she started to try and fix the spell, and her student helped her with all haste.
"Hold it steady. Do not stop now." Light Spinner instructed and they kept holding the darkness back as they swirled the waters.
However nothing seemed to be able to contain this unstoppable force of nature. The hands kept pushing and pushing on the spell, and the diamond walls began to crack despite the two mages best efforts. Suddenly the walls were shattered and the room turned red with darkness and bright glaring red eyes emerged from the darkened blob.
Micah was now greatly terrified as suddenly it grabbed his wrist which he swatted it away. It kept trying to grab him as he resisted its terrible tendrils.
"This… this isn't right!" He exclaimed in pure terror as he ran away leaving his teacher behind.
"No!" Light Spinner cried as the tendrils of darkness grabbed her, as the creature turned it attention onto her. She tried to conjure a defense spell but the creature was quick to overwhelm her in its blackening shadows. She cried out in pain as it was pulling her to its embrace.
"Light Spinner!" Micah cried as he ran to try and help his teacher but the creature overwhelmed her and the whole room turned to darkness. Within seconds a purple light emerged and erupted catapulting Micah across the room.
The young Sorcerer regained consciousness to see his teacher groaning in pain surrounded by the aura of dark magic that seemed to have consumed her.
Micah looked in horror at this sight, just what had they done. "Light Spinner!" He ran towards her only to be blasted back by an invisible shield of dark magic luckily Norwyn and the other mages had arrived and caught him.
"Micah, what is the meaning of all this?" Norwyn questioned as they all looked to see Light Spinner rising from the ground still empowered by this dark spell.
"Light Spinner?" Micah said slowly looking upon his teacher who had covered her face with her hand. It would seem the spell had given her power but it left its mark and herself terribly scarred.
"Micah, how could you? After everything I've taught you." Light Spinner said in pain and sorrow. "The spell was working!"
"The spell was evil. You saw what it was doing to the room, to us." Micah said greatly afraid of what they had unleashed. "This wasn't the way to stop the Horde, that spell would make us no better than them!"
Norwyn then stepped forward in front of his pupil. "You've always hungered after power. Bringing you into our ranks was a grave mistake." Norwyn said as he cast his spell mandala.
"The only mistake was seeking the approval of a fool like you. You're all weak!" Light Spinner yelled in anger. "None of you deserve my help!" She growled as the dark magic around her gathered in a tornado.
Norwyn and the mages cast blasts of energy directing them at Light Spinner. However a shield was erected around her and the magic was repealed. Acting quickly Light Spinner unleashed the magic that was repelled back at the two mages to the right of Micah.
"This madness must stop!" Norwyn cast a spell shield and charged at Light Spinner as she charged at him. As the two got close Norwyn unleashed a magic blast but missed and suddenly his head was trapped by dark magic as Light Spinner held him high in the air.
He struggled to break free, and by simply closing her hand the dark magic Light Spinner cast absorbed him whole. He had perished much to Micahs horror and the magic was absorbed by Light Spinner who looked at her hands.
"The spell worked. I am stronger than all of you!" She proclaimed. "Stronger than you and even the princesses combined all will fall before me!" She yelled as she disappeared but then reappeared in front of Micah.
Terrified he tried to cast a defense spell only for the shadow tendrils to ensnare him in her grip. "Light Spinner! Please don't!" Micah begged as his teachers hand reached out to him, but instead of absorbing his magic she simply cupped his cheek, in an almost motherly manner. She looked at him then with a breath she released him and disappeared. The room had returned to normal leaving a heart broken and shamed Micah completely alone.
"What have we done." He breathed in shame.
The Fright Zone:
Under the aligned moons The Fright Zone lay quiet, two guards were on duty. Suddenly the sound of a shattering bulb and cracking electricity caught the guards attention. They looked to see nothing there, but then as if emerging from the shadows themselves a figure in black approached and the lights went out one by one. The Hordesmen stood up running over with their taser sticks at the ready.
"Halt. What business do you have in the Fright Zone?" Questioned the lady Horde soldier.
The figure now dressed in a red robe and her face hooded and bandaged raised her hand as it glowed red with magic, ensnared the Horde soldier in her shadow tendrils dragging her to the ground. She approached the other Horde Soldier who simply dropped his taser stick.
"Tell Hordak there is someone here who can help take him to victory." She said, and it was that very day that Light Spinner became what she is now. Shadow Weaver.
Fright Zone Cells:Present day:
As the moons fell into perfect alignment Shadow Weaver was once again greeted by Catra who brought her a tray of food. "So, have you come up with anything to save your skin?" She asked.
"You know I haven't." The sorceress said simply. Catra just walked over and dropped the tray of food in front of her smirking.
"Why do you insist on delivering my meals yourself? Surely, you have more important things to do." Shadow Weaver asked. "Being in my position now?"
"I guess I just like seeing you in shackles." Catra smirked as she leaned against the wall. "Much deserved payback if you ask me."
Shadow Weaver however saw all too clearly. "We both know that's not the only reason." She said. "What do you want, from me Catra?"
After a minute of silence Catra answered that question. "Why..?" She paused for a moment and sighed. "Why did you treat me like the way you did? Why was I never good enough? Why is it no matter how many times I prove myself that you always favoured Adora?Really, I wanna know." She said almost demanding the reason for her abuse.
Shadow Weaver was quiet before she spoke. "Because you remind me of myself. You always have." Catra was taken aback by that almost frozen in shock. "Nothing was ever easy for me either. I wasn't born to power like Adora and the others. Nor did my power simply fall from the heavens like Tennyson's. I had to earn my power, fight for it, but no matter how hard I tried or what achievements I accomplished, they never respected me. Why should it be any different for you?"
"I was a child when you took me in. What could I have possibly done to deserve the way you treated me?" She exclaimed collapsing to her knees crossing her arms. "I am nothing like you. You are old, and bitter, and weak!"
"Ah. But you are like me." Shadow Weaver corrected. "And just like me, you're losing your position with Hordak. Despite your best efforts ever trying to claim Tennysons power for yourself despite knowing it cannot be taken. I can see that even from my cell."
"You don't know what you're talking about." Catra simply denied glaring.
"You're being pushed out." Shadow Weaver said.
"I am not. It's just Entrapta understands all that tech stuff." Catra gasped realising what she had admitted.
"Ah see, despite proving your worth he sees potential in another. Much like before you find yourself again trying to prove yourself." Shadow Weaver then said almost in an understanding tone. "Come here." She offered her hand.
Though hesitant, Catra found herself scooting closer and closer to her. She flinched as Shadow Weaver started stroking the fur below her ears.
"She's earned his trust. How did you let this happen? Don't you see? I want you to go further than I did, but you need to be smarter than me. Stronger than me. For the power, acknowledgement and respect you seek isn't given it must be taken." She told her almost like a mother comforting her child.
"Then help me. Come up with something so you can stay." Catra said practically pleading.
"I will try." Shadow Weaver cupped Catra's face as she leaned into it, but she pulled her hand away. "But I'm tired now. Come back later. Please."
Catra blushed before she stood back up again, and walked out of her cell before she brushed her fur back smiling. Did she finally earn some love from the one who abused her? The cell door shut behind her.
Shadow Weaver rested but when she heard Catra's foot steps fade away she looked through her food, and there she found her old Sorcerers Guild badge as she held it in her hand.
Fright Zone: Years ago:
In the Black Garnet Chamber Shadow Weaver began syphoning energy from the rune was focused. When suddenly, she heard something. It was the sound of a baby she went to investigate, she entered Hordaks sanctum and saw Grizlor and another Force Captain holding a baby, with traces of blonde hair. Shadow Weaver was surprised as she sensed something from this child.
She looked to see Hordak sitting on his throne as she bowed in respect. "Was your excursion successful, Lord Hordak?"
"I arrived too late." Hordak said in frustration. "I found something but it's useless. An unforeseen attack hindered us. Put it with the other infants in the infirmary." He ordered his Force Captains holding the baby girl much to Shadow Weavers shock.
The Force Captains nodded just as they were about to take the baby girl away, Shadow Weaver spoke. "This one is different." She breathed turning to her master. "Can't you feel it? She has power."
"Fine, take it. Just get it out of here." Hordak told her almost losing his patience. The baby was handed to Shadow Weaver as she cradled her in her arms uncovering its face to see her baby opened her blue eyes and placed her tiny hand onto Shadow Weavers.
"Oh. Oh, don't worry, little one. We're going to do great things together." She said cradling the little one as she touched the sorceresses face.
Earth: Present day:
Gwen sat in her room alone as the tomb floated in front of her the pages peeled at the spell she was looking for. She floated silently focusing her powers.
Fright Zone:
Within her cell Shadow Weaver also focused when simultaneously they felt it.
"Its time." The Moons of Enchantment were now fully within their totality of alignment.
Shadow Weaver took her old guilds badge then suddenly smashed it on the metal floor crushing it revealing inside was blue powder. She began using it to create a spell mandala despite being weak.
Earth:
Gwens hands energised with pink mana as she too began creating the spell mandala she saw in the Grimoire before her. It had several circles with orbs and diamonds within them and outside of them. She focused her energies. When her eyes opened she found herself in a void surrounded with mana and almost interstellar nebulas. She looked at herself and saw she was in her full Anodite form/astral form. She was now on the spirit plane.
Fright Zone:
Shadow Weaver completed her spell mandala, when all of a sudden a purple glow emerged from below her and the whole cell was covered in smoke.
Moments later Catra arrived back at her cell. She took a deep breath and smiled before she opened the cell. "Uh, okay. I know it hasn't been that long, but I figured we could brainstorm together."
She said rather sheepishly but as she entered the cell she could see Shadow Weaver had her back to her standing entered the cell.
"Come on, two devious minds such as ours are…" Suddenly as she tried to put her hand on Shadow Weavers shoulder much to her shock it phased right through her. She pulled her hand out in shock. "Huh?"
She put her hand through again and again until she soon realised it was an illusion. Then came to an even graver realisation.
"You were just using me all along." She shook her head growling she actually thought she had gotten some respect from her mentor but in actual fact it was all a ploy. Tears bulged from her eyes as she angrily slashed the illusion to pieces. She collapsed on the ground punching it in anger before she saw the spell mandala in blue dust from what remained of Shadow Weavers guild badge she swatted it away as the dust evaporated leaving a sobbing Catra yelling out in frustration as it echoed across the Fright Zone.
Mystacor:
In the gardens of Mystacor Casta and Ben knelt opposite each other in a meditative pose under the alignment of the moons above.
"Free your mind let go of old thinking and focus on the power within." Casta told Ben soothingly.
"Uh Catsa." Ben said with an eye open. "I get that meditating sometimes helps be it for my cousin of the whole Jedi thing but how's this gonna help me understand why I have magic?"
"It is more than that Benjamin, you must feel yourself connect to the magic around you, or in your case Mana. For if you allow your spirit to roam freely you can feel it around you." Casta explained. "Though there are some magics that shouldn't be felt, like the Spell of obtainment the very thing that turned Light Spinner into the creature she is now."
"Yikes." Ben grimaced remembering what he saw in Adora and Catras memories at the Beacon. "Got it stay away from the dark side."
"Now just let yourself go." Casta told him. So Ben closed his eyes and concentrated letting himself go into a dream like trance.
Spirit plane:
Gwens Anodite form continued to wander the spirt plane, when suddenly she felt something. Her eyes widened in shock she could sense a presence she flew across the sea of nebulas until she saw someone in the distance.
"Ben?" She breathed and could see it was Ben in a green glowing aura. "BEN! BEN!" She cried as she flew over with tears coming from her eyes.
Ben suddenly widened his eyes. "Gwen?" Bens voice echoed. However before Gwen could reach him all of a sudden something came in really fast. It was a blast of purple and black shadow magic.
Gwen was struck by this and was entangled in it she struggled to break free as she saw something within it. It was a familiar looking mask with glowing eyes.
Physical plane: Gwens home:
Gwen yelled in pain as she felt a dark presence enter the room as it turned to shadow. She screamed as she tried to reject the dark magic invading her. Kevin slammed down the door and saw what was happening.
"GWEN!" Kevin yelled and quickly absorbed the metal on the door frame around his body and quickly leaped in grabbing the tomb book and pulled it away from Gwen then formed his hand into a blade and stabbed the book as it exploded with magic. Gwen screamed in pain as she was snapped out of her trance and collapsed to the ground.
Mystacor: Etheria:
Bens eyes shot open and screamed as he collapsed to the ground. Casta hurried over to him and supported his arm.
"Benjamin! Are you okay?" Casta asked as he breathed heavily. "What happened?" She asked.
"I..I think I heard…I…I think.." Ben breathed in shock. Casta quickly cast a spell mandala which seemed to scan him all over.
"I've seen these affects, it seems you've been contacted by someone who was dream walking."Casta explained.
"Dream what?" Ben asked.
"Dream walking its an old magic which like the Spell of Obtainment was too dangerous." Casta explained. "For the spell allows the caster to project their spirit onto the astral plane to contact someone from afar even beyond that, however it leaves their spirits venerable and their physical form open to attack."
"This is gonna sound crazy but…for a moment..I I thought I heard my cousins voice." Ben said.
"Your sure?" Casta asked.
"I know it's impossible but I was sure it was her…it felt real." Ben said holding his chest where his heart was.
Earth:
Gwen soon stirred from her unconscious state seeing Kevin, Kai and Max above her. "You okay Gwen?" Kevin asked.
She groaned as she got up from the floor with Kevin supporting her. "I…I think so." She then noticed Kai and her grand father in the room. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Kevin called us, he told us what you were trying to do." Max told her. "What were you thinking Gwen trying to use something so dangerous!" He lightly scolded.
"Grandpa it was the only way to try and contact Ben." Gwen breathed very weak. "And..I..I think I nearly reached him."
This caught Kai and Max completely by surprise. "You mean?!" Kai hoped.
"Yes I could hear his voice it was like he was trying to meditate into the mana field." Gwen explained.
"Uh babe you know Ben doesn't have magic like you?" Kevin questioned.
"I know but I know what I heard…what I felt." Gwen said. "But I felt something else, something was traveling through the Mana field too and whatever it was…it wasn't friendly."
"Like something out of a horror film you mean." Kevin said seeing what he saw.
"Even so no more of this dream walking." Max said sternly. "Its not worth risking your life Gwen."
"But if you reached Ben that means he's okay right?" Kai asked.
"We can only hope." Gwen said with a faint smile but at the same time wondered what that dark shadow was or what it was doing.
Etheria: Bright Moon:
As the night continued with the Moons still in alignment, Ben had returned to Bright Moon. Casta suggested he got some rest after what he went through. However upon his return Bow had asked him to help him with something.
"A little to the left." Bow called rather quizzical.
For Adora was holding what looked like an antenna stick in her hands and she was holding onto something red. It in fact was Ben, now currently Way Big standing in place on the cliff close to the castle. Adora held onto his head frill while Glimmer balanced on his shoulder. While Bow and Rook stood and watched from afar.
"This good?" Adora called.
"Better." Rook called to her.
"Okay, now, Glimmer, move yours more to the right." Bow then called to Glimmer who simply groaned as she moved her antenna to the right slightly.
"No your other right!" Rook called, as Glimmer groaned she moved a little to the right towards the edge of Way Bigs right shoulder where his shoulder frill was.
Bow looked at his tracker pad but he still wasn't satisfied. "My right!"
Glimmer groaned as she was getting annoyed by this plus she was tired too. Not surprising as it was currently midnight.
"Dude remind me again why I'm standing here like a doofus while Adora and Glimmer are climbing all over me?" Way Big asked.
"Yeah and in the middle of the night." Glimmer yawned rather tired. "A princess needs her beauty sleep."
"You know how I thought my Tracker Pad had broken back in Alwyn?" Bow asked the group.
"Yeah the one you and Rook have been going on about?" Way Big asked.
"Well, Rook and me have been studying it, and I realized the garbled static I keep getting on my screen isn't a bug. It's picking up some kind of transmission." Bow said.
"Indeed, which meant when we deactivated the beacon at Alwyn it is more than likely it triggered a signal of some kind, origin unknown purpose unknown." Rook added.
"Still doesn't explain why we're up here?" Adora called.
"Or why I had to change into Way Big for this?" Way Big agreed.
"Well Ben while you were away at Mystacor Bow and I devised a way of strengthening the signal to get a clear picture of this First Ones writing." Rook called as he pointed to the three aligned moons.
"With these three moons in alignment, all transmissions should be stronger. So we can get a clearer picture." Bow then said.
"Yeah about that." Glimmer then realised while holding her antenna before turning to Way Bigs face. "Why did you go to Mystacor anyway?"
"I was hoping your aunt might have some answers about why I have magic like Gwen but all I came back with was a headache." Way Big answered. "Oh by the way Glims your aunt says hi."
"Adora, climb higher on Way Bigs frill and more out-ish!" Bow called to her.
"But proceed with caution a fall from this height could be fatal." Rook advised.
"Thanks for that Rook!" Adora called a little scared as she climbed up the ToKustars frill right to the very top and held out her arm with the antenna.
"Uh guys you might wanna hurry up before…" Before Way Big could finish that sentence a certain beeping noise emanated from the Omnitrix. Which made the girls eyes shrink in horror. Though Bow and Rook didn't notice as they were looking at the tracker pad just as a green flash turned Way Big back to Ben who was in the air.
"Hold still." Bow called to them. "Hold still! It's working! We did it! Guys, you gotta see this.
"That." Ben grimaced as the three began falling to the ground screaming. Ben quickly grabbed Adora as Glimmer teleported over to them.
"We did it! Guys, you gotta see this." Bow cheered in delight, but as he and Rook looked around their friends were no where to be seen.
Just then Glimmer teleported in with Ben and Adora, who was in his arms bridal style. "Its official I hate that beeping." Glimmer grumbled.
"Join the club." Ben agreed.
"Uh Ben." Adora said getting his attention. "You can put me down now." Ben blushed realising he was still holding her in bridal style.
"Oh uh right." He said putting her down and twiddled his fingers.
"Please tell me you got the message." Adora then asked Bow and Rook. The latter took the tracker pad to get a clearer look.
"It would seem some of the signal is degraded, but it is mostly visible." Rook said. "Adora see if you can translate it."
Adora nodded and looked at the transmission on the pad screen as everyone gathered round. She could faintly make out some First Ones writing. ""Serenia. Portal. Mara."" Adora translated.
"What's a Serenia?" Ben asked. "And what portal?"
Rook pondered for a moment. "Hmm Serenia, I am unsure why but there is something familiar about that name."
"Well whatever it is if it has to do with Mara, it can't be good." Glimmer realised.
"Seems like the more answers we get the more mysteries there are." Ben wondered. "Why do I have a feeling we have a bigger mystery on our hands?"
As the group stared down at the degraded First Ones signal it still left them wondering, what was the meaning behind it and how was it connected to the She-Ra of old? Or the hidden message that was trying to be told.
Authors notes:A...nd scene! Whew that was a long one but totally worth it. Now as you can see I decided to add more to this chapter, like Ben teaching the princessses soccer or even him trying to understand his latent magic abilities. And yes I did reference the adventure of the She-Ra comics, which will be a flash back element when we reach the season 4 arc. Also a little glimpse of what Gwens been up to back on Earth to try and reach Ben and Rook. You can probably guess the reference. Now however the Best Friend Squad are left with the current mystery of the transmission they found at Alwyn.
Now onto the next chapter where lets just say Bow will have some explaining to do!
Until next time FOR THE HONOUR OF GRAYSKULL!