Zip knew she was in for a rough night. She spent too much time tossing and turning and panicking over the new arrivals. It wasn't so much because they were strangers, but more due to what they were looking for.
"They can't be looking for me," she thought. "It's not possible. Not anymore."
She whispered those words multiple times for comfort, but they never seemed to work.
"The necklace. The name. It has to be some type of coincidence. Still though, it that's who they're looking for…"
In that moment of quiet, she let herself explore the feelings she'd work so hard to banish. Hope. Want. Belonging.
"Family," she whispered into the night.
It was such a foreign term to her lips, an idea she forced herself to let go of a long while ago, and yet as she whispered it, the feelings of wanting to know who her family was, the feelings of wanting to really belong, came flooding back as if they'd never left her heart at all. Now, in this very inn, were people who may have clues to what she had secretly been yearning for.
"Please. Grow up. You know better than to believe."
She didn't want to. More than that, she was afraid to.
Deciding to pursue those ideas no longer, she rolled over and forced her mind to quiet. Still, even when she eventually fell asleep, she couldn't relax. Her dreams wouldn't let her. Instead of a peaceful sleep, she dreamt she was standing behind the Brass Inn bar, dressed in Glimmer's clothes as Camilla shoved cup after cup into her hands, yelling at her to balance. Then, as if hit by something, the walls around her broke, and she found herself falling into a dark pit. She woke up ever so briefly in a deep sweat, but when she woke up fully the next morning, she couldn't remember the dream at all. She felt tired though, and that was more than enough to make her grumpy. That's why, when she heard the crash of glass upon the floor, she instantly went off on the perpetrator.
"No! That was my cup!"
"I'm sorry!" Bow said quickly, his regret instant. "I thought the design was amazing, so I wanted to get a closer look. I didn't mean to drop it!"
Zip poked at the scattered broken pieces, her frustrated gaze still hidden behind the same metal mask she wore yesterday. She still wasn't ready for her looks to be exposed.
"Of course it was amazing, you idiot. It was made from sea glass!"
"It was just an accident, Zip," Cal told her calmly. He had slipped beside the child with his broom and dustpan and began sweeping it up. "He didn't mean to."
"Whether he meant to or not doesn't change the fact that it's broken. This is the second thing of mine they've broken since arriving. Jeeze. This was my first find on a scavenge with the Guild!"
"Speaking of the guild," Cal cut in, a bit more loudly this time. "They've returned. You should be good to bring your friends by."
"They are not my friends!" The flustered Zip was half ready to pull her hair out. She didn't want to be around the crew in the slightest.
"Let's just go already," she grumbled. "The faster we do this, the faster I can be rid of you. Don't be slow either. I'm not afraid to leave anyone behind."
With a grimace she was glad no one could see, she led the group out of the bar and towards the Guild Hall, a building located on the other end of the city.
"So, Cal was telling us about the Hunter's Guild again this morning," Glimmer chimed in, obviously trying to keep conversation friendly. Zip did not appreciate it. "They're the only ones who to the surface?"
"Yes," Zip replied. "They're the only group of people who head above ground to scavenge for goods and food. They scour the forest and other cities for our needs. They're also the only ones more willing to talk to outsiders as well. Most aren't not often huge fans of the speaking part, but they do it when necessary."
"Cal also told us that the Guild has been after you for a while now, too," Bow commented. "They say you're pretty skilled with hunting, and that they wanna train you."
"Cal has a big mouth."
"I think that's kind of cool," Bow continued. "Do you often like visiting the surface?"
"Do you often ask so many questions?"
"Ouch," Catra countered. "Aww, is little Zippy grouchy again?"
"Shut it stupid face!" Zip snapped.
"You shut it, dimwit."
"Filthy feline!"
"Piece of- "
"Children!" Adora cut in. "Can we not do this right now?"
"She started it," Catra mumbled. Zip took this moment to stick her tongue out at her pointy eared enemy while Adora shot the woman a sharp glance in reply.
"Hey, are you okay this morning?"
Zip kept her eyes straight ahead as Glimmer spoke again, the question filled with kindness. Of the group, it was she that Zip had the hardest time being around. She didn't like that little bit of warmth that tugged at her heart whenever the princess was nearby, and she hated that nagging feeling in her brain that told her she'd seen Glimmer before. Zip tried getting out of helping again this morning as to avoid these thoughts and feelings, but Cal had been adamant, telling her that she needed to be there.
"Try to learn something from them," he had told her. "You might be able to understand your origins if you do. I know you want that. Do it before the opportunity is gone."
She inwardly scowled from the words, and also at the fact that she was indeed a tad curious. She always had been, even when verbally denying she was through with her past.
"I'm fine," she finally answered.
Glimmer could only sigh out of what sounded like frustration. When Zip peeked over at her, she noticed the girl fiddling with a pink ball of sparkling light in her hands. This she had to roll her eyes at.
"Oh god, not only does your damn hair sparkle, but your magic sparkles, too? Those are literally glowing balls of princessy poof. I'm embarrassed for you."
"Hey! They're actually more powerful than you think!" Glimmer told her, the kind tone quickly fading. Catra began cackling in the background, prompting Glimmer to defend herself more. "They are! Ugh! Let's just hurry up and get there already."
"You think the guild will really be able to help us?" Adora asked.
"How should I know?" Zip questioned.
"Well, you know them right?"
"Just because I know them doesn't mean I'll know if they can help," Zip told her. "How thick can you be?"
"Hey now," Bow said. He was even beginning to appear annoyed. "There's no need to be so hostile. We're just trying to get answers."
"Yeah, well maybe princess over there should've kept better track of her family. If she had, you wouldn't be here asking me stupid questions in the first place."
She hadn't meant to say those words, but lack of sleep and mixed up, confused feelings caused her to speak without thinking.
"That's not fair!"
Glimmer stopped in front of her, tears in those similar purple eyes. A small pang of guilt washed over her, and once again she was grateful her face was well hidden.
"I was trying to get to her," Glimmer continued. "And my mom was trying to get to both of us, but she couldn't leave the Moon Stone!"
"Maybe you both should have tried harder."
"Hey, chill out, Zip," Catra said. "I'm all for snarky comments, but that's too much. You've been nothing but rude since we met, and now you're worst today. What's your problem?"
"You're all my problem!" She snapped. "You shouldn't have come here!"
"Why not?" Adora asked angrily. "What's it to you?"
"It's everything to me!" Zip felt her body start to shake when she said these words. She had told herself to stop wishing long ago. That hope couldn't spark back up now. She wasn't ready for it.
Zip turned her attention back to Glimmer and stepped closer.
"Answer me this. Why now? Why'd you wait so long to look for her?"
"We said this yesterday," the elder girl responded. "For two years we looked, but when we couldn't find her, we assumed she was dead."
"That was a stupid assumption," Zip said back. "If you loved her, you would've kept looking."
"Why would we look for someone if we thought she was dead! We thought we lost her!"
"And now you suddenly think she's alive?"
"Yes!" Glimmer looked both defensive and exasperated. "I can't explain to you why or how we know, but we do. She's alive. We're bringing her home, so stop with all your unfounded judgement and bring us to the Guild."
The heated argument left everyone quiet. Zip had tried keeping her emotions under control, but she was hurting. When she was finally able to calm herself, she pushed passed Glitter and continued on.
"Whatever. Let's just do this so you can leave me be."
Not another word was said until they had reached the Guild. Two armored guards stood at the wooden doors, a slightly worn flag sporting two crossed arrows over a tree hanging idly above the entrance. The guards tensed up when they saw four strangers, but once they noticed Zip, both nodded and let them walk inside.
"If I weren't here right now, you'd have never made it this far. Whatever you do, be respectful, and don't ask stupid questions. They don't like people who waste their time."
The group traveled down a long white hallway full of many doors before coming to a large brass one at the end. When Zip opened it, they found a group of armored beings sorting through what looked to be mounds of different colored plants and hunted animals.
"They collected all this?" Adora asked.
"They're called the Hunter's Guild for a reason."
"Zip?" As they reached the center of the room, they were greeted by a stout woman dressed up in leather gear. She had two horns protruding from the top of her head and honey-colored eyes. Her skin was grey, and her face resembled something like a fawn.
"Hello, Saber."
The woman smiled, her think accent echoing throughout the room. "Have you finally come to join the guild?"
"In your dreams. Some idiots here want to ask you some questions."
Saber looked up at the four strangers.
"Outsiders?"
"Unfortunately."
"Hello, I'm Adora," the blonde spoke. "And this is Glimmer, Bow, and Catra. We're sorry to bother you, but Cal said you might be able to help us."
"I am Saber. I lead this guild. I am never a fan of speaking to too many outsiders unless I need to, but if Zip is with you, and since Cal sent you to me, then I will help best I can."
"Thank you," Adora replied. "Glimmer?"
The princess stepped up. Almost immediately, Zip could see a look of interest on her face. She knew the leader could see it, too.
"Cal said about six years ago, you guys found a ship in the woods."
Saber thought for a moment. "Ah, yes, we did. Horde. Not the first one we've seen fly over our woods, but the first to crash in it."
"You saw it crash?" Bow asked.
Saber shook her head.
"We heard it. We did not check it till much later though as we weren't sure what was going on. We didn't want to reach the surface to find ourselves in deep trouble."
"That ship," Glimmer said urgently. "It was supposed to be carrying a little girl. She had pink hair like me, and we had the same eye color, too. She would have been six. Did you see her?"
Saber was silent for a moment as if contemplating what to answer, a silence that made Zip nervous.
"No," she finally said. "The only one on board was a pilot, and he was dead."
"Are you sure? No girl at all? Were there signs that a child may have been on board."
Saber shook her head again.
"Nothing."
Glitter's face faltered at the news.
"Where was the ship located?" Catra asked. "Is it still there?"
"Not anymore. My team and I took it apart. We wanted the metals for our city. However, you can search the area if you need to. There might be something there that missed our eyes."
Glimmer's gaze widened slightly.
"We'll do that! Where is it?"
"Just south of the grand tree. About five miles from here."
"That's perfect!" Adora said. "We'll go check it out now!"
"Just be wary. Many creatures you are not familiar with lurk out there."
"Eh, we'll be fine," Catra said. "We haven't run into anything yet."
"Come on!" Glimmer said. "This is our first real lead. We need to get to the area so we have plenty of time to search. Thank you, Saber, we appreciate your help."
Saber nodded in reply.
"Zip will open the way out for you, but first I must speak to her. Please give us a few moments."
"Sure," Adora said. "Come on guys, let's go wait outside."
Once they left, Zip crossed her arms and looked away from the other. Saber could only shake her head.
"Are you going to thank me for covering for you?"
Zip still said nothing.
"Why are you hiding. You're completely covered. I thought you were braver than this."
"I am brave!" She snapped. "You're starting to sound like Cal. Why does everyone think I'm hiding?"
"Because you are. You've been curious about your past for the entire time I've known you, and now you're just going to ignore this? You're just going to hide away?"
"I'm not hiding! I just feel like covering up. Is that a crime? And I stopped being curious a long time ago. I gave up."
"That's a lie."
"What do you know!"
Saber kneeled to Zip's height and spoke in a firm but soft tone.
"Much more than you think. I know you've always wanted to know where you came from. I know there is still a small bit of hope in you even though you claim it's gone. I know you refuse to join this guild because you don't want to commit to anything knowing you might leave someday. And I know, that more than anything, you're scared."
Zip could feel tears burning in her eyes. Half of her hated Saber for telling the truth.
"Fear is not a bad thing," Saber continued. "No one can blame you for it. Still, you must face the fear. Speak to them. Tell them your story."
"You make it sound so easy. It's not something I can just do ya know."
"You must," Saber replied. "You know as well as I do that you're not meant for this place."
Zip clenched her fists in anger. She knew Saber meant well. She always had, but Zip wasn't ready for this truth.
"No one knows anything. We're done here."
She then turned and walked away.
"Show yourself to them," she heard Saber call as she left. "Don't hide from the truth. Face your fear, and you will find happiness."
Zip made no reply. She was too frustrated. Why did everyone want her to find the truth? Why did fate have to play her like this when she had already resigned herself to being forever lost?
"This is so stupid. Why now? I convinced myself that I was hated. I finally began to understand why I was here, so why is this happening?"
"Zip?"
She had made it out the door. The crew was still waiting outside.
"You all right?" Adora asked.
Zip merely pushed passed them and walked on.
"Let's go. The sooner I get you to the entrance, the sooner you can leave."
While the others spoke, Zip took the trip in silence.
"This is so great!" Glimmer said. "There's never been a confirmation of the ship crashing here, which means she must have passed through this forest!"
"And if we can find that spot, then maybe we can trace where she went next," Bow added.
"It shouldn't take too long," Adora told them. "I'd say teleport, but we don't know the forest too well."
"Walking won't be an issue," Catra yawned. "Especially since the Frightening Wilds aren't that frightening."
When they reached the entrance, Zip led them back up the stairs and opened the door, the group stepping out right after.
"Thank you, Zip," Glimmer said. "I know you're not thrilled with us, but we're really thankful for your help."
"Whatever."
"And you know, if you wanted, you could join us here, too," Bow suggested. "You've been super helpful, and we could always use another pair of eyes."
"Yeah!" Adora exclaimed. "Why don't you come along? You like hunting, right? Maybe if we face a creature, you can help us kill it and use it for food."
"I doubt we'll find some monster," Catra said. "This place is boring fight wise."
Zip almost considered this. Part of her wanted to run back to hide again, but she couldn't get Saber's words out of her mind. She couldn't push away that little tug she felt from Glimmer.
"Plus, since the forest seems to change, it would be helpful to have you around."
Bow poked at his trackpad as he spoke.
"You know this place better than us."
This pulled Zip from her thoughts.
"Wait, what did you say?"
"I said since the forest seems to change, we- "
"What are you talking about?" Zip asked him. "The forest here doesn't change."
Bow looked confused.
"Well, it must. This rock wasn't here before."
He walked over to a nearby blue lump.
"This definitely wasn't here when we came in," he confirmed. "Like I said, your forest must change."
Zip's eyes widened from behind her metal mask.
"Bow, I need you to walk away slowly."
"What? Why? It's just a rock."
"Move! Now!"
"Calm down." He reached out to touch the object. "See? Nice rock. Friendly rock. Just a- oh. Why is this rock so squishy?"
As soon as he touched it, the lump moved and faced Bow, a maw of teeth greeting him. The three-eyed creature then snarled out of hunger.
"What the heck is that?" Glimmer yelled.
"It's a Giga Worm," Zip shouted. "And he's not happy! Bow get out of there!"
Without thinking, Zip ran towards the creature, but before she could get to Bow, the worm's tail slapped her and knocked her to the side.
"Ahh!"
"Zip!"
Glimmer took out her staff and teleported closer to the beast.
"Catra! Attack from the other side!"
"I'm on it! Adora!"
"I know!" The blond flung out her sword. "For the honor of Gray Skull!"
While this was all going on, a slightly dazed Zip sat up. Her eyes felt a bit blurry. When she went to touch her face, she realized she could feel skin. Panicking, she looked around and saw her mask snapped in half just a few feet away, her hat not far from it.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" Zip cried.
"Shoot it Bow!"
"I'm on it!"
"Why is it my stuff?" Zip asked exasperated as she looked at her broken mask.
Bow docked one of his arrows and shot it towards the creatures face, an extreme amount of green goo now covering it.
"I've got him!" Adora shouted. She ran towards the best and readied to jump.
"You're gonna- what?!"
Before she had a chance to attack, the worm levitated in the air.
"What's going on?" Catra asked. "What the heck kind of move is that?"
"You idiot bug!"
Zip spoke these words with annoyance and anger, her hand out and pointed to the creature.
"Oh wow," Bow said in shock. "Is she doing that?"
"No way," Adora half dropped her sword. "She's moving it with her- "
"Mind." Glimmer whispered.
Zip pulled the creature towards her. She was beyond pissed. Then, with a yell, she lifted the creature higher into the air and slammed him into the ground.
"Why. Must. People. Break. My. Things!"
The worm hit the ground with every word she spoke, and after another yell, she turned her body and threw her arm behind her, sending the danger flying off into the distance. When it was gone, she knelt to the ground, a bit out of breath.
"Stupid thing."
The other four looked on at the young girl, their eyes wide.
"It's not just me, right?" Bow asked. "You all saw that?"
"Yeah, yeah we did," Adora gulped. "And are you guys seeing- "
"Yep," Catra said. "Yep, we are. Pink hair, purple eyes. Didn't see this one coming."
Zip stood up with the broken mask in hand.
"Why does this always happen to me? First my net, then my glass, and now my mask. Why does the world not want me to have nice things?"
She tossed the mask aside with a scowl. When she looked up at the others, she saw them staring back with odd gazes.
"What are you looking at?"
Glimmer took a few steps forward, her eyes welling up.
"Rose?"
Zip froze when she heard that name again. It had shocked her the first time Glimmer spoke it, but now that the girl was saying it directly to her, it struck a new nerve, especially when it was filled with such familiarity.
"Rose," Glimmer said again. "Is that you?"
Zip wasn't sure what to do. The way Glimmer said it sounded so natural to her ears. She wanted to respond, but fear kept her silent. Her fear was so strong that she could only do what she did best.
She turned and broke into a run.
"Rose! Wait!"
Glimmer teleported right in front of her, nearly causing Zip to trip, but caught herself at the last minute.
"Please!"
Without a word, Zip used her magic to push Glimmer to the side before running towards the tree opening yet again. She wasn't ready for this.
"Come back!"
Zip made it into the entrance just in time to see Glimmer teleporting right outside of it. Zip threw her hands up again to push her away, and the last thing she saw before the door shut was a desperate Glimmer trying to reach out.
"Don't go! Rose!"
