Confessions of poor and vile souls

They talked as Lonnie surveyed the rebels. She knew they should have avoided it in public, but she couldn't help herself. Not only because she brought her news about her charge. She had to admit that Lady Cala had done better than she expected. She got into the Palace without harming anyone, which was quite an achievement considering her... temperament. She managed to establish friendly relationships with Glimmer, Catra and Adora, as well as the Lord Admiral. None of the above boded any good, although it made the implementation of their plan much easier. Of course, Calamity wouldn't be herself if she didn't express her petty malice, but in this case she played it well. Cutting yourself off from all connections with her, at least emotional ones was wise. She wasn't sure whether her former wards would believe that the Aristocrat knew nothing about her mentor's nature, but it certainly sounded very credible. In the end, she worked for a reputation as a liar and manipulator... She didn't know what Lady Cala did with the other crew members, probably nothing good, but she didn't really care. Except for Dilayla, who became friends with Rosie, but the rest could die. But she hoped that Bina was okay. She took good care of those kids, better than she thought, and they would have very bad time if something happened to her.

But that wasn't why she had been unnerved for the last few days. "I have a daughter. By All That Is Holy and Cursed, I have a daughter." She thought, still unable to believe it. She has made many amazing discoveries in recent weeks. First she met Eti, then she learned the fate that befell Queen Angela. Soon after, she found out who their employer actually was, came across Heart Gift, and finally discovered the secret of Catra's origins... And now this... At first, she stared at this unfortunate creature, at this girl, and wondered what she was supposed to do? She wasn't ready for such a situation. She reached out to her because she had no idea what else she could do. Then she said the words out of reason rather than emotion. She didn't want to alienate another potential ally. It didn't cost her anything. But then she hugged her and felt something. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it was something new that she couldn't name. She had to work it out somehow.

„But How... Where did you come from and when... How old are you?" she asked, unable to judge Nghtgale's age.

„Chronologically five, and mentally and biologically something like twenty-five, based on human standards." her daughter replied in a low, breaking voice

„So you were created when I was in Brightmoon." She said and started to guess some things.

„Yes... Then, when Catra was imprisoned and Hordak needed a new successor for his right hand, so he came up with the idea of creating a new version of you, obedient like a clone... „ Nightgale said, smiling sadly.

„So Hordak is your... father?" she asked, and the pain on her face was both confirmation and denial. She sighed and stroked her head with a clawed hand. Most were afraid or disgusted by her touch, but not her... Which was understandable... After all, she obviously carried the same curse as her... 'Damn fool,' she thought, gritting her sharp teeth. Hordak never really believed she was cursed... He thought it was some form of genetic defect. It irritated her, but she gave up trying to explain the difference because she realized it made him trust her more. Her magic fascinated him, too, but it repulsed him in equal measure. Did he think that this new version of her would teach him the secret of Magic and thus prove that it was always just a science that was not understood. She had no idea what was going on in this brainwashed man head and she didn't really care now. She was sure of only one thing. Hordak must die. As slowly and painfully as possible. Not because he created this unfortunate creature without truly understanding what he was actually bringing into being. But because he rejected her. However, this is a matter for the future. First, she must secure the future of her other daughters who have suffered so much because of her.

„Mother... I need to rest now... My body gets very tired when I am in Scarlet's form. Now it didn't take long, but then I won't have the opportunity... „ said the girl, and she nodded her head affirmatively. It took her over two hours to get back to the outer part of the castle... She got lost twice in that damned fortress! Lets the Daemons curse Entrapta and her damn ancestors. She went to the room she shared with Ireanis, where the sorceress from the Lost Golarion was playing some simple game given to her by Alatar.

„Are you tired of talking to your former students?" the silver-haired Woman asked without taking her eyes off the Datapad screen.

„Different than I expected. Although I should actually expect that they won't be happy about my return... „ she said and became lost in thought. She had to deal with everything that came her way on her own. Even though the difficulties were piling up before her, she couldn't ask anyone for help. She was lonely, as always. Even when she could have had a family, she rejected this possibility, choosing power and pride... until she became a slave to darkness beyond all imagination... Yes, she had always been alone until now...

„I have to ask you for help." she turned to the Elf, who put down the Datapad and looked at her seriously. " I've never asked anyone to do this before, with one exception. always thought it was a sign of weakness. Only contemptible, pathetic creatures ask others for help, and in that case you have the right... No, the obligation to demand the highest possible price. But now I am a pathetic and contemptible creature. And I am asking you, Ireanis, war sorceress, for help, because the lives of many innocent beings are at stake. You can demand everything from me in return, although I warn you in advance that I can't give you much."

„I'm a pathetic drunk myself... Stupid funny Ireanis, who is unreliable because she can't even cast a single spell correctly... Shadow Weaver, the very fact that you're asking someone like me for help is an honor for me... And it tells you how much you need help." the silver-haired Elf walked up to her and put her hand on her shoulder. She looked at the strange sorceress, wondering if this was the first friend she had ever met, and then told her the details of her plan.

After a few hours of rest, Nightgale woke up surprisingly refreshed. She felt a delicious numbness, extremely relaxing. It wasn't just because she could get a break from Scarlet. She liked this form, even though she was getting tired of it more and more quickly. She suspected it was because of how stressful life had become for the Comrade General's right-hand . But now she felt happy. Her mother called her daughter, accepted her. Whatever they said about her… She didn't care. She may have committed countless crimes and hurt many innocents, but it didn't matter to her. She was her mother and nothing else mattered. She looked to the side and saw Aaravos looking at her thoughtfully. He smiled in his mysterious way and said.

„It always amazed me how easy it is to make mortals happy. It is enough to like you, or at least claim to like you, and joy wells up in your hearts".

She frowned and said.

„It was acceptance... Accepting me into your family... Do you even accept me?"

The Star Elf tilted his head.

„Yes, in my own way." he replied, and she felt a feeling of anxiety.

„What does "in my own way" mean?" she asked suspiciously.

„You don't want to know." he replied, smiling indulgently.

„Now I definitely want to know. „ She drawled.

„Do you accept bots or, let's say, fish in the aquarium? Because that's how I see you... Although I must admit that you are a fascinating and exotic specimen..."

This strange, insulting compliment left her speechless. Well, she shouldn't expect anything less from beings like Aaravos or Lady Cala. She sighed and started her walk through the winding halls of Castle Crypto.

Several days passed during which they spoke little and never in private. Everyone was too busy preparing for Lonnie's plan, although she had the disturbing feeling that the Comrade General had made the decision to go ahead spontaneously, without thinking it through and without consulting her allies. But what could she do about it? Only on the eve of the marsh out did she find some time to exchange a few words with her. She found her mother in the courtyard, watching Lonnie inspecting the soldiers before they marched out. When she approached her mother, she asked her in Aklo.

„What do you think about all this?" she asked, and the Dark Sorcerer looked at her in surprise.

„About Lonnie's troops? They are impressive considering the conditions of Etheria... How do you know how to speak Aklo, it is the language of the Great Old Ones, Mi-Go, Elder Things and the like. It's not that easy to learn it here. Even I only learned how to use it fully when I left Etheria..."

She hesitated before answering. She wasn't sure if her mother should know about her connection with the Crawling Chaos… Certainly not now… She wanted her all to herself for the time being

„I had good teachers... „ she said, and the Dark Sorcerer just nodded. Nightgale's answer still said a lot about who she was hanging out with these days.

„When I have some free time, I will teach you how to mark your clothes so that you don't have to take them off every time you change." Shadow Weaver said in a low voice. "It's such a popular technique in the galaxy that it's become part of every shapeshifting spell, but here, on Etheria, it's only taught in Mystacor. In fact, many people believe that taking off your clothes with every transformation is appropriate, because it brings you closer to nature... I never liked showing off my bare butt... Have you mastered any other shapes?"

She nodded hesitantly.

„ I've taken the form of a boar and a snake several times... I'm also thinking about a bird... „ she said, and Shadow Weaver nodded.

„Birds are difficult because in order to fly, you need to learn how to summon animal instinct in a safe way. I suggest to take shape the rat or raccoon, they will get everywhere... The cat is also good choice...„ she hesitated, as if she remembered something. Nightgale knew exactly what she was thinking about

„Catra and I met in this ancient city... She and Lonnie tried to kill each other, hence the scar... Adora was there too... I... I'm not sure if I should treat her like a sister?"

Shadow Weaver frowned.

„Everyone here is, in a sense, my and Hordak's children. We shaped them, or rather twisted them. In a way, Lonnie and the Rest is more our creation than Catra and Adora. They, despite my efforts, always had each other. Now I wonder if they didn't instinctively sense their origins... „ Her voice was thoughtful and careful, as if she was speaking out loud her thoughts that were just taking shape.

„Dr. Moors claims that he already suspected that Catra was not from Etheria..."

Her mother nodded.

„I heard about that after my return, even though I arranged for him to be transferred because he was too interested in Adora... I don't trust him, and neither should you. The Mi-Go only serve themselves, even the other beings from the Dark Between the Stars find space fungi treacherous and self-centered... Damn, they're like me... I wish we'd met earlier,' she laughed hoarsely.

„Don't say that... Don't compare yourself to them. – she said energetically, but Shadow Weaver shook her head.

„No my child. I may have shown you a little kindness, but it doesn't change who I am or what I've done. Once upon a time, I would have probably seen you as just a useful tool and used it to implement my plans... Or simply killed you in a fit of rage. That's who I was and that's how I am... Maybe it's a bit of a Castrovalian Paradox, but don't trust me... No one should... Over the last few years, I may have gotten used to everyone seeing me as a righteous and respectable person, but she never existed. Miss Daisy was a lie that I believed myself. A mask that I wore for so many years that I treated it like a second skin. All the lies finally come to light and the masks fall... „ she rubbed her face with her hand. „Look, maybe we can talk again before everything starts, but if not... Then take care of yourself and... remember not to go my way. You will have a difficult life, also because of me, but learn to appreciate the kindness you receive from others, respect those who care about you. Don't take other people's contempt personally, but don't let yourself be pushed around. It's just an old woman's talk, which doesn't cost her anything, but isn't of much value either. I lost my life because of my choices. Don't go my way...„ Shadow Weaver became thoughtful and asked. „Does anyone else know your secret?"

„Kyle and Frosta... But I know they won't say anything. O have a dirt on Kyle, and Frosta... She won't say anything. She's a good girl." she said. She preferred not to mention the cultists who knew everything, even predicted her mother's return.

„You're a good girl too, never forget that. And now I need to talk to someone. Watch out for Lonnie. He seems to be starting to suspect something. " and left her alone with her thoughts.

Lonnie had to admit that she felt proud as she saw her soldiers getting ready to march. Most of them will not take part in the main mission, only in mock operations intended to distract the attention of Brightmoon's troops, so they will be convinced that he plans to strike somewhere other than in reality. She was proud of this part of the plan. No one should be harmed, her soldiers were not to engage in any fighting, only to cause confusion. A much smaller unit is to go to the capital and carry out the main part of the mission there. She was the one who was risky… much riskier than she thought she could be.

Previously, the only threats were Brightmoon's guards and the princesses, and neither of them would try to harm them unless they actually threatened them. But now that the Lord Admiral was in the capital... How many soldiers could he take with him? From what she said, Shadow Weaver was a real soldier who had been fighting wars for decades. She remembered all too well the days of the occupation, when they had to hide in canyons and caves from an enemy they could not fight. Will Glimmer's naive trust allow Etheria to fall into the clutches of an invader again? All this only confirmed her belief in the path she had chosen. She and her squad would go to Brightmoon armed with the gifts given to them by the Mi-Go, and she had the damned Shadow Weaver's warnings somewhere. This woman was always jealous of the power she could not control. She thought that as soon as she showed up on their doorstep, they would listen to her bullshit like before... The world has changed and they are no longer the same kids afraid of shadows. She looked at the dark Sorceress, thoughtfully surveying the lines of cadets. Scarlet was standing next to her, whispering in her ear every now and then. She frowned at the sight. Since their conversation together, Shadow Weaver and the former Cadet have become closer. She didn't like it very much, but that included everything related to her former superior.

„Are they fucking or something?" she asked herself.

„She's not her type... „ she heard a voice behind her that she didn't recognize. She turned around, her hands gripping her amazing staff. Behind her stood Eti, her head resting on her shoulder and her tail wagging gently. She hadn't yet learned to recognize her voice, which was so different from Catra's. Lower, deeper, almost colorless. She stared at her with catlike eyes, blinking slowly.

„Can you not sneak up on me?" She asked, a little irritated, but not as much as she should have been. This girl didn't annoy her as much as Catra, she wasn't as mean and cunning, just weird.

„I could, Scar, but I think someone should keep you alert. If you always expect me to be lurking in the shadows, watching you even in your most intimate or embarrassing moments, your alertness will reach superhuman levels and even Ahackek's best Assassins won't catch you... And you'll fall into paranoia, but you can live with that... Somehow. Until you start to suspect your loved ones of plotting against you and you live in a cave with only bats and spiders for company, until you finally start to believe that you are one of them and then you either lie in wait in the web for your prey or you travel through the night sky in search of a victim from which you can drink the blood... Either way, it will be Blonde-boy... „ Eti said. She stared at the cat girl with her mouth open. She knew she must look really stupid, but she couldn't help it.

„What did you mean, he's not her type? " she asked, regaining her composure. „ Does she even have a type?"

„Sure.„ Eti tilted her head to the other side. "You didn't know? And you say you know her so well... Well, she likes blond, muscular warriors with swords. We met her girlfriend in Brightmoon…"

Lonnie opened her mouth even wider.

„You're not suggesting ... that she and... „ she asked in disbelief. She shuddered at the thought.

„Well, I suggest that Grimmy is dating a Hellkightess" Who were you thinking about... Oh, the Blonde! No... It's a damn big age difference... Itel thinks she was into me, but it was about my sister, right?" she asked, and then Lonnie had the impression that the girl became strangely serious, although no emotions appeared on her face. – Okay, I'll leave you now, talk to your girlfriend.

„Scarlet is not my girlfriend... „ she replied, realizing that she was losing control of this conversation. – I have two boys!

„Kyle says you're sleeping with her... „ Eti protested.

„Once or twice... That doesn't make her my girlfriend. What kind of army would it be if everyone date with everyone else?" she asked, feeling a surge of irritation again

„Very lovely... Okay, I'm leaving now, bye.„ said the cat-like girl and ran between the shadows.

She wondered for a moment what this conversation was about, but came to the conclusion that she didn't have the strength to consider Eti's reasoning. Catra's sister was really weird. She didn't know if she could believe Eti's revelations about Shadow Weaver having a partner. The very idea that someone like the Cursed Sorceress could have sex with someone filled her with disgust and dismay. She didn't believe that she loved someone. This woman had a piece of basalt instead of a heart. But she still had no idea why the two sorceresses' relationships had changed so much. Now the thought of the two women being together seemed absurd to her, but what could have happened between them? Has Scarlet decided to form an alliance with someone stronger? Or was it Shadow Weaver who promised to share her dark secrets with her? She wasn't sure, but she couldn't fully trust her old friend anymore... But had she ever really trusted her? She had to talk to her anyway. She waited until the Dark Sorcerer went about her business, and then she approached Scarlet.

„You shouldn't be so flirtatious with her. This woman is a natural manipulator who is ready to use anyone and then abandon them when they are no longer needed." she said seriously, but the young Sorceress smiled at her.

„You sound like you're jealous." she giggled quietly. She gritted her teeth and replied.

„I'm not jealous, I just don't trust her... You shouldn't either, out of common sense... She's never done anything for us, not selflessly ... She even served Hordak out of pure calculation.

„Probably out of necessity. Without Black Opal, she would have died in a very unpleasant way, if not worse." said the Sorceress, this time much more seriously, without a trace of humor, absolutely seriously.

„Because she would turn into a vampire, or another character from the fairy tales she used to scare us as children... No, don't answer, I'm not going to start this ridiculous discussion... There's no point in you approaching her anyway. Remember our allies. Halo will definitely demand her head, and probably her sister's as well... Such allies are much more valuable than one treacherous Sorcerer" she said, barely holding back a scream. She wasn't about to lose her temper, but she had to talk some sense into the former cadet.

„Are you sure?" Scarlet asked carefully. "This woman is incredibly powerful and knowledgeable. She has practically run the Horde for decades and could help us lead our Rebellion.

Narrowing her eyes, she drawled slowly at the scarlet-haired woman.

„Shadow Weaver is finished. She's a mean old woman who couldn't win a war for twenty-five years despite Hordak's technology and all her power. Her time has long passed. We'll keep her here for a while until she's no longer useful. Then we will give it to the highest bidder... Who knows, maybe Catra will join the bidding... And I would advise you to seriously consider who you owe your loyalty to." she walked away feeling Scarlet's eyes on her back.

Nightgale sighed as she followed Lonnie, wondering how loyal she should be to Comrade General. Lonnie began to play a game whose rules she not only didn't understand, but wasn't even aware she was playing. The alliance with the Mi-Go was risky, but it could be profitable if you were careful, but Lonnie clearly had too much hope for working with the space fungi. She did it as if she wanted to convince herself that her decisions were right. She became more and more stubborn and stopped listening to others. The rest of rebelion were starting to notice it as well, though the arrival of Shadow Weaver distracted everyone from the problem a bit... But not for long... If she really wanted to do what she suspected... Then would the rest of the cadets continue to support her? Will her current allies, especially Star's sisters, turn on her? She ruled Dryll only with the consent of the inhabitants of this place, and if she gives the monsters from the Void Between the Stars their former ruler, they may change their minds. Then what? Will he fight the entire planet? And all this in exchange for what? For a ship she probably won't be able to handle? And even if she did, well, she was going to hand her mother over to her former enemies in order to maintain the alliance, though the young sorcerer suspected that the main reason she wanted to do this was because she felt threatened by the dark Sorceress… Perhaps rightly so. Shadow Weaver was powerful enough to take control of the rebellion and was competent enough to lead the rebellion to victory. But that wasn't her job. Both were to carry out the will of the Crawling Chaos. She even joined the Rebellion only because it could be used to implement Nyarlathotep's plans. It never really belonged to it. Not with the Heart... She was aware that sooner or later she would have to abandon it. But she knew now that it wouldn't come easy. She became close with former cadets. She was surprised to find that Dryll, or rather Castle Crypto, had become her home. She was not attached to the ideals of the Rebellion, but to the people creating it. She felt sad at the thought of having to leave it all behind… But what could she do? No one could oppose the Will of the Crawling Chaos.

Kyle stood in one of the corridors of Castle Crypto and looked at his sword. He usually didn't like wandering inside the castle, it was too easy to get lost here. He did not have good spatial orientation, and even Entrapta herself had trouble finding her way in this labyrinth. He was slowly getting used to the idea that he had power! That he, Kyle, has power! It scared him, but it also made him happy that he could finally be useful to his friends. Especially now, when so many new threats have emerged. He had heard about this Lord Admiral, supposedly Catra's father, and that he was a very evil man. If he became this big guy, he could fight the Admiral just like Adora fought Hordak. Maybe they would even fight with together She-Ra against this tyrant. It would be nice to be a hero, even if he had to hide it from Lonnie. Yes, he will finally do something good and show that he can show his boyfriend and girlfriend that he deserves their love.

He didn't hear any footsteps. He had never heard them, not even in the Dread Zone. When she wanted, Shadow Weaver could move very quietly... like a shadow...

„Good Afternoon Kyle, I'd like to talk to you." he heard a voice behind him that had terrified him for so many years. He jumped in fear and turned towards Hordak's former right-hand man.

„Oh, Shadow Weaver... How nice to see you. How can I help you?" He said, barely able to keep his legs from shaking. Shadow Weaver smiled sourly. Just the sight of her scarred face unnerved him, and that smile… Shadow Weaver had never smiled, and certainly not like this…

„You're still scared of me after all these years. I should consider it my success... But it only proves that I have failed... I have failed you all." she said in a quiet, very tired voice

Now he was even more afraid. Shadow Weaver always scared him, but when she acted like this it was much worse. Over the years they had learned to avoid her wrath and had become very adept at it. But now that she was starting to behave differently, so unpredictably, he had no idea what could enrage her.

„Uh... If you say so. Who am I to question your judgment." he said, and suddenly realized that it might be a trap and the woman might expect a completely different answer. "Uh, I mean I'm not criticizing you in any way." he started to explain, but the Dark Sorcerer waved her hand and said.

„Don't explain yourself, Kyle. It's me who came to apologize to you... Do you remember that mouse you used to keep in a shoebox?" Shadow Weaver asked in a strangely uncertain voice…

„You're talking about Mr. Whiskers!„ he shouted and she looked at her warily. What was she getting at?

„That's what it was called... You see, at that time I was working on an experiment... I wanted to create a spell that would steal life and give it to me. However, I needed a subject to test the spell on, so at night I went to your quarters and took your mouse... Mr. Whiskers. Of course, the experiment didn't produce the expected results... and your pet died. You didn't notice me during the night, so when you woke up and realized the mouse was missing, you blamed Catra... I didn't mislead you... It wasn't because I was ashamed... I just didn't care. But now you know the truth and... I would like to ask you for forgiveness."

Shadow Weaver stared at him as if she expected something from him, but he remained silent as his mind digested the Dark Sorceress's words… He finally burst out laughing. Loud and humorless, and Shadow Weaver stared at him in confusion. When he cooled down a bit, he started talking. The words came from the depths of his heart, he couldn't... he didn't want to stop them, even though he was sure he would regret it.

You're apologizing to me now! After all these years, when it doesn't matter anymore? Do you even understand what you did? It's not about Mr. Whiskers, even though I loved him so much. Because of you, Lonnie and Rogelio almost beat Catra. We blamed her all these years. We wanted to hurt her then... Just like you hurt us all... It's not me you should be asking for forgiveness, but Catra... But she would never give it to you." he blinked twice because he just understood something. "That's who you meant, right? You wanted to see if we could forgive you, if she could forgive you if you just asked nicely. You just had to test it on someone. Preferably on nice, fearful Kyle... I'm like Mr. Mustache to you." he lowered his head and added. "Leave me alone!"

He narrowed his eyes, expecting a harsh and painful punishment... But instead, Shadow Weaver stared at him with an expressionless face, and then disappeared into the shadow from which she had emerged.