Shadows of Decay in Mystacor

In the deep dark sanctum of Shadow Weaver, the Horde's second in command peered over her star charts. Her dark eyes narrowed as she looked for all the pieces that she was looking for. Using a telescope, she gazed up at the stars and the three moons of Etheria as a sinister smile reached from one ear to the other. She couldn't help but feel a great sense of anticipation as the sight of the glowing moons got in the right position for her plan.

"Yes, it is finally time." Shadow Weaver whispered with a wicked smile on her face. "Shigaraki, come to me, my apprentice. It is time for a reunion with some of our old colleagues." She instructed through her spell of dark magic.

The door of her dark sanctum opened to reveal her apprentice, Shigaraki. He looked more like a withered corpse wearing a black duster with a hood. His red eyes were the only thing that seemed to be alive, but only alive to spite the living.

"Why do we have to go back to that dump? It seems like too much hassle to get rid of some mid-bosses," Shigaraki groaned. "I would much rather pay Micah's kingdom a visit, only to turn it to dust. Too bad he's gone. I would've loved to have seen the look on his face." He let out a crazed cackle, scratching his neck like he had an ant's nest crawling under his skin.

Shadow Weaver could only narrow her eyes at the sight of her apprentice's madness. Oh, how she would've loved to see his devotion towards her teachings but even at times his desires made her reconsider who she chose to be by her side. But like a mad dog on a leash, she knew when to let him loose against her enemies.

"Save that energy for your mission, my apprentice," Shadow Weaver instructed as a black shadowy flame appeared in the palm of her hand, turning into a living shadow monster. "We will have our revenge soon enough."

There were many reasons as to why Shadow Weaver would do things: Jealousy, revenge, to prove a point, a complicated plan to get her in the good graces of her master, to weed out the weak from her forces, and to make sure that her enemies were eliminated from the face of Etheria. But above all else, she did everything she could to get power. It was her one and only craving in life whenever the idea presented itself. The Horde had given her a lot of power thanks to her position, knowledge and the Black Garnet. But after several reports of her orders being thwarted and her Force Captains being defeated by the Alliance had left her with nothing but an empty rage, she wanted the one move she had waited a long time to play.

Because despite Hordak's opinion, Shadow Weaver knew that the one place that held the most power was not Brightmoon or the Snow Kingdom. It was in fact her old home as well as the most strategic location, Mystacor.


In the Brightmoon war room, Queen Angella had asked all her trusted advisors for a briefing on all the movements of the war. She sat at the table with Spinnerella, Netossa, her daughter, and her team. But she was surprised to see that they were joined by representatives of the Flower Kingdom, Salineas, and Dryl, as the new members of the Alliance.

"First off, I want to welcome the representatives of the kingdoms of Plumeria, Salineas, and Dryl as they are here in the place of their princesses." Queen Angella welcomed. "I understand that they'll be here until their kingdoms are fully restored." She added, getting a bow from the representatives. "Not only are the kingdoms uniting once more, but the reports of the other generals and the Red Riots indicate that the Horde has lost substantial territory and several villages have been liberated thanks to our efforts."

"I believe it is thanks to Princess Glimmer and her team that they are here," Spinnerella commented.

"Nice going you four," Netossa agreed.

Queen Angella looked at her daughter and her team as she noted the smiles on their faces as they celebrated with high-fives and fist bumps. She noted how far her daughter had come in such a short while, but was nevertheless happy for her accomplishments.

"Yes, they have all done a great job for the Alliance. And should be rewarded. And speaking of, I have received a letter from Castaspella, requesting the Brightmoon presence on Mystacor for the Lunar Equinox ceremony." Queen Angella brought out a scroll with the symbol of Mystacor.

Glimmer gasped in awe at the mention of Mystacor and the name of Castaspella.

"Mom, are you saying?" Glimmer asked.

"Normally Spinnerella and Netossa would be the ones going, but given that Castaspella asked for you, I believe you are invited as well," Angella replied.

Glimmer and Bow squealed in excitement at the prospect while Netossa and Spinnerella giggled at their display.

However, the only ones that were completely out of the loop were Izuku and Catra, who were looking at their friends with worry.

"What is the big deal about this equinox thing?" Catra whispered as Izuku.

"I'm not sure, I think it might be a festival of some kind." Izuku whispered. "Toshinori mentioned something about a place called Mystacor once, but he never explained much either."

"What did he say?" Catra asked.

"Um…" Izuku remembered.


-Flashback-

Izuku looked up to the sky, gazing at the open, star-filled night. He caught a glimpse of a shooting star crossing the sky.

"Did you make a wish?" Toshinori asked, snapping Izuku out of his thoughts.

"Um, not really. Didn't know you were supposed to do that," Izuku replied.

Toshinori sat down next to him. He looked up at the sky figuring that it wouldn't hurt.

"Most like to think that some greater power grants wishes if you know enough about the world to know what to wish for," Toshinori sighed. "At least that's what the sorcerers of Mystacor would tell you."

Izuku's ears perked up at the mention of sorcerers. He had only met one magic user in his whole life and much like his only mother figure, she wasn't a good example or depiction. Using all his powers of deduction and his mastery over his own tongue, Izuku formed a question in his mind before speaking it.

"Toshinori, what are the sorcerers of Mystacor like?" Izuku asked.

Toshinori didn't reply right away. He hummed in thought as though he was looking for the meaning in a dictionary. He closed his eyes before letting out his response.

"There are only a few good ones," Toshinori replied. "But most of them…"


-Present-

"Are a bunch of old decrepit fools," Izuku whispered into Catra's ear.

Her eyes went wide at that declaration. She had never heard her father call anyone like that without them deserving such a description.

"Wow, good thing we don't have to deal with them," Catra whispered back.

"Can I bring my friends with us?" Glimmer asked, picking up Izuku and Catra in a hug.

"What?" Izuku and Catra asked.

Angella noticed the reaction of the two young adventurers and allies of the Alliance. She had only seen it in Toshinori when he was amongst them whenever they spoke of a topic that he didn't like or agreed with. She didn't know if this had something to do with how he raised them, but it was worth it to let them know what they were going to get into from a neutral standpoint. Angella could tell that Toshinori wasn't against sorcerers, but he did have his opinions on some others.

"Well, they are important members of the Alliance," Spinnerella commented. "It'll be like a family getaway, only with more political weight to it."

"Just call it for what it is, Spinny. It's a way for Brightmoon to see that the sorcerers of Mystacor are as against joining the conflict as they were the last ten times we've asked them to join and help," Netossa commented. "But they do have a nice spa to keep the wrinkles away."

"Come on guys, we could really use some down time after the last adventures," Bow argued. "We can swim, relax and enjoy one of the most majestic places in all of Etheria." He explained, with stars in his eyes.

Izuku and Catra couldn't help but consider that Bow was trying to sell the place as a tourist attraction for people looking for a holiday. Which made them wonder if people took vacations during war time or if the armies waited for a time to take a vacation. Either way, they were not entirely sure of what to do or say.

"I'm not sure if we should," Catra tried to argue.

"I-I-I mean this feels like something that wouldn't be our kind of scene," Izuku added.

"Guys, come on, it'll be like a short vacation. You've had one of those, right?" Glimmer asked, only for Izuku and Catra to shake their heads.

"What?! Then it is decided, we're going and you two are going to have some fun time with us," Spinnerella decided, lifting both Izuku and Catra with her control of the winds.

"W-wait," Izuku pleaded but to no avail.

"Hey, put us down!" Catra demanded as they were carried out of the room.

"You two better give up, once Spinny decides to do something she'll never back down." Netossa laughed at Izuku and Catra's predicament.


Without any other form of conversation, Izuku and Catra followed Glimmer, Bow, Netossa and Spinnerella as they went up to the entrance of the mysterious Mystacor. As they walked towards the spot, Spinnerella and Netossa explained to them what it was that they could and could not do while the wind princess took special interest in helping Izuku and Catra.

"Aren't you two excited? Your first diplomatic mission to Mystacor is a sight you won't forget. But regardless of how amazing it is, there are some rules that you have to follow," Spinnerella said. "As part of the Brightmoon representatives, you must be respectful of the traditions of the sorcerers. They can be very secretive about their rules and do not appreciate being talked back to."

"Then I might as well be mute," Catra whispered. " Back-talking is part of my personality."

"We don't plan on antagonizing them, Princess Spinnerella," Izuku replied.

"Please, just Spinnerella," She giggled.

"Okay, so, where's this place we were supposed to go to?" Catra asked, looking that they were at the top of a mountain with a large chasm in front of them. "There doesn't seem to be anything here."

"Oh, this is the fun part," Bow said before he jumped into the chasm along with Glimmer and Netossa.

"Look out below!" Glimmer called out.

"Bomb's away!" Netossa shouted loudly.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Izuku and Catra screamed, jumping after their friends, with Izuku using One For All and Catra transforming into She-Ra mid-jump.

However, before they could go after their friends, a strong wind carried them both up into the air. They turned to see Spinnerella using her wind magic to hold them in the air.

"What are you doing?!" Catra snapped.

"Please, calm down," Spinnerella said.

"'Calm down'?! Your wife and our friends just jumped into a chasm and are floating!" Izuku snapped before realizing what he'd just said. "Wait, floating?"

Izuku and Catra looked to see Glimmer, Netossa and Bow on top of a floating rock, going upwards into the air.

"What kind of mess is that?!" Catra snapped. "Why did you just jump like that without telling us?!"

Izuku turned to Spinnerella with a gasping face.

"Did you know?"

"I was just about to tell you when you went all hero there, sorry." Spinnerella apologized only for Catra to snarl as she turned back.

"Put us down. Now." Catra snarled.

Spinnerella was slightly taken aback by Izuku and Catra's reaction. She did as she asked before she went up to the cliff with them.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"Let's just go get this over with." Catra jumped without giving the wind princess another word.

Izuku looked at Spinnerella and couldn't help but feel guilty at what Catra had said and how he reacted. He gave her an apologetic look before he tried to figure out how to explain himself and Catra's reactions. But before he could do so, Spinnerella walked up to him.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you two." Spinnerella apologized. "I'll try to be more understanding and open in the future."

"Um, no, it's alright. Catra and I just have a complicated history with jumping off cliffs and stuff," Izuku replied, trying to make the situation less of a disaster. "Um, should we go?"

"Yes, the others will be waiting for us," Spinnerella smiled before they jumped down.

However, as they jumped they barely noticed something dark moving in the shadows. The head of a well known feline popped out, shaking the leaves out of its green maine before its head snapped back. It was Melog. She bared her fangs at something else moving in the shadows before she disappeared into a blink of light.

Izuku and Spinnerella landed on the same stone as Catra before it started to lift up into the clouds. Their ride was quiet as Catra kept to herself and pulled Izuku close to her, not wanting to talk to Spinnerella, not even to hear her say sorry. The image of their friends jumping off a cliff and them being held back against their will was a memory that they didn't want to relive and would rather not deal with something that Shadow Weaver would do. Their minds were focused on the ground when their eyes caught a shadow moving under the rocks.

"Whoa, what was that?!" Izuku asked.

"Did you see that?" Catra asked.

"What are you looking at?" Spinnerella watched the area where Izuku and Catra had observed. "I don't see anything. Don't worry, Mystacor is one of the most secretive places in the world. Only those that know of its existence know where it is."

The two friends looked at each other with some concern. They knew first hand how people could often find things in the least of hospitable places. If these sorcerers were as good as they'd heard then they had to have had something to keep themselves hidden instead of just relying on being hidden amongst the clouds.

"Look, don't worry about it. This is meant to be a vacation for you two," Spinnerella said, trying to comfort them. "Look, Mystacor is just in sight." She pointed to the large temple floating amongst the clouds.

Izuku and Catra looked at it and their eyes widened in awe.

The temple was a large floating island with towers spinning around it like sentry lights. There were three major buildings that stood in unison, each meant to represent one of the three moons of Etheria. There was the main school building where classes were held and the students were taught to master magic. The second building was a small coliseum mixed with a beach and a bath house, where the students and teachers could practice and enjoy the relaxing hot waters to commune with magic and the elements. The last building was a tall tower that housed an observatory and housed the Moon Sanctuary, where the crystals of magic absorbed the light of the moon and aided in the protection and balance of Mystacor.

The floating temple seemed like a place that was disconnected with the world. The air carried no traces of conflict or war like the other places that Izuku and Catra had been to. It was a strange awakening experience for them.

"This place feels unreal," Izuku commented.

"Yeah, I felt the same way when I first laid eyes on it." Spinnerella added.

"So, everyone here is a sorcerer, right?" Catra asked.

"From what I understand, yes. Every sorcerer in Etheria spent some time here," Spinnerella replied, noting that Catra and Izuku tensed at that statement. "Is something wrong?"

Izuku and Catra looked at each other, knowing exactly what they were each thinking. If this was the place that taught every single magic user in all of Etheria then there was a chance that this was also the place where Shadow Weaver and Shigaraki came out of. Their memories of those two still made them double check every single shadow before they went to sleep.

They were then knocked out of their thoughts when Spinnerella placed her hands on their shoulders.

"It's going to be okay. You two have nothing to worry about." Spinnerella calmed them down as they came up to where Glimmer, Netossa and Bow were waiting for them.

"Hey slowpokes, what took you so long?" Netossa asked.

"Yeah, we thought we were gonna have the holiday all to ourselve-OOFF!" Bow began only for Catra to punch him in the stomach.

"Next time you try to pull that kind of joke on us, you better hope there is no magic rock to catch you," Catra snarled.

"Sorry, we just have some bad memories of jumping into the unknown," Izuku explained as Bow held his stomach in pain.

"Sorry you guys, we thought it would be a fun joke," Glimmer apologized.

"It's okay, Glimmer, you didn't know," Izuku said, hoping to calm things down.

Netossa snuck back to her wife while the four friends talked and waited for the welcoming committee of Mystacor.

"Hey, what happened back there?" Netossa whispered.

"I think that Izuku and Catra have some bad experiences with magic and people jumping. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Spinnerella whispered back.

Just then a group of people wearing white robes with astral symbols around their necks came walking towards the group with a woman leading them. Unlike the rest of the group, she wore a purple dress with darker sleeves, a golden star at the center of her chest with a golden outline of her chest and a line down the middle of the rest of her dress. She carried a light pink cape with golden shoulder pads on top of her dress. She had long black hair tied in a bun with two tails on either side of her face and a golden band around her head. She had fair skin and dark eyes and carried herself with the air of a powerful sorceress.

"Too late for that now," Netossa said as they joined the group to welcome the party.

"Well, here goes nothing," Spinnerella muttered. "Greetings, I am Spinnerella of the House of Winds, ambassador of Brightmoon. I come with General Netossa, Princess Glimmer, Bow, Izuku and Catra. We come in peace as representatives of Brightmoon."

"Welcome to Mystacor, ambassadors of Brightmoon. I am Castaspella," Castaspella introduced herself. "We welcome you all to the bright temple of Mystacor." They bowed in respect.

Izuku, Catra, Glimmer, Bow, Netossa and Spinnerella bowed in response. Once they were done bowing, they observed the robed sorcerers as Castaspella walked up to the group with a serious look on her face. She reached up to where Glimmer stood before giving the princess a serious look.

"Oh my gosh, Glimmer look how big you've gotten." Castaspella hugged Glimmer in a tight hug, slightly lifting her from the ground. "Oh I've missed you so much. Tell me everything. Are these your friends? It's a pleasure to meet you! Has Glimmer told you about Mystacor? I know she shouldn't but I won't blame her if she did."

Izuku and Catra were thrown for a loop at the sight before them.

"Um, did we miss something?" Catra asked.

"Oh, right, you guys don't know. This is my aunt, Castaspella," Glimmer introduced. "Aunt Cass, these are my new friends, Izuku and Catra. They are the new star members of the Alliance."

"Your aunt is a sorceress?!" Izuku and Catra called out.

"Yep, and I've just been named the new Head Astral Priestess by the council of sorcerers. It is an honor to meet you two." Castaspella said, before turning to Glimmer. "I say, that young man is quite the looker. Is he your boyfriend, Glimmer?" She whispered into her niece's ear, causing her to turn red.

"Aunt Cass!" Glimmer growled in embarrassment.

"Oh, I'm just teasing, sweetie. You're a lot like your dad when it comes to these things," Castaspella said.

Glimmer could only look away in slight discomfort at the comment.

Izuku and Catra noticed this, sharing a concerned look between each other. They had noticed that Glimmer had tried to stand out and help in every single way in which she could prove herself to both her mother and the Alliance. However, they didn't know much about the reason for that behavior. They figured that they should ask her in case she needed someone to talk to.

One of the cloaked sorcerers cleared his throat, getting the attention of Castaspella.

"Oh, right, sorry. We shall escort you to the council's chamber where we will discuss the Moon Equinox ceremony and clear all the necessary diplomatic details," Castaspella explained. "Then we can have the rest of the day to ourselves." She jumped like a giggling kid.

As the sorcerers and Castaspella walked away, the Brightmoon group followed closely behind them.

However, as soon as the two groups got into the temple, a shadowy creature came out from behind a rock. Its single red eye looked around, observing Mystacor with the coldness of a snake hunting for a nest full of eggs ready to devour. Like looking for the biggest heat source, its head looked up to the tall tower where the observatory was located along with the council's chamber. It slithered down across the field towards its target, according to the will of its mistress.

The group followed Castaspella up to the second highest floor of the observatory, climbing up the steps to the floor like an order of monks. They arrived at the council's chamber, with Castaspella knocking on the door of the chamber.

"Now, remember, Grand Master Norwyn is a bit of a stickler for rules and a little out of touch with things," Castaspella whispered. "Just leave the talking to me and we'll all be fine."

"Why do I have a sense that I'll end up yelling at someone before the day is over?" Catra commented.

"Be nice, kitty," Spinnerella begged, patting Catra's head.

Catra grumbled but couldn't help but like the gentle touch.

Castaspella opened the chamber doors, revealing the sanctum of the sorcerer council.

The room was circular with five seats arranged in a half circle while surrounded by diamond shaped crystals hovering on the walls. The floor was covered in markings of different constellations and astral bodies with them circling around a large golden star much like the one that Castaspella and the council wore on their headbands. Sitting on the seats were five members of the council and at the center of the seats was Grand Master Norwyn.

He was an old goat man with white hair and long curved horns that wore a long blue tunic with silver star patterns on the sleeves and chest along with a golden headband like the one that Castaspella wore.

"Grand Master Norwyn, I present to you the Brightmoon representatives." Castaspella bowed along with the Brightmoon group.

"We are honored to have you here. Please, step forth," Grand Master Norwyn said.

"It is an honor for us to be here as representatives of Brightmoon, and to give your new Head Astral Priestess the acknowledgement of our kingdom." Spinnerella addressed the Grand Master. "We hope that you'll grace us with permission to enjoy the wonders of Mystacor."

"Very well, you are allowed to be on the grounds of our temple as long as you abide by our rules until the Moon Equinox. No mention of the war, do not enter the observatory without a guide, no machines and no violence is permitted within the grounds." Grand Master Norwyn said. "That will be all."

Castaspella led the group out of the council chamber leaving them with more questions than answers.

"Wait, no mention of the war? What's that supposed to mean?" Catra asked as they closed the doors behind them.

"Well, the Sorcerer Council likes to keep away from any unnecessary or trivial things while in the pursuit of magical knowledge and balance." Castaspella sighed.

"'Unnecessary things'?" Catra asked with a small scoff. "You're kidding right?"

"How is a war for Etheria trivial?!" Izuku snapped. "If they cared about balance they would do something about the Horde. The Horde are the ones that despise magic. They should do something!"

"Green, keep it cool. You may be right but you can't snap like that," Netossa commented.

"We may not agree with their actions or reasons, but we have to respect them," Spinnerella added. "Sorry, Castaspella."

"No, they have a right to be against it. But let's not dwell on the council any longer." Castaspella calmed the situation. "Let's go exploring everyone!"

Izuku and Catra couldn't help but begrudgingly join the tour, thinking that maybe it could be good for them. However, as they walked down the stairs, they felt as though something was looking at them or moving in the shadows. Their eyes narrowed as they looked for anything that might've been out of place in Mystacor. However, their perception of what was normal and what was out of the ordinary happened to be not the best.

Castaspella took them through a hall where the statues of all the great sorcerers had graced the halls of Mystacor.

"These here are the former Grand Masters and Head Astral Priestesses/Priests that have made a mark on Mystacor's history," Castaspella explained, pointing to the different statues. "For instance, here we have the statue of Grand Master Horus, who was a great philosopher that discovered the ancient fortifications the First Ones left before disappearing. Oh and right next to him is the Head Astral Priest who used his knowledge of the stars to keep Mystacor safe during the days of the fire rain."

"Did any of these guys ever do something useful for people that weren't inside Mystacor?" Catra asked.

"Um, what I think Catra is asking is have any sorcerers helped Etheria in ancient times?" Spinnerella reworded.

Catra couldn't help but huff in annoyance.

"Ah yes. Many sorcerers have gone out into the world and helped people in need. My brother being one of the most recent," Castaspella replied. "And I believe that Micah's statue is nearby as well." She pointed out, causing Glimmer to become uncomfortable.

"Um, actually can we ask you a few questions?" Izuku asked, changing the subject. "Why don't the sorcerers join the fight against the Horde?"

Castaspella sighed.

"As much as it pains me to say, the council has long dictated that all sorcerers must remain neutral in this conflict, as a way to maintain balance." Castaspella explained with regret in her voice. "They believe that if we get involved we will fall prey to dark magic like some of us." She looked at a darkened statue on the wall.

"So you're basically hiding up here instead of fighting for what's right?" Catra countered.

"Catra." Spinnerella snapped.

"I stand for what I said." Catra growled.

"We just want answers," Izuku added, looking at Spinnerella with a stern look.

"It's okay, my brother thought the same way. Personally I wish we could help, but Norwyn is too set on his ways to see what's going on outside Mystacor," Castaspella admitted.

"Hey, why don't we go to the beach and the spa instead of talking about history," Bow suggested, noting the tension that could be cut with Catra's sword.

"That sounds like a great idea." Glimmer pushed Bow and Castaspella towards the beach.

Netossa grabbed Izuku and Catra by their ears like a scolding mom, holding them back.

"You guys go on ahead, I gotta have a few words with these two," Netossa told his wife.

"Are you sure, honey?" Spinnerella asked.

"Of course, go on ahead," Netossa said. "Be sure to pick something sexy to wear while I deal with these sour pusses." She added, pulling Izuku and Catra away.

Izuku and Catra groaned and winced in pain as Netossa dragged them back with a strong pinch of her fingers. They knew what was coming but they couldn't understand why they were in this situation.

"Okay, you've got less than three seconds to explain yourselves," Netossa hissed, still holding them both by their ears.

"Ow, explain about what?" Catra asked. "We asked some legit questions on why these hocus pocus stooges haven't decided to fight! And let go of our ears!"

"We didn't mean to insult them." Izuku winced as Netossa's pinch turned their ears white with pressure. "We'll apologize. Ouch, please let go of our ears!"

"Oh, you'll apologize alright, but not to the sorcerers," Netossa said, finally releasing the two young adults from her iron pinch.

"Then, ow, to who?" Izuku rubbed his ear in pain.

"To Spinnerella, you jerks. You've been acting very rudely to her," Netossa snapped. "She's been nothing but nurturing and you two treat her like she's giving you the finger. I know she can get a bit too motherly at times but what the hell?"

"We didn't mean to be mean to her. We're sorry, it's just this place, and that joke about our friends jumping into god knows what and her holding us back from helping them," Izuku explained. "It brought back some bad memories."

"It also doesn't help that the only mother figure in our lives wasn't exactly nurturing," Catra added with venom in her words.

"Wait, what?" Netossa asked. "You'll have to explain this a little."

Izuku and Catra looked at each other, knowing that they would have to talk about their time with the Horde.

"Back when we were little, the only one that could be considered a mother figure was a far cry from anything sweet," Izuku explained. "She raised us and the other kids more like soldiers and tools. If we messed up even once, we were reprimanded. She did everything in her power to remind us that if we got in the way of those she saw promise, we wouldn't see another sunrise."

"Yeah, she took out everything bad in her life on us. And if we even so much as fought back, let's just say that we were lucky the scars healed." Catra rubbed her arm. "She used her magic to torment us and emotionally scar us."

"And with the whole prank thing, it reminded us about the night we escaped the Fright Zone in which Shadow Weaver almost killed us," Izuku added. "I guess that's one of the things that we have to deal with. We didn't mean to be mean to Spinnerella. We'll apologize."

Netossa was ready to tear the two kids a new one after how they had behaved, but after hearing their story, she was now ready to tear this Shadow Weaver in half. She now got a good idea as to why the two kids were behaving like a couple of jerks. If anyone got motherly with her after dealing with that bitch, then she would also have reservations. She understood where the kids were coming from and probably being surrounded by sorcerers was not a good thing for them.

"Wow, sorry you kids had to go through with that bitch," Netossa said. "But you still are going to apologize."

"We will." Izuku agreed.

However, unbeknownst to the trio, Spinnerella heard every word of the conversation. She now understood what the two kids had gone through. She sighed in understanding of their situation after being a bit forceful.


The day continued on with the group enjoying the spa and the beach. They had gotten special bathing suits as they dipped into the waters of the spa.

"Ahh," Glimmer sighed, dipping into the steamy waters as the steam covered the spa. "Now this is so good."

"I really love it when the hot waters hit you after a long tiring day," Castaspella added, stretching her arms.

"You said it, girl," Netossa said, leaning back with Spinnerella leaning on her.

"I'm not much of a water girl, but I could get used to this," Catra sighed in delight. "Right, Izuku? Izuku?" She opened one eye only to see Izuku with a bright blushing face.

Izuku had found himself in the same hot water as the women. His eyes couldn't help but land on the tight and very revealing swimsuits that the women were wearing as they were all in the spa. He could see every single curve of their bodies that made his body heat up even more than the waters he was submerged on. Izuku's eyes were seeing the women before him in ways that he hadn't considered.

"Um, I think I like it," Izuku muttered, trying to look away from them.

Netossa noticed this before looking at the girls.

"Aw, he's shy," Netossa whispered.

She couldn't help but think that it was cute that someone could face off the Horde and survive in the Crimson Waste was brought to a bumbling mess by seeing a few curves.

"I think I should get out," Izuku said, getting out of the spa, much to the delight of the women at seeing his body.

"Maybe we should give him some space," Glimmer suggested, although she secretly loved to know that she was having that effect on the young man. "Right, Bow?"

"Hey, where's Bow? I haven't seen him," Castaspella pointed out. "Didn't you say that he was getting in ahead of us, Glimmer?"

"He did say he was meeting us here," Spinnerella mentioned.

"I'll go find him," Glimmer sighed, teleporting out of the spa.


Izuku had gotten out of the spa before tying a towel around his waist. He was wiping the sweat from his brow while trying to calm himself. He had seen Bow with a couple of students, helping them with their illusions before going to the beach with them. He sighed at the calmness of his situation, but couldn't help but feel like something else was afoot. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. But before he could think more about it a bright flash appeared ahead of him, next to the statue of a powerful sorcerer.

"Where the heck is Bow?" Glimmer sighed.

"I think I saw him at the beach," Izuku said, causing Glimmer to jump a bit.

"Izuku, don't do that. You almost made me jump out of my swimsuit," Glimmer joked before she saw the statue, getting a bit self conscious. "Of course we'd end up having a scene in front of this statue."

Izuku looked at the statue with curiosity. It looked familiar but couldn't put his finger on why.

"Do you know who this sorcerer was?" Izuku asked.

"For a good part of my life," Glimmer replied. "This is my dad, Micah of the Bright Star. One of the most powerful sorcerers in recorded Mystacor history." She looked at the statue as though she was being judged by it.

"Is something wrong? I've noticed that you don't like being reminded by the statues," Izuku commented. "You want to talk about it?"

Glimmer looked at Izuku and figured that it would be a good thing to get this out. She had only told Bow bits of what she was about to tell Izuku.

"Tell me what you see when you look at the statue," Glimmer sighed.

Izuku raised an eyebrow at the instruction. He gazed at the statue, using his eyes to catch everything of value that he could see.

"I see the statue of your dad, a powerful sorcerer," Izuku replied.

"Exactly, my dad was one of the most powerful sorcerers Mystacor has ever seen or taught. He was capable of learning spells faster than everyone else and used them to a mastery few had managed." Glimmer explained. "He then went on to marry my mom, Queen Angella, one of the most powerful queens of Brightmoon in recent history. Who's connection to the runestone was far stronger than her mother and grandmother. And then there's me, simple, flickering Glimmer."

Izuku now understood why Glimmer didn't like being reminded of her father or what her mother had accomplished.

"Everyone looks at me and expects me to become just like them, but every time I try I mess up. Until you and Catra arrived, I was a screw up and I was constantly dismissed for my choices." Glimmer sat down next to her father's statue. "Can you ever guess what it's like to constantly be reminded that you have to live up to not one but two legacies?"

"I can take a guess." Izuku sat down next to her. "One For All is also a legacy that I have to live up to, and now that I know what my dad used to do before raising me and Catra, even more so. What I'm trying to say is that you're not alone, Glimmer. You don't need to bare the weight of your legacy on your own. You can be greater by being true to yourself and your choices."

Glimmer felt her face getting warmer at Izuku's words. She really wanted to thank him for his kindness. Her hand grabbed his, both helping one another up.

"You're right, Izuku. I just gotta be me," Glimmer said, blushing a bit. "Besides, I can't do worse than that sorceress." She pointed to a completely darkened statue of a woman that looked oddly familiar.

"Hey dorks, what's keeping you?" Catra asked, coming up with the rest of the women. "You were taking a bit too long."

"Sorry, we lost track of time," Glimmer said, letting go of Izuku's hand.

"Right~," Castaspella teased before spotting the other statue. "Urg, Light Spinner, they should really get rid of that statue."

"Who was she?" Catra asked.

"A former teacher that went down a dark path," Castaspella replied. "And she's someone best left forgotten."

However, Izuku and Catra kept looking at the statue noting more and more similarities with someone they hoped never to see again. They couldn't shake the feeling that this statue was way too close to Shadow Weaver.

"Um, if you don't mind us asking, what did she do?" Izuku asked.

"The Grand Master doesn't like to talk about it, but let's just say that she led some students down a wrong path," Castaspella explained. "And as a consequence of that, one of the students got cursed hands that disintegrated anything he touched."

Those words send a cold chill down the spines of Izuku and Catra. They looked at the statue with shaking legs that threatened to give out in the blink of an eye. As though the shadows themselves were taking form, they now saw that the one called Light Spinner was the same one that had terrorized them as children.


Up in the observatory, the Council of Sorcerers was preparing for their yearly ritual. They sat down in a circle as the moonlight began to rise on the horizon.

"Brothers, sisters, let us prepare for the Moon Equinox Ritual and make Mystacor a safe place for another year," Norwyn instructed, unaware that a dark shadow moved in the back.

All the sorcerers entered in a meditative state, closing their eyes as they channeled magic into a drawn series of glyphs. Their magic started to make the glyphs glow brightly as they started to hover in the air.

However, before they could begin their ceremony, the dark shadow sprang into action like a snake. The dark shadow covered the opening of the observatory, plunging it into utter darkness. It then opened its dark eye, dropping down a figure that unleashed his magic against the council sending them back.

The figure stood back up, revealing Shigaraki surrounded by a dark aura that separated his body from the floor.

"Ah, it's so good to be home," Shigaraki sighed as his handprint left a decaying mark on the floor.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Norwyn panted, coughing as the dust spread through the room.

"I remember. You." Shigaraki pointed a finger at the Grand Master. "Don't you remember me? I was one of your best sorcerer apprentices."

Norwyn's eyes widened as Shigaraki gave him a sinister smile.

"Y-You! The plagued child." Norwyn stood up, struggling to his feet.

"I forgot that nickname, I go by Shigaraki now." Shigaraki swept his hand, sending a wave of decaying energy at the old grand master.

Norwyn tried to defend himself with magic, but Shigaraki's magic caused it to decay, destroying the wall behind Norwyn.


Down on the lower floors, Izuku, Catra and the rest of the group heard the explosion, seeing the large black cloud coming out of the observatory. The sight of the smoke made it clear that something had gone wrong.

"I don't think that's normal." Catra growled.

"Oh no, if the ceremony isn't completed by the time the moons are at their peak, then Mystacor will be unveiled to the world." Castaspella warned.

"Let's go!" Izuku called out.


The group rushed to the observatory. They could only guess that all that destruction was not part of the ceremony. Reaching to the top floor, they kicked down the door, revealing the destruction caused by Shigaraki and the downed sorcerers.

Izuku and Catra's blood ran cold at the sight of the man, but then it began to boil. They had seen this destruction once, and the man that killed their friend was standing before them. They wanted to do nothing more than to go straight up to where he stood and give him what he did to their friend only tenfold. As Castaspella, Bow and Netossa helped the downed Sorcerer Council, their eyes were centered on the pale bringer of decay and death.

"Oh great, more mini bosses to deal with," Shigaraki groaned as though the heroes were a minor annoyance. "So annoying."

"Shigaraki." Castaspella growled, narrowing her eyes at the living corpse that was once a sorcerer apprentice.

"It would seem that this is a fateful reunion," a sinister dark voice came from the shadow creature.

Izuku and Catra knew that voice all too well. It was the voice that tormented them in their nightmares.

The shadow creature started to take shape, turning into a dark reflection of Shadow Weaver herself.

"Is that her?" Glimmer asked.

"The Horde's second in command," Netossa replied as Spinnerella went to Izuku and Catra's shaking hands.

"Shadow Weaver." Catra spat out.

"Izuku, Catra, it's been a long time," Shadow Weaver mocked. "You have no idea the amount of emotions I am feeling at the sight of you. Disappointment most of all. You two brats couldn't even do dying correctly. But your absence did help turn Adora into the Force Captain I always knew she would become. I wish I could be there personally but thanks to a certain banishment spell, this is the best I can do."

Izuku's teeth gritted in rage as One For All coursed through his body. His eyes narrowed as rage seethed through him like a fire.

"Whatever you did to her, we'll undo." Izuku pledged, giving Shadow Weaver a defiant look. "We'll take care of Shigaraki and this shadow. Get the council to safety."

"But-," Glimmer began.

"Trust us, Sparkles." Catra unsheathed her sword. "You don't want to get caught in the middle of this."

"You think that tin foil blade is going to make a difference against us?" Shigaraki cackled.

"Trust me, you zombie, you'll be eating those words," Catra snarled. "For the Honor of Grayskull!" she raised her sword as Izuku's body became surrounded by One For All.

Izuku sped past the wreckage, appearing directly on top of Shigaraki, reeling his left arm back while his body twisted back. Despite his strange position, he released his punch, twisting his body to land a devastating blow on the dark sorcerer's face. He could feel Shigaraki's face against his fist, but he could also feel a wall between them that kept him from landing the full strength of his blow.

Shigaraki was sent flying back, smashing against the wall of the observatory.

"Why you little!" Shigaraki growled.

Shadow Weaver stretched out her hand to snatch Izuku with a large shadowy hand, but her hand was blocked by Catra.

"Get away from him!" Catra snapped, using her sword to push back the large shadow claw.

"You were always a pain to my sight, Catra. I'll take pleasure in ending you," Shadow Weaver snarled with poison in every word.

"You'll find me more than a pain to your eyes by the end of this," Catra pushed Shadow Weaver back only for her to disappear into the shadows.

Shigaraki jumped out of the wall, rushing at Izuku with a glare of murder in his eyes. He grazed the floor with his hands, sending a decaying wave towards Izuku, making the ground shatter and shoot out towards him.

Izuku crossed his arms, covering himself from the rocks that came at him. His eyes were covered by the dust, forcing him to barely keep one eye open. Thanks to his one good eye, he caught sight of the corpse-of-a-sorcerer lunge at him with a look of murder in his eyes. Izuku jumped back, getting scratched on the left cheek by Shigaraki. He noticed that there was no decay while the floor had a large scar on it. However, he was brought back to the fight by another swipe coming to his face.

"Stand still!" Shigaraki cried out as Izuku dodged the claws of his enemy with his speed.

"Not a chance!" Izuku snapped back, as he looked for an opening against his enemy.


Back with Glimmer, Castaspella and the others, they were putting the last members of the Council on the lower floor for protection.

"Stay here," Castaspella said. "We need to go back up there."

"Yeah, Izuku and Catra are stuck with those two," Glimmer pointed out.

"Not just that, we have to complete the ceremony or else Mystacor could be exposed to the world," Castaspella added.

"But how? We aren't sorcerers," Bow pointed out.

"And we can't leave Izuku and Catra alone," Spinnerella countered.

"I need at least three magical warriors to help me," Castaspella said, looking at Glimmer and Netossa. "Glimmer, Netossa, I need your help. As princesses, I'll need your assistance. Your powers will be perfect to channel the energy of the moons."

"You got it." Netossa agreed.

"But I don't have any magic powers or training, Aunt Cass," Glimmer argued as they heard the floor above them shake.

"Glimmer, trust me, you can do it," Castaspella said, holding Glimmer's shoulders. "You're not just a princess. I believe you can be more than what you think."

Her words echoed in Glimmer's mind, remembering the words that Izuku told her. She nodded her head as they all rushed back to the top floor.


Back in the battle, Izuku and Catra were back to back. As Izuku punched and pushed back Shigaraki, Catra was slashing at the shadow creatures. They were panting, with scratches and burn marks all across their bodies from their battle. They kept their eyes focused on the two enemies as they circled them like a couple of dark wolves wanting to eat their hearts out.

"Is this all you got? I expected more from all the trouble you've been causing," Shadow Weaver taunted from the shadows. "Guess you two will always be a disappointment."

"Why don't you come here face-to-face, I'll gladly chop your head off!" Catra roared, slashing at the shadows.

"Don't listen to her, Catra. We gotta focus," Izuku said, throwing one of the broken rocks at Shigaraki.

"Brave words from the weakest link. You failed to save your friends, and now they will strike you down should I order it." Shadow Weaver whispered with venom in her lips. "You are no hero. You're just a little boy that should've learned his place a long time ago!" The Shadow Creature smacked Izuku's back, giving Shigaraki the opening he needed.

Shigaraki sent a decaying wave towards Izuku and Catra. The dark magic sent them back as the ground under their feet decayed under their feet.

Izuku grabbed hold of Catra, taking the full brunt of the impact. The air was knocked out of him as some of the crystals got embedded in his skin. Holding back a pained cry, Izuku and Catra got back up.

"It's time to get rid of these annoyances once and for all!" Shigaraki called out, still feeling the pain from the last punches.

"Be sure to leave the sword intact, I could use it for my experiments," Shadow Weaver instructed. "Looks like I will finally be rid of you two once and for all. Izuku, Catra, I'll be sure to tell Adora that you both died. For good this time."

Shigaraki shot forward, thrusting his hand with the desire to turn both Izuku and Catra to dust.

Izuku and Catra got ready for the worst, but before the creepy hand of Shigaraki could lay a finger on them, they felt a strong wind.

A large tornado came between the two young heroes and the oncoming attack. The wind picked up so much speed and strength that sent Shigaraki flying back and slamming into the wall once more.

Shadow Weaver tried her hand, but she was pushed back by the winds.

Izuku and Catra looked up to see Spinnerella protecting them with her wind magic. The purple princess had a fierce look on her face as her hands were stretched out, keeping the wind wall going. She pushed back the Shadow Creature with a powerful blast of concentrated air.

"You will not hurt them ever again!" Spinnerella roared with the ferocity of a mother bear against all that would harm her babies.

"Spinnerella?" Izuku asked.

"What are you doing here?" Catra asked.

"You two looked like you needed a hand. We gotta get rid of these two while the others complete the ceremony," Spinnerella explained. "Are you two still up for a fight?"

"You got it!" Izuku and Catra both replied.

Spinnerella charged along with Izuku and Catra, pushing back Shadow Weaver. As the wind princess kept the shadow creature in one place, Izuku and Catra counter attacked their enemies. Izuku landed a roundhouse kick on the side of Shigaraki, breaking the sorcerer's arm. Catra got between Izuku and Shadow Weaver as she tried to grab him once more. However, her sword was coated in light, transforming into a bright golden shield. The bright light sent the shadow creature into Shigaraki.

While this was going on, Castaspella, Glimmer and Netossa were all in the circle as the new Astral Priestess created a mystical circle. She chanted a spell as the other two princesses were doing their best to aid her. Netossa traced light nets around the area, copying the symbols the best she could, while Glimmer focused her glimmering powers, trying to keep up.

"Just a little more, we need more light to break through the shadows." Castaspella instructed.

Glimmer heard that and started to focus more of her abilities, feeling her body burning with power. She started to feel energy coming from all around her and it started to freak out a bit. The Princess of Brightmoon saw the brightness of Catra's new shield and got an idea.

"Catra, hold up your shield!" Glimmer instructed.

Catra did as her friend asked her to.

Glimmer focused her energy into a large glowing orb of glittering pink energy. She fired it at the shield, causing a bright clash of lights. Their combined lights bounced and struck against all the remaining crystals of the observatory, spreading the light.

The room was filled with light and energy, charging the spell that Castaspella was casting.

Shadow Weaver could only snarl through the shadows at this change. Her magic was being pushed back and Shigaraki had been pulled back through the shadow creature, leaving only the shrinking figure of Shadow Weaver.

"This doesn't change anything! You two are still nothing but failures!" Shadow Weaver snapped.

"That's where you're wrong!" Izuku snapped back. "We have been afraid of you for too long! We did run back then, but we are not afraid of you anymore! We will stop the Horde, save Adora and all our friends!" He declared with the bravery of a mighty hero.

With that declaration, Shadow Weaver's creature was extinguished by the bright lights.

The observatory was filled with bright lights as the spell took effect, keeping Mystacor's defenses up and running once more.

Izuku and Catra fell down, exhausted from what they had experienced.

"Are you two alright?" Spinnerella asked.

"Yeah, we're good, just tired is all," Catra replied nonchalantly.

"Um, Spinnerella, we're sorry for how we were behaving, it's just that-" Izuku began.

"Don't worry, I overheard your conversation. I can see why you'd want to keep your distance after dealing with that bitch," Spinnerella said, pointing to where Shadow Weaver once stood.

"Yeah, we don't want a mom. But we could do with a friend," Catra said. "Wanna try that instead?"

"Oh yes of course!" Spinnerella replied.

Spinnerella hugged her new friends in a tight embrace, nearly suffocating them with her large breasts.

Izuku and Catra's faces turned red, either by the lack of oxygen or by the softness of the breasts they were pressed against.

Netossa cleared her throat, announcing her presence.

"You seem to be having fun with your 'friends'," Netossa said. "I hope this is as far as this friendship goes."

"Unless they play their cards right," Spinnerella whispered, releasing Izuku and Catra from the embrace.

While Izuku, Catra, Spinnerella and Netossa were talking, Glimmer, Bow and Castaspella filled in the council on what had happened.

"I fear that this will mean that we need to change the shields of Mystacor, we will also need to keep the outsiders out." Norwyn said.

"Is that really all you plan to do?!" Castaspella snapped. "Two dangerous sorcerers broke into our temple and nearly killed you. We cannot let this stand."

"Calm yourself, Castaspella, Etheria will take care of itself," Norwyn countered.

"Are you serious?! The war hasn't stopped since I was young! It has only been prolonged and more people are suffering!" Glimmer rebutted. "Your temple was just invaded and your plan is to hide? You can't turn a blind eye to what's happening out there!"

"Princess, you don't-" Norwyn began.

"No! We have stayed out of this for far too long," Castaspella said. "My brother died because of this war and now the Horde has declared war on us! I will not allow that witch to use our knowledge to torment people and destroy everything that's sacred to us. And if you want to keep having a say on what's going on, you'll listen to me!"

Norwyn and the rest of the council were shocked at how Castaspella just put them in their place.

"We will discuss it, but you may be right, Altar Priestess Castaspella." Norwyn said as he and the rest of the council went to fetch someone to help clean the area.

"Aunt Cass, that was awesome!" Glimmer said.

"Hey, your mom isn't the only one that can order people around," Castaspella chuckled. "You did great, Glimmer. Your dad would be proud."

Glimmer looked down at her hand. She couldn't help but feel like she could have done more with the power she felt. She wanted to know more about that. Glimmer needed to be more useful in combat and expand her powers to help her friends.

"Aunt Cass, I was thinking. Since my father was a sorcerer and all, could you teach me how to use magic?" Glimmer asked.

Castaspella was gleaming at the question.


Back in the Fright Zone, Shadow Weaver was panting at how much she had been hurt by the battle. She had sent Shigaraki to get treated for a broken arm and three cracked ribs. She hated that those two made her look like a fool and ruined her plans. She would see them pay for this. She paced in thought at the many horrible things that she would do to Izuku and Catra for their actions.

However, just then the door to her sanctuary opened up.

"Whoever you are, leave before I murder you!" Shadow Weaver hissed.

"Is that how you treat your superiors, Shadow Weaver? I should start rethinking our arrangement." A deep and sinister voice said, causing Shadow Weaver's blood to run cold.

She turned around to see the one being that had given her a fresh new start and all the power that she was owed standing in the entrance of her sanctum.

He was a tall being with a pale blue face with pointy gray ears, red eyes and sharp fangs with a blue mohawk on his head. He wore a black battle armor with the symbol of the Horde marked on his chest like a proud symbol of power. His black cape glided off the floor like that of an actual vampire as he walked towards her with little to no noise. This… was Hordak.

"Explain yourself for this recent failure, or I'll rip it out of you." Hordak demanded.

"It wasn't my fault, Lord Hordak. My plan was perfect, but the Alliance got in the way before I could claim Mystacor for your glory." Shadow Weaver explained with her voice trembling.

Hordak glared at her as his red eyes glowed.

"Are you sure this was for my glory, or yours? Your old colleagues got the better of you once again and you couldn't stand it." Hordak sneered with a growling snarl.

"It was all the doing of this new weapon called She-Ra and a deserter, my lord!" Shadow Weaver countered.

Hordak stopped, flinching barely.

"Tell me about these two problems of yours, and don't spare a detail." Hordak growled as Shadow Weaver narrowed her eyes.