Coronation
Glimmer entered her mother's room with a breakfast tray in her hands. She slowly made her way to her mother's bed without making a sound. As she placed the tray down on the side table, Angella started to stir awake.
"Good morning, Glimmer," Angella coughed.
"Morning, mom," Glimmer replied. "How did you sleep? I brought you breakfast."
"Breakfast in bed again, almost a week running now," Angella said. "How delightful. You know you don't have to do this every morning. I'm sure the servants are more than capable of doing this if you're too busy."
It had been almost a week since the Alliance's battle in the Crimson Waste with the Horde leaders and Angella's poisoning by Modulock. Her recovery was slow but she was now capable of waking up for a few hours. But she was nowhere close to her full strength, or even half of it. Even if she was weak from the poison's damage, she did manage to speak to Glimmer that often came by to check up on her.
"Nah, I'm not that busy. Everything is alright," Glimmer laughed it up a bit. "Izuku and Catra have been helping Adora and their friends get used to their new surroundings. It's kinda concerning that none of them know what grass or vegetables are. Bow and Entrapta are working on deciphering what she downloaded. And the other princesses are just back from boosting up their kingdoms and clearing them from any Horde activity."
"Oh that's good to hear." Angella grabbed a piece of toast. "How was the War Council meeting yesterday?"
"War Council meeting?" Glimmer asked. "Oh, I, um, canceled it."
"Wha-?" Angella coughed. "Why would you do that?"
"You weren't able to make it and you're still weak, I didn't want you to push yourself too much." Glimmer looked away in shame.
Angella sighed, comforting her daughter with whatever strength she had. The sadness in Glimmer's eyes told the queen everything that she needed to know. Glimmer blamed herself for her condition. It hurt her to see the fighting spark in her eyes fade because of something that wasn't her fault. But there was something else that she had to address. The Alliance couldn't just sit idly by as the Horde grew stronger and more dangerous. It was time to give Glimmer the news.
"Glimmer, I know you want to take care of me, but the war can't wait for me to get up on my wings." Angella turned Glimmer to look at her. "And I think you know what that means."
"Um, no, I don't think I know what that means." Glimmer feigned ignorance. "I'll go get Aunt Cass, she probably does." Glimmer tried to leave, but Angella caught her hand.
"Glimmer, please, you know what I mean. I need you to step up as queen of Brightmoon and leader of the Alliance," Angella revealed.
"But, I'm not ready for that. Mom, I am not… I'm not fit to be queen." Glimmer stood up from the bed. "I made so many mistakes. I took off with Izuku, Catra, and Bow without telling you, got us captured, helped Hordak and Modulock get into maybe the most dangerous First Ones ruins ever, and got you like this. It's all my fault." Glimmer looked down in shame.
"Glimmer, you're not the first princess to make mistakes. I've made mistakes myself," Angella said. "The trick is for you to learn from them and be better to not repeat them. Like it or not, the Alliance needs a leader at the helm of the fight. I'm in no condition to be that leader. I know you'll be a great queen if you put your mind to it." Angella tried to comfort Glimmer.
Glimmer looked at her mother. She knew she was right about their situation. The war was not letting up any time soon. Hordak and Modulock had turned Shigaraki into a monster that could destroy everything in his path. Even with Izuku and Catra's father Toshinori helping them and most of the princesses fighting him, they weren't able to make much of a difference. And now they had the secrets of the pyramid at their fingertips. All that power and ruthlessness to use it for their own benefits was a bad combination. And with her mom in such a condition because of her… She had to do something to help out more. Even if she wasn't deserving of the position.
"... Alright, I'll do it," Glimmer sighed. "I'll take over as queen for now. But you take back the crown as soon as you're strong enough." Glimmer looked at her mom, giving her a hug.
"Very well, Glimmer, I accept your terms. And I believe this will help you out." Angella took off one of her earrings, handing it to Glimmer. "This way, you'll know that I'm always here for you." Glimmer and Angella shared a hug before she left the room.
Glimmer walked out, only to be met by Izuku, Catra, Bow, Castaspella and Melog waiting for her.
"Hi, Glimmer. How are things with you mom?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah, you've been down the last couple of days. We were getting a little worried." Catra added.
"I'm fine guys. I promise," Glimmer said, looking up from the earring. "Mom is getting better, but it's a slow process."
"Isn't there anything we can do that could speed up her recovery?" Bow asked Castaspella. "Like a spell or a potion or something?"
"The poison Modulock created targeted magic users, we were lucky to be able to neutralize it due to how fast we acted," Castaspella explained. "But the healing process will take time and that is not something we have much of. The Horde hasn't made a move yet but our scouts and the Red Riots have noted several patrols preparing to resume their advances. This is not the best situation we could be in. Glimmer, did your mother say anything about what we should do next?"
"She said that until she's fully recovered… I'm to be named queen." Glimmer showed the earring to the rest of the group.
Everyone looked at the earring in shock and then at Glimmer. They could tell that she wasn't thrilled about the idea and instead would rather anyone else take the throne than her. Yet they couldn't disagree with the queen, much less in the state that she was in.
Izuku and Catra looked at each other as they shared an idea. If Glimmer was going to be standing queen, then they would make her have as much fun as she could before then. Maybe get the other princesses to help out and make the day full of fun and give Glimmer space to fully process things.
"Hey, that-um, sounds great," Izuku said. "I'm sure you'll do great things, Glimmer."
"Yeah, with you as queen, I bet things will be back to a semblance of normalcy in no time." Catra hugged Glimmer from the side. "You need something, just tell us and we'll make it all better."
"Oh, um, thanks, Catra, but I don't think-" Glimmer blushed.
"Don't worry, everything in this chapter will be PG," Catra tapped Glimmer's nose. "But if you need something later, that can be arranged." She whispered.
"I'll go tell the other princesses and get everything ready for the coronation." Castaspella bowed. "Don't worry, Glimmer, I'm not called 'Fun-party-throwing-Aunt-Cass' for nothing. I might need your opinion on the cake. But that can wait, you get all the things Glimmer needs and I'll get the party and the other requirements. We need the coronation ceremony, the scepter and ceremonial moon lantern, flowers, husband, a new fashionable look, some ice sculptures, and food." She snapped her fingers creating a list of things they needed for the coronation.
"Wait, did you say 'husband'?!" Glimmer, Izuku and Catra blushed.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Marriage comes after the coronation and that is if you have someone in a relationship," Castaspella said. "Don't worry, you're in no rush to have a husband or children any time soon. Though expect a lot of love/courting letters later on. Bye for now!" Castaspella rushed to get things started.
This left the Best Friend Squad with both confusion as well as a sense of dread.
"Wow, that was close." Bow released a breath of relief. "I wonder what would've happened if Izuku had to step up as king?"
"A civil war between the princesses," Catra said with no shame. "But seriously, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
"This is going to be a long day, isn't it?" Glimmer sighed as Izuku placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, don't worry, Glimmer, we're here for you." Izuku held her hand, calming her down. "We'll get the other princesses and help you prepare for the coronation. If you need anything, just say it."
Glimmer really wanted to curl up in her bed with Izuku and Catra and the other princess lovers of the harem and just sleep until everything made sense again. Or have intense sex to shake off any and all worries away. There was something about getting Izuku and Catra mating with her that really made her relax. And a part of her did want to experiment with the other princesses after Entrapta showed her a video of them going into the throws of passion. But this was one of those things that didn't go away with an intense round of passionate sex between lovers. She had to face the facts that she was going to be queen and live up to all the responsibilities that involved being one.
"Alright, let's start with a new look. If I'm supposed to be a queen, I have to start looking the part." Glimmer tried to look more cheerful. "Besides, this way we can have some alone time. At least for now."
"Sounds good to me," Catra said as Melog rubbed her cheek against Glimmer. "I'm not much of a fashion girl, but I can give you a few pointers on how to dress to impress." Catra led Glimmer to her room.
"I'll go get the others and tell them what's going on. I'll meet up with you soon." Izuku gave Catra and Glimmer a kiss on the cheek.
"And I shall see what I can do in terms of decorations!" Bow rushed after where Castaspella had run off to.
Izuku opened the door to the meeting room where the other princesses were going to meet for the War Council meeting, however he was met with only two princesses and his father, arguing.
"I should get back to the Crimson Waste," Toshinori said. "We need to clear the Horde out of there before they take it over."
"The Crimson Waste is a wasteland with more dangers than valuable resources for the Horde," Netossa countered. "The only reason they wanted to go there in the first place is that damn pyramid, which is not going anywhere. We should focus on taking back the Frightzone and cutting their resources down." Netossa argued while Spinnerella grabbed her shoulder.
"Toshi, we know the Crimson Waste is important, but the truth is we need to secure the territories we've been freeing from the Horde's control," Spinnerella explained. "If Hordak and Modulock are moving their operations to the pyramid then that means we could take the initiative and take back the territories we've yet to free. If we do that, we'll be able to better fight Hordak and Modulock and whatever Shigaraki has become. We could use your help."
Toshinori couldn't disagree with their points. But his home was in trouble and he knew that there were good people in the Waste that needed help. If they could let him go back then he could really do some good.
"Besides, until the queen is back on her feet we're not making any moves." Netossa crossed her arms.
"Actually, there's been a development. Good morning dad, Netossa, Spinnerella," Izuku said, making his presence known. "Queen Angella has named Glimmer stand-in queen. Her coronation will be tomorrow, and we were hoping you could help us with the preparations."
Netossa and Spinnerella looked at each other as Toshinori and the princesses looked surprised by this development. It was something they had expected to happen, but it was still too soon for them to prepare.
"What do you need us for?" Spinnerella asked.
"Well, Catra is helping Glimmer get a makeover for her coronation but we also need to acquire a few items for the ceremony, a scepter and a lantern," Izuku said. "If I understand correctly."
"Ooh, I know where they are, we'll help you and then get the other princesses to help with the makeover." Spinnerella floated with glee.
"But we're not done-" Toshinori began, only for Netossa to gag him.
"My wife and boyfriend say we have stuff to prepare, so we'll be back." Netossa took Spinnerella's arm and Izuku before walking out. "And you're lucky Izuku is a great lover."
Toshinori tried to pry the net from his mouth off before he realized what had been said. He blinked in confusion. He could've sworn that he had heard Netossa correctly. His mind came to a stand still. Had Izuku gotten two girlfriends since leaving the Waste? He'd always assumed he and Catra would end up together.
Izuku, Netossa and Spinerella walked through the halls before running into the other princesses. He still couldn't believe that Netossa had just said that to his father's face before leaving. An awkward conversation was assured in his near future. He could only wish and hope against hope itself that Mermista, Perfuma, Frosta and Entrapta were in good spirits and willing to help them.
"Yo, Greenie, magic aunt said you needed us for something. What's up?" Mermista asked.
"Is there any news about the queen?" Perfuma asked. "I hope she's getting better as we speak."
"If she wants vengeance, I'm game." Frosta created two ice swords.
"Okay, now I'm game for that." Mermista spun her trident.
"I've almost deciphered the first half of the data we got from the pyramid." Entrapata pulled out her data pad. "With it, we can hit them hard and fast."
"Girls, calm down, we have something else to prepare," Izuku said, calming down the girls. "Glimmer's coronation is tomorrow and we need to help make everything ready. I was hoping that um, you could help her with getting ready as we search for the needed items."
"Basically, makeover and preparation for the coronation quest." Netossa explained.
"Quest?" Izuku asked.
"Don't worry, Izuku, it's no big deal. But you may have to dress up for the wedding part." Spinnerella patted Izuku's head.
Izuku blushed at the idea of marrying Glimmer. Well, the idea of marriage overall.
"Oh, don't tell me you and Catra have decided to settle down, Greenie~?" Mermista poked Izuku's cheek in a playful manner. "You know this will leave a lot of girls with broken hearts~. Unless of course you want us to be your concubines~?" Mermista blushed at the idea, not opposed to the idea of continuing their harem.
"Mermista, there's no need to do that." Perfuma pulled Izuku away. "We'll respect Izuku and Catra's choices. Love is free of any bonds but the ones we put on them."
"Hey, I'm still new, how come it ends when I come around?" Frosta pouted. "Not fair."
"Well, even if monogamy was acceptable for old First Ones they were alright with males and females procreating outside of wedlock." Entrapta added with a blush. "Which means he can father children with us any day."
Izuku blushed deeply at the idea of them openly talking about their harem relationship. He was mostly embarrassed at having so many girlfriends and lovers that were all in agreement at having kids with him. He has yet to even think about kids or if he was ready to be a father. Netossa and Spinnerella's arrangement with him had given him time to think about it but he hadn't thought of the consequences of all the princesses having kids with him.
"Okay, all of you calm down. Down girls, the whole husband thing is optional." Netossa clarified. "But dressing nicely is a must."
"Right, let's go help out." Izuku coughed, trying to lose some of the redness in his face. "Let's go see if Catra and Glimmer need help."
However, before the group could take two steps away, two of the castle guards cut their path.
"What is the meaning of this?" Netossa asked.
"Um, is there anything we could help you with?" Izuku asked.
"One of the prisoners asked to speak with you and Lady Catra, Lord Izuku," one of the guards replied.
"One of the prisoners?" Izuku asked. "If it's Shadow Weaver, tell her we're not interested in what she has to say." Izuku waved off before he led the princesses on their way.
"It is actually one of the, um, new prisoners, Lord Izuku," the second guard clarified.
Izuku stopped wondering who it could be.
"We'll need to make a stop." Izuku pointed out.
Glimmer wasn't sure of what to wear. She'd always just thrown whatever was handy or comfortable together and gone with it. But this was important. Her coronation was going to be tomorrow and she had to look like a queen worthy of the throne. She looked down at the earring in her hand… It was scary to think that she was actually following through with it. Being queen was something she never thought she'd be until she was married with children or at least until her mother knew she was ready to take over the throne. So, not in the foreseeable future. And now it was less than a day away.
"Man, you really like pink with sparkles, Glimmer." Catra looked at Glimmer's dresses. "I mean, the underwear is nice and all, but you gotta diversify a little. Maybe some purple or blue? Oh, how about some red and leather?"
"Yeah, no leather. But purple would be a nice change of color." Glimmer blushed at the idea of using anything leathery.
The door opened up to reveal the rest of the princesses and Izuku stepped into the room.
"Alright, no one panic, the girl squad is here." Mermista looked at the dresses. "Wow, we have a lot of pink. Are you sure this is a closet and not cotton candy?"
"I like it," Glimmer said. "But a more mature look would be welcomed."
"Don't worry, Glimmer, we know just the things you'll like." Spinerrella summoned her wind to bring out a purple suit. "Something formal that will show your dedication and your strength."
"But isn't that a suit?" Glimmer asked.
"Don't worry, it will do wonders for your curves," Spinnerella whispered. "Here, try it on." Spinerella gave Glimmer the suit before pushing her behind a curtain.
Glimmer walked out, wearing the purple suit with a pink shirt. Her hair was combed back and the earring was on her right ear. But she was dragging the pants and the sleeves a little.
"Um, maybe that's a bit too formal." Spinnerella pointed out.
"I personally think you should go for more armor and defense," Netossa said. "You wanna fight, so we need a strong image." She pulled up some armor, handing it to Glimmer.
Glimmer tried it on from behind the curtain. She walked out, wearing a full suit of pink, and purple armor. She had wing-like pauldrons with the Brightmoon symbol on them. Armored purple boots that had crescent moons on the shins and a helmet that looked better on a knight than a princess or a queen.
"Wow, kinda fierce, Sparkles." Catra circled her.
"How does it feel?" Izuku asked.
"It feels… a little stiff. And heavy," Glimmer said, struggling to move. "I can't even move my pinkie." She looked at her hand. "See? I just tried to move my pinkie."
"You don't need all this armor, Sparkles. You need to strike fear in your enemies and show your might as a queen." Frosta pushed Glimmer behind the curtain. "And I got two words for you: Ice Armor."
With a flash of blue and white lights, everyone was greeted to the sight of Glimmer's icy look.
Her hair stood on end with a spikey ice crown, with the earring in the middle of her eyebrows. She wore a long purple and teal cape, a fur bikini with ice gauntlets and boots made completely out of ice. The only problem is that she was shivering from all the cold.
"Too… Too… c-c-cold…" Glimmer let out with chattering teeth.
"Yeah, I think I may need to refine some of the finer details." Frosta and Izuku blushed.
"The cape is nice though," Izuku said.
"It isn't bad, Frosta, but perhaps we need something more attuned with nature." Perfuma slid Glimmer behind the curtain. "Maybe some flowers and a ceremonial toga to symbolize your passage from princess to queen." Perfuma used her powers to surround Glimmer with vines and flowers.
Glimmer then emerged like a blossoming flower wearing a tight fitting white toga, sandals with flowers and crescent moons on them, a long white sleeve on her left arm. Her hair had been combed to the side like a wing preparing to fly high into the air. And her mother's earring was hanging on her left ear.
"Okay, this one looks good. I love the freedom it gives." Glimmer looked herself over. "But where's the underwear?"
"Underwear?" Perfuma asked.
Glimmer touched her ass, feeling the lack of her undergarments.
"Nope. Next, please." Glimmer stated, blushing like a tomato.
"Step aside girls, let a woman show you how it's done. What you need is to show that you're not a princess, Glimmer." Mermista stepped up with some clothes. "You're a woman and you're going to take what you want. Treasure, freedom, men or women will bow before you as you walk by. And this is the perfect dress to make it happen." Metmista pulled Glimmer behind the curtain.
"I don't feel safe," Glimmer whispered.
"Her bite is worse than her bark, Glimmer." Catra tried to calm her.
The toga went up flying as Mermista put her own twist on Glimmer's new look. The princess of Brightmoon stepped out looking like she'd just come out of an R-rated pirate themed movie.
Glimmer wore a purple coat on top of a half pink, half purple corset that barely covered her breasts and exposed her midriff. She wore tight black pants that showed off her wide hips and thick ass with a skull buckle belt around her waist, lilac boots, short fingerless purple gloves in her hands, her mother's earring refitted as a necklace and on top of her head was a signature pirate hat.
"Say hello to Glimmer, queen of Brightmoon~." Mermista presented. "Gotta say, the pirate look suits you, Sparkles. And-why is your face purple?"
"Too tight." Glimmer let out.
Izuku and Catra loosened the corset, letting her breath.
"I think we should try something more princess turned queen than pirate queen, Mermista." Izuku helped Glimmer to sit down.
"I do like the gloves though," Catra said.
"Okay, let's try putting together what worked and what didn't work." Izuku turned to Glimmer. "Glimmer, could you tell us what you'd like to try out?"
"Yeah, I think I have an idea of what I would like to wear." Glimmer blushed.
Glimmer picked and chose from the different dresses that she'd worn and the ones the princesses suggested. She put them together in her own way to help her feel more like herself. Stepping out from behind the curtain, she showed off her new look.
She wore a purple V-neck dress shirt with a lilac V-neckline, a strong V-shaped purple belt around her waist, a pair of dulled purple shorts with light blue leggings. Her shoes had been replaced by purple boots with blue crescent moons by the shins inside pink diamonds, and the tips of her boots were of a light blue tip. She wore purple fingerless gloves on both hands and a pure white sleeve on her left arm. Her shoulders were covered by the wing-like pauldrons and a sparkling lilac and purple cape behind her. Her hair was styled in the fashion of a wing. And as the final touches, she wore a blue diamond in the valley of her chest and Angella's earring as a golden headband crown.
"How do I look?" Glimmer asked, feeling a little silly.
"You look wonderful, Glimmer." Izuku stated without issue. "You have a very, um, queenly aura about you."
"That means he likes it," Catra said. "As do I. You're really rocking it."
"Thanks. Really," Glimmer said.
All the princesses and harem sisters agreed with Glimmer's new look. Each one liking that she now looked like she was ready to be both a queen and their ally in the battle field. But even with the new look, they could tell that she was still a little unsure about the coronation and the responsibility that she was about to inherit.
But there was one thing Izuku and Catra had to check up on before helping Glimmer with the coronation's details.
"We'll be right back, Glimmer." Izuku kissed her.
"Don't start the fun without us." Catra kissed Glimmer as well before they left, following the guards.
"Hey, how come I didn't get to offer my fashion change to Glimmer?" Entrapta hopped up, raising her hand.
"Um, Entrapta, don't you usually dress the same way… everyday?" Perfuma asked.
"Do you even wash that thing?" Mermista added.
"That was a waste of time… But I do wash it from time to time," Entrapta said.
"You wash it now, young lady." Spinnerella gestured Entrapta to the shower.
Adora and Lonnie waited in the throne room while surrounded by four guards. They kept on looking over the castle and the room. The bright colors and the shiny surfaces made the room something completely alien to them. From all their years training and living in the Fright Zone, they had expected some nightmarish castle filled with monsters, spooky dungeons, dangerous magic, and lots of probably cannibalistic princesses. Yet there they stood, surrounded by color and brightness unlike anything they had ever come across. It was a bit unsettling.
"Does everything have to be so… pink?" Lonnie asked. "I can actually see all the way around the room. And it smells nice, like there's no sewage leaking."
"I'm more weirded out by the many strange faces people often have around here," Adora said. "It's almost like they're happy. And they're smiling a lot."
"That tends to happen when you don't live right next to a psycho with an affinity to invent some nasty things."
Adora and Lonnie spotted Izuku and Catra walking up to them with Melog by their side. Adora had to stop herself from going over and hugging her old friends. Not only because there were guards around them, but because she didn't know if it was alright for her to do so. They were still a little unsure about where they stood in the emotional path to healing. At least they didn't want to kill her on sight or have her and Lonnie and the rest of their friends in chains.
"But don't worry, the bright colors grow on you," Catra said.
"Adora, Lonnie, good morning, we heard you wanted to talk to us," Izuku greeted the two girls. "Is there something wrong?"
"Um, no, no, we were… we were just wondering what does the Alliance plan to do with us." Adora straightened herself.
"Yeah, we've been here for almost a week and no one has tried to electrocute us, torture us, or try to extract our souls from our bodies," Lonnie recounted, much to the shocked looks from the guards. "You know, normal Horde prisoner stuff."
"Well, for one, we are not the Horde, we do not torture prisoners," Izuku said. "The only other prisoner we have at the moment is Shadow Weaver and she's getting better than she deserves. You guys are… well…"
"The jury is still out on you, but so far, you're under house arrest." Catra stepped in. "Just like Lady Nagant and her son, Souta, are."
Adora froze up at the name of Shadow Weaver. Her mind flashed back to the night she betrayed her friends. It was a dark memory she didn't like to revisit. It weighed on her like an anchor tied to her chest, trying to drag her down. The fear and self loathing for that one action overshadowed her surprise that neither Izuku nor Catra had tried to kill Shadow Weaver or that Lady Nagant was seemingly living under house arrest with a son no one seemed to know about. But Lonnie was free to express herself.
"Huh?! You have both Shadow Weaver and Lady Nagant here?!" Lonnie asked in shock. "How did you pull that off?!" She grabbed Izuku and Catra by the shoulders, shaking them for information.
The guards stepped in and pulled Lonnie away from Izuku and Catra, giving her a glare. Lonnie was half tempted to disarm one of the guards and hit the other.
"Calm down! Everyone, just calm down." Izuku stepped up to defuse the situation. "Yes, Lady Nagant and her son are in Brightmoon, but they are living peacefully. They surrendered to us willingly," he saw Adora's conflicted look on her face, and he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"As for Shadow Bitch, she just came here so that we'd get revenge on Hordak and Modulock for her. We kinda saved her from magic cancer, but don't misunderstand, she so much as sneezes too loudly, I'll throw her into a well with a rock tied to her legs." Catra explained. "She has no magic and we're only keeping her around to get information about the Horde. You guys are safe and you don't need to worry about her," she placed her hand on Adora's shoulder, trying to calm her down.
Adora let out a breath of relief at their presence. Looking into their eyes, she could feel a warmth that made her want to hold them close and never let go of them. Like a moth to a flame, she couldn't help but feel mesmerized by them. It was a feeling that she'd only experienced whenever she dreamt of them. And now that she was face to face with them, away from any other influences, she couldn't help but stare like a lovesick puppy wanting to be embraced.
"T-Thank you," Adora said. "If there is anything we can do to earn our keep here in Brightmoon-"
Just then Castaspella rushed down to meet Izuku and Catra.
"Izuku, Catra, I am in need of people to set up the decorations for the coronation tomorrow. But Frosta is doing ice sculptures and being a 'bouncer', Perfuma and Mermista are doing flower arrangements, Entrapta snuck back to her makeshift lab, and Netossa and Spinnerella are either sending invitations to our allies and looking for the ceremonial artifacts and Bow is looking through the ceremony list." Castaspella explained. "Do you two think you could help me?"
"Um, sure, we-" Izuku started.
"We'll do it!" Adora jumped in, pulling Lonnie along.
"What?" Lonnie asked.
"What?" Izuku and Catra asked as well.
"Mreow?" Melog added, tilting her head.
"Um, aren't you the girls that were captured with my niece and her friends?" Castaspella asked. "Who are you again? I'm sorry, I don't think we were properly introduced. I am Castaspella." Castaspella offered up her hand.
"Fo-Adora, my name is Adora, ma'am," Adora shook Castaspella's hand.
"Lonnie," Lonnie introduced, doing the same. "Um, at your services."
"They are old friends that we had when we were younger, and despite what some may think, they are good people." Izuku said.
Castaspella looked the two girls over. She noted their muscles and well forged bodies. She was aware of their past with the Horde, but she couldn't sense anything malicious coming from either of the girls. Plus, both Izuku and Catra were arguing in favor of them. They did seem to be open to the idea of helping her out with the preparations. If she were more of a skeptic then she would assume this was some ploy to get them access to the rest of the castle. But she could tell that they were actually eager to help, or at the very least Adora seemed to do so. Well, at least it was a good way of making sure to keep an eye on them if nothing else.
"Hm, alright, but it might be too much for just the two of you." Castaspella pointed out.
"Don't worry, we have some more friends that would love to help." Adora smiled. "In fact, we'll go get them."
"We will?" Lonnie asked as Adora pulled her and Castaspella out to gather up the rest of their friends.
"Sure we will. We have plenty of strength and muscle to spare and help out with whatever you may need." Adora led the other two women and the guards with her to where the rest of the team was staying.
This left Izuku, Catra and Melog on their own, reeling from what they had just experienced. They couldn't blame Adora and Lonnie for having doubts about their current predicament as it was. However, they knew that their old friends were not dangerous or going to harm anyone in any manner. It was clear that everything was new to them and some adjustments needed to be made. But there was one thing that at least they knew for sure.
"Well, Adora is going to work herself and everyone else to the bone to prove that they are trustworthy." Catra scratched behind Melog's ears.
"Yeah, which will lead to everyone either being crazy tired or will think that Adora is trying to prove a point." Izuku added. "And I assume she still can't calm down or relax to save her life, which means we'll have to have a conversation with her later on."
"Yep. Let's go see if Glimmer needs anything." Catra and Izuku turned to return to Glimmer's side.
Glimmer looked over the different scrolls that were reserved for the coronation ceremony. They weren't all that interesting but they kept her mind from focusing on the large amount of responsibilities that were about to be placed upon her shoulders. She continued reading, reaching the part where it spoke of all the duties a queen had to uphold. And the one her eyes landed upon was the duty to continue the line of succession for the kingdom. The scroll even had pictures about what was expected of her. But she couldn't help but picture herself, Izuku and Catra on the altar promising to keep the kingdom safe. But then her mother's disapproving gaze would turn on them and demand to know what was going on. She curled up the scroll before putting it down.
"If I ever want that to happen and openly have kids with them, I need to tell mom," Glimmer said. "But I can't just drop something like that into casual morning conversation. 'Hey mom, listen, I know that one day I'll have to get married and have kids. But don't worry, I do plan on giving you grandchildren to spoil. In fact, I already have a father in mind. Oh, you wanna know who it is? Well, the funny thing is, it isn't one person. I was planning on marrying Izuku and Catra, surprise! How would that even work? Well, we sort of have this harem thing going with the other princesses and yes, we've had sex plenty of times. So no worries about that. Ha ha ha'." Glimmer's fake laugh died down there. "And then comes the part where she either pushes out all the damage from the poison in pure anger or gets a heart attack and dies."
"Ahem, that sounds a little macabre, Glimmer." Izuku cleared his throat, making the princess jump.
"Particularly when you mentioned telling your mom about us, Sparkles." Catra added. "But other than that, I think we got most of the stuff down under control. Anything you need, Glimmer?"
Glimmer dropped down to her chair, slouching deep into it and letting out a breath of exhaustion and frustration. Her mind was filled with different issues that she didn't know which one to tackle first. It seemed that her life was changing so fast and she was far behind what most people were supposed to be.
"Where do I start? I'm about to become queen while my mom is barely healing from Modulock's poison. I don't know the first thing about being queen and I can't help but feel that if it weren't for my choices she would be alright and none of this would've happened." Glimmer ranted. "It feels like every decision I've made has been one disaster after another. And now I'm about to be given responsibilities I'm not even sure I'm ready for."
"Hey, not every decision you've made has been a disaster," Catra said. "It's been more like a fifty-fifty thing between good and bad. Take it from me, I'm the devil on most shoulders and even I make a good choice from time to time. Try to look at it like this, you can't tell what will happen tomorrow, you can prepare for a drought but maybe it starts to rain. It's not a bad choice, just preparing for something that could happen." Catra sat next to Glimmer.
"Did it ever rain in the Crimson Waste?" Glimmer asked.
"It rarely did. But what Catra says is true. Being a hero or a leader sometimes means stepping into the eye of the storm," Izuku said. "It means facing dangers and things you might not be prepared for. You'll stumble and have trouble getting back up. But there are others who are ready to help and support you. So, you don't have to worry about the wind hitting you when you have someone like us by your side." Izuku knelt in front of Glimmer, holding her hands as gently as he could hold a baby bird.
Glimmer looked into Izuku's eyes, noting the bright smile and strength that he carried himself with. It was like looking into a dawning light after a dark night. Looking at Catra, she could see that she felt the same. Izuku had a way of always making her feel safe, even when he was the one that needed help or needed people by his side. As long as they were by her side, she felt that she could face the Horde and all the responsibilities that came with the title of Queen of Brightmoon. Why? Because they were there with her.
Just then, they heard a knocking on the door of Glimmer's room. Izuku headed to open it, revealing Toshinori on the other side.
"Dad? What's, um, going on?" Izuku asked.
"Well, it…" Toshinori spotted how Catra and Glimmer were affectually close. "Um, I believe you are needed in the courtyard, Princess Glimmer."
Glimmer walked out of her room with Izuku, Catra and Toshinori walking behind her. However, Toshinori held back with Izuku and Catra enough to have a bit of a conversation.
"So, um, is there anything that has developed since you left that, um, you wish to tell me?" Toshinori asked, feeling a little awkward about asking his adoptive kids about their love life. "I mean, I think I may have misheard some things but I could've sworn that well, um…" Toshinori was getting flustered at the idea and even more so in how to word it for them to answer.
A part of Toshinori was ashamed that he couldn't even ask a proper question about such a topic.
Izuku wasn't faring any better. He was blushing like crazy. His mind was thinking of ways to avoid the topic, but at the same time arguing about lying to their father figure. It was an issue that had to be resolved but both options were dangerously close to getting them into trouble. But Izuku felt guilty about not admitting he was in a wonderful relationship with some amazing women. But then it might come off as a bit weird if he admitted that he was going out with multiple women.
"Yeah, Izuku and I are a thing and we got a harem with the princesses," Catra said, making Izuku and Toshinori freeze. "We would've told you sooner but we didn't know how to reach you and we were involved with the Alliance and all that. Sorry, but yeah we're kinda living the life here."
Izuku and Toshinori felt like they turned into crumbling stones. In Izuku's case, it was because he couldn't believe Catra would just shrug off revealing their relationship to their master and father figure. And in Toshinori's case, he was in pure shock at the revelation of there being such a relationship. He had always assumed his two adoptive kids would either get together at some point but also that they would find someone they could share their lives with. But never did he expect them to be together and find several people to share their lives. He needed answers before he passed out from the shock the revelation had given him.
"...Do they-?" Toshinori asked.
"Uh huh." Izuku nodded his head.
"Does the queen?" Toshinori asked.
"Nuh uh." Izuku shook his head.
"...Probably for the best, I think." Toshinori felt like he needed to sit down.
"Come on, you big babies." Catra dragged Izuku and Toshinori to catch up with Glimmer. "We all know how babies are made and what a relationship is like. We need to act like adults and face it. Even if some don't fully accept it."
"Does that mean you'd openly tell the queen about us, Glimmer and the other princesses?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah, probably when I find out how many lives I could spare to tell her that little secret." Catra shrugged it off as she pulled the two men along.
Soon enough, the group made it to the courtyard, greeted by the sight of Adora, Lonnie, Scorpia, Rogelio and Kyle moving tables and helping set up all the decorations for the coronation under the strict supervision of Castaspella. It was rather an impressive sight to see the hardened child soldiers being bossed around by a woman who claimed to be a master party planner. They moved from side to side of the courtyard, carrying tables, flower arrangements and a tray filled with different cakes for the coronation. Castaspella was not cutting any corners and Adora and the rest were not stopping without her say so.
"Alright, set up that stage there, that's where the band is going to play!" Castaspella gestured to the right corner of the courtyard. "Make sure they do not get too close to the waterfall or the edge of the courtyard!"
"Yes ma'am!" Adora and Lonnie picked up the stage and moved it.
"Man, this woman can give any drill sergeant a run for their money." Lonnie muttered.
"I heard that!" Castaspella turned to face Kyle and Rogelio. "What do you boys have for me? What are the cakes about?"
"We got you five different choices from the chefs from the kitchen," Kyle said as Rogelio presented a tray with five plates with slices of each cake. "We have vanilla, red velvet, chocolate, blueberry and ice cream. I didn't even know that there were such flavors. Or that something called cake existed."
"Putting a pin on that last bit for later. We all need to taste these and then present them to Glimmer for her to choose." Castaspella spotted Glimmer, Izuku, Catra and Toshinori walking up to them. "Oh Glimmer, great to see you. How are you?"
"I'm doing better, Aunt Cass, but um, what's going on?" Glimmer asked. "It looks like a party instead of a ceremony."
"Oh no, this is the dinner after the ceremony. The first one is more regal and proper, but this is the fun part after you and your two witnesses complete the quest." Castaspella brought up one of the cake slices. "The one your mother threw was very boring, which is why I thought of spicing it up a bit. I hope you don't mind."
"It… looks… okay, I guess," Glimmer said.
"You're right, I need to show you the ice sculptures and the flower arrangements. Try the cake in the meantime." Castaspella handed Glimmer the cake slice. "Scorpia, if those arrangements aren't put up in the next five seconds, you'll be hanging from the ceiling. I'm gonna go see Frosta about the ice sculptures."
"Yes, scary magic lady!" Scorpia pulled up all the flower arrangements Perfuma and Mermista were putting together.
Glimmer looked down at the cake before taking a bite out of the slice. It tasted good. Maybe the whole thing wasn't going to be a nightmare like she thought.
"Glimmer, we got the pieces for the ceremony!" Bow came running with the scroll in hand and Netossa and Spinnerella on either side carrying the scepter and the lantern. "Man, this scroll had a lot of confusing wording."
"Plus we got the gown you have to wear." Netossa placed the gown on Glimmer, only for it to fall past her shoulders.
"I think it's a little big," Izuku said.
"I feel like this is more fit to jump from the top of a tower and spread it like wings." Glimmer lifted the gown a little.
"We'll fix that up." Spinnerella took the gown.
"Well, if I have to wear that, then we might as well have ice cream cake." Glimmer sighed.
The day had arrived and everyone was ready for the coronation of Queen Glimmer. All the guests were representatives of the different kingdoms of the Alliance. Everyone wore their best clothes to show their support and respect to the soon-to-be queen. Even Adora, Lonnie, Scorpia, Rogelio and Kyle were allowed to be there as guests like Lady Nagant and her son. They all stood before an entrance as Glimmer held the scepter and lantern in her hands.
Izuku and Catra stood behind her. Izuku was wearing a green chestplate of armor strapped to him with a red 'H' in the middle, armored white gloves and armored black boots while Catra wore a red dress with a long skirt that resembled feathers and long black gloves and the Sword of Protection in the form of a bracelet. They looked at each other before looking at Glimmer with reassuring nods.
Castaspella walked up to the front of the crowd holding up a scroll bearing the symbol of Brightmoon.
"We are gathered here to bear witness to the rise of Queen Glimmer of Brightmoon, Daughter of Angella and Micha," Castaspella spoke clearly and with a passion, making sure everyone understood what was happening. "She is here to perform the Rite of Queens, a ceremony that will give her the full power of the Brightmoon Runestone and crown her as queen of this kingdom."
"Um, this won't hamper my mom's recovery, will it?" Glimmer whispered.
"No, no, don't worry, Glimmer." Castaspella whispered back before clearing her throat. "She will be accompanied by her witnesses, Izuku, He-Man warrior of the Alliance, and Catra, She-Ra Princess of Power. Now, let the rite of passage begin!" Castaspella stepped aside as the waterfall parted before the trio.
Before them stood a large door that opened up into a tunnel. They stepped into the tunnel as the gates closed up behind them.
"So, as the only one with night vision, am I supposed to guide us?" Catra asked.
"I think the lantern is supposed to do that." Izuku pointed out before the tunnel brightened up for them.
The cave tunnel lit up with glowing quartz coming from the ceiling and the walls. It appeared to stretch out as far as the trio could see, and yet it felt like they were still in Brightmoon.
"Whoa, my mom always talked about these tunnels," Glimmer said. "She said they used to run all down through Brightmoon and the palace. Apparently, this is sacred ground and only the queens and their witnesses were granted access. I always thought it was kinda creepy that there were dark tunnels under our home." They proceeded to walk down the tunnel, following the light of the crystals as their own guide.
"Well, at least these crystals make it all look, for lack of a better word, magical." Izuku looked up at the crystals.
The light from the lantern was the only other source of light that they followed as they went deeper and deeper into the tunnel. It felt like they had traveled to another world, one with wonder just below the surface of their own. The tunnel had a magic-like sense of wonder that led them deeper below the kingdom. The only thing that they were lacking was a song and they would've felt like a childhood adventure. It felt like a fairy tale that was created to help put the kids to bed. An innocent tale for them to welcome the land of dreams. Yet every step they took was filled with the sense that something was off.
They heard it at first, something scurrying around in the dark corners behind them. But it didn't seem to want to attack them just yet. The sound just continued on as they walked down the tunnel. It sounded like spikes slithering and scraping into the ground just behind them. Whatever it was, the trio was not going to be caught unprepared. Sharing looks, they each prepared for what was going to happen next. Izuku tightened his fists slowly, limbering himself to spring into a fight. Catra's right hand hovered over the transformed bracelet, ready to unsheathe the sword and strike at their stalker. Glimmer held the scepter tightly, regretting that she was probably not as ready as she thought she'd be.
"What do you think it is?" Glimmer gulped.
"Something big," Izuku whispered. "But it seems it wants to make sure we keep on going."
"Maybe there's a trap up ahead." Catra's ears twitched for any strange sound. "Did any of the stories say something about a trap or a monster living under your castle, Sparkles?"
"None. All that should be ahead is the Queens Chambers." Glimmer tried holding up the lantern to see what was behind them.
"Okay, so we go in and we take this creep down. Then what?" Catra asked.
"Glimmer has to place the lantern on some sort of pedestal, getting the full power of the Moon Stone." Izuku chimed in as they spotted the end of the tunnel.
"That sounds easy. One punch, one kick, a swish, and a teleport later and we're golden." Catra smirked with confidence.
Glimmer tripped.
Izuku and Catra caught her before she could fall down to the floor.
"Glimmer, are you okay?" Izuku asked.
"Um, yeah, just one tiny problem," Glimmer said. "I can't teleport. I sort of haven't been recharging my powers."
"WHAT?!" Izuku and Catra snapped at the revelation.
Which was the exact time that their stalker needed to roar at them. They turned around to see a large Elemental standing behind them. It charged at them, forcing them to run out and jump out of the way. They looked up as the Elemental showed itself off completely.
The Elemental looked like a giant serpent covered with feather-like spikes on its back and tail. Its scales were a dark purple with pink ends on its spikes, while its underbelly had a dull pink color to it. Its face was rounded with four whiskers on each side of its face and it had a bright blue gem in the middle of it. It looked at them with a low growl. It slowly opened its mouth to reveal rows of sharp teeth, letting out a louder growl.
"Is this still part of the quest?" Izuku asked.
The serpent lunged at them, forcing them to run away from the beast. It slithered towards them as they tried to find their bearings, snapping its jaws at them like a deadly hungry snake.
"Glimmer, why haven't you been recharging?" Izuku asked as his body was coated in green lightning. "I thought you'd be going to the Moonstone all the time!" Izuku picked up the two girls, jumping away from the snake.
"I was focused on helping mom and I felt guilty that I could use my powers and she couldn't!" Glimmer caught the lantern and the scepter before she lost them. "I thought she needed all the energy to get better, okay?!"
"Well no we know better!" Catra snapped as Izuku dodged another attack from the elemental. "Okay, enough running, let's put this beast down!"
"No, if this Elemental is meant to be here then that means." Glimmer looked up to see the Moon Stone over their heads. "It's protecting the Moon Stone!"
"And it will only react to the queen!" Izuku jumped, dodging another attack. "We need to get it to acknowledge Glimmer." His eyes spotted a pedestal with one hole in it. "That pedestal, it looks like something goes there."
Glimmer looked at the lantern and the scepter. The two objects that symbolized rule. But there was only one hole and she had to object. It looked like it could fit either of the pieces, but it didn't say which one was the right one.
"It's a test. I need to choose the type of queen I want to be." Glimmer explained.
"Are you sure?" Catra asked.
"A little," Glimmer replied as Izuku was sent flying with them to the ground.
"Good enough for me. We'll cover you, Glimmer, you get that thing to bow to you." Catra unsheathed the Sword of Protection. "FOR THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL!" Catra transformed as Izuku stood by her side.
The Elemental charged at them with a mighty roar. Izuku rushed out to meet it, sliding under the beast's jaws as it dove in. He kicked the bottom of its jaws, sending it up in the air. Catra transformed her sword into a whip. Wrapping her weapon around the Elemental's mouth, she hoisted herself up to its head. She pulled at the beast's mouth with her whip, keeping it from moving freely. Izuku narrowly avoided the swing of the deadly creature's tail. He jumped down on it, stomping on it with an axe kick. It was tough to keep it down, but he was making due. Wrapping his arms around the beast's tail, he kept it from slithering away from their battle.
Glimmer rushed to the pedestal. It was golden and covered with symbols of the moon and the stars. And right in the middle there was a hole that needed to be made whole.
"Okay, you need to have something inside, but which one?" Glimmer looked at the two objects in her hands as the Elemental thrashed around behind her. "The scepter hasn't been doing anything since it was given to me, maybe it's just a decoration? Or maybe it is meant to be used here?" She heard a crash behind her, making her think things a little more. "No, that's too easy. If this is meant to be a choice then I have to pick. But what if I choose wrong? My friends and loved ones are depending on me, I can't screw up." Glimmer looked at the two pieces in her hands, hoping to find a clue.
Back with Izuku and Catra, they were wrestling down the Elemental, keeping it in place. Its thrashing made it hard for them to pin it down. It rushed to the walls of the chambers, to shake them off but nothing seemed to work. That only made it roar loudly and with more rage than before.
"Stand still, you slimy bastard!" Catra pulled on her whip.
"How's it going, Glimmer?!" Izuku dug his heels on the ground, pinning the Elemental in place.
"Working on it! Okay, it can't be of simple use, it has to mean something more. Lanterns and scepters are two opposite things. One illuminates and the other is more a symbol of royalty and power." Glimmer looked at the two objects. "It would make sense for a queen to have a scepter and use it to rule. Yes, that's the one."
The Elemental dropped its own head on top of its own tail, slamming Catra and Izuku into each other.
"AAAHHH!"
Glimmer turned around to see the beast looking down at her two friends and loves. At that moment, she looked at the scepter and lantern, knowing her decision.
"Hey, ugly!" Glimmer tossed the scepter at the Elementa's gem eye, getting its attention with a roar. "Get away from my future husband and wife! I am Glimmer of Brightmoon, queen and leader of the Alliance, and if you attack them, you best be ready to fight me!" Glimmer dropped the lantern into the pedestal.
The room was filled with bright light, like a star had just been dropped into the room. Glimmer felt the full power coursing through her body. Her eyes snapped wide with a bright pink light coming from them. She arched her back as two large sparkling wings with magic glyphs and symbols sprouted from them. She floated up to the Elemental's eye as it seemed to back down before her. It bowed down to her before slithering down into the shadows of the tunnels.
"Glimmer?" Izuku reached out as Glimmer floated down to the ground.
Her brightness seized and she almost stumbled back.
"It's okay, we got you." Catra helped her. "Feeling better?"
"A little dizzy, but yeah," Glimmer replied.
"That's great to hear," Izuku said.
"So, future husband and wife, huh?" Catra teased.
"I just thought it was appropriate." Glimmer blushed, knowing Catra would tease her about it.
Just then, a light shined upon the three of them. They covered their eyes as the light took them.
But as quickly as it started, the light subsided, letting them open their eyes. Izuku, Catra and Glimmer were all greeted with cheers from all their fellow princesses, friends and allies. They were at the reception after accomplishing their quest.
"I give you, Queen Glimmer!" Castaspella presented. "Queen of Brightmoon!"
Glimmer felt like all eyes were on her, yet she also felt her lovers and loved ones with her. She stood proud with those she cared for, smiling like a proper queen.
"Glimmer, would you like to say a few words?" Castaspella asked.
Glimmer looked around before clearing her throat.
"I thank you all for being here. These last few days have been challenging for me. But I am not alone in that feeling." Glimmer spoke and everyone listened. "I may only be standing as queen for the time being, but it isn't the time to be scared and hide. The Horde is still out there, preparing for their next strike. We still have the fight for our homes ahead, and for that we must be brave. We are in this together, and we will not stop until we have freed our home from Hordak and Mosulock's clutches! Are you with me?!"
Glimmer was met with cheers and rows of approval. Izuku and Catra lifted her arms as a symbol of their unity and they were followed by everyone else. This was the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the Alliance.
Far away from Brightmoon and the coronation, Hordak oversaw how his soldiers picked up the pieces of the great computer interface. His plans had been snatched from his hands but he would not see them die so easily. There was still much to be done.
"So, boss, what's our next move?" Modulock asked. "The Alliance should have a new queen by now and they are all gearing up to fight us."
"We will pick up the pieces of my former masters' work, and then we will set out to gain control over the heart of this world." Hordak tightened his hand into a fist. "The Heart of Etheria."
