Chapter Text
Adora walked towards a pink platform, sword in hand. The inside of the temple was much bigger than you imagined. The floor was made of a sapphire blue crystal, it refracted and shone light as Adora walked through the cavern. Catra walked close behind, hiding behind a crystal pillar, which there was many of.
Your breath hitched as you made your way out of the tunnel and gazed upon the area. It was beautiful, every single crystal was perfectly intact, glimmering brightly and casting multicolored warm hues around your cheeks. Staying close to the sides of the room, you slowly made your way over to Catra, who was watching Adora intently.
"Catra!" You said, walking behind her. She turned around startled, then growling and baring her claws.
"What. Are. You doing here?" She whispered.
"I followed you genius!" She slapped a hand over your mouth.
"Keep it down!" She whisper-yelled. You scoffed and ripped her hand away.
"Still no sense of personal space, I see." You stated.
"Whatever, let's just get the tech and get out of here," You added, moving towards a peice of wall that extended out, showcasing a glimmering crystal, with veins of code coating the top.
"Wait. I wanna see what happens..." Catra grabbed your arm, stopping you from going anywhere.
"Ugh," You cowered behind the pillar and watched Adora talk to nobody.
"Hello? I carry the sword of She-ra and I've come here for help!" She pulled out the glimmering sword," Is anyone there?" She added, her voice cracking.
A hologram of a woman flickered on behind Adora, startling her. It had a long blue robe on, and a cape; with a piece of cloth on top of its head covering its hair, if the hologram had any. It held a pink tablet with a white gem displayed on the fore front and Crystal's hung from it's ears like jewelry.
"Greetings Administrator." It spoke in a shaky voice, clearly very old," What is your query?"
"Um, I need your help to heal my friend," Adora slowly walked closer to the hologram, " She's been cursed, and- and I don't know how to save her!"
"The legends say that She-ra could heal people using this sword? How do I do that?"
The hologram didn't say anything, it only stared at Adora with a blank face. Whenever it spoke, no emotion was displayed, and every word that came out seemed to be generated and when put together didn't sound coherent and fluid like how any normal person would speak.
"What is your query?"
"Not this again..." Adora face palmed, walking around the hologram, she stopped when she got an idea. Holding the sword high, the gem glowing brightly, nearly blinding Catra, causing you to snicker.
"For the honor of Greyskull!" Adora was engulfed in a bright white light, and when she emerged, She-ra, the blonde tall woman in golden armour was there instead of the familiar ponytail wearing ex-soldier of the Horde, "How about now?"
"Administrator detected, welcome She-ra."
"Ok," Adora sighed," Waht can you tell me about this sword?"
The holographic lad's form flickered, before replying in her deadpan tone of voice.
"Subject, the sword of protection. Classification: portable runestone. Keyed exclusively to administrator: She-ra, Princess of Power."
You gave Catra a look, and she just shrugged her shoulders, before turning to glare at the princess again.
"How can I use the sword to heal my friend?"
"Query not recognized."
Adora groaned loudly.
"C'mon Y/n let's go get this tech and be done," She turned your attention away and walked to the crystal.
She bared her claws and attempted to scratch at it. Nothing happened.
Groaning, you pulled out your staff and used the tip to unhinge the crystal, it lifted up slightly, allowing room for Catra to grab it with her nails, and pull it out.
You put the staff down and looked at the tech, before turning your attention to the veins that glowed red on the wall, causing the whole triangular block to shine a dangerous crimson.
Adora screamed, startled, she threw the heavy sword back, blasting a beam of light at the two, just barely missing, and hitting the block turning it to ash.
"Hey! Watch it!" Catra yelled.
"Catra? Y/n?" She put the sword down," what are you doing here?"
The hologram turned blood red, her facial expression no longer deadpan, but showing a serious emotion.
"Unauthorized presence detected, security protocol: activated." The lady then flickered before turning off and the light became dimmer and dimmer. A sound that was similar to an alarm being triggered set off, and all the lights turned a dim red.
You retracted the staff, and held it out protectingly in front of you and Catra.
"Ugh not again!" Adora yelled in frustration," This isn't good! You're not supposed to be here!"
All the doors had swung shut, blocking off any and all exits.
Adora rushed over and grabbed both of your arms, leading you to a big door that didn't close. It was coated in darkness. Big ruby red eyes suddenly glowed and and ebony spiders crawled out of the whole, leaping at the trio.
"What the heck are those!?" You screamed. Adora shook her head and ran away quickly, still holding on to the two of you, her sword now attached to her back. She-ra let go of your arms.
She ran to a door that was closing, and using her advanced strength, clawed the door open and lifted it up above yours and Catra's heads. Catra stared in shock at the nearing spiders, there was about 7 or 8 of them together and there was still more coming out of the hole.
"Catra, c'mon! Do you want to get eaten alive or something?!" You yelped and grabbed forcefully at her arms and ran inside the now open door. Adora dropped the heavy door as soon as you were in, breaking holes into the door and allowing the monsters access inside.
"Agh!" Catra shouted as claws broke into the door.
Adora led the two of you down another hallway, the lights stopping and causing total darkness.
Three more monsters ran out of the hall, and you all ran for your lives, the monsters close behind.
"What's going on?!" Catra asked, yelling.
"Yeah?! Why are those things trying to kill us?!" You added. Adora groaned, not losing her breath while running
"There trying to kill you! This place sees you as invaders!"
Catra retorted," Well?! Can't you tell them to stop?"
"No, I can't tell them to stop!" She put her hands out in front of her and glared at them," Clearly, nothing in here is listening to me!"
The three of you reared a dead end causing you all to stop.
"A dead end? Seriously?!" You shouted whacking the wall with your staff.
"Adora?" Catra yelled, causing Adora to push you out of the way.
"Stand back!" She used the sword and stabbed through the wall, before dragging it upwards creating a line in the ceiling. The entire hall began to shake, losing its structure, and lots of rocks came crashing down.
"What are you doing?!" You and Catra yell, as Adora turns the sword into a shield and grabs the two of you and protecting you from the rubble.
Just in time, the monsters walked forward, causing the entire ceiling to collapse onto of them.
The rubble knocked them all down, but they weren't hurt, you were curled up on the floor, while Catra was on her knees and Adora was coughing violently.
The rubble caused dust to spray everywhere getting into their mouths.
Adora detransformed into herself again. You made sure the dust was cleared before opening your eyes and staring at Adora.
"You shouldn't be here, those things aren't gonna stop until they get you and as long as I'm protecting you two, they'll see me as a threat too!"
You scoffed, helping Catra up.
"Yeah, well, I don't exactly recall asking you to protect us!" You shot back, causing Adora to narrow her eyes.
"Wha- you know- what! Why are you two here anyway? I mean how did you even find this place?!" Adora asked. You went to answer but Catra nudged you and she shook her head. Rolling her eyes, Catra finished.
"It sent up a beam of light a mile high," Catra got up onto her feet, before going over to help you up," It wasn't hard."
You crossed your arms and leaned against the rubble as Adora got up.
"Does Shadow Weaver know?" You clenched your fists and rolled your eyes, thinking of a retort.
"I'd say she's got bigger fish to fry than me and Catra taking a day trip," You looked to see Adora looking at you with a smug look, her arms crossed," What are you looking at, princess?"
"Is this because I helped you out? Pfft, It's not like I did it on purpose because I like you or whatever!" You shouted, before recoiling back, forgetting Catra was there.
"Well, I didn't say anything, so-" Adora smiled and put her hands to her hips.
"What? You helped her escape?" Catra interrupted. Your chest tightened. Adora smirked unfolding her arms.
"Huh? Well, uh," You covered your eyes. God dammit, loud mouth.
"Guess that makes two of us." She grumbled, that made you feel a little better.
"Anyway, what are you doing out here?" Catra scoffed," Where are your new best friends? I thought you did everything together?"
Adora went back to glaring, her posture stiffening up.
"Oh, my friends? The ones that you and Y/n kidnapped and held for ransom?" She retorted walked up to Catra and glaring at her," the ones you let Shadow Weaver imprison and curse?"
You giggled a little crossing your arms, " Obviously, what other friends would she be talking about?"
Adora stared at you, narrowing her eyes and sighing.
"C'mon, those things will be back any minute, we need to get going,"
You looked at the wall, or what was a wall. For some reason, it was gone, and a long stretched hallway was in its place. You made an audible noise of confusion.
"Well we don't need to go together," Catra grabbed your arm," You do your magical quest thing, we'll find our own way out."
Catra looked back, and noticed there was literally no other way to go, she groaned and let go of your arm, walking forward. There was no way else to go, there was no choice but to go together. Adora glared at the two of you and walked ahead, taking the lead like always.
Groaning, you glanced around the room, no one else said anything. The walls were ruby red with the same veins of code running up and down the sides of the triangular hallway. Putting your hands in your pockets, you made your way over to the two walking behind.
The hallway was short, it came to an end and opened into a yellow room, half of the wall split off showcasing a waterfall that fell down and splashing into a pool at the bottom. It was beautiful, and you knew it. You stopped and admired the view, forgetting the other two where there. They just walked ahead. It reminded you of- something. You didn't know, but it felt warm and nurturing. A pit formed in your stomach when you realized how far ahead the other two were, and you ran to catch up with them.
The room enclosed and turned into a hallway again, with pink and purple walls, and a blue ceiling. The walls had those same veins from before, in a language you didn't understand. You could make out a few words, which confused you to no end, no one else seemed to be reading them. Did they not understand it? You made out the words 'Eternia' 'Princess', 'runestone' and 'lost' but other than that you couldn't make sense of the madness. You moved your hand to the wall and dragged your hand along it.
Adora and Catra stopped. You looked forward, you hand still on the wall.
"Huh?"
"Great another dead end!" Catra sassed. You hummed, looking to the wall. The word your hand was on looked familiar. You had no idea why. Until you strung out the words the letters you understood in English.
Your name. It spelt out your name. You shot back, knocking into Catra.
"Hey! Watch it daydreamer!" She yelled causing you to blush in embarrassment.
"Shut it, nerd," You laughed, and pointed at her forehead, something she would do to everyone to confuse them. She rolled her eyes and pushed you hand away. You looked to the door. There it was again. Your name.
The word Eternia was splayed out big below it.
"It's not a dead end," Adora put a hand to the door," Eternia!"
The door slid open at her command, and you stared at her in confusion.
"You can read that?" You asked, tilting your head. If she did she must have seen your name written on it.
"Its a long story,"
Hmm, guess not.
Adora lead the three of you into the room. It was coated in darkness, a single red blimp in the centre.
"Cool, you found the infinite darkness room, have fun, Me and Y/n are gonna find another way around," She went for your hand again, turning around. You rolled your eyes. Catra stopped.
"What, not afraid of the dark are you?" You snorted.
"Why, you looking for a cuddle buddy? Cause' you're sure scared," She replied sarcastically, causing your face to flush.
"No I am not!"
"No, the doors gone, stupid." She pointed to where the door was. No more light shone through, and the three of you were encapsulated in darkness.
Adora pulled out her sword, the runestone glowing and giving light ahead.
"Wait, I think I see something," Adora mentioned the red blip," Hello? Light Hope?"
Who the hell is Light Hope? The three of you walked over to the dot, Adora kneeled down next to the dot, examining it.
You, deciding to play along, walked over to the other side of Adora, and moved your hand about over the dot. It wasn't suspended by anything, so you checked underneath. It was just floating in mid air.
"Whats-" Catra started. The dot exploded sending you back to her. Adora stood up and covered her eyes.
The dot sent off a bright light that seemingly scanned you. It sent off two noises and turned off.
You uncovered your eyes and you were suddenly back in the Fright Zone. Catra froze, her eyes wide like dinner plates. You looked around, confused. Adora glared at you and suddenly she had Catra pinned to the wall.
"What kind of game are you playing?!" Adora yelled.
"Hey! Adora, what are you doing?!" You shouted frantically.
"Woah, woah!" Catra put her arms up in defense," I have no idea what's going on! There's no way we could actually be back at the Fright Zone!"
Adora said nothing, she just glared and pushed harder against Catra's chest.
"So what is this? Another Shadow Weaver mind trick?!"
"C'mon, Adora, let go, you're going a bit over board." You tried to reason. She ignored you, waiting for Catra to respond.
"I doubt it, now let go of me!" Catra pushed Adora hands off of her and walked away looking for anyone.
The walls flickered which made you stand back.
Catra turned a corner and saw a guard in uniform.
"Hey! Guard!" She yelled flicking her fingers," Uh hello?"
She pointed her finger to the mask of the guard, and her hand went straight through. Catra shot back in surprise, laughing.
"Hey, Y/n! this isnt real!" She laughed, beckoning you over, but you were gone.
"Y/n?" She scratched her head," Adora?"
You walked through the corridor that lead to the barracks, and touched the walls. It felt the same but not at the same time. A kind of uncanny valley.
You sighed putting your hand down and shaking your head. That couldn't possible have been real, why was your name on the walls? And how were you able to read that language? Albeit with a little struggle. Maybe you were imagining it.
"Y/n? Adora?" You heard Catra shout.
"Catra?" You said. But that didn't come from you.
You looked down to see a smaller version of you. You- they had two sharp teeth poking out. Confused, you leaned down and poked at her forehead. The finger went straight through and the hologram stared at you confused.
They had to be you. They looked exactly like you before the training. You remembered this moment.
"Catra? Where are you?" They asked no one, before looking through you and running. You braced for impact but it never came. They ran through you, causing you to turn around and see what it was the kid ran to.
It was a small Catra, she didn't have her head piece on and her floofy hair was all over the place. Just like you remembered. Next to her stood Adora, not in kid form. "Adora?" You asked, she turned around and noticed you standing there. You walked side by side with the younger you. Young Y/n ran up to Catra and hugged her from the side. Young Catra had tears in her eyes.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"My nose! Does it look broken?"
Catra- real Catra had walked in seemingly from nowhere.
"Y/n! Theres a- wait is that me?"
"Seems like it..." You answered, you smirked, "Aww, you're so cute."
Catra squinted and looked at you funny, "Thank you?"
You bit your lip and pointed to the younger Y/n cheekily. Catra scoffed, "I wasn't talking about you. But you're cute too."
Catra rolled her eyes.
"Hah, I sound so funky." You noticed, remembering your stammer you had as a kid. Shadow Weaver taught you how to stop when she...
Younger you put a hand to her flushed cheek and started examining her nose, looking for any rogue bumps, bruises or swelling, "It's not b-broken, Catra..." You chuckled.
"Where's Adora?" Young Catra asked, pushed the deer away.
"She w-went looking for you, she sh-should be around s-s-somew-where," You mumbled, moving back and forth on your heels, thinking about what just happened.
"Adora!" Young Catra must've seen Adora, because when she did, she sped past you, leaving you all alone in the hallway. Young Adora grinned, front tooth missing. She ripped it out after a dare Catra gave her.
Young you walked up to them watching young Catra complained.
"Adora! Does it look broken?!" Catra asked frantically.
"C-catra you don't need a second o-opinion, its not-" You face palmed.
"AGHHH!! ITS BLEEDING!" Catra yelped.
"It's not bleeding!" Adora reassured, holding Catra's hand.
"What e-even happened?" You asked laughing.
"You picked a fight with Octavia, didn't you?" Adora answered putting a hand on her hip.
"No, I didn't! I didn't even do anything! All I did was exist near her!" Catra crossed her arms, "And scratch her on the eyeball...And call her a dumb face,"
"Catra!"
"What! She has a dumb face!"
"Where is she?" You and Adora asked. Your face flushed pink when you noticed you both had spoken at the same time. You held out your hand but Catra ignored it and grabbed for Adora's, before leading you all down the hall.
Ouch that hurt. You clenched your chest and nervously played with a few strands of h/t (hairtype) hair.
Sighing, you caught up with them. They were on a balcony looking down. Catra pointed down to Octavia, she had an eye patch on and was sulking in the corner. Adora just stared contemplating, when suddenly, your eyes went wide as you got an idea.
"Hey O-octavia!" You shouted, gripping the railing.
"What?!"
"You gotta d-dumbface~" You taunted in a sing song tone of voice, causing the other two to gasp and giggle. Octavia's eye twitched before she roared and ran up the stairs, you shot back knocking into the other two, giggling,
"Agh!"
"Run!"
"She's coming!"
The three of you ran away in a chain, Adora in front, you in the middle and Catra last, all holding hands.
Everyone was laughing, and you snorted hard, causing everyone to giggle louder. You ran past a pillar and into a different room. The Fright Zone was gone; the wall was red with a blue and purple trim, with the same veins strung across the walls, this time in yellow. You looked down, the short and stumpy legs replaced by long booted ones. You were out of the cadet uniform and into your regular uniform, the jacket was still hung up on your shoulders.
The laughing died down and you all realized you were holding hands. Catra and Adoa leapt back away from you. And you spat on the hand that Adora was holding, attempting to wipe away all the princess germs. You wiped away a sweat drop from your forehead, and took off the jacket folding it up into your bag.
You breathed out, calming down your heart.
"That was freaky," You breathed out, staring at your hands, remembering this day.
"What was that?" Catra asked leaning against the wall.
"It seemed like a simulation, it's tapping into our memories, why, I have no idea,"
Oh no, if it was tapping into your memories...
"Ugh, this place is so wierd, how can you deal with all this magic stuff?" Catra said exasperated. You crossed your arms, staring at your feet and listening into the conversation, not saying a word.
"I only deal with it because I need to find out how to heal Glimmer after someone got her cursed!" Adora accused.
You stood up clenching your fists.
"What'd you want an apology?" Catra pushed Adora back," You're not getting one."
You looked at Adora, who looked back pleadingly.
"What?" You asked, your eyes stuck in your hands, "I-I...I wasn't listening..."
"Nothing," You rolled your eyes and walked past her catching up with Catra.
"Can I ask you guys something?" Adora asked.
"Can I stop you?" Catra rhetorically asked back.
You put your arm out to stop Catra from walking forward. In front of you was a seemingly endless pit. A flimsy bridge was the only way across.
"Why did you help me escape after you captured us?"
Catra groaned walking to the bridge taking you with her.
"Not this again..." You sighed.
"It's the one thing I can't figure out!"
Catra jumped up onto the bridge, the rest of you following suit.
"You didn't have to do that, you could have just left," all of you got the the end of the bridge," You could've gotten caught! Why risk it? WoahawoahWOAH!"
Adora fell back, her arm extended.
Catra swiftly pressed her arm forward and grabbed it tightly.
"Did you really think we were just gonna let Shadow Weaver erase your memory like that?"
"I don't know, probably."
"Yeah, you never did have much faith in us" You said, crossing you arms, waiting for Catra to pull her up.
"Can you blame me, Y/n?" Adora snickered, causing you to furrow your eyebrows.
"Whatever, let's just go," Everyone made their way through the room, walking into another hallway.
"It wasn't all bad growing up in the Fright Zone was it?" Catra asked nonchalantly," You still have some good memories, right?"
"Of course I do, but that doesn't change the fact that the Horde's evil!" You crossed your arms, minimocking her," I had no choice."
Yeah, well you had a choice, and you stayed. You thought. Whenever you would come back to the barracks, hurt and beaten, you wanted to run away from the Horde, but you didn't, because you knew that it didn't matter, because 'nothing bad can really happen as long as we have eachother'. Pathetic. She didn't even have the worst of the Horde, she was the favourite. She doesn't get to just leave.
"I couldn't go back," You looked away, crossing your arms. You felt tears coming out, but you pushed them back in as soon as you noticed.
"Hey, Y/n," Adora turned to you now, rubbing your arm.
"What?" You grumbled.
"I missed you too,"
"Huh? I didn't..." She lifted an eyebrow," W-well, maybe a little bit..."
Adora laughed.
"Well, I certainly didn't miss you!" Catra added.
"Oh, please, you missed me the most!" Adora retorted.
"Get over yourself!" Catra kicked Adora away playfully, causing you to giggle.
"Not until you admit, you like me!" Adora grabbed Catra and wrestled her hair. You walked between them, pulling them apart and holding them both by their shoulders.
"I don't like you!" Catra shouted.
"Hah! C'mon, you guys, split it up," You pushed Adora back and she snorted, "We all know everyone likes me the best. I mean, I'm great at everything and everybody falls for me, I get all the girls and all the fame!"
"Getting jealous are we?" Adora sassed, flicking your nose.
"What? No! You wish!" You rubbed your nose with a smirk, letting go of Catra, who 'ooh'ed, "I for one don't like you at all."
You stuck your tongue out at her.
"Don't worry, guys! There's enough of me to go around!" Adora pulled the two of you together and wrapped her arms around your necks.
"Pshhh!" Catra unwrapped herself from Adora and you did the same, punching Adora playfully.
She just laughed leaning against a pillar. Instead of the pillar holding her weight, she phased right through it and landed in the testing area of the Fright Zone.
"Oh come on!" Catra shouted.
A teenage Catra with a staff ran through her, and attacked a younger Adora.
Their staff's met with a clink and Adora swung forward just barely missing Catra's head. Catra swung again but missed, causing Adora to swing forward. Catra leapt back blocking her attack.
Adora hummed, causing Catra to yell and run forward, giving it her all and trying to whack Adora, who blocked her with her staff. They were at the same skill level, so this wasn't an uncommon sight, the two of them sparring, yet never landing a hit.
Catra swung and Adora dodged.
Swing. Dodge. Swing dodge.
Catra placed a finger against Adora's forehead, confusing her. She squinted her eyes, and Catra let go giggling. Adora smiled and swung her staff, missing, and Catra jumped up on top of the staff, using her own to try and hit Adora over the head. Adora just laughed and grabbed the staff, lifting up and throwing Catra over head.
"Ooooowww!!" Catra yelled out, holding her knee.
Adora stopped immediately, running over to see if she was okay. She knelt down and checked Catra's head. Catra smirked and grabbed her staff, knocking Adora off her feet, and backwards onto the floor. Adora quickly held up the pink staff and blocked Catra who had swung down. Catra smiled while Adora struggled, seeing a teenaged Y/n finish her fight with Lonnie. They hit her in the chest with the staff, causing her to be out.
They rushed over to Catra and swung down, but Catra was too fast and turned around blocking the attack. Y/n giggled and pushed harder down, watching Catra struggle. She smirked and let go causing Y/n to fall onto their feet. They laughed and used their staff to hop up before Catra could hit them.
They tackled Catra, swinging forward but Catra moved out of the way just in time. Running forward, Catra jumped over Y/n, knocking them down with her staff. Y/n gasped and turned around, but as Catra swung down they blocked with the staff, launching Catra up into the air, and they attempted to out Catra but missed when Catra pushed Y/n's staff back and outing Y/n, still in mid air.
"What! That's c-cheating!" You yelled.
"Nah, you're just mad I got you," Catra laughed.
"Ugh whatever," Y/n walked away and met a younger Lonnie, Kyle and Rogelio.
Adora saw her chance and ran up to Catra swinging down and catching Catra off guard. She knocked Catra's staff out of her hands, and hit her in the chest, outing her .
"And there's our winner," Adora smirked helping Catra up off of the floor. Catra rolled her eyes, and walked away meeting Y/n.
"What was that?!" Catra yelled, looking up at them, "Way to gang up on me!"
"You were fighting dirty, besides does it matter? You still got me," You said putting your hands on your hips, "I w-was making it fair." Catra glared and crossed her arms.
"Ugh, alright, I'm sorry!" You put your arms up in defence.
"You better be," Catra said jokingly, pointing a finger to their chest.
"Oh, I'm so scared!" You giggled. Adora met up with the three of them.
"You were awesome!" Adora praised Catra," I didn't hurt you did I?"
"No, I'm fine! You're just lucky Y/n distracted me!" Catra mocked. You frowned, looking down at your feet, thinking.
"Riiight," Adora put her hands on her hips.
"She has a point, if it weren't for me you would have lost, so be grateful you blonde turd," You flicked Adora's hair poof, snickering.
"Besides, If I came first, people might actually expect me to start doing stuff around here," Catra crossed her arms, "Trust me, Second place suits me just fine,"
Adora rolled her eyes.
"You sure?" You asked.
"Uh, Yeah!" Catra remarked, "What? You think I care? C'mon, me?"
"Alright," Adora shrugged her shoulders, " C'mon, let's cool down,"
Adora grabbed your hand, going for Catra's, but she retracted her arm away.
"In a minute, I'll meet you there," Catra told.
"Ok, see you later Catra," You waved, giggling, blowing a kiss, before laughing it off.
"Psshh," She waved it off.
"C'mon, Y/n! Let's meet the others," Adora put her hand over yours and winked causing you to blush.
"O-okay, If I have to," You laughed and walked over to the rest of the crew. Adora let go immediately and put her hands behind her back.
"Hahah!" She laughed.
"Sorry for outing you Lonnie," You apologised, putting your head down.
"Nah it's cool, I should've tried harder," Lonnie waved you off. You looked to Rogelio who's arm was around Kyle's shoulder.
"That was awesome!"
"No way, Adora won! I got third place, You should be praising her," You smiled.
Adora elbowed you, and you noticed she was listening in.
"Just take the compliment, Y/n, really, it's fine, " She whispered.
"Oh okay fine," You pushed her away, " Thanks guys, you're not hurt are you?" You asked Rogelio, thinking back when you got him out, who just roared in response, which Lonnie translated.
"No I'm alright,"
You looked back noticing Catra was gone.
"AGHH!"
"What was that?" You asked. Adora shrugged.
You were back to being older again. Adora shrugged and then you remembered.
"Catra!" You shouted and ran over to the locker rooms, Adora not far behind.
The door swung open and inside Catra was wrapped up in green goo, one of those monsters was back and had gotten her.
"Catra!" Adora yelled, she ran up to her.
"Adora! Y/n!" Catra shouted, her voice muffled.
You pushed past Adora and grabbed Catra's hand, tightly. You grunted, pulling her back with all your might. Adora was holding onto you to make sure you didn't go in with her. Using both hands, you wrapped them around Catra's, pulling her back in. She was almost there!
"Grrrr!" You struggled, holding Catra tighter until!
Adora accidentally let go of her grip and you were sent flying through the mirror.
"Adora!" The monster dragged both of you through a red hallway. Looking back, you saw Adora pressed up against the mirror.
"Y/n! Catra!" You heard her muffled voice call.
The monster stopped and spat goo at you, sticking you to Catra.
It dragged the two of you down the hallway, you looked to Catra who's eyes were as wide as dinner plates. She struggled against the goo and tried yelling for help.
"ADORA!!" You screamed, as the monster didn't cover your mouth. Catra squealed and your heart sank, Adora wasn't coming.
Catra's eyes teared up, but upon seeing you she sucked it back in. She took a deep breath and bared her claws; scratched against the goo, she ripped herself free, jumping back and laughing.
"Catra!" You held your hand out for her to grab. You screamed but Catra didn't move, instead she yelled and jumped forward onto the monster's back, causing it to stop. She stabbed the monsters ruby eyes and it shattered, exposing it's wiring. Cackling, Catra ripped out the wires and jumped to another eye.
She didn't help you. You could've helped! With a shout, you pulled out your staff and ripped off the goo.
The monster let out a squeal as Catra ripped off a peice of its metal coverings. She kept scratching and ripping the monster apart that she didn't need help.
You ran up to whack the monster with the staff, as Catra jumped off, but stopped.
She smiled at you, grabbing you and pulling you in for a hug.
"You're okay!"
"Yeah but it's not finished," You yelled, giving her your staff.
"What?"
"Take it!"
Catra nodded and took it out of your hands. The dying robot had its wires exposed and ripped, it was laying on the floor slowly approaching. Catra giggled as she ran forward to stab it and lay the finishing blow.
But Adora got there instead.
She used the sword to stab it in the head.
She huffed and jumped down.
"Are you okay?" She wiped a piece of goo off of Catra's shoulders.
"I'm fine." You stated, glaring at the floor.
"I had it." Catra spat.
"Sure you did, c'mon, we should stick together from now on."
"Can you stop telling us what to do!?" Catra shouted pushing Adora away from you.
"I'm sick of this stupid place, let's just get outta here!" She walked forward leaving you and Adora.
"What's her problem?"
"Her problem? What's yours!?" You shut up racing after Catra, "Catra?"
Adora winced. She was confused, all she did was save them?
"Catra, c'mon!"
You leapt up from platform to platform, making your way to Catra who was near the exit already.
"What's your problem? I was trying to save you!" Adora shouted.
Catra stood up, "For the last time, I don't need you to save me! I... We've been doing just fine on our own!"
"No thanks to you," You mumbled walking forward.
"Catra wait!" She grabbed Catra's arm, using it to help herself up onto the platform.
"I'm sorry for leaving! I couldn't stay, not after finding out what the Horde was really doing!"
You scoffed and grabbed Catra's other hand.
"C'mon Catra let's just go-"
"I never wanted to leave you..." Adora finished, "Both of you could come with me! You could join the rebellion! I know you're not bad people,"
She gave Catra's arm a squeeze.
"You don't belong with the Horde!"
They were back in the Fright Zone. The familiar background was pleasing to see, especially with all the tension.
Catra pushed you and Adora away making her way through the hall.
"Let's just get this over with."
A young Catra swung from the pipes of the Fright Zone, Y/n followed straight behind.
Catra used her tail to swing forward and land on a platform. Y/n laughed at Adora's poor attempt at climbing.
"You need any help?" They offered, holding out a hand, hanging upside down with their legs holding them up.
"No! I got it!" Adora reassured.
"Okay then, m-monkey gal!" You laughed, getting serious, " What the heck is a monkey..."
Adora blushed.
Y/n swung backwards, landing on their knees. Catra leaned against a bar giggling to herself.
"What's it like being the world's slowest person?" Catra sassed.
Adora puffed out her cheeks and swung forward, missing the platform completely.
Y/n ran away as Adora came near to her running in front of Catra laughing.
Adora caught up and pulled Catra's hair. Catra bumped into Y/n as they were pointing towards an ominous door. It lead to the Black Garnet chamber.
Y/n awed at the door, "It's o-open."
"We're definitely not allowed in there!" Adora stated.
"S-s-shadow Weaver will kill us if she c-catches us in there!" The horned child worried.
Catra burst out laughing as Adora ran inside. This caused Y/n to panic, they ran after them as Catra ran too.
"W-wait! I was serious! Oh no, p-please don't!" They ran inside too, eager to catch up.
Adult Catra glared at the spot her younger self once stood. Adora glanced at her with a sad expression.
"You don't have to go in there..."
She ignored her and walked past you, going inside the chamber.
"Wow!" Catra awed the gem, circling it.
"Yeah wow amazing!" Y/n's fluffy tail stood up in panic, "L-let's go though, just in c-case!"
"C'mon Y/n, don't be a wuss," Adora laughed, " You're not scared, are you?"
"Of c-course n-not!" You whacked her upside the back of the head, " I just don't want our heads on a spike for everyone to s-s-see if Shadow Weaver comes back!"
"Uew! If Shadow Weaver comes back! C'mon Y/n, stop worrying," Catra played with the black garnet, she touched it and a blast of red electricity went through her body. You shivered, eyes going wide as you heard noises outside the chamber.
Oh no. She's here.
"C-catra!" You whisper yelled, grabbing her and hiding behind the black garnet, Adora quickly following.
Shadow Weaver stumbled inside the chamber. She kept mumbling and moaning to herself. She floated over to the black garnet and placed her hands onto it.
Her hands glowed and static flowed into her.
Breathing heavily, Shadow Weaver went to the goblet. She moved a hand up to her face and took off the red mask, placing it down on the side of the bowl.
Adora gasped as she saw her disfigured face.
Shadow Weaver covered half of her face with her hand, but you could still see how horribly disfigured it was.
There was scarring all over, you wondered how that could have happened; her eyes were a dull green, they pierced through your soul. Shadow Weaver's skin was dark grey in colour, like the colour of a dusty tabletop. She noticed us behind the garnet and she gasped.
"GET OUTTT!"
The three of you were horrified, you all ran, making your way to the exit.
That horrible aura surrounded the three of you. Your heart beat faster the longer you were in that room. You were right. You never should have gone in.
Shadows covered the exit, blocking you from leaving.
You looked back to see Catra, frozen in fear.
"Catra, you stay..."
What do you think your doing here?"
She used her magic to turn the cat girl around. You clenched your chest and curled up on the floor. This can't be happening. You didnt want to get them in trouble! You didn't mean to! If you had tried harder to get them away, this wouldn't have happened! You started hyperventilating on the floor, no one tried to help. You looked up seeing Adora frozen still, not doing anything.
Tears ran out of your eyes. You have to do something, I have to do something.
Slowly, you stood up on your feet and made your way over to her.
"S-shadow Weaver, it wasn't her fault, we were just playing-"
"Insolent child, I thought I taught you better than to encourage such disgraceful behaviour. I will have a word with you later, now LEAVE." Swallowing your pride, you walked back, glaring at the floor.
"Catra, I have come to expect such appalling behaviour from you, but I will not allow the two of you to drag Adora down aswell!" She screeched.
"Shadow Weaver!" Adora shouted, "It wasn't their fault it was my idea too!"
Shadow Weaver noticed I wasn't moving and used her magic to throw me back, hitting the wall next to Adora. A shock ran through your back, as well as a warm liquid that ran down your back.
"Oof!"
"You have never been anything more than a nuisance to me! I've kept you both around for this long because Adora was fond of you! But if you EVER do ANYTHING to jeopardize her future, I will dispose of you myself! Do you understand?"
"Please stop!" Adora ran in front of Catra and put out her arms. This stopped Shadow Weaver because she stepped back and allowed her magic to let them go. She still kept a firm grip on Catra, however.
"Adora, you must do a better job of keeping her under control," She let go of Catra and you ran straight to her, holding her close as she fell over. Shadow Weaver put on a sweet tone and put back a stray strand of hair behind Adora's ear, "Do not let something like this happen again."
She patted Adora on the head.
"Catra, are you okay?" You put a hand to her cheek and checked for any bruises, she was okay, but you weren't. Your back stung and you weren't off the hook so easily. Catra looked up at you and wiped a tear from her eye, she glared and smacked your hand away, running away to meet Adora.
"Now, what to do with you..." Shadow Weaver spoke ominously, using her magic to bring you closer.
"Please, I-I'm sorry, It'll never happen again! I swear!" You shouted, on your knees.
"Oh, I know, I'll make sure of it."
You winced, watching Shadow Weaver come closer. The door snapped shut, her magic keeping it closed. You squeezed your eyes closed as her hands came to touch your skin.
She gently turned you around, lifting up your shirt and pressing a hand to your back. You squealed at the pain, and Shadow Weaver pressed down harder.
"OW!" You lifted up your knees, clenched them close.
Shadow Weaver hummed and let go. You turned your head and saw her conjuring up a magic circle, your eyes shot from her hands to her mask in fear of what she was going to do.
Adora held Catra tightly by the shoulder, as they walked to the barracks. They turned a corner and they were all older again. Catra grunted knocking off Adora's arm.
"You always have to play the hero, don't you?!"
"I was only trying to protect you!" Adora reasoned.
"You never protected me! Not in anyway that would put on Shadow Weaver's bad side!" Catra yelled pointing at Adora.
"Admit it!" Catra cried out in her younger self, "You love being her favourite!"
"That's not true!" Young Adora pleaded.
"Oh yeah!"
"When you left! Who do you think took the fall for you? Where were you to protect me then, huh?!" Catra mocked.
"You don't have to let Shadow Weaver treat you like that anymore! You can leave!" Adora offered.
"Just like I did!" Young Adora pointed to herself.
"Oh, because I need to follow you wherever you go?" Catra retorted pulling at her floofy hair.
"I didn't mean it that way!"
"I don't want to leave! What don't you understand about that? I'm not afraid of Shadow Weaver anymore and I'm a better force captain than you would've ever been!" Catra shouted.
"You always said you didn't care about stuff like that,"
"Well I was lying! Obviously!" Catra cried out, tears falling out of her eyes. She turned into her older self, wiping her tears, she ran away.
"Catra, just wait!" Adora yelled touching Catra's shoulder.
"Why'd you think we helped you escape back in the Fright Zone?! We don't want you to come back, Adora!"
Catra huffed, walking away.
Your back was starting to feel better. Was she...healing you?
You let out a sigh, feeling the warm magic encapsulating your back and bringing your comfort. Shadow Weaver moved her hands around your back, stopping after a while.
"I'm sorry, Shadow Weaver." You let out, "R-really."
"It's in the past, "She scoffed, "I have been meaning to talk to you."
Your heart fluttered, "Really?"
Shadow Weaver noticed your change of mood and shot you down, "Pipe down, child."
You shut up, clearing your throat.
"I want to train you, personally," She explained, pulling your shirt back down as she finished, "I will not apologise for harming you, however I do regret it. I need you in top shape."
You tilted your head in what that meant, turning around to face her.
"See this, that I am doing with my hands?" She conjured up a circle of magic, "This is called magic, I was a sorcerer before I joined the Horde...You...Are weak and fragile, I believe you will do well as my student."
You smiled, getting excited, "I forgive you for hurting me! Explain!"
"Be quiet," Shadow Weaver scowled through her mask, "I was once weak, just like you. But, seeing you stand up to me just now has made me think."
You looked up at her, not knowing what that meant. You're not weak?
"I have missed teaching magic. I will teach you," She started, "After all, I need someone to be a good role model for your friend, Adora, do I not? Yes..."
Your eyes widened, scoffing at her words, "No!"
Shadow Weaver stumbled back, off guard, "Excuse me?! How dare you!"
You can't live through this again! You scowled and stood up, feeling yourself shake as electrocity ran through your body.
"I lovingly suggest you as my personal student and you decline?! Maybe, I was wrong to choose you, you don't have the potential I once thought. Oh, well."
"Stop it!" You yelled, as Shadow Weaver electrocuted you. You didn't even know if it was her. Your head screamed to fight back, "Shut up!"
"Grr! What did I ever do to you?!" You screamed, grabbing Shadow Weaver's arm and throwing her off of you; you were still being electrocuted.
"With you, It's always Adora! It's never about ME!" You groaned, "and when it is about me, it's always twisted somehow around HER!"
"I was so happy when you were going to train me! I thought I finally had you all to myself! But nooo!"
You remembered this moment, and you are never going to live through this again. Never. Not even some stupid simulation by some stupid tower is going to make you see this!
"I always wanted to impress you! But nothing I ever did was good enough! I was always too lazy! Too rude! Too fat! Too weak! Too sensitive!" You shouted, crying.
"You are a disgrace to the Horde! You are lucky Adora is fond of you and Catra otherwise I would have disposed of you so many years ago!"
"SHUT UP!" You banged on the black garnet, it only cracked, yet when you recoiled, some shards were stuck on your gloves.
"You always were too sensitive for your own good,"
"Stop it! I don't care! I'm sorry I'm not perfect like Adora! Just stop repeating it!" You ripped off a glove showcasing the scars that laid there on the bare skin. "There! Is this what you want?"
You balled up your glove and threw it at where you thought she was, but it phased through her entirely. On your hands were various burns, scratches and scars. You remembered your training. You weren't up for magic, your body couldn't do it, everytime you tried to conjure so much as a light spell you would burn yourself, earning yourself a punishment from your tutor. You were never seeing this day again.
"You are an insolent child, you can't even do one simple task?!"
"This! This is all your fault! You raised me! So everything wrong with me should be your fault! I don't care if I'm weak! I know! How are you blaming me for how I feel when your the cause!?" You stopped when you realized no one was there.
You were in an empty room, screaming at nobody.
You sat on your own, the pink ceiling the only company. Clenching your stomach, you got up onto your legs and walked to the exit, but that had gone too.You glanced down to your body, letting a sigh in relief when you realized you had turned back to normal and had been for a while.
None of them looked for you or even cared to talk about what happened. Too involved with their own things.
"Urghhhhh," A pit formed in your stomach as you sat down where the door was. Tears welled up but you were not going to cry. Instead of crying, you took a deep breath, and stared at the floor.
"What the h-heck is wrong with this place?!" You stood up, looking inside your bag and taking out the staff, extending it. You grunted, hitting the wall where the door was.
"Ugh! Where. Did. The. Stupid. Door. Go?!" You shouted between whacks. You reeled back, ready to swing, when the wall disappeared and you fell straight through it onto the green floor.
"Oof!" You yelped.Getting up off of the floor, you gazed at the glove on the floor.
You bent down to pick it up,
No one can know.
You slid the fabric over your fingers and looked for Catra and Adora, the hallway flickered away when you left it.
Catra ran through the Fright Zone, the path turning to a pipe; various people dashed by as she ran.
"Insolent child,"
"You were fighting dirty,"
"I'm sorry Catra,"
Catra screamed, slashing away the holograms of Adora.
"LET ME! OUTTA HERE!" She fell to her knees panting heavily, her eyes wide, and dirt covered her face.
Suddenly, she was in the barracks, and an all to familiar cry was heard. Catra turned around and saw herself.
Young Catra was hidden under the covers sobbing quietly.
"Catra?" Young Adora came out from the hallway, concerned. She walked over to the cat, unveiling her from her warm prison of fabric.
"Catra it's okay!" Adora stated as Catra hissed, "Its just me!"
"Adora?" Y/n came out aswell, this time wearing gloves, and a bandage around her stomach that Catra had never noticed before.
"Adora there you are!" She yelled jumping on the bed, she saw Catra in tears before softening her stare.
"H-hey," Y/n sat on the bed and gave the cat a gently hug.
"It doesn't matter what they do to us, you know?" Adora started, "Nothing really bad can happen as long as we have eachother?"
Y/n glanced at her arms and stomach before her eyes flickered up to face Catra.
"You promise?" Both Catra's said.
"I promise..."
"Do you promise Y/n?" Catra asked with a small smile.
"Of c-course, I promise. I swear on m-my favourite pinky," They spoke sadly and held out their pinkies which the two of them wrapped their pinkie around. Catra turned around when she heard an extra voice, Y/n's.
She walked into the room sadly, looked down at her arms, and clenched them around her chest.
Adora pulled them all in for a hug.
"C'mon, let's go back out,"
Adora lead them all back but Y/n and Catra stayed behind looking up at their older counter parts.
Catra stared at Y/n as their counterparts walked away.
Adora jumped on top of a monster, ripping its claw out and using it to fling another one away over the edge. Adora gasped and ran forward, kneeling down to her sword and ripping away the goo. She struggled to get the sword out when she was blasted from the back in the sickly goo. The monster held her up over the edge threateningly.
"I'm not your enemy! Just let me speak to Light Hope!
Adora grunted and kicked herself out of the monster's grip, falling over the edge, using the goo that was attached to the ground from her falling to her death. Alarm bells ringed in her head when the spiders neared closer, edging to rip the goo and watch her fall.
Suddenly, there attentions were diverted by something thrown at their heads, it was a staff.
Adora couldn't see waht happened, she could only hear grunts and clashes and the sound of metal crashing
"Catra?" She yelled, "Y/n?"
The two made their way to the edge peering over and seeing Adora hanging on by a thread, literally. Catra picked up Adora's sword. She touched the blade and ran her fingers up and down menacingly, a smug look on her face.
"Hey Adora,"
"Catra! Help me, please," Adora pleaded. You stood still beside her playing with the staff.
"This thing wouldn't work for me if I tried would it?" Catra asked nonchalantly.
"It only works for you right, Adora? But maybe that's because, your special..." You finished, "that's what Shadow Weaver always said isnt it?"
"What are you doing?" Adora asked her eyes were wide and her eyebrows her furrowed.
"Ah, you know it all makes sense now," Catra carried on walking away with the sword. Adora looked at you pleadingly, who just poked at the goo with the staff.
"You were always the one that was holding me back." Catra went on, "You wanted me to think I needed,you."
"You wanted us to feel weak." You added, Catra nodded, clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth.
"Ding ding ding! Correct!" Catra tittered.
"Every hero, needs a side kick, right?" You quizzed rhetorically .
"No! That's not how it was!" Adora insisted.
Catra chuckled, bending down and leaning on the sword, while you stood up.
"The thing is, I've spent all this time hoping you'd come back to the Horde, when really you leaving was the best thing to ever happen to me," Catra put the sword to the goo that held Adora up and sliced half of it off. You smiled softly at Catra as she did so.
Adora gasped, falling down, now only having one hand to support herself.
"We are so much stronger than anyone thought," Catra retorted, looking to you for confirmation.
"Do it, already," You rebuked, picking your nails.
"Now, I wonder what we could've been had we gotten rid of you sooner?" She sliced the rest off.
"AGH!" Adora screamed, grabbing onto a small ledge on the side.
"I'm sorry, Catra!" She held on with one hand,struggling to hold on, "I never meant to make you feel like you were second best! Don't do this!"
"But that's not all you did, was it Adora?" You kneeled down now, and was poked at her hand with the staff.
Catra smirked and threw the sword over. It made loud noises as it banged on the sides of the hole, before creating one last clang as it hit the bottom.
"Bye, Adora!" Catra smiled down at her," I really am going to miss you..."
You waited for Catra to turn around, before looking down at Adora and sneering.
"If you really were my friend, do me a favour," You kneeled down again and poked at her hand, causing her to slip for a second before she lurched her other hand forward and caught the ledge at the last second, "Let. Go."
You shook off the staff, causing it to retract, before standing up and trotting away. Adora teared up, was this really how she was gonna go?
"Y/n? Catra?" She blinked away the tears.
It was black for a moment, she opened her eyes and a cloaked figure stood at the edge, looking down at her. She looked like the hologram.
"Adora." She stared down at her emotionless, her blue eyes staring down through the dark, when did it get dark?
"You must. Let. Go."
Adora let the tears fall off of her face; her arm was getting tired. She couldn't hold on for long.
She let go.
"And then theres the time the three of us went on a boat together!" Scorpia reminisced, holding her claws up in admiration, "Did I ever tell you about that?"
The purple princess sat on the floor, Emily's front panel was completely taken off and her wiring was exposed, Entrapta had her headpiece over her face as she worked.
"I'm pretty sure you did."
The princess lifted up a tape recorder and pressed a red button, causing the speaker to sound out and Scorpia spoke threw the recorder, "Oh! And one time the three of us were on a boat together! That was the best day ever!"
"Yep, you did,"
Scorpia put her claws on her hips and smiled fondly thinking about the two, "I think that's when we really made our connection, you know?"
Catra opened the door for you letting you into the cell. Her hair was matted and messy, and she was covered in dirt, while you were covered in sweat with bags under your eyes.
"You ever meet someone and you just instantly click?" Scorpia asked excitedly, looking over at Entrapta, who had turned Emily's lights purple.
"Yes, it was like that with Emily,"
You unlocked your satchel and began taking out the tech crystal; your eyes were heavy, but no matter how many times you rubbed them they never lifted their weight.
"What happened to you two? You're filthy!" Scorpia bent down and was in your face, causing you to shoot your shoulders up. She put her claws to your face.
"Are you okay? Do you need first aid? Do you need to be nursed tenderly back to health?!" Scorpia fussed, speaking in a frazzled tone, thinking of ways to help.
"Scorpia," You dragged out her name, "I think we're fine, we just need some sleep! It's fine!" Catra turned around to be met with Entrapta.
"How'd it go? Did you find it!?" Her eyes turned to stars.
Catra looked over and Scorpia and narrowed her eyes, "Why is the princess loose?"
"Oooh! Right!" Entrapta jumped into the shackles, giggling.
"Seriously though, did you find it?"
"Oh no I forgot it- shazam!" You yelled taking out the crystal from your satchel and throwing it to Entrapta who caught it with one hand, "One crystally thingy, as ordered, my lady."
You took a bow as Entrapta dropped out of the shackles.
"An intact data crystal?!" She squealed, rubbing the surface with her gloved hand, "I have never seen one so perfectly preserved! This could be a gamechanger!"
Entrapta walked up to Scorpia and laughed maniacally, "Who knows what secrets it could contain?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Catra began walking out the cell as Scorpia and Entrapta dance.
"I told ya they could do it!" Scorpia cheered, " Catra is the best friend ever!" You stopped laughing, glancing at Catra who stiffened.
"Just, keep it down, I'm going to bed."