Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Catra Pov

Catra was pissed, after all that planning, they lost because of a rainbow. “A fucking rainbow... Ugh”.  Her strategy was foolproof they (She) only lost because of magic. “I bet I would be unstoppable if I had magic, then I’d show Adora she’s not special”.

Looking up Catra noticed that she was outside of the Black Garnet camber. After the battle, the room was cleared of all Entrapta’s tech and moved to her lab. Stepping inside Catra was met with the memories of her youth in this room.  Useless beast “Fuck off...I beat you”.  Scanning around the room she noticed a book that was left on top of the shelf.  “Let’s see what we have here.” Skimming through the book she quickly realized that this was a journal, herself.

{Catra-Magicat

I have to find a way to drain this beast again before her untapped magic has a chance to manifest itself. I need to do this by next week or she may unknowingly break the spell on her memories.

I know she helped Adora escape from here, I am surprised she didn’t leave with her, but she is just like me.}

“That bitch..she fuck!!!!.’ Catra turned to stare at the runestone rage boiling over the longer she stood there. Catra put her hand on the stone watching it glow where her hand was. “Give me power, I deserve it, Scorpia doesn’t want you.”  Pressing her claws into the stone, Catra felt the stone crack. Black lighting cracked throughout the room surrounding her. She could feel it seeping into her skin burning as it went.

Brightmoon

3 years with no horde activity had the alliance relaxing too much. Queen Angelia had all but put the thought of the war and missions out of her mind. Enjoying the relative peace of not being attacked.

Glimmer on the other hand was pissed, always trying to find something to do now that we were all basically grounded in the castle.

Adora was torn with everything, the horde not attacking couldn’t mean anything good now that she knew that Catra was the strategist. Back during training, Catra was always better in that class and every strategy that they used in simulations was planned by her.

“What is she planning it must be something big after that last battle.” Adora stared out the window of her balcony watching the leaves blow on the trees of the forest. This wasn’t peace more like the eye of a hurricane and she could feel that things were about to change.

Pink sparkles started forming inside the room before Glimmer and Bow appeared both looking shocked. “We caught two horde soldiers!!!” She Glimmer shouted with a huge smile grabbing Adora before teleporting away.

The best friend squad appeared in the war room seeing two horde soldiers wrapped in vines both looking uncaring.  Basic horde training never show any fear or give up information if captured

Glimmer stormed over to the prisoners “What is the horde planning? Why haven’t any other soldiers or bots been seen? “

Looking at the soldiers Adora noticed that she knew both, the chaos twins Rex and Riley duo force captains. The other princesses started throwing out their own questions while the prisoners just looked at Adora with blank faces. “We aren’t in the horde anymore” Riley spoke up with a huff flipping her red hair out of her calculating jade eyes.

The queen picked that moment to speak during the questioning. “So you two are here to join the rebellion then?” laughter erupted from the twins after hearing the question.

“No horde defector would join the rebellion, fighting for a ruler that doesn’t understand what it’s like to be raised being expendable, Adora is an outlier.”

Glimmer gasped before yelling. “ Adora is our best friend not horde scum like the rest of you.”

The twins shared a look before looking at the princesses, and then Riley spoke. “Best friends after a few months hmmm she was best friends with Catra for 14 years before stabbing her in the back or was it she dropped her best friend with benefits.”

No why would they bring that up..C-Catra never brought that up.

Adora backed up feeling herself start to panic anticipating the looks of disgust that the rest of the alliance would be giving her knowing that her secret was out.

“Adora? “Bow gently grabbed her shoulder trying to ground her while talking softly. “Hey, take a deep breath we can talk about it later.”

Glimmer couldn’t believe what she just heard, Adora used to be with that scum willingly, how many years had that been going on before she left. 

“Dating isn’t allowed in the horde hahaha…but nothing is wrong with blowing off steam,  Adora didn’t like sharing but after she left others finally understood why she kept a tight hold on that one” Riley smirked while talking making sure Adora got the meaning of her words before turning to her brother.

Rex nodded looking around the room. “Well, this has been fun, but we have an appointment to keep..” Before anyone else could say any he dropped a pellet on the ground, thick black smoke enveloped the room, and a laser could be heard.

Spinnerella cleared the room as quickly as she could, but the prisoners were gone, only leaving broken vines and a piece of paper where they stood moments ago.

{Earn freedom with The Requiem}  

Adora had read that note multiple times hiding in her room. After the prisoners escaped all the other princesses and Angela tried to ask about what life was like in the horde. She ran to her room not wanting to go down that rabbit hole right now if ever. I need to get out of the castle, maybe Light Hope has something for me to do.

Once the sun set Adora decided to sneak out to the Crystal Castle. She made her way there quickly hoping to disappear before anyone noticed that she was gone. Light Hope told her to track a signal to the Crimson Waste, which meant she would need to go back to Brightmoon for supplies.

The walk back was slow, remembering the smirk on Riley’s face and what she about her Catra..no no she’s not mine…ugh did Catra and Riley…nope not thinking about it.  

“So Riley is one of the others but who else.” I just said to not think about that…why am I still thinking about it? How long did she wait before moving on…stop it we don’t need to think about it.  

Hey Adora…the answer to that question you want to ask is yes so much better, don’t forget you left me but you’ll never guess who I had in my bed. “Just what I need Catra’s voice in my head.. -_- I’m not going crazy.”

Getting back to her room Adora makes a list of what she would need to make the trip before realizing that she didn’t have a map to plan with. Damnit I need a tracker pad and Bow has those. Her train of thought stops as she sees one on the floor halfway under a dresser. “Yes, it’s time to get out of here.” Wow, I’m so shocked not even asking anyone to cover for you this time.  

With a clenched fist, she walked through the halls taking care to not be seen or heard, she did have practice sneaking around from her time In the horde. So this shouldn’t be too hard to do.

Adora made it to the woods once again a took off running as fast as her legs would take her. Hoping to put some distance between herself and the castle.

So why go alone? Don’t you need your sidekicks to blame when this plan goes to shit?  “Can you stop now?”  Hmmm, let me think…nopppe.

Brightmoon in the morning

“What do you mean Adora isn’t here?” Swift Wind grunted looking at the princesses. “We have a sacred bond so I’m telling her herd that she isn’t here but like near the Crimson Waste.”  Glimmer jumped up from her seat with a huge grin. “ Well you know what that means, we have a mission to help Adora with whatever she’s doing.”

Teleporting everyone to the other side of the Whispering Woods they all saw Adora fussing at herself.

Adora POV

Great why did they all find me and now I’ll have to go back? Or you can do what you do best and leave them behind. “Fuck off I didn’t…” Shit, I said that out loud.

Turning around she saw that everyone was giving her this weird look. “Um hey guys, what are you doing here?” “ For Adventure!!! of course.” Sea Hawk yelled with a huge smile on his face. Perfuma stepped closer before telling her that Swift Wind gave them her location and that they wanted to join so they did.

Haha ah guess it won’t just be us together princess. There is no us. Who’s fault is that ooh it's yours.  Adora put on a smile before explaining what the plan was. Now backed up by the best friend squad, Perfuma, Mermista, and Sea Hawk they made their way into the desert.

After walking for what felt like an hour they came to a stop at the Cantina that they had gone to before but noticed a crimson banner with a gold half-moon on it.

Going inside everyone came to an abrupt halt upon seeing Riley sitting with Huntara laughing. 

Chapter Text

No no no this can’t be happening…it can’t.

“Um, you guys when did Huntara get buddy buddy with the Horde?” Bow asked the question we were all thinking of at that moment. Definitely rejoined the horde, the princesses are too

weak. Adora shook her head trying desperately to get those intrusive thoughts out. Moving forward toward the table Adora coughed to get their attention.

“Oh, hey blondie long time no see,” Huntara responds after briefly glancing over at the group. Riley was smirking which in general was a bad thing.

See the thing about Riley is that she’s unpredictable, no one ever knows what’s going on in her head besides her twin…something about a twin bond. Rex was the one that kept her grounded, but he isn’t here, that can’t be a good sign. Her clothes are different, black military cargo pants with a long-sleeved crimson shirt covered with a black vest. A gold insignia of a half moon on the side of a vest and a flame pierced by four arrows on the other side.

Before Adora could reply, Glimmer surged ahead speaking before noticing that everyone in the room was watching them closely.

“Why are you interacting with horde scum? I thought you joined the rebellion years ago!!!” Glimmer said this with her usual disgust whenever the horde came up.

Riley stood up with that look Catra would get whenever she knew something you didn’t. Oh no looks like everyone is going to die and it's all your fault for not coming here alone. You should have known Sparkles wouldn’t know when to shut the fuck up but oh well.

“Here we go again with the accusations of me being in the horde, I already told you I’m not with them, but I did let my kingdom know that I was held against my will by the princess alliance and the rebellion while acting as a diplomat.” Riley simply smirked at us after dropping a bombshell of information.

Glimmer was frozen trying to think of anything to say but luckily Bow decided to jump in. “Which kingdom are you referring to because the alliance has most of them and wouldn’t like to hear that a diplomat was wearing horde armor.”

If possible, Riley’s smirk got wider before she responded. “Oh well, I had on the uniform so horde soldiers wouldn’t outright attack Rex and I, as we made our way home which is here the reinstated kingdom of Half Moon which includes its old territories aka The Crimson Waste, and before you ask yes it was legally reinstated with the high counsel of Mystacor…which means that technically all of you are trespassing.”

Silence

Omg, you guys are fucked, hmm do you have a will written?  Please shut up, shut up…I can fix this. Ha, you can’t bullshit Riley that was my thing remember…Adora..

Flashback

It was the night before the cadet graduation simulation, Adora had her back against the wall in a storage closet with Catra’s hand sliding under the waistband of her pants. “Please Catra…I need.”  A low raspy chuckle followed by a “What”. “You…I need inside please.” Adora always felt desperate around Catra she couldn’t help herself. “Fingers or tongue?”

A simple question but Adora couldn’t stop the low whine that came from hearing the question. A loud banging was heard on the door pulling both out of the bubble that they had been in. “Come out it's pass curfew” Adora’s eyes widened as she started to panic looking at Catra’s eyes glowing in the dark. Catra leaned forward to kiss Adora before whispering in her ear. “Count to 100 then head back I’ll take care of it.” Catra walked to the door opening quickly slid out

“Ohh force captain Riley just who I was thinking about in there…hehe sorry I’ll be quiet next time.” Adora tried to keep herself counting and not storm out there to make sure Riley knew it was a lie, but before her emotions took over Riley sounded like she choked. “Catra I’m sure Adora told you it’s not nice to tease others.” “Huh, that can’t be right Adora loves when I tease her.”

Riley groaned loudly before replying. “Fuck you’re coming with me to the captain’s mess hall, and we can discuss you teasing an officer.”  “Yea yea right behind you Riley.” Adora was fuming but made her way back to the bunk waiting for Catra to return. Lonnie asked where Catra was since they snuck off together and Adora could only manage growling out "Force Captain Riley". Lonnie laughed,  “You know Riley wants to smash right cause...yea you know.”  Adora never got to ask Catra what happened the rest of her night because she was late for simulation in the morning, and then the sword happened.

End Flashback

“Take us to your leader then,” Adora responds full of anger after remembering what Riley probably did. Oh so now you assume I cheated why don’t you ask her…hmm but you really don’t want to know do you?

Huntara looked put off by the request, while Riley wore a surprisingly blank face. “Sure that can be arranged, be right back.” Riley walked past them bumping into Adora whispering in her ear. “She wrecked and ruined me a lot after you left.”

Adora stood frozen while her mind was destroying itself. I did the same to you so many times no need to get upset you did leave me. “I didn’t leave you I left the horde I’m fucking sorry okay please stop.” Tears ran down her face as she felt her knees hit the ground sobs wracking her body as she started rocking. Perfuma wrapped her arms around Adora to help settle her down, while everyone else looked on shocked at what Adora said out loud.  When did you get so weak?

After getting Adora to calm down and sit in the chair Huntara was explaining just how the Crimson Waste was part of a Kingdom now.

“So I petitioned the rebellion for aid 2 and half years ago, we need food, medical supplies, and help to fight off the horde. But we got ignored for months, so we did what we always do survive on our own. We tore down the rebellion flags and broke the communicators. Then a month or so after that I heard about a group of defectors that actually helped the little guys. I found them at the old half-moon ruins...hehe, I didn’t expect so many soldiers that I used to know to be there.

I made a deal they fixed our problems, and kept the Waste safe, and I joined the counsel they had to keep the peace with my people.  The Requiem is a group that operates inside Half Moon you’ll know them by the fire with the arrows patched on their clothes. Their leader is also on the council and Half Moons Leaders trust them fully, they are not fond of the Princess Alliance.”

As the alliance member absorbed all the information dumped on the Glimmer hopped up. “Okay, so when we meet these leaders we should demand to speak to whoever is in charge of The Requiem since they…” Glimmer was cut off by the door opening to Rex standing there with his own smirk.

“Oh, so you want to meet the commander too um…hey Adora you sure don’t want to join the requiem haha you can actually be yourself again you know leave these people that only like you because you’re a princess now.”

This is the problem with Force Captain Rex he was amazing at reading people and being able to hit you right where your resolve is the weakest. And that’s when Force Captain Riley came into play she could manipulate like no other after her brother made them mentally weak, offering an out-so-tempting refusal never came.

Riley leaned against the door frame next to Rex with a soft smile directed wholly at Adora. “Your family misses you Adora all of them would love to go back to how things were before without the rules of the Horde hanging over your head, making you hide who you care about, its truly amazing still having routine with training and freedom, don’t you want that?” 

Adora sat there mouth open gaze burning into Riley’s eyes looking for a lie and found none. Catra would take me back, we could be happy together, Lonnie would try to beat my bench record, I’d challenge Rogelio to a food-eating competition, and we all would play tricks on Kyle. I want that so much. It's yours Adora but wait till you see the kingdom and us again before you answer, and we’ll take you back.

“I’d like to see it first.” The rest of the alliance members gasped at her response. Glimmer quickly rounded on Adora shock clear on her face. “Are you fucking kidding me Adora you sore an oath you can’t just leave, tell them no that’s an order.” Glimmer regretted those words once they came out. “Shit Adora I mean….” Adora moved past Glimmer to where Riley and Rex were standing.  See bringing up an oath and demanding you do as told like a fucking dog, the nerve of Sparkles. “We want to see both leaders and I want to see my old squad fully.”

The twins shared a look before motioning everyone to follow them outside.

Waiting was a remodeled Horde escort truck with The Requiem symbol on the side. “Alliance members in the back with me, and Adora sits up front with Rex and Huntara”.  Riley spoke while moving to the back of the truck. Adora went to the front without giving any of them a glance.

Once inside the truck, Riley pulled out what looked like a small communicator pad.

(Bravo-3 headed back with a lost wolf and five lambs over) {Copy Bravo-3 proceed to drop off zone Gamma engage FMB over} (Copy over and out) “Hey Rex engage the FMB and go to Gamma.”

Riley looked at them waiting for something, but they couldn’t figure out what. “Oh I forgot to tell you outside magic isn’t allowed in the city so…” Red mist came out the vents as the princess began to cough. “What you just breathed in so thoroughly is what we call FMB aka  fucking magic blocker hehe, the effect is in the name and it last for about two weeks give or take and no worries it has been tested a whole lot, now hand over your weapons you’ll get them back when you leave.”

Bow and Sea Hawk looked at the princesses coughing before handing over their weapons. “Is Adora being required to give up her weapon too?” Riley couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her lips. “Uh duh, we don’t want She-ra only Adora besides she has other things to worry about besides a sword.”

After what felt like hours but was only 30 minutes the truck came to a stop. The backdoor to the truck opened to more ex-horde members with The Requiem emblem on them.  One walked up and they could all see they were carrying the sword of protection. “Weapons then head to debrief Lieutenant.” The soldier spoke while Riley moved passed them to hand them over before turning around smirking.

“Welcome to Half Moon little lambs enjoy your stay…oh Rex let's take Adora with us.” Riley jumped out of the truck and walked over to where Rex was waiting with Adora who still wouldn’t look at them. They couldn’t hear what else was being said as they were being led the opposite way.

Chapter Text

So this is Riley the real villain of this story.

“I Can’t believe that Adora just went with them like we didn’t take her in and showed her how wrong the Horde was with everything they do.” Glimmer was ranting to the group but mostly to herself while they were being led to a building. Perfuma took a breath before looking toward one of the guards. “I noticed that Adora wasn’t dosed with the same drug as we were…is there a reason for that.” The guard in question chuckled. “Lt didn’t think it was necessary to do, it's not my place to question.”

Bow felt that he could get some type of information from them. “But isn’t that like the horde?  just following orders without any say.” “Well, well well what do we have here? I thought you all came to parley not try to have a moral conversation about the chain of command with an on-duty guard.” The words were spoken by the guard whose appearance started shifting before them.

“The name is Double Trouble and I’m here to guide you to the council chambers.”  The other soldiers around them stood at attention immediately. “Counselor DT!!”

The alliance members quickly noticed that they had both a Half-Moon and Requiem insignia on their clothes. Bow thought for a moment before replying. “So, the council has members that support The Requiem is that fair?” DT smirked at Bow before turning around. “Half-Moon is only thriving because of The Requiem so I’d say it's very fair, so ready to see the city.”

Adora followed behind the twins as they led her to a window. Once they stood in front of it, the window opened showing Adora her first glimpse of a male magicat. He had gold eyes, and his fur was black as night.

“Raja this is Adora she needs a level 3 pass”. Rex spoke with a grin. Raja smiled at Adora before holding out a necklace with a Half-Moon pendant on it. “Put this on a tuck it under your shirt, this will give you access to certain areas.”

They walked through a door off to the side and Adora finally saw Half-Moon. It’s beautiful, so full of life I don’t even see any soldiers patrolling. You can see yourself here can’t you Adora?

“Can I see my old squad now?” She tried to say it with confidence but felt her voice crack when speaking. Riley looked at her for a minute before pulling out a small device and putting it to her ear.

“Um hey, Catra I was just about to call you…. yes…. I see…. I thought maybe we could…. yes of course I can…. Rex really that’s bullshit after every…. bye.”  Riley looked at Rex before letting out a long sigh. “Ugh, Rex can you lead Adora to meet Catra -_- I have new orders.”

Riley huffed and then looked at Adora glaring “Enjoy your alone time it won’t last. Riley stalked off after that turning down an alley. Rex rolled his eyes at his sister’s display. “Don’t mind Riley she’s jealous as hell right now and probably needs to get laid.”

Rex led Adora to an area that was filled with carts. “So, this is the market they sell everything here cheaper than shops, weapons, clothes, food, you name it, you can find it here.” Rex started walking again pointing things out as they went. “That building over there is the council building each group has an elected member, that helps the Queens make decisions.”

They walked a little farther before Rex stopped walking. “This area is where the important people live, that’s why you started to see soldiers around again, it's all about safety, which is why HQ is in this district.”

The building in question had The Requiem symbol on the front but the design reminded her of the horde. They walked through the door and were met by a voice that Adora hadn’t heard in years. “Hey Adora, long time no see.” Eyes snapping toward the voice Adora froze as she took in the sight that was Catra in all her glory.                

“C-Catra you look…. yeah.” was all Adora could get out while her face started turning red. Omg, she is so hot, please just touch me already. Hmm very tempting, and you smell like you’re going to jump me. Adora looked back at Catra to see her with a shit-eating grin.

Oh, you finally realized that you’ve been talking to me the whole time…cool huh?   How are you doing that? Eh long story but we need to talk.

Catra had moved closer while they had the mental chat which was weirding Adora out a bit. It didn’t matter anymore because Catra was looking her up and down while circling her. “So, you ready for the real tour Dora.”

She should have known that going anywhere alone with Catra probably wasn’t the best idea but in her defense, the abs distracted her. And of course, they somehow end up on the roof of the council building sitting on the edge.

“Catra how did this happen, like all of it including that mind shit you did and that diamond on your hand.”  Catra raised an eyebrow at her. “Or I could fuck you on this roof and the whole town would hear you screaming my name instead, and I’m sure Riley would hear too.” Adora could feel herself getting upset just thinking about Riley.

“So, who besides Riley have you fucked on a regular basis? And what did you say to her on that call? She gave me a death glare.”  Catra let out a squeaky laugh, “So I basically told Riley to stop being a dick and that she wasn’t invited to my bed tonight. As for the other question I can’t really say, I didn’t keep a record of who I fucked.” Adora looked away from her to watch the city below. "Your haircut is really fucking hot by the way." She felt Catra's tail slowly slide into her lap twitching slightly. "Thanks, princess I do am to please." Up high with Catra again after all these years was the most peaceful she felt since she left.

"The council will see you now." The alliance members were ushered into the huge room filled with eight seats on a higher level. All the chairs but one were filled the issue they saw was that three of the members were part of the Horde, DT from earlier, Scorpia who was always with Catra, and the surprise that was Entrapta sitting there like the last time they had seen her, she was killed by the purging fire in the Fright Zone.  "Entrapta you're alive?!!" yelled the group except for Glimmer who started shaking with rage. "First Adora, now you why...damnit what did they give you that we didn't?" 

Entrapta just looked at them before pulling out a recorder and hitting play. "I don't fit in with the other princesses, they all think I'm weird but I try to help, I'm not good with people but I understand tech." "Same well not the tech part but we don't need them the super pal trio is all about being ourselves no need to fit in right wildcat?" "Hmm oh yeah fuck those princesses we like you the way you are." Entrapta taps the pause button with her hair looking at them. "Oh Adora must be with Catra now there is a 35% chance that they are having intercourse as we speak but I think the 45% of them reconnecting is more likely." DT laughed "You do know that they could be reconnecting without clothes on too right?" Entrapta looked at her tablet tapping away. "Thanks, DT I didn't think of that." 

Before any more words could be spoken two tall magicat women walked in and sat at the two chairs that were side by side before looking to the empty chair to their right. "Hello Princess Alliance we have heard a lot about you all over the years, I'm Queen C'rya D'riluth the second and this is my wife Telah D'riluth, we heard that you demanded to speak with us so speak." The tone dropped from a welcoming one to a much colder one. Telah looked at them and smirked. "My love you forget they also demanded The Requiem leader too." DT was laughing so loud they couldn't help but look at them. "They are bringing a guest." 

The door opened again and in walked to the surprise of all the alliance members was Adora blushing walking next to a very smug Catra with her hands behind her head. "Hey Sparkles, thanks for bringing Adora back to me." Glimmer moved to lunge but was stopped by Bow. "Horde Scum." Catra just laughed as she sat in the open seat pulling Adora in her lap.

"Actually it's Princess C'rya D'riluth the 3rd, heir of Half-Moon and leader of The Requiem."

Chapter Text

“You’re a princess too ha that’s so embarrassing for you.” Adora couldn’t help teasing as Catra’s tail smacked her in the face.  Catra’s smug smirk was back in full effect as she stared down Glimmer who was boiling with rage. “So why did you demand to meet with us after holding our people captive and interrogating them without checking their papers.”

Glimmer looked up gritting her teeth while she responded. “We are trying to find out what the Horde is up to, in case you didn’t know they have been quiet for years now, the same amount of time you have been MIA can’t be a coincidence.”

Adora got ready to stand up and say something, but Catra tightened her hold on her keeping Adora firmly in her lap. “Hmm, what have you all accomplished these last few years? Ahh, that’s right nothing, absolutely nothing. Hehe while I kept the Horde in check your pathetic alliance had a tea party. It’s no wonder Adora was so ready to come home where things get down.”

“Adora is She-ra she pledged an oath to fight for the rebellion and defeat the Horde, she can’t just leave.” Bow lowly added not looking up at anyone.

The queens looked at each other before looking below at the alliance members. C’rya looked irritated while Telah was still smirking.  “An oral oath I take it, but Adora isn’t an official citizen of any of the alliance kingdoms including Brightmoon where said oath was given after so many years she was considered a refugee, that’s something.” Queen C’rya locked eyes with Glimmer while speaking daring her to interrupt.

“Mom, relax I took care of everything on the way over Dora’s records show she was a resident of the Fright Zone but we went customs, and I may have used my title to push her stuff through, so she’s one of ours now. No verbal oath 4 years ago has any hold on her.”

Glimmer pulled out of Bow’s gripping walking closer to where Adora was. “Are you fucking serious Adora we took you in, cared for you, gave you a fucking home and you leave that so you can get fucked by your ex.” 

Adora stood up, eyes glowing blue rage rolling off her in waves. “Shut up Glimmer, I was a tool for the rebellion as She-ra, no one these last three years has cared about what Adora thinks or wants. Ugh, I asked about citizenship years ago and was told that I couldn’t apply since I was a defector.

Do you have any idea how that feels, I wasn’t even making money fighting, but I sucked it up because I didn’t want to make an issue out of it, but it hurts. My friends telling me how great it was that I left my home didn’t even make me one of their own.  So, I’m not sorry that when the person who knows me better than I know myself asked if I want to have a life here, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Bow and Glimmer looked floored neither knowing what to say after Adora went off. C’rya turned to Adora with a smile for the first time since entering the room. “Welcome to Half-Moon Adora we’ve heard a lot about you and can’t wait to meet our daughter’s true other half.” Catra groaned, turning her face away as her cheeks started to heat up.

“My love doesn’t embarrass them, but I guess we know who your sponsor is, and where you’ll be staying during that period already”. Telah added with a laugh before turning her attention back to the alliance.

“The real question is what to do with you all? Do you have any burning questions?”

Perfuma had been looking at Adora with a sad guilty look the whole time but stepped forward. “I’d like to know how the commander of the Horde ended up as a leader and heir.”

Catra leaned her head on Adora’s shoulder before nodding her head.

Three Years ago

“Shit, everything hurts.” Looking around Catra notices that she’s in her room in bed.  A shooting pain forces her to look at her right hand that bandaged. Confused, she starts to take off the wraps and sees that a piece of the black garnet is embedded in her hand. She quickly wraps the hand back up to hide it. Scorpia comes into the room and crushes her with a hug while Entrapta starts to ask questions. It takes a while for both to calm down but afterward, Scorpia tells her how they found her with black energy pulsing around her.

After taking time to absorb that Information Catra went back to reading Shadow Weaver Journals every night after making battle plans. That lasted until She got to the part about how she got to the Horde. Her people were wiped out thanks to the Horde. Shadow Weaver’s dislike was because she hated that Magicat were naturally amazing mages full of magic. Weaver loved writing about how she took the hope of those who were left and was only upset that some had gone into hiding.

Catra was determined to find her people and hopefully get her memories back, which started with planning. She traveled with Scorpia and Entrapta under the guise of looking for the first one’s tech while really searching for the ruins of her home. I took a month of thoroughly looking but stepping foot in the ruins opened a passage underground where her people had been hiding the whole time.

Learning she had two moms who loved her dearly was so shocking, but they helped remove the block on her mind giving her access to everything that witch stole from her. She vowed to make them pain and bring Half-Moon back to glory.

It started slowly but Catra talked her old squad into joining her into living free. The cadets were easily convinced to leave only promising to be treated fairly and the option not to fight. She didn’t bring it up to the force captains because she couldn’t trust them to keep quiet. She moved troops quietly to Half-Moon after Entrapta had insisted on staying there to help improve things and needed manpower.

Training to use magic was surprisingly easy once she was connected to Half-Moon’s stone, and the piece of black garnet still embedded in her hand amplified that magic. She felt stronger and faster each day.

Six months had passed when Hordak had enough waiting and called a meeting with his officer stating that it was about deciding Shadow Weaver’s fate finally. Catra came with Scorpia and Entrapta for the meeting knowing that it was time to start.

Hordak ranted about loyalty bringing Shadow Weaver out without chains stating that after years of service to the Horde, he was giving her another chance as co-commander of the Horde. “Oh, Catra where did you move my runestone and how?” Shadow Weaver turned her glare directly at Catra trying to show who was in charge.”

Catra smirked slowly walking around the room. “Oh, you didn’t hear I blew it up in an emotional rage after finding out the Horde hunted my people down killing most of them because someone was jealous that we are naturally better at magic.” Hordak snarled looking at Catra. “Commander Catra, I think it would be wise to remember your place you can be removed as quickly as you were promoted.” Catra started laughing “Oh you mean like suffocating me because a plan didn’t work… it's fine honestly because I quit.”

YOU DARE MOAK ME I’LL HAVE YOU SENT TO DEATH FOR THIS.

“Officers of the Horde before things get out of hand, I’d like to offer you all a choice leave the horde with me and forever be free from demands, or stay here and be crushed by the might of The Requiem.”

Present Time

“So, some joined while others didn’t, and then they stupidly still used the strategies that I put into place before leaving like I wouldn’t know how to work around them. Oh yeah, Shadow Weaver by the way is dead and I cut off Hordak’s hand, but he ran away. That’s about everything that happened.” Catra leaned back in her chair pulling Adora with her to get comfortable.

“What about that magic drug we were given, like seriously not cool”. Mermista spoke up for the first time with a slight glare.

The only member of the council that hadn’t spoken stood up. He was an older-looking magicat who had been scowling the how time. “Fellow council members I believe that we let them leave as a show of good faith but banish them from the kingdom and if they return turn them over to the princess for punishment.”

C’rya sighed before speaking, “Yes that seems to be the best course of action, the princess alliance is hereby banished from the Halfmoon kingdom as a whole if your own personal kingdoms would like to form any type of deal that can be arranged. You will be escorted to the edge of the Kingdom and given an antidote for the FMB and be on your way.”

With that, both Queens stood and started heading toward the door.    

“So wildcat who’s going on the escort?” Catra’s tail flicked “Hmm You, DT, and me with Adora of course haha.”

Glimmer glared at Catra because, of course, she would bring Adora just to rub it in their faces. “And Riley.”

Adora turned a glare at Catra who was just smirking at her. “What it will be fun.”

Chapter Text

“ Oh, kitten I don’t think we’ll be ready to travel today or even tomorrow if I’m being honest and you know I hate being honest.” DT broke the silence with a dramatic sigh.

Catra pressed her head into Adora’s shoulder eyes flicking from DT to the princesses below before letting out a low growl. “Fine, Scorpia find somewhere for the prisoners to stay till we can depart.”

Scorpia beamed from being left in charge of something important. “I won’t let you down wildcat!”

Glimmer felt the rage from earlier come back tenfold “You can’t just hold us till your ready.” Catra stood up letting Adora out of her lap and arms before stretching. “Actually I can if it’s to make sure all of you are safely escorted out of my territory. I would hate for someone to go missing in the Crimson Waste.”

“Is that a….” “Thank you.” Bow interrupted Glimmer trying to get her to remember the situation that they were in before acting again.

Adora walked out with Catra without saying another word to any of them.

“Who knew blondie could be so cold.” Huntara looked at the princesses with sad eyes. “The word you’re looking for is callous darling”. DT spoke up with a smile before looking down at their communicator pad and showing a huge grin. “Oh, Scorpia looks like Riley and myself will be helping you isn’t that wonderful.”

As the rest of the council members exited the room Riley walked in with an annoyed look on her face. “Let's get this over with.”

The alliance followed behind Scorpia as they were led through the city with Riley and DT behind. The city was beautiful and Glimmer hated to see the enemy doing so well after hiding. It didn’t matter if some of them had never been in the horde, they were helping those that had which made them just as bad.

Scorpia had been telling them about the different things that they had implemented to help rehabilitate the soldiers who wanted to be something else. Perfuma was eating it, giving feedback, and throwing out ideas to help with food growth rates.

Before they knew it they stepped into an area full of soldiers patrolling eyes zeroing in on Catra and Adora standing with the rest of their old squad laughing without a care in the world.  Scorpia didn’t move them any closer until the other group walked off.

“So you’ll be staying at a bunker in HQ it's really nice too.” The group walked into HQ hearing a beep each time one of them walked through the door. They were then led around what seemed like a maze before stopping in front of a set of stairs going down. Riley scanned something on the wall and the doors at the bottom of the stairs opened up.

Scorpia led them through the bunker showing them the rooms and the kitchen which was stocked with food. “So my favorite place in the bunker is the living space it has so many soft surfaces and that monitor can show episodes of different shows created here…I don’t know how it works but Entrapta helped design it.” With that Scorpia and the others left going back out of the bunker.

Bow couldn't help being fascinated by the new inventor in front of him. Picking up the controller on the table he looked at it briefly before pointing it to the screen and hitting a button. The screen lit up and noise filled the room.

{ Hi I'm your host Double Trouble and this is News or Gloom. So much has happened today my darlings, now where to start...ah yes surprise surprise the righteous even when wrong Princess Alliance is in town learning how Halfmoon gets down, the nice was for now. We also have a sandstorm coming in a few days so mark your calendars schools will be closed that day. Our final story for this hour is the long-awaited return of Adora the lost wolf. If don't know who that is, then oh well you're not important enough. Remember life is only dull if you are tatah.}

"They report on daily news that's so cool! I mean um not cool". Bow moved to sit down on the couch glancing at the others. Seahawk ran over sitting next to him grabbing the remote and changing the channel in the process. The scene on the screen changed to something that seemed like it was for children. It kind of seemed like when they played their tabletop game. "we could use this kind of tech in the rebellion it could help people relax". Bow looked back at Glimmer seeing if she would respond to his comment but got silence in return.

Glimmer paced in the room she picked on staying in. We need to figure out how to bring them down before we leave or take something and use it for leverage...blackmail that's what we need. She knew the rest of them were enjoying the free alcohol left for them and Bow was cooking, but she couldn't deal with this. I can't believe Adora just betrayed us I'm sure that horde scum found some way to brainwash her. Glimmer went into the kitchen smelling the amazing meal Bow made with Perfuma. "Bow can we talk after we eat?". Bow nodded while preparing plates for everyone so they could dig in. Of course, the food here was also good because the place just had to be fucking perfect.

Bow sat on the bed with Glimmer, waiting for her to talk. Glimmer jumped up looking around the room. "We need to bring something back with us that will give us an edge against this place".  Bow placed his hand on his chin in thought, "I don't know Glim if we get caught we might not get to leave at all".   "Maybe someone hates Catra and would be willing to flip sides for a pardon".  Bow reached out to pull Glimmer into him, wrapping his arms around her. "we'll figure something out".

He walked through the hall leaving the bathroom before he heard a noise in the living area. Thinking it was Seahawk he went to check on him, when he hit the room he was surprised to see Adora leaning against the wall. "Don't freak out...I figured that if I said I was on their side I'd get more information, I'm so happy you aren't hurt". Bow ran up and hugged Adora as tight as he could.

"So what's the plan, we should get everyone else." Adora pulled back briefly making a face. "Noo! 1 I mean, I can only sneak one person around I'm not fully trusted yet". Smiling Bow was thoughtful for a moment. "Do you think you could get me into a research lab?".  Adora beamed back at him "Yes they took me there earlier, I acted like I was interested so they wouldn't be surprised to see me again". 

Bow could tell this was Entrapta's lab from the different pieces of tech lying around, to the different notes scattered.  Adora pointed to a small area toward the back wall "Hey Bow when I was here earlier they told me that the R&D was through there, they didn't let me go in, so it has to be important right?".

Bow walked through the door smiling at Adora "I knew you didn't betray us, everyone is going to be so excited." Adora waited outside of the room smiling "I wouldn't say that exactly." Before he could question that statement he felt something pierce his neck before losing consciousness.

Bow opened his eyes trying to get his bearings noticing he was still in the room but now the lights were on he could see that this was a cell. Adora stood on the other side with a horrified look on her face. "Omg Bow you're up I don't know what happened I thought I was turning on the light but... I'll figure it out maybe I could get Catra...no that would be bad". Bow looked at Adora closely "Before I blacked out you said that you wouldn't say that exactly, what did you mean by that?". 

Adora smiled at Bow only this time it had a sinister feel to it. "You are smart darling I'll give you that, but I doubt the rest of your friends are".  Adora turned black before standing in front of the door was himself. "Please do enjoy your stay in Halfmoon darling..and scene'. Bow stared at himself in horror watching his double walk away.