Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Adora knew what she saw. She knew what she felt.

When she had touched that sword, she had been assaulted by cryptic mutterings and visions unlike any she could ever recall experiencing before.

She didn’t care if Catra thought she was ‘brain damaged’ or ‘delusional’ she was going to find that sword and prove she wasn’t crazy.

Yet as her trek through the Whispering woods grew longer and longer, she began to wonder if she might’ve actually just been seeing things.

“Urggghhhhhh. Maybe Catra was right. Why would there be a shiny glowing sword in the middle of the woods. Maybe I should just go back ho…” Adora muttered, only to freeze as she pushed through yet another bush.

There, tangled up in a pit of roots, just like she remembered. Was the brilliantly blinding sword from before.

She felt her body move on its own, felt herself approach the sword, as if drawn to it.

So utterly entranced was Adora by the shining sword, she failed to hear a voice draw close.

As she came to a stop a mere inch from the sword, she hesitantly reached out to grab it, when all of a sudden…

“OH SWEET SPROKETS THIS MUST BE IT!!!!!!!!”

Faster than Adora could blink, the sword was yanked away from her eyes. She tensed up and whirled around to face whoever had managed to ambush her when she was met with a rather… unusual sight.

“I’ve never seen first one’s tech this potent before, how utterly FASCINATING!!! The design is so intricate, and this gem in the middle… OOOOOOHHHHH!!!!!! What secrets do you hold?!”

Standing before Adora, sword in… hair? was someone Adora had definitely never met before.

The first thing that stood out to her was the lilac hair the figure possessed. Adora almost thought she was seeing things, but a few blinks confirmed the figure was indeed manipulating it to their whims at speeds Adora could barely process.

It was as curious as it was bizarre, but Adora forced herself to look away from it and finally began to take in the strangers’ full appearance.

Right off the bat, the lady was short. She also wore baggy clothing that seemed at first glance too big for her, but on closer inspection fit just like a glove. She had olive colored skin, wore a set of workers clothes Adora only recognized through her brief interactions with the Horde mechanics, and perhaps must the most intimidating part of her features, a dark welding helmet with two red glowing eyes.

Glowing eyes that Adora realized were now locked firmly on her.

“Oh, HELLO!” The stranger said, waving her arm in an exaggerated manner. She then narrowed her eyes, only for them to widen, and faster than Adora could blink the stranger was mere inches in front of her.

“OH WOW A HORDE SOILDER!!! I haven’t been able to observe one up close before, they always tend to behave negatively whenever I try to gather data from them.” The strange lady said as she continued to examine and inspect Adora. “Hmm judging by the slightly worn condition of the jacket, and the shiny green symbol on the collar, I’d hypothesize that you’re a foot soldier that was recently promoted to force captain.”

Adora, well and truly creeped out by the lady’s knowledge, began to back up and assume a defensive combat stance.

“Who are you?! What are you doing here?! and how do you know so much about me?!” Adora demanded.

The lady however seemed lost in thought. “Hmm, that explains the look but not the motive. She doesn’t appear to have a tracker pad, or any form of detection tech. Not to mention no visible means of navigation…”

Adora growled, and advanced towards the lady. She didn’t want to hurt her, but she needed answers. Regarding her and the sword. “HEY!! Answer my questions. WHO. ARE. YOU!”

Finally the lady to seemed to once more acknowledge Adora’s presence, her earlier contemplative look, instantly replaced with a cheerful grin.

“Ah right. Introductions are a social norm I still need adjusting to. I’m Entrapta, I came here to construct a research outpost so I could analyze and investigate all the fascinating secrets of the whispering woods. The newly identified Entrapta revealed before holding up her data pad. “However, upon arrival my tracker pad began picking up an enormous energy signal emanating from somewhere nearby. The only signals I’ve seen that possess such similarly high energy outputs are ones belonging to FIRST ONES TECH!!!” she gushed excitedly.

Adora blinked, as she began processing the strange statement. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of Entrapta, but one thing stood out to her immediately.

“You said you detected a powerful energy signature.” Adora said, before gesturing to the sword with a narrowed gaze. “It’s that sword isn’t it.”

“The lady’s eyes widened, and using her hair, she shot forward until her face was mere inches from Adora.

“DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS!?!” Entrapta eagerly asked.

Adora rapidly shook her hands. “Ye-No… I don’t know it was just… I had a… vision of it, I think? I just came back to find it.”

Entrapta once more turned away from Adora and began pondering. This time she looked at the sword. Every now and then she’d switch her gaze over to Adora, and begin muttering, but Adora couldn’t make out what she was saying.

Having decidedly had enough of this, Adora was just about to leave, when she felt the alien sensation of hair grabbing her by the waist.

“WAIT! You said you had a vision of the device, correct? Entrapta asked eyes lasering into Adora’s skull.

Adora sweat drops in response. “Uuuuuh, yeah whYYYYYY” She cries out as she’s yanked forward.

Entrapta grinned before thrusting the sword towards Adora. “If you truly had a vision of the sword then it’s imperative that I test your connection with it.” Entrapta said, eyes widened in excitement.

Adora nervously gazed at the lilac haired lady who was now holding the sword handle out to her.

‘I guess if it gets her to let me go, then I can finally get outta here’ Adora reasoned, before slowly, nodding her head in agreement. “Ok, ok, no need to get grabby.” She huffed.

Adora then reached out, and with only a brief period of hesitation, grabbed the sword.

WWWWAAAHHHHHH…

Adora’s eyes widened as a blinding light seemed to fill her gaze…

Then she fell unconscious. All the while her reaction was observed by a curious Entrapta.

“Hmm subject falls unconscious upon contact. Noted!”

---

When she came to, Adora found herself back in the clearing.

“Uuuuurgh what happened? She groaned.

“You touched the first one’s tech and then proceeded to scream before falling into a brief state of unconsciousness.”

Adora’s eyes widened as she spun around to see Entrapta a mere foot away from her.

“GAH, why are you still here?!?” Adora said, as she shot up in surprise.

However Entrapta seemed more busy musing to herself than to Adora.

“Subject seems to be operating at full capacity. No visible signs of damage.” She muttered, to herself.

Adora, still slightly delirious from… whatever had just occurred, decided that enough was enough. She’d found the sword, proved she wasn’t crazy. Time to head back to the fright zone so she could prepare for the attack on Thaymor.

“Look… Ms. Entrapta, this was nice an all, truly it was, but I need to be getting back to the Fright Zone now, so if you could just point me in the right direction, I'll be out of your… unusually long hair.” Adora explained, as diplomatically as possible.

Surprisingly, Entrapta actually seemed to register what she had said. Unfortunately…

“I do not currently possess the data that you are inquiring about.” Entrapta confidently declared.

“UUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Adora groaned before slumping to the ground in defeat.

“I did, however, observe a nearby settlement that I do possess directions to. Perhaps they might contian the missing data you’re searching for.” Entrapta offhandedly mentioned as she went back to looking over the sword.

Adora’s eyes widened in hope. “Can you take me there?” She begged.

Entrapta muttered to herself as she began typing something into her data pad. “Hmm perhaps, I could study the local architecture for inspiration.” Her mumbling petered out and she went quiet briefly before spinning around to once more face Adora.

“OK! Let's get going!” The lady said, before shooting off. Hair carrying her forward at alarming speeds.

“GAH!!! HEY WAIT UP!!!!” Adora huffed before she took off, towards the lady.

As Adora sprinted after Entrapta, she was completely unaware that this meeting, the incident with the sword she’d acquired, and especially what was soon to follow, would change EVERYTHING!

…

To be continued…

Chapter Text

As Adora raced through the woods after the surprisingly spry scientist, she couldn’t help but be a little impressed by the amount of energy Entrapta possessed.

She was also slightly annoyed by it.

However, just as she was beginning to think the Entrapta might’ve been lost, (given the nature of the Whispering Woods, Adora wouldn’t have been surprised) the mechanical midget suddenly came to a stop at a small hill.

“AHA! This is the settlement I observed earlier.” Entrapta remarked as she began typing something down on her data pad.

Coming to rest by Entrapta’s side, Adora took a moment to take in the settlement in question, and her eyes widened in surprise at what she saw.

It appeared to be a small village, one that was surprisingly colorful. She noted that the villagers seemed to be doing… something, as evidenced by their dancing. People wore strange uniforms, exchanged weird looking accessories with smiles on their faces. It was a wonderous sight that seemed to radiate purity Adora could never recall experiencing in the fright zone before.

“What is this place?” Adora mumbled, awed by the beauty she beheld.

Entrapta, not bothering to look up from her data pad, answered her query.

“According to my records. This appears to be the small etherian village of Thaymor, known for its plethora of exotic berries.” Entrapta recited, holding her data pad upward slightly.

Adora froze, eyes widening and body going cold in shock. “Th-This is Thaymor?” She whispered, mind visibly struggling to imagine the seemingly peaceful-looking village as the ‘heavily fortified rebel fortress’ Shadow Weaver had described it as.

Unaware of Adora’s inner turmoil, Entrapta nodded. “Affirmative. OOH! I wonder what the significance of the celebratory festivities are. A closer inspection is warranted.” Entrapta exclaimed, before gleefully rushing down the hill.

Adora blinked momentarily before making to follow. “HEY WAIT UP!!!!!” She yelled to little avail.

Racing to catch up with Entarpta, Adora quickly arrived at the village’s entrance, only to realize she’d lost sight of the small scientist. “Ok seriously. How is she so quick?” She mumbled tiredly, before entering the village.

As she tried to find her energetic accomplice, she couldn’t help but once again take in the sights. Everywhere she turned, she saw nothing but happy smiles on people’s faces. She noticed the children running around chasing each other, something that reminded her of the games she and Catra played when they were younger. It made her smile, ever so softly before a frown overtook her features.

‘This can’t be right. These aren’t insurgents, they’re just innocent civilians.’ Adora realized.

Lost in her thoughts, Adora failed to notice a villager in her way until she accidentally bumped into them, knocking them to the ground. “Oh shoot, my bad. Need a hand?” She offered.

The villager looked up at her and their eyes widened. “H-H-HOARD” He shouted, pointing at her as he quickly shuffled away.

Adora blinked in confusion as she noted the frightened look in the man’s eyes before he booked it. She had only offered to help him…

So why did he look so afraid?

Before she could sprint after the man for answers, she was greeted by a familiar presence, once again invading her personal space.

“AHA! YOU! Check this out!” Entrapta said, holding up her data pad in Adora’s face. “After extensive scientific inquiry I was able to deduce that the cause behind the celebratory festivities we’ve been observing is due to Thaymor’s yearly harvest festival. I’ve gathered SO MUCH DATA!!!” She giggled to herself.

Adora didn’t quite understand everything Entrapta was saying (what in Etheria was a festival?) but she did note the word yearly. ‘So, this isn’t the first time they’ve done this’ She noted to herself.

Glancing back to Entrapta, she decided to voice the question that had begun to take root in her mind.

“Entrapta? Has Thaymor ever been a fortress for the rebellion at any point in time?” She asked.

Entrapta tapped a finger to her chin before typing something into her data pad. “According to all available data I possess, the village of Thaymor has only ever been a small village located within the Whispering Woods. No militaristic structures of any kind have ever been constructed here.” She explained before turning towards the nearby houses. “OOH! I just remembered I need data on the architecture of these structures!” She proclaimed, before scuttling off to who knows where.

Not that Adora cared at the moment, because right now she was stuck in a state of shock. ‘No. She’s gotta be wrong. The Hoard wouldn’t invade a peaceful village. We’re only after the rebellion…’ Adora tried to rationalize.

However even she knew she was trying to deny the truth.

…

‘Wait, maybe it’s just a misunderstanding.’ Adora realized as she felt a small bit of hope beginning to bloom. ‘Yeah, if I just inform Shadow Weaver, I’m sure she’ll call off the attack once she realizes the information we have is wrong.’ Adora reasoned. ‘Besides knowing Catra she’d be thrilled for a chance to mock the higher ups about such a blunder’

Plan in hand Adora prepared to make her way back to the fright zone, only to be stopped a second later by the sound of large…

“BOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!!”

The large bang sent Adora stumbling to the ground. Her vision went blurry momentarily, but her ears could still pick up the tell-tale signs of more noise all around her.

As she slowly lifted herself to her feat, she took note of her surroundings and felt her heart drop in horror. “No…” She uttered.

The Hoard was here.

---

Everywhere she looked there was chaos. People were screaming and feeling in fear. Homes were being destroyed by blasts from Hoard tanks. It was horrific.

‘This could’ve been me’ Adora realized somberly as she raced through the village. The fact is had she not decided to go looking for that sword, she would’ve been the one leading the attack. That thought filled her with unimaginable dread.

Then, much to her ever-growing dread. A Hoard tank stopped right in front of her. However before she could do anything the hatch opened and out popped a familiar face.

“Catra!!!” Adora shouted in surprise.

“Adora!!” Catra grinned before pouncing on Adora, once more knocking her to the ground. “Check it out, I got to drive a tank! How cool is that!! Oh you did find the sword.” She beamed, tail swishing side to side.

Adora shook her head to regather her wits and allowed Catra to haul her up but not before asking the all too important question. “Catra what’s going on, what are you doing here?”

“Well duh, I’m here to rescue you dummy. After you failed to report in, I “covered for you” as long as I could, but you know Shadow Weaver. I’m just glad you're unharmed” she said, glancing at Adora’s dirty figure. “Mostly”.

Adora blinked at her in confusion. “What are you talking about? I wasn’t kidnapped; I was on my way back” Adora said before refocusing on the current crisis. “Forget that. Right now, I need your help to stop this attack.” Adora said.

Catra looked at her and tilted her head in confusion. “Uh, why would I do that?” She said.

Adora grabbed and looked her dead in the eyes. “Because this is a civilian town. I spoke to a scientist earlier, and she told me that this place hasn’t had any militaristic presence here at all! Look around” Adora gestured to the frighted townsfolk running in fear. “These people are innocent.

Catra shrugged off Adora’s hands before shaking her head. “Look Adora, you're being stupid. Clearly all that time in the woods has been messing with your mind. Now c’mon let’s go.” Catra said, grabbing Adora’s arm and pulling her towards the tank.

Adora yanked her arm back. “No!!! I’m not going back. Not when the Hoard is fully prepared to attack innocent people. This is wrong. Clearly we’ve been manipulated. If not by Shadow Weaver, then maybe even by Hoardak himself!” Adora rambled unaware of the growing annoyance present within Catra.

“Well DUH!!! Of course we’ve been manipulated, have you even met Shadow Weaver.” Catra exploded.

Adora looked at her, a sense of dread beginning to grow in her chest. “You’re… You’re ok with that?”

Catra looked at her like she was an idiot. “Look I don’t have time for this, we gotta go.” Catra said, once more grabbing her arm, much more forcefully this time, and dragging her toward the tank.

Adora ripped her arm away from Catra, looking at her as if seeing her in a new light. “You really don’t care…” She realized.

Catra spun around, to face her, irritation plain to see. “C’mon already Shadow Weaver will have both our heads if we don’t get moving!!”

Adora took a slow step back, noting the brief flicker of surprise in Catra’s eyes, but at this point, she didn’t care.

She’d made her choice.

“I’m sorry.” She breathed, before turning around and sprinting away. Ignoring the pleas and screams of Catra.

As she sprinted to where a majority of the hoard soldiers were, she felt a whisper echo in her mind. Her hand unintentionally moved to the sword she had so nearly forgotten she possessed. Grabbing it and gripping it tightly, she felt her mouth unconsciously move on its own as she screamed out words she’d never spoken before yet felt oddly perfect to say.

“FOR THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL!!!!!!”

---

As she watched the last of the Hoard forces flee, Adora felt the sudden surge of strength leave her, and she fell to the ground.

She’d successfully repelled the Hoard attack and saved the town with… whatever that was, but now she was faced with the crushing reality. One that had truly solidified itself when she saw Catra slink away with an angered look.

She had turned traitor and was now officially on her own.

As she was lost in a swirling typhoon of thoughts. She failed to notice a familiar presence once more invading her personal space.

“FASCINATING!!! YOUR SHE-RA!!!!!!”

“GAAAH!!!” Adora leaped back in fear, only to see the familiar form of Entrapta. “Don’t scare me like that.” Adora huffed before what Entrapta actually said registered. “Wait I’m what now?”

Entrapta began to ramble all the while typing on her data pad at lightspeed. “The legendary princess of power and the greatest warrior in Etheria, I’ve only read legends about them but to think I’d get to see them with my own ideas. I MUST RUN EXPERIMENTS!!!!” She beamed before eagerly looking Adora’s way.

Adora sweat dropped before raising her hands. “Ok slow down there lady. I’m not sure I want to be uh… experimented on right this second so I think I'll just be on my…” Adora stopped realizing once again that she had nowhere to go. No barracks to return to, and no place to even sleep. She was completely out of options…

Adora felt herself glance once more at the unblinking scientist who seemed to be incoherently muttering something while gazing at Adora in glee.

At that moment, she was struck with an idea that would forever change the history of Etheria.

‘Well, desperate times call for desperate measures I suppose.’ Adora reasoned.

“Um actually. Entrapta was it? I have a proposal.” Adora said.

Entrapta tilted her head in curiosity. “Oooooh, will you allow me to study She-Ra?!?” She energetically asked, clutching her data pad in excitement.

Adora breathed in before laying her cards out. “I will allow, and assist you, in studying She-Ra, and… whatever else it is you do, in exchange for food and shelter.” Adora explained as professionally as she could, in hopes of hiding her desperation.

Entrapta looked surprised at the proclamation and began furiously scratching her head. “Hmm, I could use some help with the outpost, and I’ve never had an assistant before…” she petered out, before turning to Adora in with a wide grin. “I shall accept this proposal… uuuh.” Entarpta blinked before a befuddled look overtook her expression. “Hmm I do not appear to possess your name.”

Adora replayed the events of the day in her mind and realized she’d never actually told Entrapta her name during their various interactions. She rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment before extending a hand.

“Ah. Sorry about that. I’m Adora.” She said.

Entrapta grinned before taking the hand and shaking it repeatedly. “Noted. Nice to meet you Adora.”

And thus (after spending a bit of time helping the villagers rebuild) the newly established duo departed back into the woods, one listening to the other chat about all the data they hoped to collect.

Completely unaware of the impact their partnership would have on Etheria’s future, and the adventures they’d experience along the way.

Chapter Text

Adora felt a small migraine coming on.

“Entrapta?” She asked, in a strained tone with her palms clasped together.

Entrapta briefly looked up from the small pile of metal she’d been digging through.

“I was under the impression we’d be heading to the research outpost that you mentioned.” Adora said.

Entrapta grinned and nodded, waving a wrench around. “That was the plan, this research outpost is the first of its kind in all Etheria. With it, I aim to uncover the untold secrets and mysteries present within these woods.” She proclaimed, puffing out her chest proudly.

Adora gave a tight grin. “Yeah that’s great, awesome, truly it is, but I think you forgot to mention something.”

Entrapta tilted her head to the side. “Really? I thought I did an exemplary job explaining the parameters.” She mumbled, digging out her notepad in order to verify.

Finally Adora couldn’t take it any longer. “I think you might’ve forgotten to mention the bit where its, NOT EVEN FULLY BUILT YET!!!!!!” She screamed, gesturing to the mess in front of the pair.

While Adora hadn’t known what to expect when she followed Entrapta, she’d at least been expecting a structure of some integrity with a bunch of machines and junk that typically came with being a scientist (She still had nightmares about Hoardak’s screams of anger whenever one of the machines in the Fright zone failed). What she hadn’t expected to see was a tree with what looked like a hodgepodge of scrap and metal surrounding the base of the trunk. It was an absolute mess of construction and Adora found herself struggling to comprehend how anyone could be ok living in it.

Entrapta briefly looked away from her notepad to observe the dysfunctional research base. “Yeah. Admittedly construction efforts have been… slow. While I’m used to working on such projects alone. This particular project has been much more challenging than anticipated.” She explained before a large grin appeared on her face as she dashed towards Adora. “I’VE GOT IT!!!!” She said, grabbing Adora by the arm and yanking her towards the scrap. “You were a soldier in the Hoard prior to our convergence, and a captain no less. So I’m willing to bet you have a lot of strength and muscle from the training you underwent.” Entrapta said drawing a raised brow from Adora.

“Yeah… why?” She asked.

“Well then, I’ll explain to you where everything goes and assist with the more technical parts of this procedure, while you provide the muscle and help keep things in place while I nail everything down” Entrapta explained.

Adora blinked and proceeded to look over at the pile of scrap Entrapta had brought with her. None of it looked particularly heavy and she did promise she would assist Entrapta with her work in exchange for food and shelter.

Rolling up the sleeves of her jacket and nodded to Entrapta. “Ok then, when do we start?”

Entrapta’s grin widened.

*Cue building montage*

---

“Uh Entrapta, I think this is the left panel.” Adora said.

“Don’t be ridiculous. This is clearly a right panel.” Entrapta argued, looking over it with a critical eye.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive!”

Adora looked back at the panel with visible confusion “Ok…”

…

“Adora, grab that ladder over there so we can reach the upper area of the tree.”

Adora went to grab the ladder out of the scrap pile only to grunt slightly as it was a lot bigger then she initially anticipated.

“Ok *huff* got it *guh* what now?” She wheezed.

Entrapta studied the tree with a skeptical eye. “Try to hold it steady right about where that rock is. I need to hook something up to that branch.”

What followed was Adora struggling to keep the ladder balanced while Entrapta merrily went about hooking up whatever she was working on to the branch at the edge of the tree.

By the time She was done, Adora was so tired she temporarily called for a break in order to catch her breath.

…

“Ah yes, I imagine you must be hungry right now.” Entrapta said, observing Adora’s winded expression.

Adora’s eyes widened. OOOOH so you have protein bars!” She eagerly asked.

Entrapta matched her grin. “Even better. BEHOLD.” She said, digging through a nearby box before proudly presenting…

Adora was confused. “Uuuh what is that and why is it so small?” Adora asked.

Entrapta beamed. “It’s a cupcake. One of the best confections ever.” Entrapta said, unwrapping the bottom and holding it out for Adora to take.

Adora nervously grabbed the ‘cupcake’ and proceeded to take a small bite.

Her eyes widened and sparkled with unrestrained amazement. She quickly devoured the rest of the tiny confection and turned to Entrapta with glee. “That was so GOOOOD!” She squeaked before turning a little scarlet and scratching her cheek in embarrassment. “Um… do you have any more?” she asked.

Entrapta simply grinned.

---

As Adora finished securing the final panel in place, she slowly stepped back to take in the sight of the completed station.

“Behold!!!” Entrapta shouted. “The first ever Whispering Woods Research Outpost!!!!”

It was a surprisingly big structure once Adora actually stopped to look at it. While the hodgepodge at the base of the tree had mostly remained untouched, tiny tweaks had been made to make it more structurally secure as well as serve as the main part of the small facility. There was a giant metal dome to the off to the side that Entrapta had explained would before for testing purposes in order to prevent damage to the structural integrity of the tree. Lastly above where the main base was and practically grafted into the tree, was a small structure that reminded Adora vaguely of the houses she’d seen in Thaymore.

“Hey Entrapta. What’s that area for?” She questioned.

Entrapta, who had been typing something on her data pad, briefly looked to where Adora was pointing before returning to her pad. “Oh that. That’s just the living quarters. I used the data of the housing units I analyzed in Thaymor as a basis ” She casually explained.

Adora blinked and looked at it again, before deciding to take the initiative and enter the outpost.

The interior was moderately sized and sparse, though Adora suspected that it wouldn’t remain that way once Entrapta moved all her junk inside (she really needed to ask Entrapta later how she got all of that here) She noted however that there were some computers and lighting hooked up to a mobile generator. She then caught sight of the ladder that, no doubt, led to the living quarters. She carefully ascended the ladder and gasped at the sight she saw at the top. On one side of the room there was a small sleeping mat that was covered in books and machine parts, no doubt belonging to Entrapta (although when she got all this stuff in here was a mystery to Adora) however what truly got her attention was the other small sleeping mat on the opposite side. Seeing its presence was the final nail in the coffin.

‘This is home now’

Before she could investigate more of the newly completed facility she was interrupted by a shout from outside.

“ADORA COME QUICK!!!!”

Jolting in slight wear and worry, Adora jumped down the ladder before bolting outside. “ENTRAPTA!!! ARE YOU O…” She trailed off when she noted Entrapta was seemingly fine.

“Oh good you’re here, I just calculated that we should still have enough time left In the day to conduct our first research.” Entrapta happily cheered.

Adora facepalmed in annoyance at the fact that Entrapta had scared her for nothing but eventually sighed in resignation. “Ok fine. What are we researching first?” Adora asked.

Entrapta turned to her with a look of glee and Adora suddenly had a pretty good idea what the were going to be studying first.

---

“Whispering Woods log day one… wait no day three. After moving all the necessary equipment from Dryl I have established the first ever Whispering Woods research outpost. However, there’s MORE!!!! Upon arrival my data pad detected the presence of FIRST ONES TECH! Locating the tech in question led me to the discovery of a lifetime. The legendary Princess of Power, She-Ra!!!! In addition to discovering She-Ra, I’ve also managed to acquire the services of She-Ra’s host. She has agreed to assist me in my research in exchange for food and shelter. Which of course leads us to the first subject of research… She-Ra herself.”

…

…

*Bzzzzt* *Bzzzzt* *Click*

A staticky screen flickered to life.

In the frame was the familiar face of Entrapta.

“Ah Adora, I think I finally got the screen camera working.”

In the background a voice could be heard.

“Great… Can we get started yet?”

“Yup, Get into position”

Adora walked into the camera’s frame with the sword in hand.

“Ok then, let’s begin. Test one of Subject 1, She-Ra.”

“Adora blinked before holding up her sword. “Uh ok, how did it go again… oh yeah. *ahem* For the Honor of GRAYSKULL!!!!”

…

Nothing happened.

"Uh Adora, nothing happened”.

Adora growled before raising the sword toward the roof of the testing dome. “FOR THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL!!!!!”

…

“Uh Adora…”

Adora shot a look at the camera, before taking a breath, closing her eyes, and raising her sword once more. “For the Honor… OF GRAYSKULL!!!!”

At that moment the gem on the sword began to light up… only to start shooting a series of laser beams around the dome.

“GAAAAH” Adora ducked as the laser beams ricocheted off the dome's walls and nearly hit her.

“Hmm, perhaps further testing shall be postponed till a later time. Oh well! This concludes the first test of Subject 1. Entrapta signing off”.

“TAKE COVER!!!!!”

---

After that mess Adora helped Entrapta tidy the place up, before eventually she was sent away to the living quarters with orders to “get some rest for tomorrow” as Entrapta phrased it.

As she settled into the familiar sleeping mat that reminded her of the one she used to have in the barracks of the Hoard, she slowly felt her eyes begin to shut as one last thought rose from the recesses of her mind.

‘Next time I’ll summon She-Ra for sure’

Chapter Text

Adora gritted her teeth in frustration at yet another failed attempt.

As part of her Hoard training she was up at the crack of dawn, and not wanting to wake Entrapta, she’d silently slipped out of the living quarters and made her way over to the testing dome to once more try to summon She-Ra.

It hadn’t been going well.

She’d been trying all morning and had little to no luck. She hadn’t even managed to summon the stupid lasers from yesterday! It was frustrating Adora that she wasn’t able to do this.

After a couple more failed attempts, she decided to cut her losses and head back to the main facility and check to see if Entrapta was up.

Upon entering the main facility she was greeted by the lovely smell of something burning…

‘Wait what?’

“Hey Adora! I tested this recipe from a book I brought with me for breakfast.” Entrapta said cheerfully before looking back at the burning pot on the nearby stove. “It does not appear to have been successful.”

Adora’s eyes widened, and she quickly ran to grab a nearby bucket of water they had gathered yesterday to use for drinks.

“ENTRAPTA GET BACK!!!!!!” She yelled before dumping the bucket of the flame.

And that’s the story of how they’d successfully lost both their breakfast and their water supply.

---

Entrapta hummed to herself merrily as she typed away on her data pad, all the while Adora kept a sharp eye on their surroundings. After the fiasco that was this morning the two had decided to search around for something edible to replace their lost breakfast. Adora had initially proposed heading back to Thaymor and asking the villagers there for advice. Entrapta however, said that she had detected readings much closer to the research outpost that seemed to display signs of life as well. Not wanting to argue with her boss on the first day of the job (even if Adora was a little peeved about the fire) Adora had agreed to go with Entrapta’s plan of investigating the readings.

“According to my data pad, it should be just up ahead!” Entrapta cheered before racing off towards their target.

Adora, having already begun to grow used to this behavior, made haste to follow.

When the pair arrived, they were greeted to a rather bizarre looking hut. It appeared to be situated under the root system of a large tree. Various roots covered most of the exterior with only a small white tarp covering what Adora assumed to be the entrance. However what really caught her notice was a small stack of wood jutting out from the top of the structure. It was releasing smoke… which meant.

“Ah. It would appear we have stumbled upon a residence.” Entrapta stated, confirming Adora’s belief.

Before she could question who in their right mind (outside of themselves of course) would have a house set up in the middle of the woods, the tarp opened, and the pair was greeted by, presumably the owner.

She was an elderly looking lady that appeared to be very disheveled. She wore a raggedy gown that bore a mix of reds and pinks and had hair bigger than even Entraptas. She wore rather big glasses that seemed to magnify her eyes and, rather curiously, she seemed to have a small handful of butterflies fluttering around her. She appeared to be sweeping around the entrance with a rather brittle looking broom.

She was definitely bizarre looking in Adora’s opinion, but she supposed it made sense given that the lady certainly appeared to have been living there for a while.

“Ah! A local. Perhaps they’ll know where we can acquire some food.” Entrapta exclaimed, interrupting Adora’s thoughts.

“Uh are you sur- oh, ok we’re doing this” Adora mumbled as Entrapta walked out from the shadowy trees.

“Excuse me! We noticed your residence and we were wondering if you had any information on where we might acquire some food.” Entrapta said, waving brightly at the elderly lady who seemed to have ceased her sweeping.

Adora, blushing in embarrassment, leaned over to whisper to Entrapta. “I’m pretty sure you're supposed to say please when you ask for something.” She whispered.

Entrapta blinked momentarily before her smile returned in full force. “Ah yes, social norms!” She remembered pounding as fist into her palm before turning back to the lady who was still eyeing the pair in curiosity.

“Apologies, could you PLEASE provide us with information on where we might acquire some food.” Entrapta asked, looking rather proud of her use of the word please.

The old lady looked at the pair once more before her eyes were drawn towards Adora in particular. She approached Adora rather quickly and seemed to study her rather intently which really creeped Adora out. Before she could ask the lady to cut it out, the lady finally spoke.

“Mara deary? Is that you!” She asked, face filling with joy.

Before Adora could question who was Mara and why this old lady mistook her for them, the lady turned around and made her way back to her hut beckoning for the pair to follow. “Come on Mara, you and your hairbrained friend are just in time for pie!

Entrapta’s eyes widened at the prospect of food and she practically dragged Adora to the door, “C’mon Adora! It sounds like she has food!” She cheered.

While Adora definitely had questions, she could feel her stomach rumbling. Not wanting to turn down free food, she allowed herself to be dragged inside.

Upon entering Adora noted how warm the small hut felt. Pottery and plants cluttered the makeshift shelves. A small fire was present in the back creating the smoke which Adora assumed led to the chimney.

‘It’s… surprisingly cozy.’ Adora mused

Adora was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Entrapta muttering to herself.

“The structure and the hill appeared to be intertwined. Fascinating! It’s like a burrow!” Entrapta muttered as she gazed in amazement at the interior.

“Ah yes it just finished!”

The lady seemed to have gathered something in her hands, and she ushered the two towards a small table.

“Come now, sit. Oh, it’s been far too long Mara, I was worried you wouldn’t get to taste the pie.” The lady grinned as she gazed at Adora.

Adora sweat dropped. “Uh I think you might have me confused with someone else miss… uh” Adora petered out as she realized that once again, she’d forgotten to ask someone for their name.

As the lady gazed at Adora she laughed. “Ah of course. You don’t know Madame Razz, do you. You’re not quite the same” she said tilting her head slightly at Adora.

Adora gazed at Entrapta for help, but she appeared to be far too enraptured in analyzing the interior of the hut.

Realizing she was on her own, Adora looked to the now identified Madame Razz with an apologetic look. “I’m really sorry.” She said, feeling as if she’d let this lady down by not being this “Mara person”.

Razz waved her hand and chuckled as she bent down slightly to grab something. “Yes, I suppose it wouldn’t be the right time for my Mara, but now you have the sword… AH! It’s ready!” She cheerfully declared.

Adora blinked. “Wait ho-” She was cut off by Madame Razz plopping down a rather delicious looking pie in the center of the table.

Entrapta finally moved her attention away from the interior to look over at the pie gazing at it in fascination. “It's not small… but it smells delicious!” She mumbled. She blinked in wonder as Razz offered her a slice.

“Don’t be shy dear, any friend of Mara’s is more than welcome to enjoy.” Razz said drawing yet another confused glance from Adora

Entrapta turned back to the pie, and with only a hint of hesitation took a small bit out of the pie.

Her eyes exploded in delight and faster than Adora could comprehend she was digging into the pie, taking bite after bite. “Delicious! Oh the taste is fascinatingly delicious!” She praised, much to the amusement of Razz.

Despite the burning questions Adora had for the mysterious Madame Razz she didn’t want to be left out so she grabbed a slice of her own and took a bite…

Her eyes widened and sparkled, and she quickly joined her boss in chowing down. Having been raised on ration bars for most of her life in the Hoard, Adora had never experienced something as sweet and tasty as this before. It was captivating in a way she could barely describe.

Razz smiled. “Ah, I knew you would enjoy Mara. I made it using my secret ingredient.” Razz winked at Adora who only tilted her head in confusion. She didn’t know what Razz was talking about, but she wasn’t about to question her if it meant she could continue eating the delicious pie. Though as she continued to dig into her meal, she failed to notice Entrapta gazing at Razz with an inquisitive look briefly before returning to the pie.

And so they continued to enjoy the meal graciously provided to them by the mysterious Madame Razz.

---

“Be sure to come visit again soon, deary's” Madame Razz waved as the duo began to depart.

Entrapta cheerfully waved. “Will do!” Which Adora echoed with a wave of her own.

After waving goodbye the pair trekked back through the woods towards the research outpost, each with a lingering question on their minds that they carried with them all the way back. When they got back Entrapta requested assistance with setting up some of the systems for the outpost, which Adora was happy to help with, as they worked through the day those questions continued to linger.

Finally around nightfall, the pair ate some of the leftovers Razz had kindly provided and then began to turn in for the evening. The questions on both of their minds lingering well into the night.

---

Upon waking up that morning Adora was greeted by the excited visage of Entrapta.

“Adora, I have finally acquired our first mystery to investigate!” She energetically squeaked.

That got Adora’s attention. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes and doing a quick stretch she gave Entrapta her full attention. “Ok then. What’s the study on?” She asked, curious to know what they’d be investigating.

Entrapta grinned before revealing from behind her back a leftover slice of Razz’s pie.

“We’re going to discover what the secret ingredient to Razz’s pie is!!!!” She triumphantly declared.

…

“What…?!?”