My wonderful friends! 😊
Every week I look forward to sharing a new chapter of my fanfic.
It is always a privilege to have you read and enjoy my story.
There are still a few more posts to come of this final episode, and I really hope you like it!
So far in Episode 77:
Lonnie, Kyle and Rogelio reflect on new life in the Peace Zone, and Perfuma and Scorpia receive some exciting news! (Part One)
Queen Glimmer bestows a special honor, and Entrapta finds deeper friendship. (Part Two)
And the new Queen of Salineas makes an important choice! (Part Three)
My dedication this week is for my dear friend Cal ( @CallistoArt ), who is always generous with her creativity and with her encouragement to me and others in their creativity. Thank you! 😁
It is a magical night at Bright Moon!
Enjoy!
Early evening has arrived, and the castle of Bright Moon shines palely in the moonlight. Her Moonstone, while dim in comparison to its former glory, nevertheless retains a stately and constant glow from within. Peace reigns across the deep purple landscape, the fall of dark blue waters, and the gentle midnight green of the shadowy forest that fringes the valley.
Within the palace, the atmosphere is light and joyful, with cheerful music filling the hallways where guards stand alert or walk their solemn rounds.
Following the strains of music leads to a large arched doorway, through which gently colored lights may be seen to shift in shades and hues, and a light chatter of many voices floats out on the swaying rhythms of slow dance music.
Catra stands, leaning against the wall beside the archway, arms folded, with a neutral expression on her face, staring down the hallway.
Her ear twitches, and she turns her head as Adora steps out of the room, her brow slightly furrowed. Catra smiles at her as their eyes meet.
Catra: [lightly] Hey, Adora.
Adora smiles, and her shoulders relax in relief.
Adora: There you are!
She sighs and takes her own place against the wall, near Catra and mirroring her posture.
Catra: [with a smirk] What’s wrong, Adora? Tired of dancing?
Adora shakes her head and puts her hands against her stomach as she turns her head towards Catra.
Adora: No. I just couldn’t eat anymore. What about you?
Catra shrugs.
Catra: Just bored. [gesturing with her thumb toward the doorway] What do they call that place again?
Adora: The ballroom.
Catra: Hmm.
Adora: It’s hardly ever used. And I didn’t even know what it was for until today.
Catra frowns.
Catra: So, was Double Trouble supposed to be a guest? Or were they the host?
Adora: [shaking her head] I . . . never quite figured that out. [curiously] Can they be both?
Catra turns her head away.
Catra: [ambivalently] Who knows?
Adora looks at Catra for a moment and then reaches out a hand to lightly touch her chin with the tips of her fingers. Catra turns her head to face her.
Catra: [bemused] What?
Adora lowers her hand and smiles.
Adora: I was missing you in there.
Catra: [with slight surprise] Really?
Adora: Yeah. Dancing wasn’t as much fun without you.
Catra smiles.
Catra: [pleased] Oh, yeah? [with a smirk] You didn’t say that last time.
Adora narrows her eyes in mock-annoyance.
Adora: This time was different.
Catra quietly slips her hand around Adora’s.
Catra: Yeah, I know.
They turn toward each other and squeeze each other’s hands.
A moment passes as they look into each other’s eyes. Adora tilts her head.
Adora: We could . . . I mean, you wanna . . . try it again?
Catra’s eyes widen.
Catra: [mildly surprised] You mean they’re still at it in there?! I thought they were done with all that.
Adora: Yeah. [equally bewildered] Everyone just seems to . . . keep dancing.
Catra: Hmm. [looking downward, in thought] That’s kind of unnerving. But . . .
There is a moment’s pause, and Adora puts a hand on Catra’s shoulder.
Adora: Catra.
Catra meets Adora’s eyes again.
Adora: I think maybe I know why they do it.
Catra blinks at her, and Adora smiles.
Adora: I used to think it was just part of the rules. Something you had to learn to do for the protocols of Princess Prom, or a party. But . . . when you and I were dancing together tonight, it felt . . . different.
Catra smiles a little, while Adora looks downward, remembering.
Adora: [with a little thrill] I suddenly felt so . . . free.
She looks Catra in the eyes again.
Adora: Like everything in the world was suddenly okay, and all that mattered was you and me.
Adora lifts her hand to gently touch the back of Catra’s neck.
Adora: [warmly] The war is over, and the magic of Etheria is flowing again, and everyone is happy. So it’s okay to just . . . dance. I think that’s why they keep doing it.
Catra’s smile grows, and there is a softness in her eyes.
Adora: Maybe we could be like that, too.
There is a beat of silence, and Adora wrinkles her brow self-consciously.
Adora: You think I’m being an idiot.
Catra shakes her head, smiling.
Catra: No. I don’t. I felt that, too.
She squeezes Adora’s hand.
Catra: We can dance. As long as you want.
She tilts her head, looking Adora in the eyes.
Catra: But how about just us. We don’t need a party for that.
Adora grins and nods her head.
Adora: Okay.
Adora turns, holding Catra’s hand, and they begin to move away from the entrance.
Just then, Glimmer comes out in a mild rush, hand-in-hand with Bow. They stop, and Glimmer beams at the two girlfriends.
Glimmer: [brightly] There you two are! [with mild disappointment] Leaving already?
Bow: [concerned] Weren’t you having a good time?
Adora brightens up, putting on her smile.
Adora: Oh! Yeah! Of course we were! It’s a great . . . party! [thinking] The, the food is really good! And, the dancing!
She looks toward Catra for support.
Catra: [after a second, with a little over-enthusiasm ] Oh. Yeah! It is!
Adora tosses a searching look to either side of Bow and Glimmer.
Adora: So. Where’s Entrapta?
Glimmer looks to Bow, who raises an eyebrow in consideration.
Bow: Sheeee . . . she’s mingling. Entrapta-style.
At that moment, General Juliet approaches hurriedly from further down the hall. She stops before Glimmer and bows respectfully.
General Juliet: [formally] Your majesty.
She holds up a small scroll and offers it to Glimmer.
General Juliet: A message from Salineas. I’m told that it is urgent.
Glimmer takes it from her with a look of mild concern.
Glimmer: Oh. Thank you, General.
Glimmer examines the scroll and unrolls a piece of it as the others look on.
After a moment, her eyes widen, and the hint of a smile appears.
Glimmer: Oh, wow!
Adora: [wary] What is it?
Glimmer re-rolls the scroll and looks Adora in the eye.
Glimmer: This is important! And it involves you, too, Adora.
She takes a furtive look over her shoulder.
Glimmer: [seriously] But we need someplace more private to talk about it.
Adora nods with a stern look.
Adora: Right. The Council Chamber?
Glimmer grins.
Glimmer: The Throne Room! Come on! You, too, Catra!
She grabs Bow’s arm, and urges him along with her.
Catra and Adora share a perplexed look, and Catra shrugs, as they turn to follow.
