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ArchduchessKittycat·10/14/2024 in General

My main thread: here

Alright, I'm attempting Sheratober | FandomInfo about the event here. I'm gonna try to at…she-raandtheprincessesofpower.fandom.com

This took way too long to write (it didn't help that I spent forever procrastinating...)

Didn't really know where I was going with this, but at least I'm having fun experimenting with first person narrators. I like exploring how the different characters' narrative voices sound. (I wrote something from Scorpia's POV before... This one's from Adora's.)

⸻

I wake up. No Horde soldiers, giant spiders… I can’t remember exactly what was happening in the dream, and I don’t try.

It’s still dark out. My blanket is tangled around my legs. I must’ve been— sleep-fighting. That’s what Glimmer calls it. Catra used to tease me about it too. Catra… She used to sleep curled up at the foot of my bed. I accidentally kicked her in my sleep a couple times. Once, she nearly woke up the whole barracks. She was so adorable though, curled up like that, and...

No. Don’t think about Catra. Think about… sleeping. Need to sleep. How long until morning? I look out the window, but all that tells me is that it’s night. Not getting light out yet.

It’s nice having a window. Though I wonder if anyone would be able to break through it… Is that why there were no windows in the Fright Zone barracks? No, that’s silly; no one would be able to get that close to the compound anyway. And if they could, there are other entry points they can find.

And no one can get to Bright Moon, not with the Whispering Woods in the way. Still, even as I remind myself of this, I’m getting up and peering out the window, just in case. No, no one climbing the wall up to my window. Of course not. Silly.

I go back to bed and lay back down. Come on, go to sleep… I squeeze my eyes shut. How do you make yourself fall asleep? I open my eyes. I remember Bow said something about counting… What was it? Some animal. But there are no animals in here to count, so instead I start counting crystals. Three crystals over there, and there’s another five…

I’m already bored. This is stupid. If I’m going to be awake now, I might as well be doing something useful. I get up. I can get in some practice now… I throw a couple punches at my punching bag, then go in for a roundhouse kick, but slip in my socks and hit the ground.

I get up, grunting. Crap. Should’ve taken my socks off.

There has to be something to do. If I got Glimmer or Bow, they’d have a sleepover, but I don’t want to bother them. They need sleep too.

I would try and plan strategy, but our war meeting isn’t for another couple days, and I don’t know what I need to be strategizing about.

I tiptoe out of my room. Maybe the guards could use some help? When I get near a pair of guards in the hallway, one of them elbows the other, who jolts awake, muttering, “Huh?”

Slacker.

Both guards resume standing up straight and looking straight ahead. At least, they’re facing straight ahead; even if it weren’t dark, you can’t see where their eyes are looking through the masks. I think those masks have to obstruct their vision, but Queen Angella didn’t seem to appreciate me pointing that out.

Anyway, I can’t tell if they’re looking at me. I salute them, and they glance at each other. One shrugs.

“Hey,” I say. “Do you guys… need any help with anything?”

One guard shakes their head. The other one yawns.

“‘Cause, you know… I am a trained soldier, as well as She-Ra.”

One of the guards — the one who had fallen asleep — mutters something to the other one, who shakes their head firmly. I can’t see through their helmets, but I can imagine the look of disapproval they’re probably giving their partner.

Then I hear footsteps approaching. Slowly, like they’re just passing by, not with the purpose of someone coming to tell you off.

It’s the Bright Moon general. She looks from the two guards to me. “Trouble?”

The guards shake their heads. “No, ma’am,” I say.

She nods curtly, then looks at me. “Why are you out of bed?”

“I was awake, and I was wondering if you needed some help,” I say. She looks skeptical. “And I think your guards need it,” I add, almost smirking (don’t get too cocky). “I caught this one” — I gesture to the guard on the left — “sleeping while on duty.”

“I wasn’t-!” the guard protests. The general sighs and rolls her eyes, and frowns at the guard.

“I know how to stand guard,” I continue. “I was trained as a soldier, I know how to-”

“Look, kid.” The general cuts me off. “I know how to do my job. And-”

“I wasn’t saying you didn’t,” I add hastily. “I just meant-”

“I get it. You want to help.” She sighs again. “You’re friends with the princess? You sound like her. Always asking to fight, wanting to do something. But you’re, what, sixteen?”

“Seventeen.”

“I have plenty of trained guards. They can do their job. Even if some of them” — she glares at the guard on the left — “need reminders how to do it right.” She sighs a third time. She looks tired. “I’m on my way to bed now. I suggest you do the same.”

She walks past me. I hear her muttering what sounds like “Poor kids” before she disappears down the hall.

I sigh. She’s probably right. I take her suggestion and head back to my room.

What’s she doing up so late? I must’ve went to bed hours ago; I just woke up again. Planning, maybe. She is the general. I should be staying up like her, strategizing, checking our defenses… Too late now, though. I don’t know what needs to be done, and she just went to bed.

I lie down, and keep thinking about the general, and then military strategy, and everything that’s at stake… I don’t know how much time passes. But before it starts to get light out, I guess I do eventually fall asleep.

(Edited by ArchduchessKittycat)

Adora General Juliet Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·4/24/2024 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 76: The True Heart (Part Four)

✨SURPRISE!✨ 😃

Here's a mid-week bonus chapter post for you!

I just couldn't wait until the weekend to bring out this bit of my fanfic for ya!

So far in Episode 76:

With She-Ra's urgent message to Bright Moon via Catra and Swift Wind . . . (Part One)

Catra joins Bow and General Juliet in a plan to bring the princesses together . . . (Part Two)

Glimmer, Adora, Hordak and Wink are desperately trying to keep Entrapta alive, while their one hope of bringing everyone together is maddeningly out of reach . . . (Part Three)

And now, it's finally time to call upon an unlikely ally, who suddenly seems to be essential to the plan for saving Entrapta!

I am dedicating this chapter to my friend Constellation ( @JellyfishConstellation ), mostly because of their comment on this chapter post.

And also, I am calling my good friend Samantha ( @--sxmxntha-is-CHAOS-- ) because she should be here for this.

We return to Bright Moon and a night of trouble . . .

There is an area In Bright Moon Castle that resides far removed from all other activities in the palace. Until recently, it was nearly forgotten.

But now, there is one room where a glorious transformation has taken place.

The walls have been draped in luxurious flows of fabric. Curtains of silky teal and pink stretch from floor to ceiling, creating a space seemingly animated with mystery and magic.

The lights flood in to brightly illuminate one end of the room where a series of wide steps has been erected, leading up to a grand stage dominated by a decadent lounge. And resting casually across the lounge, with legs crossed and arms splayed in easy confidence, is the mesmerizing presence of Bright Moon’s newest inhabitant: Double Trouble!

Flanking either side of them stand a pair of Bright Moon guards, resembling less an assigned escort, but rather more like the personal retinue of a monarch seated on their throne of power.

Double Trouble inclines their head toward the trio assembled below: General Juliet on one side of the steps, hands on hips in a wide commanding stance, Catra to the other side with her arms folded in impatient distrust, and between them Bow as the diplomat having stated his case.

Double Trouble lays a hand on their thigh and a considering finger to their chin.

Double Trouble: [coolly, with relish] At last! Bright Moon has gotten wise to the treasure dwelling in their midst and comes to me for assistance! A command performance on behalf of the queen, no less!

They sigh, turning to study their fingernails.

Double Trouble: [with mild disappointment] Though it is a shame she couldn’t come to see me herself.

General Juilet frowns, her voice pressing.

General Juliet: If you are truly interested in proving your sincerity to the queen, Double Trouble, then helping us is your best chance to do that.

Double Trouble uncrosses their legs, planting their weight and leaning forward, hands on their thighs.

Double Trouble: [pointedly] Oh, my help was never in question. You need me. [with a darker tone] And you’re desperate! So . . . the only real question is: . . .

Double Trouble raises a challenging eyebrow, showing their teeth in a satisfied grin.

Double Trouble: [quietly, with emphasis] What’s it worth to you?

There is a momentary silence in which Bow opens his mouth to speak, but this is broken by a sharp shinging sound as Catra takes a step forward. Both sets of claws suddenly bared.

There is a beat. Then Double Trouble leaps energetically to their feet in playful mirth.

Double Trouble: [to Catra, clapping their hands together] Oh, kitten! Your face!

They cast their eyes across each of their visitors, beaming, then give themselves a little round of applause!

Double Trouble: All your faces!! How delicious! How sweet! I really had you going there, didn’t I?!

They cavort to the edge of the stage and bend forward at the hips, bringing their face to within a few inches of Catra’s.

Double Trouble: [sweetly] It’s so adorable.

Catra raises a claw menacingly as Double Trouble dances away, coming to sit gracefully on the top step at the center stage.

Double Trouble: [casually] I was only teasing, my darlings!

They fold their hands together beside their cheek and blink eagerly up at the stage lights.

Double Trouble: I’ve been looking forward to a challenge like this!

They turn back to their audience with a confident smile, holding their palms outward like a magician.

Double Trouble: [with anticipation] Just give me five minutes to get into character, while you prepare yourselves to be dazzled!

All at once, Double Trouble stands above them all, spreading their arms dramatically.

Double Trouble: And then I promise you a princess-rescuing performance like nothing you’ve ever seen!!

Bow Catra Double Trouble General Juliet Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·2/17/2024 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 75: Open Heart Part 2 (Part Two)

Hello, again, my dear friends!

Thanks for being here! 😊

At this point in my story Entrapta is alone, and things have not gone quite according to plan, but as far as the others can tell, her mission was a success.

In Part One of this episode, Adora and Catra share uneasy thoughts until Adora is overcome by some sort of attack!

However, as Catra pointed out, Glimmer seems happy, which is why I am dedicating this week's chapter to our one and only Wellington ( @WellingtonSmith ), who may like to see a happy (for now) Glimmer! 😁

Lucky for the drama, Glimmer is unlikely to remain that way!

And just for good measure, I also summon Samantha ( @--sxmxntha-is-CHAOS-- ) !

Ready for Part Two?!

✨ Back to Bright Moon! ✨

The hallways of Bright Moon glow through the night, making the castle a beacon of hope inside and out. The guards scattered throughout stand and walk in pairs, and there is an uncharacteristic quiet chatter amongst them, which enhances the feeling of cheer in the atmosphere.

Through these corridors, Bright Moon’s queen is practically dancing as she happily makes her way towards the central chambers of the castle, her bemused boyfriend in tow.

Glimmer’s steps are light and playful as she grips Bow’s hand in heartfelt emotion and pulls him along behind her.

Glimmer: [excitedly] Can you feel it, Bow?! Bright Moon! It’s . . . like when we were children! Before the war got really bad.

She stops and turns toward him, grinning.

Glimmer: [hopefully] Do you remember what that felt like?

Bow nods, smiling at her.

Bow: Of course I do! Things were really good then. But, now there’s no war at all!

Glimmer: I know! But, I guess. . . what with getting ready for my dad and worrying about Catra and everything else that’s happened since, . . . I just . . . didn’t have a chance to think about it. What that means.

Glimmer draws closer beside Bow, squeezing his hand and looking up at him with bright smiling eyes.

Glimmer: [softly] No war. No threats. No disasters. And now . . .

She gestures around them with her free hand.

Glimmer: [with quiet joy] Look around. The whole castle is different. There’s a feeling of . . . of . . . well . . . magic in the air! Haha!

Glimmer chuckles lightly, and Bow grins wider.

She points to a pair of guards walking toward them on patrol, their faces bright and animated as they talk in soft voices.

Glimmer: Even the guards are in a good mood!

As the guards draw close, they pause, falling silent, and bow deeply to their queen.

She nods to them with a beneficent smile.

A little scrap of green paper slips out from the robes of one of the guards as she raises up again. Bow and Glimmer stare at it wonderingly as it floats to the ground.

The guard bends forward to snatch it up before it touches the floor.

She straightens up, grinning sheepishly as she tucks the paper into her robes. With a little self-conscious giggle, she and the other guard continue on their way down the hall.

Glimmer and Bow turn to each other with raised eyebrows.

Glimmer: Hmm. I wonder what that was about?

Bow looks further down the hallway in the direction from which several more guards, talking quietly in twos and threes, seem to be coming.

Bow: [suspiciously] Yeah. I wonder, too. Come on.

Grasping Glimmer’s hand, he urges her to follow him as he leads her quickly down the hallway and around the corner to a smaller hallway.

Near the end of this hallway, there is a larger group of six or seven guards, all standing and talking with one another, and some of them laughing.

A few of them have removed their cowled helms, but on catching sight of the queen, one of them with dark hair and a friendly but surprised expression clears his throat and nudges his companions beside him. Within a moment, all helms are back in place, and the guards are standing at attention by the time Glimmer and Bow reach them.

Bowing low, the guards acknowledge their queen. There is a moment of awkward pause after they straighten up, broken with a word and a gesture from Glimmer.

Glimmer: [formally] Dismissed. [waving them away] Back to your duties.

The guards nod again and rush away down the hallway, muttering softly between themselves.

Bow bends over to grab a small, green leaflet left on the floor where the guards had been standing.

Bow: Something’s going on. Glimmer? Do you have any idea what everyone’s so excited about?

Glimmer rolls her eyes.

Glimmer: [knowingly] I can guess.

As Bow reads the leaflet with widening eyes, a gentle hand comes to rest on his shoulder from behind, and a grinning face comes up beside his ear.

Double Trouble: [self-satisfied] I’m sure you’ll find that I’m what they’re excited about, you darling boy!

Bow, startles, jumping to one side and turning to see the tall, lithe figure with the long shining blonde hair smiling with hands on hips. Glimmer folds her arms and repays Double Trouble’s smugness with a scowl.

Bow: [accusingly] You.

Double Trouble puts an elbow on Glimmer’s shoulder and casually examines their fingernails with a grin.

Double Trouble: [matter-of-factly] As far as opening nights go, the buzz has been pretty good.

Glimmer steps away and roughly pushes Double Trouble’s elbow off of her shoulder. They respond with breathtaking agility, transforming their momentum into a pirouette. As they spin away and come to rest facing Bow and Glimmer, their right arm sweeps upward while the other extends downward in a graceful flourish.

Double Trouble: [with dramatic sympathy] So sorry that you couldn’t attend the performance tonight! Buuut . . . I can get you in to see tomorrow’s matinee.

With a theatrical gesture, they produce another of the green flyers from their clothing and place it in Glimmer’s hands.

She grasps it, frowning downward at the page, her eyes growing bigger.

Double Trouble lowers their voice to a deliciously conspiratorial tone, leaning nearer to Glimmer.

Double Trouble: [enticingly] Half-price for royalty!

They toss their head casually and lean over to stage-whisper into Bow’s ear, a flirtatious light in their eye.

Double Trouble: And her plus-one.

Bow folds his arms and cocks his head to one side just as Glimmer opens her mouth to speak, her eyes flashing irritation.

Bow: Yee-ah. And what makes you think--?

Glimmer: [interrupting, gesturing to the flyer] The ballroom?!! [pause, glaring at Double Trouble] That’s only for special occasions!!

Double Trouble’s eyes widen, and they straighten up, touching their chest in a display of surprised sensitivity.

Double Trouble: [innocently] Well, the show has outgrown its current venue, honey, . . . and a performer must satisfy their audience! I’m sure you understand.

They gesture loosely with one hand, their posture and expression all confidence.

Double Trouble: [grinning, in a deeper tone] And as the queen, I’m sure you must also be aware that there are no other events planned in the ballroom at the moment. [smiling] And besides . . .

They lean in close, nearly nose to nose with Glimmer. Glimmer pulls back slightly, her brow wrinkling.

Double Trouble: [emphatically] Special occasions are the only kind I ever do!

They grin at Glimmer’s evident discomfort.

Double Trouble: [in a quieter tone] Oh, and, true to my word, I believe you’ll find that morale among the guards of Bright Moon has just risen to an all-time high, . . . [winking] your majesty.

They delicately tap the tip of Glimmer’s nose with their index finger.

Double Trouble: [teasingly] You’re welcome!

For a moment, Glimmer wriggles her nose and narrows her eyes at Double Trouble in irritation.

Glimmer: [coolly] Double Trouble, I think it’s time you--

Suddenly, Double Trouble’s ears twitch, and they pull away, glancing quickly to either side and blinking with wide wary eyes. They hold up a hand, and Glimmer pauses mid-sentence.

Double Trouble: [with mild trepidation] Uh-oh. [to Glimmer, quickly] Sorry to spoil the scene, darling, but it’s time for me to dash!

They turn to slip off into the small remaining group of guards to one side of the hallway. For a moment, they look back to toss a grin at Bow and Glimmer.

Double Trouble: See you from the stage!

They blow a quick cheeky kiss, and off they dash. An instant later, there is no longer any trace of them.

Glimmer turns to Bow, whose hands are folded tightly across his chest.

He shakes his head slowly.

Bow: [matter-of-factly] I still don’t like them. Just saying.

Glimmer frowns to herself.

Glimmer: That was strange. Why’d they run off like that?

A voice suddenly calls out, and they turn to see a familiar form running to meet them in the hallway. Catra.

She stops before them, hands on her thighs, her breath coming short.

Catra: [panting] Bow! Glimmer! There’s something wrong . . . with Adora! I need your help!

Adora Bow Glimmer Catra Double Trouble Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·12/9/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 74: Open Heart Part 1 (Part Two)

Well, good friends, it's that time again! 😃

Thus far in Episode 74:

Entrapta and Wink arrived back at the Chamber of the Heart, where Matilda has rested in silence . . . waiting for them. Part One

This week's chapter is much longer than last, so we can go deeper into the episode, and it has some character moments that I hope you will enjoy.

Also, the welcome return of a couple of key characters that were strangely missing in the last episode!

My dedication this week is to the kind and talented Dori ( @DoriLeFish )!

I hope this will please you, Dori! I thought you would be interested, for reasons that will probably be apparent to you. 😊

And also, I will ping a few more ( @Jackfngn , @WhenYou'reTheOnly1WhoUnderstandsCatra , and @RizingStars ) just because I think there may be something here they'll like, too!

But, whoever reads this, I think you will be glad you did!

Prepare to smile, and thank you for your support!

An atmosphere of calm imbues the clean, white brilliance of the quiet hallways in Castle Bright Moon. Stillness and order reign throughout, from the steady assurance of the soberly cowled figures who guard her peace, to the even brightness illuminating each corridor, to the soft tapping of Adora’s reassuring footsteps as she walks beside Catra on their way.

Adora holds her girlfriend’s hand with a loose surety: a warmth and confidence born of faithful trial and passage through fire, emerging with a strength no longer dependent upon desperation and struggle.

Catra holds her girlfriend’s hand with gentle firmness: a proof of trust and dedication to the love they share, as well as a promise. A promise perhaps too painful and honest for words.

They are smiling, each one in her own way, with a feeling that, at least for now, everything is right in their world.

Catra feels a squeeze on her hand. She glances up to meet Adora’s beaming eyes.

Adora: [with quiet excitement] Come on!

And Adora breaks into a run, holding tightly to her lover’s hand, pulling her along behind her as they take off tearing through the hallways!

Catra giggles, matching Adora’s pace, then seizing the lead, escalating their energy as Adora pushes forward, playfully sparring with her to be the front-runner of the race. Yet they hold tightly, like they would never let go of one another. And together in the moment, it’s as if they’re flying!

As they rush by one of the Bright Moon guards, her robes swish in the current of air, and her head turns slightly to watch them pass.

They turn a corner sharply to enter a perpendicular hallway, and they nearly collide with another guard coming toward them.

Adora: [in surprise] Whoop!

Catra springs upward to leap off of the wall beside the guard, while Adora jumps up and toward the other side. They raise their arms, without letting go of their clasped hands, forming an archway that passes over the head of the guard during the second they are off the ground.

Catra: [defiantly amused] Hah!

The guard ducks slightly, then turns to watch them land and bound off. They shake their head after them in mild bewilderment.

Both girls are laughing riotously as they stagger to a stop at the entrance to the Council Chamber. A pair of guards attending either side of the open doorway perform small, courteous bows.

Catra pokes her head into the room and looks around.

Catra: Nope.

Adora takes a glance, too.

Adora: [brightly] Nope! Let’s check her room!

The girls turn, and they are off and running.

As they pelt further down the hallway, it is as if they are touching childhood again, their laughter rising with renewed energy.

Halfway down another hallway, they slow to a panting halt, their giggles subsiding.

Glimmer’s doors are slightly ajar, and the light is on.

Adora peeks through the gap, and she sees Glimmer at her desk, leaning forward and huddled over some papers. Adora frowns and withdraws.

Adora: [to Catra, in a quiet voice] She looks like she’s working. Maybe we shouldn’t bother her right now.

Catra leans in to take a look through the gap in the doorway.

Catra: [considering] Hmmm. [confidently] Iiiiiii don’t think we need to worry.

She straightens up, opens the door, and steps in.

Adora puts a hand on her shoulder, frowning.

Adora: Catra, shouldn’t we . . .

Catra ignores her, shrugging off her hand and striding boldly into the room.

Catra: [calmly] It’s fine, Adora.

She walks right up to Glimmer’s side, with Adora following closely.

Glimmer is slumped forward, her forehead resting against her forearms, which are draped across the surface of her desk. She is breathing slowly and deeply.

Catra puts a hand on her hip, gesturing to Glimmer with the other.

Catra: [to Adora] See? She’s not working. She’s asleep. So, we’re not bothering her.

Catra places her palm heavily on Glimmer’s shoulder as she speaks.

Catra: Isn’t that right, your majesty?

At the touch of Catra’s hand on her shoulder, Glimmer springs upright, eyes wide!

Glimmer: [startled] Huaahh! Whaz-goin’-on?!

Catra smirks at this with wicked sweetness.

Adora steps forward, touching Glimmer’s arm, reassuringly.

Adora: It’s just us, Glimmer!

Glimmer turns to look at Adora, then Catra, with tired eyes. She slumps again, her eyes drooping slightly.

Glimmer: [groaning] Nggggh.

Adora and Catra step back slightly, as Glimmer reaches way over her head and stretches upward, eyes closed. She drops her hands down and begins rubbing her eyes industriously.

Glimmer: [sighing] Hooo! I guess -- [through a yawn] I must have fallen asleep! So . . .

Blinking blearily several times, Glimmer opens her eyes wide and then turns in her chair to stare at her friends, frowning in concentration.

Glimmer: What’s up?

Catra glances at Adora, who smiles and steps a little closer to Glimmer.

Adora: [with nervous, controlled excitement] There’s . . . something I wanted to tell you about the magic. [hastily] Something good.

Glimmer’s eyes brighten a little.

Glimmer: Oh?

She stands up, clasping her hands together, her eyes widening.

Glimmer: What is it?

Adora glances to Catra, who nods with a little smile. She looks back to Glimmer, eyes slightly downcast.

Adora: [a little sheepishly] I should have told you before. [pause] I visited Razz yesterday, in the Whispering Woods.

Glimmer looks at her blankly. Adora shakes her head.

Adora: You never met her. But she’s really smart and wise. And she knows a lot about Etheria and its magic. She told me . . . she said that the magic wasn’t really lost. And . . . [quietly] she’s right.

Adora holds her hand out for Glimmer to see. Slowly, she opens her hand wide, revealing a palm with glittering energy making tiny rainbow sparks.

Glimmer’s eyes grow big with wonder and excitement.

Adora slowly relaxes, and the sparkles fade.

Glimmer: [with a thrill] Adora! That’s wonderful!

Glimmer puts her own hands out in front of her and stares at them, turning her palms downward and then upward again, wiggling the fingers.

She frowns disappointedly, then looks up at Adora.

Glimmer: I don’t get it.

Glimmer paces away from them, toward the center of her room. She stops, holding out her hands and staring again.

Adora: [a little unsure, but trying to be encouraging] I . . . don’t think it’s something that can be forced. Or even fully controlled. It just . . .

She glances at Catra with a melancholy frown.

Adora: It just is . . . I think.

Glimmer shakes her head sadly.

Glimmer: That’s not very easy for me.

Adora: I’m sorry.

Glimmer: No.

Glimmer turns back toward Adora, with a small sad smile.

Glimmer: You’re talking about being patient. I get it. It’s just . . . kinda hard.

She tenses her jaw with emotion, shaking her head slightly.

Glimmer: I’ve had magic all my life. My mom was the queen of Bright Moon, and magic was a big part of how she led.

Glimmer holds her arms to herself as she looks downwards in remembrance.

Glimmer: She used it when she led the Alliance into battle. She used it to protect the castle. [mournfully] To inspire her people. And . . .

Her eyes glitter with emotion.

Glimmer: [heavily] I’ve always used magic. It’s a part of who I am. In fact . . . [quietly] I’m not really sure who I am without it.

Adora frowns sympathetically, with a quick glance to Catra. She reaches a hand out, as if to comfort Glimmer.

Adora: [tentatively] I . . . I think what she was saying --

Catra steps forward, interrupting, and Adora falls silent.

Catra: [firmly, with kindness] Look. Sparkles.

Glimmer looks up to meet her eyes, questioningly.

Catra: [continuing with the same tone] I. Have never. Had magic.

Glimmer blinks at her with a mixture of caring and vulnerability.

Catra: [cooly] I had determination. And strength. And will. That’s all.

Adora steps up beside her, now focused on what her girlfriend is saying.

Catra: I commanded an army and fought a war. I fought hard. [gritting her teeth] I fought so hard that I nearly destroyed myself. Because nothing was going to stop me. Not even myself.

Catra averts her gaze, a hard look in her eyes.

Catra: [softly] I’m not proud of any of it. Now.

Catra looks back to meet Glimmer’s eyes.

Catra: But I did it. [pause, emphatically] Without magic.

Catra closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and sighs.

When she opens her eyes again, there is nothing there but friendship, trust, and affection directed at Glimmer.

Catra: You have everything that I had then. But you have something more, . . . your majesty. [shaking her head] Something I never . . . [stopping herself] . . . something I lost.

Glimmers lips part with an unspoken question.

Catra: [admiringly] You have love.

She holds out her hand to Glimmer, urging her.

Catra: And you have friendship.

Glimmer takes her hand, smiling.

Catra: You have everything you need to be . . . a great leader, and . . .

Adora steps forward, placing a hand on Catra’s shoulder, smiling at her with tender pride, then turning to Glimmer, offering her a hand as well.

Adora: [completing Catra’s words] And a great friend.

Glimmer takes Adora’s hand with her free hand, as Catra glances at Adora, smiling.

Catra: [warmly] Yeah.

Adora: [to Glimmer with conviction] And I know that the magic will return . . . It’ll be there when you need it.

Glimmer nods gratefully to them.

Glimmer: [to Adora] I know you’re right.

Turning to Catra.

Glimmer: [to Catra] And everything you said . . . about what I have . . . and about who I am . . .

Glimmer grins widely, the tears brimming in her eyes.

Glimmer: That’s really all I want right now.

And all at once, Glimmer steps in, putting her arms around both of her friends, and bringing them into her embrace. The three of them hold one another, as Glimmer whispers tearfully.

Glimmer: [softly] Thank you.

There is a gentle knock at the door, and Bow peeks his head in, seeing his friends.

Bow: [hesitantly] Glimmer?

Glimmer pulls back at once from the embrace, turning toward the door, her expression alight!

Glimmer: [joyfully] Bow!!

She runs the few steps to him, her leg brace clicking softly with each stride, and she throws her arms around her boyfriend, holding him to her with fierce affection!

Bow: Glimmer!

Glimmer nuzzles his cheek lovingly with her own. She takes a deep breath and sighs his name.

Glimmer: Oh, Bow! It’s been . . .

Bow: [smiling, with cheerful practicality] A day, Glimmer. Only a day.

Glimmer: Feels like forever!

Adora and Catra share a pleased look, grinning silently to each other.

Glimmer leans back from Bow to look him in the eyes, holding his waist firmly in her hands.

Glimmer: [with emphasis] A lot has happened since you were gone.

Bow nods to her with a knowing expression.

Bow: I kinda figured. [tentatively, frowning] So, . . . about Entrapta . . .

Glimmer: [looking heavenward] Entrapta is only the half of it!

Glimmer steps back, holding Bow’s hand to lead him into the room. She looks from him to her friends and back.

Glimmer: Let’s all talk. We need to catch you up.

Adora Bow Glimmer Catra Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·11/4/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 73: Nearer the Heart (Part Two)

Well, hello, there, lovely readers! 😁

Today's chapter is destined to be a treat!

Previously in Episode 73:

Part One: Entrapta's enthusiasm is practically overshadowed by Hordak's brothers, as they give her and Wink a special tour of their village!

And for this week, the momentous meeting that was foreshadowed a mere four months ago!! 😅

This chapter is lovingly dedicated to our dear friend Wellington ( @WellingtonSmith ) and our dear friend Samantha ( @--sxmxntha-is-CHAOS-- ). They are summoned here by the presence of their favorite characters as they engage in a meeting of wills.

Buckle up!

This will be a bit of a longer ride this time.

Welcome back to Bright Moon for some royal trouble!

Hidden away within the solace and splendor of Bright Moon Castle, in a far-removed corner out of the public view, there is a cheerfully-lit bedroom. The lingering silence brooding there is tangibly painted with a subtle mixture of shifting thoughts and volatile emotions: . . . tense expectation, . . . playful confidence, . . . indifference, . . . fascination . . .

Suddenly the doors are thrown open from the outside, revealing Queen Glimmer in her regal glory. She enters swiftly, letting the doors shut softly behind her.

Glimmer’s expression is dark and imperious. An air of unyielding command accompanies her as she steps into the room, her gaze laser-focused on the form of Double Trouble, who relaxes at ease on the ornate lounge near the center, a sensuous smile curling their lips.

The two Bright Moon guards in attendance stand smartly with a nervous energy, as if they had only seconds before adjusted their cowled helmets and assumed their spear-straight stances at their posts. They bow to Glimmer as she approaches Double Trouble on the lounge.

Glimmer stops to within a few feet of Double Trouble, staring them down.

Without shifting her eyes away, she gestures to the guards on either side of her.

Glimmer: [with a calm, firm tone] Leave us.

Without a word, the guards bow again, make their ways quickly to the door, and exit, shutting the doors behind them.

There is a moment in which Double Trouble slowly lifts their legs from off of the arm of the lounge, sets their boots on the floor, and then crosses their left leg over their right, all in a fluid motion.

Double Trouble: So . . .

They lean toward Glimmer, straightening their posture and setting their hands on their knees.

Double Trouble: [quietly, with sparkle] Time for the showdown?

Glimmer’s eyes narrow, and she places her hands on her hips.

Glimmer: [directly] I know how you operate, Double Trouble. Pitting people against one another is what you do best. Well, I don’t have time for those tricks. So, it’s just you . . . and me.

Double Trouble’s grin widens. They lean back, extending their arms in a sinewy stretch.

Double Trouble: [with pleasure] Ohhhh . . . [pause] So it is a showdown!

They cock their head and raise an eyebrow with a smirk.

Double Trouble: [slowly, emphasizing] What weapons shall we choose?

Glimmer shakes her head slightly.

Glimmer: I’m not here to fight you.

She bends forward at the waist, bringing her face closer to Double Trouble’s.

Glimmer: [with emphasis] I don’t need to do that. So . . .

Straightening up, Glimmer grasps the edges of her cape, spreading it to her sides to show her clothing.

Glimmer: [confidently] No weapons.

Double Trouble rises slowly to their feet as they speak, stepping to one side. Glimmer releases her cape, and she turns with them as they start to circle.

Double Trouble: [with kind condescendence] Oh, Glimmer, dear. We both know that there are weapons other than swords and staves.

Glimmer: [smoothly] And if I were to choose, the one I would pick would put you at a disadvantage.

Double Trouble grins down at her.

Double Trouble: [curiously, with feigned innocence} And what would that be? Clever come-backs?

Glimmer: [smiling] No. The truth.

Double Trouble blinks at her, eyes wide. They take a step back, as if enduring a small blow.

Double Trouble: Ouch! [pause, with regained composure] But if that were the case, I would be very careful if I were you.

Double Trouble stops, and bends forward at the waist to stare eye to eye with Glimmer, hand on hip, a finger pointing at the queen’s chest.

Double Trouble: When it comes to the truth, you don’t have your spells anymore. And I have been . . . [pausing with a cool grin] . . . practicing.

Glimmer leans forward, raising on her toes, unintimidated, until she is nearly nose-to-nose with the shapeshifter.

Glimmer: [challenging] Then, try me. You came here with an offer. I’m listening.

Double Trouble straightens up and shifts their gaze, hands held behind their back. They begin walking slowly around Glimmer, grinning, and glancing at her sideways.

Double Trouble: We’ve done this before, darling. Under more . . . strained circumstances, I grant you. But surely you saw enough of my talents when we last worked together to realize how valuable I could be to you now!

Glimmer turns in place, keeping them in view.

Glimmer: [dismissively] I don’t really need a spy right now, Double Trouble. Nor do I have any jobs for you requiring sabotage or deceit.

Double Trouble stops circling and turns toward her, eyes widened indignantly. They place their fingertips to their chest.

Double Trouble: Sabotage and deceit! [gesturing with their palm] That’s typecasting, honey. And, frankly, it’s beneath you.

Double Trouble strikes a show-stopping pose, their hands extended outwards to their sides, as if they are gathering waves of glory!

Double Trouble: I am a performer, and there isn’t any role that I can’t play.

They tilt their head and wink at Glimmer.

Double Trouble: [mysteriously] Just use your imagination!

Double Trouble resumes circling Glimmer, but this time with extra energy, every step a dance.

Double Trouble: [with dramatic assurance] I am in a unique position to listen and observe. To be moved by the pulse of this kingdom and to act as both its mirror and its magnifying lens.

Glimmer is now having some difficulty keeping up with Double Trouble, not always certain which way to turn to best pay attention to them.

Finally, Double Trouble performs an elegant twirl, at the end of which they become suddenly quite still, with their smiling face directly in front of Glimmer’s again. Glimmer blinks in brief disorientation.

Double Trouble: [proudly] My art in the service of Bright Moon!

Glimmer frowns.

Glimmer: Doing what, exactly? What service?

Double Trouble faces Glimmer and executes a dramatic bow, spreading their arms wide and never takings their eyes off of her.

Double Trouble: Why, everything, darling!

Straightening up, they begin tallying on their fingers.

Double Trouble: I can inform and enlighten, entertain, and amuse . . .

Leaning forward, Double Trouble gently lays the back of their hand against the side of Glimmer’s cheek. As they brush their fingers down her face, her eyes seem mesmerized, lost in Double Trouble’s grinning gaze.

Double Trouble: [softly] I can soothe emotions, . . . or stir them!

Double Trouble’s fingertips end up cupping the tip of Glimmer’s chin. All at once, Glimmer frowns and grits her teeth in irritation, whipping her hand across her body to push their wrist away. At that moment, they each take a short step backwards, causing their hands to meet, and the motion is transformed into a partner dance turn, as Double Trouble twirls in her grasp.

They end the move with arms extended and hands clasped, leaning away from each other.

Double Trouble: [with satisfaction] Whatever the situation requires!

Glimmer throws their hand away from herself, and Double Trouble, drawing one arm around their body and extending the other up to the ceiling, pivots in place in a gorgeous pirouette on point.

Double Trouble: Taking my bows and then [fluttering gesture of their hands] fading into the wings to ovations that inevitably return . . .

They lift their hands in a gentle gesture toward Glimmer, palms up and open.

Double Trouble: [softly] . . . to you. [pause, eyes closed in humility] For the glory and peace . . . of the kingdom.

Glimmer stares at them, with a look conflicted between doubt and belief.

Standing by the lounge, Double Trouble gracefully seats themself again, arms wide, legs crossed.

Double Trouble: [matter-of-factly] You must admit -- no one else here can do all of that.

They gesture with a languid hand.

Double Trouble: [half-pitying] And for all your sparkle, or . . .

Double Trouble’s smile widens slightly as a momentary pained look flashes across Glimmer’s face, to be quickly replaced by a stern frown.

Double Trouble: [continuing] . . . perhaps I should say, . . . for all of Bright Moon’s glitter and shine, . . . it really does lack a little something, . . . and I can fill that gap.

Double Trouble shifts position, leaning forward, legs uncrossing, and placing one elbow on the arm of the lounge, to rest their chin on their knuckles. As they move, a creeping blackness spreads over their entire form, obscuring and remolding their appearance before withdrawing to reveal a dark imposing figure with flowing black hair, robed in maroon and wearing a scarlet face-mask. She speaks in smooth syllables colored with heavy dark tones.

Shadow Weaver/Trouble: I could be a trusted advisor to you.

Glimmer folds her arms and observes as Double Trouble’s form shifts again, this time becoming a handsome mustached rogue with a glint in his eye and a winning smile. He throws his arms behind his head in a relaxed manner, casually sliding down in his seat as he tosses his legs carelessly into the air. Losing his balance he rolls off the edge of the lounge with a slightly surprised expression, but then manages to deftly recover and leap semi-gracefully to his feet, chuckling with good humor.

Sea Hawk/Trouble: [lightly] Haha! I could be a clown, too!

Stepping lightly to one side, he strikes a heroic pose, hands on hips.

Sea Hawk/Trouble: [confidently] I can act as an encouraging voice to the people! Or . . .

He shrugs at Glimmer and grins.

Sea Hawk/Trouble: [in proud humility] With an instrument to play or a stage to dance, I can also provide light entertainment.

Stepping closer, Double Trouble transforms again, and Glimmer’s expression is troubled by the sympathetic eyes that stare back at her.

Catra/Trouble: [with apparent sincerity] I could just be a friend, too. I’m working on . . . trying to be better at that.

With the next transformation, Double Trouble steps forward and places a warm-hearted hand on Glimmer’s shoulder.

Adora/Trouble: [earnestly] If you needed a friend, or even a confidante, I’m willing to be that, too.

The face of the blonde girl frowns slightly, with a tiny smile of hope.

Glimmer finds herself smiling in spite of herself. She touches the hand on her shoulder, and the face of Adora brightens.

Adora/Trouble: [a bit vulnerable] And I could even be . . .

Double Trouble’s final transformation causes Glimmer to gasp.

Bow/Trouble: [gently] Your best friend. [shaking his head slowly] I’d be . . . whoever Bright Moon needs me to be, Glimmer. All I want is a place to be me. [pause] A beloved performer with an audience to dazzle. That’s all.

Glimmer’s gaze does not waver from the friendly face and the eyes that look so pleadingly at her. She frowns a little and finally shakes her head, squeezing the hand on her shoulder lightly. She speaks directly, without malice or anger.

Glimmer: [calmly] It’s all imitation, Double Trouble. Just distraction and illusion.

She gently removes the hand from her shoulder and puts it down by Double Trouble’s side, releasing it.

Glimmer: I’m afraid I’m not impressed.

The form of her boyfriend shifts as the darkness passes over it, and within two seconds, Double Trouble stands before her again in their neutral form.

They frown, and their mouth hangs slightly open.

Glimmer looks at them with an expression that shifts all at once to one of tender pity.

Glimmer: [slowly] Do you even know . . . who you are?

For a moment, Double Trouble seems taken aback. They blink at Glimmer.

Double Trouble: [hesitantly] I . . .

But then, in an instant, their attitude changes. Double Trouble takes a confident step backwards, smiling and gesturing widely.

Double Trouble: [with an impish giggle] Why, that’s why I’m here, darling!

Double Trouble indicates their surroundings broadly.

Double Trouble: This is Bright Moon! Center of Etheria! The place where lost souls always come to find out who they are!

As they stride back toward their lounge, they tick off items on their fingers, glancing heavenward, as if for inspiration.

Double Trouble: First there was the blonde hero. And then the dark sorceress! [clasping their hands in admiration] Followed by the muscled beauty with the tender heart and the fascinating performance style!

Double Trouble looks back toward Glimmer and catches her eye.

Double Trouble: [flirtatiously] I like that one!

With one long stride they are at their lounge, pivoting again to face the queen.

Double Trouble: [with mock-sympathy] Lastly came the poor half-drowned kitten, rescued by her girlfriend. [evenly] And for the finale? Me.

And on that note they gracefully sit, spreading their arms along the back of the lounge and crossing their legs.

Double Trouble: [pointedly] So, there you have it. As promised. The truth.

A confident smile comes to rest on Double Trouble’s face, and their voice oozes self-assuredness.

Double Trouble: Now. What do you say?

Glimmer walks directly in front of Double Trouble and closes her eyes a moment, taking a deep breath. When she opens her eyes, she regards them with a calm and resolute gaze.

Glimmer: I will consider your offer. You may stay.

She turns and begins walking toward the doors.

Double Trouble tilts their head and raises an eyebrow.

Double Trouble: Is that all?

Glimmer stops, a few feet from the doors, without turning.

Glimmer: For now.

She pivots on her foot to face them once again.

Glimmer: I’m giving you some of what you want. I’m giving you a place. I’m giving you freedom. You may move around the castle and its grounds. You may take part in the society of Bright Moon and meet its people.

She smiles ironically.

Glimmer: [pointedly] Just as you already have been doing.

Double Trouble grins sweetly, with gleaming pointed teeth.

Glimmer: But before I consider further taking on your service, you have to earn my trust. [pause] This is me giving you that chance. You will only get one.

Double Trouble nods, settling back further into the cushions.

Double Trouble: [confidently] Then we have a deal. And when the time comes . . . you know where to find me.

Glimmer nods back, then turns and steps to the door.

Double Trouble: [casually] Oh, one other thing. About my guards? My darling escorts? I find I’ve gotten used to them. May I . . . keep them? They really are quite sweet, you know.

Glimmer pauses and smiles to herself, without turning her head.

Glimmer: [sweetly, but with a pointed tone] As long as you’re nice to them!

With that, she opens the doors and leaves Double Trouble with a satisfied grin.

(Edited by BrianSturgill)

Glimmer Double Trouble Bright Moon Guards Bright Moon Castle

BrianSturgill·10/14/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 72: Waking to Trouble (Part Seven)

Welcome, my friends! 😊

It is my pleasure to present to you another chapter of my fanfic.

One that, I hope, will bring an extra measure of delight!

To summarize the episode so far.

Bow's surprisingly quirky dads! Part One.

Adora's understanding girlfriend. Part Two.

Entrapta's unique way of saying "Good morning!" Part Three!

Double Trouble's morning non-routine! Part Four.

Bright Moon guards have a challenge! Part Five!

Entrapta's controversial plan. Part Six

And now for a chapter that can really only have one dedication.

My Artistic Alliance friends,

@CallistoArt and @WhenYou'reTheOnly1WhoUnderstandsCatra

This is for you, with much ❤️❤️❤️

And, perhaps, in another universe, also apologies?!?

We shall see! 😃

The mood in the “guest” bedroom of Bright Moon is somber.

The two guards there have removed their helmets, and they look as though the energy has been drained out of them.

One is leaning against the wall, arms folded, her green eyes just barely visible through thick strands of her long curly brown hair.

The other sits on a small cot, her back slumped, head hanging down. She runs a hand through her short, red-orange hair and sighs.

Guard Cal: We need to look again. Where haven’t we looked?

Noelle shrugs.

Guard Noelle: I don’t know. I mean, we could have seen them a dozen times and not even known it. [pause] We should probably just report it to the general.

Guard Cal: [frustrated] Errrr, no. There’s still time before the shift relief.

She stands up and looks to Noelle, gesturing toward the door with her head.

Guard Cal: C’mon. Let’s look one more time.

Noelle sighs and pushes away from the wall.

Guard Noelle: Fine. You lead the way. I’m out of ideas.

Guard Cal: [as she moves toward the door] Okay. We’ll start wi--

She pauses, a look of mild surprise on her face as she comes face to face with Double Trouble, standing innocently within the door-frame, hands held behind themself.

Double Trouble: [flirtatiously] Hi, honeys. I’m ba-aaack!

They bend forward at the waist, leaning forward so they are nearly nose to nose with the guard named Cal.

Double Trouble: [quieter, with an impish smile] Did you miss me?

Guard Cal: [groaning] Errrrrrgh.

She takes a few steps backward to slump on the bed again.

Guard Noelle: Found ‘em.

Cal looks up with an expression half dismayed, half annoyed.

Guard Cal: [to Double Trouble] Where have you been?

Double Trouble frowns.

Double Trouble: Why so glum? [smiling] Snack?

Double Trouble produces a tray of pretty little pastries from behind their back, offering them to the guards.

Double Trouble: You’ve both been working so hard. [innocently] I thought you might be hungry.

Double Trouble walks over and takes a seat on the bed beside Cal, offering the tray to her. She just stares at them.

Noelle takes a seat on the other side of Double Trouble.

Double Trouble turns to Noelle.

Double Trouble: [invitingly] They’re fresh.

Noelle glances at Cal, then takes one of the pastries from the tray and munches on it emotionlessly.

Double Trouble crosses their legs and balances the tray on their knee.

As Double Trouble picks up a pastry and nonchalantly takes a bite, Cal turns on them.

Guard Cal: [insistently] Where were you? What have you been up to?

Double Trouble smiles at her.

Double Trouble: Weeell, you know how it is, Callisto darling. A lot happens in this castle. [casually] I was just doing my part to help out. And frankly . . .

They lower their voice conspiratorially, showing their teeth in a grin.

Double Trouble: It’s probably best if we keep this to ourselves.

Double Trouble picks up another of the small pastries and brings it close to Cal’s partly-open mouth.

Double Trouble: I really wouldn’t want you to be in trouble with General Juliet.

They grin and nudge the pastry into Cal’s mouth. She scowls and takes a savage bite, then accepts the rest of the pastry as Double Trouble drops it into her hand.

There is the sharp sound of a clearing throat from the doorway.

Cal and Noelle jump a little in their seats.

As they all turn toward the door, they see another guard in full dress. He reaches up and removes his helmet, revealing dark, wavy hair and a tense, but slightly bemused, expression. He regards the unusual form of Bright Moon’s flamboyant guest.

Guard: [formally] Double Trouble. My name is Brian. I’ll be one of your escorts this afternoon.

Double Trouble rises from their seat and glides toward the newcomer with the snacks. Noelle just manages to snag a second pastry before the tray is whisked away.

Double Trouble comes close to the guard at the door and winks at him.

Double Trouble: [sweetly] And I will be your entertainment for the afternoon!

Holding the tray close to the guards chest, Double Trouble lets it go and dances away.

The guard reflexively catches the tray and stares at it blankly, as Double Trouble gracefully takes their seat on the large, central lounge.

Guard Brian: Uhhh, I see.

He looks over to Cal and Noelle, sitting on the bed.

Guard Brian: So. Which one of you needs relief?

Noelle and Cal raise their hands quickly and simultaneously, as if they are racing each other!

Guard Brian: [blinking with surprise] Oh.

He looks over to Double Trouble who is leaning back, legs crossed confidently, arms stretched out across the back of the lounge. They grin at the guard with unconcealed delight.

Double Trouble: [playfully] Welcome to my world, soldier boy!

Double Trouble Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·9/30/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 72: Waking to Trouble (Part Five)

Woo-hoo, and heya, peeps! 😃

It's time for another fun chapter of my fan fic, and this one is special in a new way!

Ah, but first, we must recap this episode of troublesome awakenings so far:

Part One: Bow wakes up to well-meaning, yet unnerving trouble.

Part Two: Adora wakes with troubling thoughts, but also an understanding girlfriend.

Part Three: Entrapta's morning ritual is a lot for her friends to handle!

Part Four: Double Trouble knows how to seize the day!

I would like to dedicate this chapter to my sweet friend Firefly ( @FireflyTheTOHFan ) ! 😊

Thank you for joining in the enjoyment that I strive to bring to everyone here with my writing.

I hope you like this one!

And now it's time for that musical question:

Can anyone keep up with Double Trouble?

Let's find out!

Double Trouble struts down the main hallway of Bright Moon Castle, flanked either side by their Bright Moon guard escort and standing several inches taller than either of them.

In sharp contrast to their somewhat stiffer companions, Double Trouble seems supremely relaxed, waving coyly as they pass other guards who stand watch intermittently along the length of the hallway.

Double Trouble: [brightly, to a guard standing by a door] Hel-lo, there! I’m the mysterious visitor you’ve been hearing about!

The guards nod to each other as they pass. Double Trouble tosses a winning smile back at the hallway guard as they sashay by.

Double Trouble: Oh, and that cape? It looks adorable on you!

The guard cracks a tiny smile and blushes slightly as Double Trouble winks at them.

Turning forward again, Double Trouble tilts their head reflectively as their gaze shifts from one of their escorts to the other. With a mischievous grin, Double Trouble tosses an arm across the shoulders of the guard to their right, who turns their head slightly with a questioning expression.

Double Trouble: I really think you’re doing a good job. I’ve never felt so well-attended . . . !

Double Trouble turns to the other guard, placing a hand lightly on their shoulder.

Double Trouble: [softly, ironically] . . . and watched.

The second guard glances at them, then away again. Double Trouble grins with delight.

Double Trouble: It’s like having my own little traveling audience!

They pull the guards in closer, causing them to lean a little off-balance.

Double Trouble: [whimsically] My own double trouble!

Suddenly, Double Trouble’s eyes widen with a new thought.

Double Trouble: Which reminds me! What shall I call you?

Double Trouble glances from one to the other. They remain silent.

Double Trouble: Darling Little Escorts One and Two just seems a little awkward.

There is a pause as they continue walking. The guard on Double Trouble’s right finally sighs.

Guard 1: [resignedly] My name’s . . . Cal.

Double Trouble: [pleased] Mm-hmm. [turning to the other] And you?

Guard 2: [softly, non-plussed] Noelle.

Without warning, Double Trouble stops, their hands slipping off the shoulders of their guards, who stutter to a halt and turn quickly around.

Double Trouble frowns, cocking their head to one side in consideration. They put one hand under the elbow of their other arm, placing a thoughtful finger to their lips.

Double Trouble: Well. Those are a start, I guess.

Gesturing toward one of the guards, their voice becomes an emotional declaration!

Double Trouble: What you each need are stage names! Names with a sense of mystery and intrigue! They should capture attention, demanding respect and awe!

The guards look bemused. They glance toward each other, shrug, and then look back at Double Trouble.

Double Trouble: [excited] Oh, come on! Let’s have fun with it!

Double Trouble performs a quick twirl, then comes out of it in a sudden lunge, stamping their foot and pointing dramatically at one of the guards with an intense stare, like a fencing strike.

Double Trouble: YOU!

The guard flinches in surprise.

Double Trouble: Your name should beeeeee . . . Cal-liope, orrr Cal-zone, or . . . yes! Cal-listo! That’s it!

Double Trouble straightens up and gestures with an open palm.

Double Trouble: From now on, I shall call you Callisto!

“Callisto” blinks and smiles a little. She glances at her partner, who rolls her eyes.

Double Trouble turns to the other guard, frowning with one raised eyebrow.

Double Trouble: And now, for you.

Guard Noelle: [dryly] No.

Double Trouble: Perhaps . . . [trying it out] Nouveau?

Guard Noelle: No.

Double Trouble: [mysteriously] Le-noir!

Guard Noelle: No.

Suddenly there is a commotion down the hallway, causing all heads to turn.

Double Trouble stares with widened eyes and gestures dismissively at Noelle.

Double Trouble: We’ll come back to you.

Rounding a bend in the hallway is a flurry of purple, as Princess Entrapta comes bounding toward them, her hair waving animatedly around her. She holds Wink’s hand by one long lock of her hair, and together they are running full tilt!

Entrapta: [seeing the guards] Ooop! Hi! Coming through!!

Double Trouble’s guards shrink back, fearing a collision, but at the last moment Entrapta smacks the floor with her ponytails and vaults over their heads, carrying Wink with her.

The guards duck, then quickly whip their heads around to see a tight group of their fellow guards following like a mini-stampede, pushing through as they pursue the princess.

Noelle and Cal jump hastily aside, and the group rushes past.

As the hallway falls silent, they suddenly look around themselves to find . . . they’re alone!

Guard Cal: [nervously] Hey! Where’d they go?

Guard Noelle: [dismally] Oh, no. We were watching! How’d they do that?!

Guard Cal: [exasperated] Who cares? They’re trouble! We’ve gotta find them!

Guard Noelle: [groaning] Do we have to?

Cal gives her a look. Noelle sighs.

Guard Noelle: I’m kidding. Let’s go!

The two guards run off in the direction taken by Entrapta’s impromptu parade.

Further down the hallway, Entrapta and Wink stand side by side at the open doorway to a large room, looking in with expressions of rapturous anticipation.

The guard contingency arrives behind them, slowing down from a dead run to a halt, panting with exertion.

One, evidently the commander, steps up beside Entrapta and bows. He gestures into the room.

Guard Commander: [somewhat breathless] My . . . my lady Entrapta . . . and Wink . . . please take a place . . . at the dining table. Breakfast . . . will soon be served.

Entrapta turns to him expectantly.

Entrapta: [inquiringly] Tiny food?

Guard Commander: [nodding] Yes, my lady.

Entrapta raises her fists to her shoulders and trembles with delight.

Entrapta: Great! Haha! Come on, Wink!

As the Bright Moon guests enter the dining room in the most energetic way possible, no one takes notice as one of the guards separates from the others, moving away swiftly and silently, a sly grin on their face.

Entrapta Double Trouble Wrong Hordak Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·9/23/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 72: Waking to Trouble (Part Four)

Well, hey there!

Thank you for tuning in for a new chapter of my story! 😊

There will be more waking and more trouble today!

Time for the recap:

George and Lance gave Bow a scare in Part One!

Catra helped Adora to talk out some things that were worrying her in Part Two.

And Glimmer led Adora and Catra to an unexpected morning workout, courtesy of an Entrapta experiment in Part Three!

Well this will be a short chapter this time, but I think you'll like it just the same!

Dedication:

This is for some of my friends that I haven't seen for a while.

I miss you, and I hope you come around here so that my story can make you smile. 😁

This is especially for my dear friends Samantha ( @--sxmxntha-is-CHAOS-- ), Jade ( @Jellybean Jade ), and Noelle ( @WhenYou'reTheOnly1WhoUnderstandsCatra ).

You are very special to me.

Well, here comes a bit of trouble from a real expert in the field!

It's a dramatic new day in Bright Moon, my darlings! 😉

A peaceful atmosphere imbues a bedroom tucked out of the way in one corner of Bright Moon Castle. Blue and yellow light filters through tall windows to cast a calming glow over the luxurious lounge near the center of the room.

A graceful arm, clad in green, stretches heavenward, accompanied by a sensual, soft sighing yawn.

Double Trouble: [contented pleasure] Mmmmm-MMMm-mmmmm . . . ahhh!

Suddenly, their head pops up from the lounge, as Double Trouble sits up tall, eyes bright and blinking, smiling with vigor and happy anticipation.

They look from side to side, eyebrow raised curiously at their surroundings.

Amongst the simple, elegant furniture adorning the room, there is one other bed. A small, empty cot. Lying on the floor, stretched out to partially block the doorway, is a Bright Moon guard, dressed in full livery, slumbering peacefully. Her companion stands, leaning against the wall over to Double Trouble’s right, also in full livery, her cowled head intermittently nodding, then bobbing up again, suggesting that she is striving to stay on the waking and watchful side of half-consciousness.

Double Trouble smiles at this, ducking their head to lie back down.

With exquisite subtlety, like a silent gecko creeping, Double Trouble slinks to the floor and skitters under the shadows to cross the room.

Once fully under cover of semi-darkness, they rise to their feet and pad noiselessly across the floor toward the door to the room.

A sudden movement to their right causes them to start and gasp lightly.

Turning slowly, they see that it is only their reflection from a mirror, made mysterious in the early dawn light.

They stop and regard their image, noticing the slight frazzle of their usually perfectly coifed sweeping blonde locks. Double Trouble rolls their eyes with a weary sigh.

Then their features go dark, as a fizzing shadow passes over their entire body. With a little pirouette for style, the shadow fades, revealing Double Trouble’s smiling face again crowned by a gorgeous cascade of soft, flowing hair.

Double Trouble pauses briefly to cast a wink and a kiss in the direction of the mirror!

They move on further toward the door. Then . . . eeeeeever so slowly . . . they turn the handle and open the door . . . just a little.

The edge of the door almost touches the back of the sleeping guard’s head before there is a thin opening that is perhaps just enough for Double Trouble to slip through sideways. Double Trouble grins confidently, their sharp teeth flashing in the dim morning light. They take a deep breath, tensing their muscles in a slight crouch . . . ready to spring. And then . . .

Double Trouble slams the door shut and throws their arms into the air as all the light fixtures activate, illuminating the room brilliantly!

Double Trouble: [jubilantly] Good MORNING, my darlings!!

The guard standing at the wall, leaps to the center of the room, stave held tensed and ready, while the guard at Double Trouble’s feet gives a squeak and scrambles to her feet, catching her helmet as it nearly falls off. They both stand panting and facing Double Trouble incredulously!

Double Trouble smiles at them with innocent sweetness. They clasp their hands together, holding them close to their chin, as if they are suddenly in love with everything.

Double Trouble: [with enthusiasm] Oh, what a beautiful day in Bright Moon Castle!

They stride between the mystified guards, spinning balletically.

Double Trouble: I think a peaceful morning walk would be the perfect thing right now! Don’t you?!

Springing to the door, they fling it wide open!

Double Trouble: Ahh, what wonders await us?! Seize the day, my pets!

And with that, they practically dance out of the room, with the two guards rushing to follow.

(Edited by BrianSturgill)

Double Trouble Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·9/16/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 72: Waking to Trouble (Part Three)

Hey, hey, it's the weekend! 😆🎉

And I am so happy to present to you some straight-up shenanigans in this week's chapter of my fanfic!

First comes the recap of Episode 72 so far:

Part One saw Bow waking up to troublesome (and adorably loving) dads!

And Part Two had Adora waking up to some troubling thoughts, but also to the comfort of a girlfriend who believes in her.

Glimmer is concerned about trouble with Entrapta, and we will soon discover why! 😯

But first, I will offer this dedication:

This one is especially for Moo ( @MOOOOOOOshrumsss ) and Willow ( @WordiNerd ), a couple of new friends here who like Entrapta! 😄

And I really hope that this will appeal to a lot of people here!

It's a somewhat longer chapter with much going on!

So, strap in, and here we go!!

The spacious, gleaming white corridor immediately outside of Entrapta’s temporary bedroom at Bright Moon is alive with the tense muttering voices and nervous shuffling of four of Bright Moon’s guards. Their expressions are largely shrouded by the cowls they wear, but it is apparent from the tension in their jaws and their restlessly shifting feet that they are on alert and wary.

They listen as muted sounds emanate through the closed doors of the room beside them. Harsh rattles. Buzzing grating noises. Strange rushing-whispering sounds, and intermittent cackling laughter of unnerving glee. Though clearly suggestive of some type of purposeful activity, yet the exact nature of the occurrences causing this unusual inner din remains obscure and mysterious.

The guards suddenly turn at the sound of footsteps signaling the approach of their Queen striding resolutely down the hallway to meet them. They greet her with postures of attention and quick bows.

Glimmer’s face reveals her concern and focused concentration. Following her closely are Adora and Catra, now wide awake and dressed in their daywear. Adora is just finishing buttoning her jacket as Glimmer stops to stand at the center of her guards. Adora halts by Glimmer’s shoulder, while Catra hangs several feet back, folding her arms, her tail swaying slowly back and forth.

Glimmer turns toward the guard in command.

Glimmer: [pointedly] Anything new happen?

The guard shakes his head.

Guard: Nothing, your majesty.

Adora shifts to one leg and raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Adora: [to Glimmer] So. What’s going on?

Glimmer turns toward Adora and Catra, looking them in the eyes as she gestures toward the closed doors.

Glimmer: Since we last saw her, Entrapta has been in her room aaaall night and aaaall this morning. Complete silence until about 2 hours ago, and then these noises started.

Adora: Yeah? And?

Glimmer frowns.

Glimmer: Well, obviously something’s going on, and I wasn’t concerned until about ten minutes ago, when --

There is a very Entrapta-like shriek of alarm from inside the room, followed by an unholy booming CRR-RASH!! that makes the entire hallway tremble and causes the whole group to startle and jump! The guards immediately grip their staves more tightly, swinging them into battle-ready positions!

Glimmer: [shaken] Wuh-ah! [gritting her teeth and meeting Adora’s eyes] That!! A crash! Just like that! That can’t be good!

Adora: [considering] Well . . .

The previous noises resume, but at a slightly higher volume and more feverish tempo!

Glimmer throws up her hands and begins to pace, looking at the floor.

Glimmer: [waving her arms, agitated] And, I know that Entrapta is Entrapta, but I’m worried! What if something’s really wrong? Should I knock? Should I just . . . burst in there?

She puts her hand against the door, then turns to Adora.

Glimmer: [uncertain] I should knock, right?

Adora shrugs.

Adora: I mean . . .

Glimmer: [nodding to herself] I’m gonna knock.

She raises her hand, but before her knuckles touch the surface of the door, it suddenly opens, and Wink pokes his head out! And suddenly, he is almost nose-to-nose with Glimmer, who is blinking in surprise!

Wink’s hair is far messier than usual, and there are small, uneven grease smudges on both sides of his face and on his tunic, which is quite wrinkled.

He smiles angelically at Glimmer.

Wink: [with fatigued brightness] Hello!

Glimmer frowns with suspicious curiosity at Wink.

Glimmer: Wink. What’s going on? Where’s Entrapta?

As she speaks, she bobs her body from side to side, trying unsuccessfully to see beyond Wink into the room. There is some indistinct industrious activity visible within the room, as well as a clattering and the sound of whirring machines, but it is impossible to tell what is happening.

Wink: [blinking innocently] Oh! [considering] She is --

Just then, as if pulled by a hidden force, Wink is whipped swiftly back into the room, and his hand gripping the door handle inadvertently slams the door shut!

Glimmer groans in frustration.

Glimmer: Something’s not right!

She puts both hands on the door and leans forward closely against it, calling through its surface.

Glimmer: [loudly] ENTRAPTA!!

A light hand comes to rest on Glimmer’s shoulder.

Catra: [quietly] Hey. Sparkles.

Glimmer turns her head, and her look of concern meets Catra’s confident and reassuring smile.

Catra: [calmly] Allow me?

Glimmer hesitates only a moment, then takes a step backward, giving Catra space.

Catra steps forward and puts a hand on the door.

She turns her head toward Glimmer and Adora.

Catra: It’s okay. I know from experience how to handle Entrapta.

Glimmer glances at Adora uncertainly, and Adora gives her an uncertain half-smile and half-frown.

Catra turns towards the door with a determined attitude.

She grabs the door handle and opens the door widely.

Catra: [coolly, with a commanding voice] Hey! Entrapta! I need to talk-- Huh, wha?!

Catra takes a step back, as a bizarre metallic face pops out of the room, staring at her with its glowing purple eyes! The cylindrical robotic head is supported on a long neck that apparently has an alarming ability to articulate and stretch.

Catra: [slightly annoyed] Okay, what are you do-- HEY!!

Without warning, the robot grabs Catra and pulls her off her feet. Quick as lightning, and with a little shriek, Catra disappears into the room at the hands of the robot. As Glimmer gasps, Adora launches herself forward past Glimmer and leaps through the door in pursuit.

Adora: Catraaa!

Glimmer quickly steps forward, inches past the threshold of Entrapta’s room, while the guards behind her advance slightly, awaiting the Queen’s command.

Glimmer: [worriedly calling] Adora! Catra! Wha-?! [she stops, eyes wide and staring all around] Uh . . . [softer] . . . woah!

What might well have originally been a typical guest bedroom of the castle has been transformed (literally overnight!) into a make-shift electronics and mechanical laboratory of impressive scale.

However, this particular laboratory seems to have been split right down the middle with one side devoted to neat arrangements of parts and equipment, the other to scattered heaps of junk.

All furniture in the room is either missing, dismantled, or repurposed as worktables and racks for machine parts.

Through this mess drive and roll a couple of speedy robots which move in constant and tireless activity, altering the look of the room by the second! Amidst this, Wink seems to be running for his life, though with a joyful zest and enthusiasm that is enviable. He holds a clipboard, on which he attempts to make notations whilst dodging and diving for cover!

Glimmer’s gaze shifts toward one wall, where Adora and Catra are standing side-by-side, obviously unharmed, but with expressions of shock, tension, and irritation.

Catra is seething, her fur bristled, her claws bared, and her body slightly crouched as if she is ready to spring.

Adora’s eyes are wide and watchful, and her hand rests firmly on Catra’s shoulder, perhaps half-reassuringly, half-restraining.

Both are looking upward toward the ceiling.

Glimmer follows their gaze with her own, and her eyes widen further as she sees Entrapta, hanging high overhead by her hair from precarious holds on some ornamental fixtures and the tops of furniture. She seems to be chattering into her recorder as she shifts between one side of the bedroom and the other.

Glimmer: [accusingly] Entrapta! What’s going on?!?

Entrapta looks momentarily surprised, then beams when she sees Glimmer. She shifts her position until she is hanging overhead directly in front of her.

Entrapta: [bubbling] Oh!! Hi, Glimmer! Thanks for dropping by! [kicking her legs and squealing with glee] Ha! This is even better than I’d hoped!! Adora and Catra are already helping me a lot! And now, you’re here!

Glimmer looks questioningly to Adora, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

Glimmer: You’re helping with this?

Catra snarls.

Catra: I’m not destroying anything. Adora said I couldn’t.

Adora chuckles tensely and unconvincingly.

Adora: Yeah. Entrapta says everything is fine. [uncertainly] I don’t think any of this is dangerous. [she gasps!] Look OUT!!

Glimmer: [jumping] What? Eeeyah-ee!!

One of the robots appears suddenly by Glimmer’s side, grabs her around the waist and picks her up.

Glimmer: Hey! Put me down!!

Entrapta: Oh! Speedy likes you!

The robot starts carrying Glimmer around in circles and random zig-zags. Her body shakes and vibrates with its erratic motions.

Glimmer: Ahhhhh, I’m getting a little dizzy! Put me down!

The robot immediately places her on the top of an overturned bookcase.

Glimmer puts her arms out momentarily for balance, then looks around herself surprised.

Glimmer: [puzzled] Huh. What am I doing here?

Entrapta swings over beside her.

Entrapta: [with quiet intensity] It’s all part of the experiment!!

Glimmer: Experiment? What do you mean?

She casually slips off the edge of the bookcase.

Adora: [yelling from across the room] Don’t move!

Glimmer freezes as she lands on the ground.

Glimmer: Why not? Wha-haaah!

All at once, a robot scoops Glimmer up and carries her across the room to where Catra and Adora are standing. The robot quickly and efficiently sets Glimmer up on her feet lined up beside her friends. Entrapta swings over to where they are standing and looks down at them with interest.

Entrapta: [curiously] Oh. That’s interesting! Now, you’ve gotten Opie’s attention! That’s so sweet!

Catra rolls her eyes at Glimmer.

Catra: Well, now you’ve done it.

Glimmer: [protesting] Done what?!

Adora: [explaining] Uh, I think you’re kinda trapped now.

Glimmer: Trapped? Trapped how?

Catra: Watch.

Catra gives Adora a sharp shove forward, causing her to take a step out of the line.

Adora: [miffed] Hey!!

The robot called Opie immediately darts over to Adora and puts her back into line between Glimmer and Catra. Adora looks wide-eyed and startled at this sudden manipulation. Catra points at her girlfriend and throws her head back in amusement.

Catra: [guffawing] Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Your face! Priceless!

Adora shoots her an annoyed look.

Adora: Did you have to do that?!

Catra: [like, duh] Uh, yeah-ah. [to Glimmer, more seriously] Anyway. See?

Glimmer turns to Entrapta, who is absorbed in her recorder again.

Glimmer: [sharply] Entrapta! Can we talk?!

Entrapta looks up, momentarily surprised. She smiles.

Entrapta: Sure!

Glimmer: [motioning with her head] Out in the hallway.

Entrapta: Ummm . . .

Entrapta looks a little flustered.

She glances toward the space between them and the door, where the robots are still whizzing around, carrying objects back and forth between one half of the room and the other. Occasionally, they bump into each other, or grapple briefly over certain objects. Sparks are flying, and every now and then bits of metal and electronics debris scatter around.

Wink is happily dancing around between them, occasionally getting picked up himself and placed in strange locations.

Entrapta turns back to the others with a pondering look.

Entrapta: [unsure] Oh. [Frowning] Hmmm . . . tricky.

Catra folds her arms and sighs.

Catra: [matter-of-factly] Well, I, for one, have had enough of this. If you want out of here, follow me.

Glimmer nods.

Glimmer: Right.

Adora: Let’s go.

Catra leaps upward at a diagonal, turning her body so she can push off of the nearby wall with her legs. As she flies forward, she flips in the air so her feet land against the head of one of the robots, which flails its arms at her, staggering off-balance to one side. Catra uses the head as a springboard, pushing off in another direction.

At the same time, Glimmer runs forward, and manages to vault over the other robot.

Adora follows closely and is nearly caught by the robot that Catra just disoriented, but she manages to duck under its arms, lands a kick to the head, and slides beneath the grasp of the other robot.

Catra reaches the door first and opens it.

Looking back, she holds a hand out to Glimmer, who grasps it just as the “Speedy” robot snakes out a tentacular arm to grab her leg.

With a sharp pull, Catra yanks Glimmer out of reach and through the doorway.

Amazingly, the “Opie” robot, grabs the legs of “Speedy” and pulls it backwards. Entrapta swings over their heads, scooping up Wink in a tuft of hair as she drops to the ground and runs the last several feet to the door.

Adora, surprised by both robots suddenly being in a clump before her, stops short.

Catra: [concerned] Adora! Come on!

Catra picks up a medium-sized hunk of metal near the door that may have once been part of the bed. She throws it into the middle of the grappling robots.

The robots immediately react by grasping for the metal hunk and trying to wrench it from each other.

While this happens, Adora sprints around them, kicking off with one foot against the side of a robot to propel herself the rest of the way through the doorway.

The robots react, turning toward the door, just as Catra slams it in their faces.

The guards regard the group of panting princesses and their companions with bewildered expressions.

Glimmer turns on Entrapta, who is staring blankly at the shut door.

Glimmer: [slightly breathless] Entrapta, . . . why . . . are evil robots . . . trying to take your room apart?!?

Entrapta turns and blinks at her for a moment.

Entrapta: [mildly perplexed] Evil robots?

Glimmer makes large vague motions at the closed door.

Glimmer: [frustrated] Th-! THEM! Those!

Entrapta stares at the door. She pauses.

Entrapta: [with sudden realization] Ohhh! Thoooose robots! [proudly] Oh, no. They’re organizing it!

Glimmer, Adora, and Catra exchange glances of varying levels of dumbfounded incredulity. They turn back to Entrapta, who cocks her head, considering to herself.

Entrapta: [continuing] And they aren’t evil. At least, . . . [she frowns a little, considering] . . . I don’t think they are.

Glimmer: [highly skeptical] Organizing?!?

Entrapta turns to Glimmer with a broad grin, hands on her hips, holding her head high.

Entrapta: [exuberantly] Oh, yes! You see, I’ve recently been considering that I could proooobably decrease the frequency of explosions and the severity-level of catastrophic failures in my work if I adopted a more effective system of organization! So . . .

Entrapta gestures back toward the closed door, through which a new cacophony of machine tool sounds is rising in volume.

She reaches upward with her ponytails, gesturing as she speaks.

Entrapta: [with heavy excitement in her narrative] I built two robots to compare two opposing philosophies for materials organization!

Her right ponytail forms itself into the silhouette of a mechanized humanoid with two long arms surrounded by a halo of stiff lines.

Entrapta: [grinning] I call the first robot the ‘Organized Planner,’ or Opie for short! I programmed him to focus on placement of objects in simple and consistent categories within easy reach!

Her left ponytail assumes the shape of a more squatly-built robotic body with numerous squiggly tentacles, around which is a sunburst of chaotic curving sweeps.

Entrapta: And the second robot is SPD, or the “Spontaneous Process Developer.” I call her Speedy! Her mandate is to place and rearrange the positions of objects as frequently as possible according to creative inspiration, thus eliminating the concept of disorganization altogether!!

Entrapta’s ponytail sculptures rise overhead and come together, where they intertwine in a furious mass!

Entrapta: Then, I combined their activities within the same work-space, so that the coordination of their interactions would reveal the greatest optimal organizational system!

There are a couple of startling crashes from behind the closed door, attracting Entrapta’s curious attention. Silence follows.

Entrapta’s friends regard her with wide eyes and raised eyebrows.

Glimmer: [unsure] Oh. Errrrr . . . tha-aat makes . . . sense?

Catra: [non-plussed] No. It doesn’t.

Entrapta places a hand on the door handle and leans toward it.

Glimmer reaches a hand out quickly, stopping just short of touching Entrapta.

Glimmer: [quickly] Oooh, I wouldn’t!

Entrapta: [in her own world] Time to check the results!

Adora: [urgently] Wait, wait!!

Entrapta swings the door open wide and leans inward, tilting forward on her toes. The others gather closely around her and stare into the room.

Entrapta: [intrigued] Well, that’s interesting!

Entrapta’s temporary bedroom/workroom has fallen quiet and seems strangely empty.

All that remains of the semi-violent activity of just a few minutes before . . . are a couple of dozen medium-sized piles of rubble and scrap. The piles are arranged with neat precision near either wall of the room, with plenty of room to walk around them and traverse the floor.

There is no sign of either robot.

Catra: [nodding] Uh-huh. Organized chaos.

Entrapta claps her hands together and bobs up and down with delight.

Entrapta: Yes! Hahahaha!

Suddenly, she plants the tips of her ponytails on the floor and whips around the other direction, beginning to walk away.

Entrapta: [brightly] Well, that’s a relief! I’m hungry!

She stops in her tracks and twists her ponytails to look back toward the group.

Entrapta: [to Glimmer] Do you have any tiny food? Where’s the kitchen? Are there robots here?!

Without waiting for a reply, Entrapta turns and trots off, making large strides on the tips of her hair!

Glimmer turns toward her guards and gestures.

Glimmer: [coolly] Escort Princess Entrapta to the dining room, and alert the kitchens, please.

Moving as one, the four guards nod and take off at a run in pursuit of the fast-moving Entrapta!

Glimmer turns back toward Catra and Adora, grinning.

Glimmer: [cheerfully] Who wants breakfast?!!

Adora Glimmer Catra Entrapta Wrong Hordak Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·7/8/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 70: To Seek the Heart of Magic (Part Two)

Well, hello, my friends! 😁

So, here we are again, and I can promise you something special this week, a longer chapter with some unexpected faces!

I will warmly dedicate this week's chapter once again to my great and good friend Samantha ( @--sxmxntha-is-CHAOS-- ). 😊

First, let's set the stage.

Previously in this episode (Ep 70: Part One), a prisoner in Bright Moon revealed very little about their intentions, but did a lot to capture the attention of their audience.

Now, at last, it may be the moment for answers to come to light!

But, be warned! Trouble is afoot!!

Enjoy, darlings!

The excruciating silence hanging over Bright Moon’s answer for a holding cell is suddenly broken by a cry of triumph, as Adora leaps to her feet, pointing at Double Trouble.

Adora: HA! You said, ‘magic’!

She tosses a confident glance toward General Juliet.

Adora: [conspiratorially] Now, we’re getting somewhere!

Adora turns her attention back to their captive. Double Trouble puts up their hands in a warding gesture and takes a small step backwards with a startled expression.

Adora: [intensely] Tell us what you know about the magic! What are you talking about?

Adora stares at Double Trouble with a confident smirk.

Behind her, General Juliet touches her forehead with her eyes closed and slowly shakes her head.

Double Trouble looks slightly bewildered, eyes glancing from one to the other of them.

Double Trouble: [guilelessly] Why . . . the magic of the theater, of course.

They cock their head and raise their eyebrow curiously.

Adora’s smirk fades.

Double Trouble: [sincerely] What kind of magic did you think I meant?

General Juliet sighs heavily, and Adora shoots an uncomfortable look at her.

Double Trouble takes this in, their eyes gradually brightening with a smile of dawning discovery. They straighten up and place a hand on their hip in a relaxed pose.

Double Trouble: [in realization] Ohhhhhh! [pause] Then it’s true! I heard rumors, but I thought they must be wildly exaggerated! So . . . Queen Glimmer really has lost her magic!! [delighted] Pl-ot twist!

With joyful abandon, Double Trouble does a little twirling dance, ending up in a graceful finale pose back beside the lounge. Adora and Juliet spin around to follow their antics.

Double Trouble: [ecstatic] I knew I made the right decision coming back here! So far, it’s been nothing but delicious drama and intrigue!

Adora holds up a hand.

Adora: [speaking quickly, a little put off] So, wait, wait. How long . . . exactly . . . have you been here in Bright Moon?

Double Trouble straightens up and puts a finger to their cheek in consideration.

Double Trouble: Hmm. It’s been a little while. [turning attention to Adora with a matter-of-fact gesture] Enough time to get a feeling for my audience, you understand. Before my big entrance!

General Juliet: [pressing] How long?

Double Trouble looks at her, blinking.

Double Trouble: [calmly] About five days.

Adora’s mouth drops open, and she frowns in irritation.

Adora: [shocked] Five? Days?!?

Double Trouble brightens up with a grin and sits on the arm of the lounge, crossing their legs and leaning forward, draping one arm over their thigh and gesturing with the other.

Double Trouble: [excitedly] I know! So much spectacle in less than a week!

Double Trouble leans back, putting their hands together and stretching their arms over their head closing their eyes in enjoyment of the happy memories.

Double Trouble: Oh, it was fun mingling in all the major do’s! [recounting] King Micah’s homecoming . . . [their eyes flip open and their arms drop to their lap] . . . Glimmer’s sweet attempt to abdicate the throne! In-tense meetings! Global fireworks! The post-apocalyptic celebration!!

They suddenly lean forward, their whole upper body springing upright with excitement.

Double Trouble: Ooo! And I brought you cookies and pillows for your little sleepover, too!

Suddenly quieter, their body relaxing, they narrow their eyes towards Adora, addressing her as if she’s a close friend.

Double Trouble: [with a more intimate tone] Personally speaking, I thought it was a big success!

General Juliet: [with weary impatience] Enough dancing around the issue! You’ve got something to say for yourself. Say. It.

Double Trouble flashes her a mildly disdainful look.

Double Trouble: It’s just a little prologue, honey.

General Juliet’s expression remains impassive.

Double Trouble: [seeing her expression] All right. Very well.

Double Trouble swings their legs over to the seat of the lounge and stands up, making it their stage.

Turning to face their audience, they execute a small but elegant bow and then clear their throat, their hands folded in front of them, almost as if about to pray.

Double Trouble: Picture, if you will, the end of a mighty conflict . . .

As they speak, their gestures amplify the grandness of the narrative scope, and their gaze ranges across the heavens.

Double Trouble: [continuing, with feeling] . . . one that raged throughout the stars and culminated on a small, but beautiful world of magic and mystery. For a brief time, all that power, that raw energy and passion . . . burned across the world and through the people inhabiting it, and it was bright! It was . . . magnificent and wild and . . . terrible! Until . . . one day, it burned out, and all became calm and peaceful.

Double Trouble suddenly turns toward their audience dramatically.

Double Trouble: [in mock surprise] Oh, but wait! You don’t have to imagine it! You were there.

Double Trouble bends forward at the waist, and, one by one, they meet the eyes of each one of their attentive audience.

Double Trouble: [speaking emphatically] You lived that story. You fought and struggled and made your ways through that story.

A momentary pause for dramatic effect.

Double Trouble: [quietly] As did I.

Another brief pause, as the guards look to each other for their responses, then back to the performer.

Double Trouble places one foot on the arm of the lounge in a heroic pose, raising their hands and following them with their eyes.

Double Trouble: We all must discover and create our own destinies! In the aftermath of momentous events . . . we reflect on our lives . . . and we see that life may be so easily spent . . . and lost, . . . to forces great and small. And time! [clenching their fists in an anguished gesture] Time, in its relentless course, will drag us on to a new destiny, whether we are willing, . . . [turning a hard look toward the audience] or merely its hapless prisoners.

Adora looks mildly skeptical, though simultaneously mesmerized and affected by the performance.

General Juliet quietly rolls her eyes.

Double Trouble turns to face their audience with a sober expression, standing poised and erect, their hands held at chest-height, fingertips lightly touching.

Double Trouble: [gently] And so, my dears, I used my time to do some soul-searching.

Suddenly, their eyes widen, blinking in wonderment.

Double Trouble: [with mild surprise] And it turns out I actually have one!

Adora scowls a little, while General Juliet looks on sternly.

With a light hop, Double Trouble alights to sit on the back of their lounge, crossing their legs. They lay one hand to touch the fabric of the lounge beside them, while putting the other one reflectively to their chin

Double Trouble: So, I asked myself, “Double Trouble . . . where do we go from here?” [throwing a brief glance to their captors, explaining] Existentially, that is, as well as physically.

Adora and General Juliet look at each other, and Juliet shakes her head again.

Double Trouble: [with feeling] As an artist, I must follow the bliss of my inner muse. But . . . as a person with soul . . . [their voice growing, their body stretching upright] with inner depth, with spirit and will, who has grown beyond small-time tricks and petty pageantry. . .

At this moment, Double Trouble leaps up again to emote across the stage!

Double Trouble: [with dramatic bravado] One who has participated in grand events! One who has set their mark in matters of historic weight, of importance, and impact . . . !

A pause, as Double Trouble freezes absolutely still, and a silence falls across the room. No one even breathes!

Double Trouble's eyes shift to their audience. They smile. And slowly turn to face them.

Double Trouble: [softly, with power] I choose . . . to make . . . a difference.

Bending at the waist, they look General Juliet in the eye.

Double Trouble: [incredulously] Return to the Crimson Waste?! [chuckling lightly] Pl-lease! That ship has sailed! [shaking their head] And, sadly, no matter how hard you may try, as the saying goes, . . .

Their eyes shift to meet Adora’s.

Double Trouble: [seriously, but with a mischievous glint] You can never go back home.

Adora frowns, looking slightly wounded.

Double Trouble straightens up again, looking upward in consideration.

Double Trouble: So! Where was I to go? Where to practice my art? Where to sharpen my skills? Where to give meaning to my performance? Purpose to my portrayals?

Double Trouble gestures to the right in a sweeping motion.

Double Trouble: When the theater of battle no longer craves my talents . . .

They gesture to the left in a similar motion.

Double Trouble: . . . and home no longer holds any comfort or inspiration for me . . .

After a brief pause, Double Trouble throws up their arms, looking joyfully upward!

Double Trouble: [with uninhibited thrill] And then, it came to me! Like a sparkling vision of a thousand stars across the infinite sky!!

Slowly, Double Trouble lowers their arms and gestures outward with a beaming wide-eyed grin.

Double Trouble: I have traveled the world. And there is one place where everything happens! The place where, more than anywhere else, in all of Etheria, drama truly lives!

Double Trouble places one hand relaxed on their hip, gesturing with the other.

Double Trouble: [confidently] That is the place where my flair for the nuances of performance, my keen insight into setting, theme, and character, and my understanding of tempo and narrative style would be fully appreciated . . . and also most valuable!

With a graceful, sensual motion, Double Trouble sinks down into the lounge, draping their arm over the side and folding one leg over the other in luxurious comfort.

Double Trouble: [at perfect ease] That place . . . is Bright Moon. So. Here I am.

There is an expectant hush, during which it becomes evident that Double Trouble’s monologue has reached its conclusion.

A single pair of hands begins to applaud, but General Juliet silences the guard with a quick, fierce glance.

She turns back to her grinning captive.

General Juliet: [blandly] So. What exactly were you expecting?

Adora: [interjecting] You think we’re just going to welcome you here?

Double Trouble inclines their head at Adora.

Double Trouble: I’m offering you my services, darling. For an extended engagement.

Adora: For a what?

Double Trouble: And, who knows? If it works out, . . . I might even make it permanent.

Adora: Uhhh, I don’t think so!

General Juliet steps forward.

General Juliet: You’re wasting your time. And ours. We’re not interested in your “services.”

Double Trouble: [with self-assurance] You will be.

Adora: [suspiciously] What is that supposed to mean?

Double Trouble regards her with a smirk.

Double Trouble: Only that no one, but no one . . . can do what I do.

At their words, a dark, oozing shadow seems to flow over Double Trouble’s skin, sparkling and glittering as their entire body grows and reshapes. As the shadow subsides, it reveals a huge, bulked-up, lavender-skinned woman with hard, but friendly features, a long flowing white ponytail, and pointed ears. She wears a chest binder and lightly-armored vest and shorts, revealing an impressively strong midriff. The woman grins with hands on hips and speaks to Adora in a deep, slightly growly voice.

Huntara/Trouble: [in a friendly tease] Ya wanna feel these muscles, Blondie? They’re real, ya know.

Adora looks at her uncomfortably.

The guards around her tense up a little at this display.

Seeing this, the woman throws her head back with a hearty guffaw.

Huntara/Trouble: A-HA-HA-HA! [catching an amused breath] O’ course . . .

And a new transformation occurs as the creeping ooze again covers Double Trouble’s body, their form diminishes, and within seconds, they have become a slightly-built, fair-haired young man with bright eyes and a kind face.

Kyle/Trouble: [insistent] Physical strength isn’t everything, you know! I can be loyal and kind, too! That counts for something.

Adora: [annoyed] That’s enough, Double Trouble.

The person who looks like Kyle frowns, then presses on, focusing on Adora.

Kyle/Trouble: [his voice pitching up with emotion] I have so much to offer here, if you would just give me a chance! I know I could be valuable to Bright Moon. And this time, I’m not asking for much in return. Freedom to create. A comfortable place to stay. A modest stipend for my work.

He searches their expressions, looking from Adora to General Juliet with eyes hungry for approval.

He is greeted only with silence and shaking heads.

The oozing shadow returns, covering Double Troubles body, reforming into someone new. The sparkles fade, and color returns.

And all at once, it’s Catra. Looking up at Adora with pleading eyes and a vulnerable expression.

Catra/Trouble: [gently] Come on, Adora. [frowning] Please. [she grits her teeth in a regretful expression] I know I’ve been bad, but . . . you know I can be good.

Adora winces at the sight, and her shifting expression shows a struggle between emotions as they wash over her: a mixture of anger, pain, sadness, and even sympathy. She turns her head and closes her eyes, holding up her hand, as if to ward off the vision.

Adora: [in a tense, soft voice] No. Just stop. It isn’t funny.

Catra effects a worried expression, and immediately transforms back into Double Trouble’s original form. They wear the same worried expression.

Double Trouble: [with a tinge of sincere regret] Oh, . . . I am sorry. I was simply lost in an improvisational flow. But . . . my offer still stands.

They turn back to General Juliet.

Double Trouble: [deliberately] My unique talents . . . in exchange for a place in Bright Moon.

General Juliet considers with a frown. She glances at Adora, who stands with arms folded, quietly shaking her head in response.

She sighs briefly, then turns back to Double Trouble.

General Juliet: [resolutely] You may stay here for now. [gesturing to the guards] You will be accompanied by my guards. You will go nowhere without my permission. You will not leave the grounds. Upon the Queen’s return, she will speak to you at her leisure, at which time, . . . you may present your offer, if she chooses to hear it.

Double Trouble leans back in the lounge and smiles.

Double Trouble: [with pleasure] I look forward to it!

General Juliet signals to her guards, and they draw close alongside Double Trouble. She turns to leave, and Adora turns with her.

Adora begins to follow her out the door, but she stops when Double Trouble calls out.

Double Trouble: Adora?

Her hand on the door, Adora turns to look back. Double Trouble sits on the edge of their seat, a tiny frown troubling their expression.

Double Trouble: Still hard feelings, huh? [wistfully] That’s really too bad. Because I guess you’ll be seeing me around.

But suddenly, they smile a little and lean back in their chair, again with all the confidence in the world.

Double Trouble: [with a hint of delight] On the other hand . . .

With a flow of blackness, their features and form alter once again, and a new persona completes their thought.

Glimmer/Trouble: [self-satisfied] Maybe you won’t! In fact . . . it’s probably better that way.

The face of Glimmer grins at Adora from her throne-like lounge, as Adora turns and exits, roughly shutting the door behind her.

(Edited by BrianSturgill)

Adora Double Trouble General Juliet Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·5/6/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 69: Things Everywhere, All At Once (Part Two)

Hey, hey, my faithful readers! 😄

Happy weekend!

It's time to descend to the surface of Etheria yet again.

Previously, in Part One, Darla carried Entrapta and Wink to the derelict wilderness of Horde Prime's old flagship, now become a fast-growing and aggressive jungle!

But while they face troubles above the atmosphere, there are troubles aplenty down below!

This week's chapter will be dedicated to Wolf ( @WolfNXtra ) because even though she hasn't been around here in a little bit, I think she might enjoy it!

(But I feel the need to shout-out to @CHAOSISMYNAME , too!)

Have a seat, and settle in for some drama! 😉

Hope you like!

BRIGHT MOON:

Castle Bright Moon glows in brilliant ivory and gold in the angled rays of the mid-day sun, surrounded by sparkling blue waters, majestic, violet-hued cliff faces, and thick clumps of blue-green foliage. Falls of shimmering mist cascade from the highest peak into the shallow moat far below, refracting the light into rainbow waves, drifting softly through the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

This serenity without belies a tension held at the point of breaking within.

In a small chamber deep within the center of this glorious citadel, General Juliet and Adora stand side by side, their arms folded, their expressions revealing nearly identical emotional states: irritated and warily suspicious.

The object of their glares sits cross-legged in a high-backed lounge chair, flanked by two guards, and leaning comfortably to one side with arms outstretched and relaxed.

Double Trouble stares back at their captors with bright eyes, their expression wondering and slightly bemused. They blink innocently and smile winningly.

Double Trouble: I’m sorry. Have you been waiting for me to start? [after a beat] Some kind of self-service interrogation? Where I grill myself until I break?

Adora and Juliet continue to glare.

Double Trouble: [sighing] It’s just that . . . when Glimmer and I used to do this, hers was definitely a speaking role.

Adora and Juliet make no response. Double Trouble raises their fingernails and considers them casually.

Double Trouble: And believe me when I say that. It was a lot of speaking.

At that moment, the door creaks softly open. Adora and Juilet turn toward the sound as a Bright Moon guard enters and steps silently to whisper into General Juliet’s ear. Adora watches as Juliet’s eyes narrow, and her jaw tenses. She nods to Adora, who turns and strides toward Double Trouble with a deadly determination.

Double Trouble shrinks back as Adora draws her sword out of the air and swiftly levels it with the point hovering inches from Double Trouble’s throat.

Double Trouble: [with trepidation] Wh-what are you doing?! I’m-- You can see that I’m not armed!

Adora’s eyes flash with controlled fury, but all at once she glances back as General Juliet steps forward to lay a hand on her shoulder. She turns back to Double Trouble, takes a deep breath and sighs, then slowly lowers her sword until the tip touches the floor.

Adora leans in toward Double Trouble, meeting their eyes with deadly intensity.

Adora: [slowly] I am giving you a warning.

Double Trouble remains perfectly still, looking mildly stricken.

Adora: Glimmer is not just the Queen. She is also my friend. If you value your skin, you had better tell us where she is. Now.

Double Trouble swallows slowly as sweat beads on their brow. Slowly, they bring their hands together, and they begin to clap, shaking their head.

Double Trouble: That was . . . impressive.

Adora frowns, clenching her teeth. Double Trouble ceases the applause.

Double Trouble: [sincerely] I mean it. That was genuinely intimidating.

They smile and place an encouraging hand on Adora’s shoulder.

Double Trouble: [with obvious pleasure] The only reason I didn’t believe you is because I already know your character, honey. [patting sympathetically on Adora’s shoulder] So, really, you shouldn’t take it so hard.

In a remarkably swift motion, Adora swats Double Trouble’s hand away and wrenches them off of the lounge chair by the shoulders, whipping them around and slamming them against the wall with a cry of frustration and anger. Double Trouble looks at her stunned.

Adora: [with quiet rage] You don’t believe I’m serious? That’s a mistake!

Double Trouble just beams at her, relaxed.

Double Trouble: [delighted] So melodramatic! But I’m afraid you’re the one making the mistake.

They turn their head away in disdain, closing their eyes and touching their chest with a hand.

Double Trouble: [with pride] I’m a performer -- not a kidnapper!

All at once, General Juliet is by Adora’s side, leaning in to address their prisoner.

General Juliet: [with cool control] The queen went missing a couple of hours ago. Then you arrive, infiltrating Bright Moon by stealth and claiming to offer some kind of “deal.”

Double Trouble turns to Juliet, cautiously wary of this new, more serious threat.

General Juliet: [eyes narrowed] It’s time for you to say what you know. [pointedly] Where. Is Queen Glimmer.

Double Trouble looks from Juliet to Adora and back again.

Double Trouble: [surprised] But I already told you she’s in Mystacor.

Adora: [quickly] That’s your story!

Double Trouble: [distinctly, matter-of-fact] Actually . . . it’s her story! See for yourself.

Quickly, they reach for something inside their leotard top and hand it to Adora.

For a beat, Adora hesitates, a little uncertainly. Then she releases Double Trouble and grabs the piece of paper.

While Adora frowns at the writing on the note, Double Trouble visibly relaxes, grinning.

Adora raises an eyebrow and hands the note to General Juliet, who scans it for a few moments and then nods. She looks up to Adora.

General Juliet: [with conviction] This note is in the queen’s handwriting. [indicating Double Trouble with a nod] They’re telling the truth.

Double Trouble steps away from the wall and spreads their arms in a grand gesture.

Double Trouble: [with passion] Truth, [flashing eyes at Juliet] in one form or another, [winking and smiling at Adora] is at the heart of all art!

They are stopped in the act of turning away dramatically by Adora’s hand landing on their shoulder in a solid grip. Double Trouble turns back to see Adora’s steady, accusing stare.

Adora: [confidently] We’re not through here.

She gestures toward the chair, and Double Trouble regards her with a mildly sympathetic expression.

Double Trouble: [kindly] You seem a little tense. [nodding to the chair] Maybe you should . . .

Adora narrows her eyes at them.

Double Trouble shrugs.

Double Trouble: Suit yourself.

With a dance-like grace, they whirl over to the chair and take a seat, throwing their legs over the arm and settling into a luxurious lounging position.

Double Trouble: [with a smirk] Your cue, darling.

Adora takes a step forward, hands on hips.

Adora: I wouldn’t be so smug if I were you. You have a lot to answer for.

Double Trouble: [intrigued] Oh, do I?!

Adora points a finger at them.

Adora: [earnestly] By the authority vested in me by the ruler of Bright Moon, I accuse you, Double Trouble, of war crimes!

Double Trouble’s eyes widen, their face tenses, and then . . . they burst out in an explosive chuckle. Adora looks at them coldly.

Double Trouble’s head falls back as they giggle. They kick their legs in glee! For several moments this continues, and they struggle to catch their breath!

Finally, they lower their head to their hand and wipe away tears as their laughter gradually subsides.

Double Trouble: [grinning myrthfully] Oh, Adora! That’s . . . too much!! That’s precious!

General Juliet steps up beside Adora, speaking quietly.

General Juliet: Lady Adora. As it happens . . .

Double Trouble looks up at Adora with evident delight. They blink at Adora’s face.

Double Trouble: Oh, and you’re serious! [straightening up and smiling] Well!

They hold out their arms offering their wrists.

Double Trouble: [with enthusiasm] Take me to my cell! [blinking excitedly] Will I be rooming with your [emphatically, with a harder edge] girlfriend?

Adora’s face turns red.

Adora: [outraged] You--! You’re not allowed--! That’s--!

For a moment, Adora is flustered wordless.

General Juliet sighs.

General Juliet: [calmly] Queen Glimmer signed a mandate granting comprehensive amnesty to all combatants and noncombatant associates who participated throughout the duration of the war with the Horde.

Adora turns to Juliet and frowns with a look of deflated dismay.

Adora: [slowly] So . . . does that mean . . .?

General Juliet nods.

General Juliet: [flatly] No one may be accused of war crimes.

Double Trouble: [wide-eyed, innocently] Oh! So . . . Kitten and I are off the hook, then? What a relief that must be for her.

Adora turns on them with a glare.

Adora: [snarling] You are sooo lucky that Catra’s not here right now!

Double Trouble: [coolly] Timing is everything, honey. And I’ve had a lot of experience.

Adora regards their easy posture for a few moments, shaking her head with a look of mournful disdain.

Adora: Salineas. All those people who lost their lives. Because of you. How . . .?

Double Trouble sits forward, suddenly serious.

Double Trouble: How do I sleep at night? Is that what you’re wondering?

Adora is silent.

Double Trouble sits back with a confident stare that seems to bore right through Adora’s condemnation.

Double Trouble: [relishing] It was one of my greatest performances! A real tour de force, all humility aside.

Adora: [with disgust] The way you delight in the destruction you cause.

Double Trouble: [pointedly] I delight in the performance, and in the truth that is revealed through my art. [pause] Although . . . [smiling] . . . I must admit . . . the drama that precedes the big reveal is delicious in and of itself!

Adora scowls at them.

Double Trouble’s smile fades.

Double Trouble: But. [leaning forward] I am not the monster that you think I am. You want to know the truth? [slowly, with intensity] The Horde was relentless. Hell-bent on taking Salineas. One way, or another. At all costs. No matter what.

Adora folds her arms and frowns.

Double Trouble: By distracting you and the other princesses . . . by preventing the violent battle that would have taken place between you and the Horde . . . Salineas was taken with relative ease and with little resistance. [pause] So, actually, what I did, . . . saved lives.

Adora’s eyes widen, and her frown lessens.

Double Trouble looks downward, closing their eyes.

Double Trouble: [quietly] And though you may find it hard to believe, . . . knowing that was a big part of why I decided to take that job.

Adora falls slient, looking down at the floor, considering.

General Juliet takes a step forward, standing at Double Trouble’s side, opposite Adora. She glances from Adora down to Double Trouble.

General Juliet: [business-like] All right. I think we’ve heard enough of that. It’s time for some real answers. [hardening her stare at them] Why have you come to Bright Moon? Explain.

Double Trouble raises their head slowly, meeting the intensity of Juliet’s glare with a piercing glow in their eyes. They lean forward.

Double Trouble: [to Juliet, slowly, with confidence] Oh, I will. I’ll explain it all. And when I do, . . . I can promise you won’t refuse me.

Suddenly, they leap to their feet, and Adora startles out of her pensiveness. Double Trouble grasps her arms in a light-hearted, spontaneous motion. They whirl her around, and she ends up alighting on the seat that was just vacated by the “prisoner”!

Double Trouble clasps their hands together with great enthusiasm, inclining slightly forward toward their captive audience.

Double Trouble: Now. Are you sitting comfortably? [grinning widely] Then let’s begin!

(Edited by BrianSturgill)

Adora Double Trouble General Juliet Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·4/22/2023 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 68: The Beginnings of Magic (Part Nine)

Happy weekend, everyone! 😄

It's time for the conclusion to this episode, and I hope it will be special to you.

Here is what has come before in Episode 68:

Part One : Adora departs on her mission, reluctantly leaving her girlfriend in the midst of peaceful slumber.

Part Two: After an unsuccessful attempt to restore her magic, Glimmer decides to get serious about being Queen.

Part Three: She-Ra is lost in the woods and takes a good look at herself.

Part Four: Razz prepares the tea as Adora finally arrives.

Part Five: Swift Wind and Catra convince Glimmer to sneak away on a new adventure.

Part Six: The time is not right for tea, despite Razz's best efforts.

Part Seven: Mara and Adora learn some deep secrets from Razz on the way to a mysterious destination.

Part Eight: Etheria bends time for the meeting of two legendary heroes, and Mara and Adora draw closer than ever before.

And now, I present an interesting (and unexpected) new wrinkle in the story.

It is only fitting that I should dedicate this week's chapter to one of my dearest friends on the wiki.

This is for you, Samantha ( @CHAOSISMYNAME ). 😊

Here we go.

Later, after a long and peaceful walk, Adora stands smilingly before the gates of Bright Moon Castle.

Home.

The castle rises warm and inviting into the rich, mid-afternoon tripartite light of brilliant sun, pale glowing moons, and the faithful white light of the Moon Stone.

Adora greets the gleaming fortress as a familiar friend, smiling as she mounts the stairs toward the lower quarters.

She pauses with her hand on the alabaster wall and directs her gaze upward toward a balcony reaching out from one of the upper levels.

Noting the absence of her rope, she nods approvingly and runs quickly up the steps.

Catra and Adora’s room stands empty, lit by the ample light of the mid-day sun.

Opening the doors wide, Adora steps in and hesitates.

Looking around, everything appears much as she left it: covers from the bed trailing gently on the floor, the bed itself with impressions from its earlier occupants.

But no Catra.

Adora makes her way to the balcony.

The pleasant sunshine lends a congenial atmosphere to the scene, with large potted plants and bowls of fruit set out on the small tables by the lounges.

Curiously, she picks up one of the fruits: luscious, but half-eaten. She takes a quick bite, smiles reflectively, replaces it in the bowl, and wanders back inside.

In the Council Chamber, General Juliet stands leaning intently over the strategy table, both arms stretched out full, her hands straddling a multi-page document spread out on the table. Flanking the general are two attendant guards, leaning in close to listen, in a soft-voiced conference with their commander.

Adora appears at the open doors and stops. She lifts her foot to stride into the room, then halts, her expression suddenly frowning and contemplative. She quickly turns on her heel and exits quietly.

Adora makes her way down the long, silent hallway, nodding to the occasional guards that stand at attention or patrol, receiving their deferential bows at every turn.

Finally, Adora stops before the entrance to the throne room. She gestures to the two guards standing there, who unquestioningly open the doors for her.

Adora steps into the room, and with a look of wonder, she notes its emptiness. She scans the golden opulence of the columns, the great archway to the open-air stairway leading up to the empty throne. And, all of it is somehow transformed by the utter solitude.

Adora frowns and shakes her head.

Behind her, the doors remain wide open, flanked by the vigilant guards.

General Juliet walks past the entrance, resplendent in her shining, close-fitting scaled armor and helmet. She halts, fixing her eyes on the back of Adora’s head, reading her posture.

Juliet makes a quick motion to the two guards as she enters the room, and they fall in two paces behind her, accompanying her into the room.

Hearing their approach, Adora turns, and Juliet stops with her guards at a respectful distance.

General Juliet: Lady Adora. [she makes a quick bow] May I assist you in any way?

Adora considers, looking downward, one arm folded inward across her body. She bites the knuckle of her other hand in brief concern Then, dropping her arm to her side, she regards General Juliet with a questioning look.

Adora: Yeah. You can, actually. [gesturing around the empty room] Can you tell me where Glimmer is?

General Juliet nods seriously.

General Juliet: The queen left Bright Moon this morning. On her way to Mystacor. She intends to return by nightfall.

Adora looks a little surprised.

Adora: And Bow?

General Juliet hesitates.

General Juliet: I . . . believe he has gone to visit his family.

Adora nods, then shakes her head.

Adora: And . . . what about Catra?

General Juliet: As far as I know, she accompanied the queen on her journey.

Adora frowns with consternation.

Adora: It just seems so weird. So . . . quiet around here.

General Juliet opens her mouth to speak, and a figure steps into the doorway, momentarily out of focus as Adora eyes the general. An eerily unexpected voice calls out from the doorway.

Voice: [alert and commanding] What’s going on here?!!

Adora and General Juliet turn and find themselves facing an imposing figure in Bright Moon military finery of lavender and gray, wearing the helmet of command and an expression of determined intimidation. It is General Juliet!

As the intruder enters, the first General Juliet makes a tight circular gesture to the guards beside her, and they assume flanking positions, their staves held in ready position, forming a barrier between the second General Juliet and Adora.

General Juliet 1: [with a hard tone] Who are you?! [urgently over her shoulder] Lady Adora! Stay behind us!

The second General Juliet steps fully into the room, making the same tight circular gesture to the guards beside her. All three assume a tense ready stance, blocking the exit, ready to attack or defend at command.

Adora’s expression is wide-eyed with distress as she sees all of this unfold.

General Juliet 2: [without taking her eyes off the first Juliet] Adora! Stay well back! We’ll handle this.

The blood begins pounding in Adora’s ears. A trickle of sweat begins tracing a line down her face.

She looks toward the General Juliet and guards by the entrance in a partial crouched wide stance. Her eyes move to the General Juliet who is protecting her with the human screen, and who speaks tensely to Adora and her guards at that moment.

General Juliet 1: [warningly] This is a shapeshifter. They can be very dangerous.

Both General Juliets suddenly draw their swords, almost simultaneously, with expert precision and the identical sounds of dual bright metallic shings!

The general and her guards by the doorway begin advancing further into the room, with slow, measured steps.

General Juliet 2: [with deadly threat to her opponent] I am warning you! Stand. Down. Now!

As the intruders approach, Adora’s protector raises her sword a little higher, and her guards lean forward with their staves in striking position.

General Juliet 1: [with equal determination] Surrender your weapons! We are fully prepared to defend the princess with our lives!

The advancing General Juliet raises her hand to halt her guards. For a moment all is still. Her expression is set with steely will.

General Juliet 2: [quietly, with cold resolve] Final warning. Stand down this instant. Or else, . . . [with meaning] this is going to be a very . . . bad . . . scene.

The guards on both sides glance nervously from one to the other of the General Juliets, their weapons held tensely at the ready, their bodies coiled springs.

Slowly, the General Juliet in front of Adora straightens up to her full height, her eyes wide and blinking as if hypnotized by the light.

General Juliet 1: Well. [she pauses, then continues in a slightly offended tone] No one has ever accused me of that before!

She drops her sword to the ground with a clatter.

General Juliet 1: But I guess this is as good a moment as any to lower the curtain.

Like a thin, flowing ooze, a deep blackness spreads over General Juliet’s entire body, clothing, armor and helmet.

The guards beside her draw back in alarm.

General Juliet’s entire shape alters, thinning and stretching to form a different figure entirely. Within barely two seconds, the process is completed, and the vaguely sparkling blackness recedes to uncover a very tall and slender, lizard-like person with long blond, slicked-back hair and glowing yellow-green reptilian eyes. They are wearing a green leotard, long dark gloves, and short boots with needle-spiked heels.

And they are looking decidedly pleased with themselves.

The creature makes a low, courteous bow, narrating their maneuver as they do so.

Double Trouble: [pleasantly] Aaaand, scene!

As Double Trouble straightens up, the two guards beside them immediately step in and restrain their arms. Double Trouble observes them with delight.

Double Trouble: [pleased] Oh, myyy! Such an enthusiastic response! I’m overwhelmed! You are too kind!

Adora glances over to General Juliet, who bears just the touch of a smug smile, and her guards, who now appear somewhat more at ease.

She walks around the guards to face Double Trouble straight on, her teeth gritted and her eyes narrowed.

Double Trouble lays eyes on her, and they beam brightly.

Double Trouble: [a touch flirtatiously] Well, hello again, Adora.

All at once they frown sympathetically at her.

Double Trouble: [with concern and surprise] Why, honey, are you actually shaking? [smiling a little] Well, clearly you were impressed by my performance! [closing their eyes, savoring] I’m truly touched.

After a moment, their eyes snap back open, and they exclaim with dramatic anticipation.

Double Trouble: So!

Double Trouble’s gaze quickly darts from one person to the next, surveying their audience, until it rests finally on Adora once again. They give her a winning grin.

Double Trouble: [innocently] May I take it, I passed the audition?

(End of Episode 68)

(Edited by BrianSturgill)

Adora Double Trouble General Juliet Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

Jongmoon lee·3/12/2023 in General

What episode is that screenshot from?

https://twitter.com/CATRASBABYGIRL/status/1551553296074420225

Twitter

Adora Bright Moon's Guardian Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·10/8/2022 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 65: Shutdown Part 1 (Part One)

Hello! 🙂

This week begins a new episode of my fanfic, and the title will evoke some deja vu!

As I mentioned before, I retitled the last episode, so now this one is the real "Shutdown Part 1." Thanks for going with me on that.

Here is the grand summary so far:

(Feel free to skip if you already know the story well.)

The battle against Horde Prime is ended, and there is peace.

Hordak pledges to stay in the valley to guard the Heart of Etheria from ever being activated again, as well as to form a new community with his clone brothers. Wrong Hordak (renamed Wink) goes with Entrapta back to Dryl. (Episode 53: On The Plain of Heroes)

Adora (and Swift Wind) brings Catra (and Melog) back to Bright Moon with her, where Glimmer and Bow try to make Catra feel at home. (Episode 54: Just Friends Ship) But Catra has trouble adjusting, still angry at herself and restless. She escapes to the Whispering Woods, where she encounters strange and troubling voices.

Glimmer prepares for Micah's return to Bright Moon, while Castaspella helps to heal Micah and prepares him for his reunion with Glimmer. (Episode 55: Sleeping Arrangements)

Adora and Catra leave on an adventure with Swift Wind, but they end up finding a terrible warning in the Crystal Castle and almost perish in a ferocious windstorm. They are saved by Spinnerella and Netossa on the night of Micah's return to Bright Moon. (Episode 56: Throne Room)

Frosta and Perfuma accompany Scorpia to the Fright Zone, where she looks for a sense of home. There, they meet up with Lonnie and former Horde soldiers who are distrustful of the princesses at first, but Scorpia brings them together and claims her role as ruler of the new kingdom of the Peace Zone.

In a tense meeting, the princesses agree to send an envoy to Mystacor for advice, and Micah goes with Adora and Catra. (Episode 57: Missing Peace) They discover that disaster has befallen the island of the sorcerers, and it has fallen to the ground, its magic weakened by an unknown force. (Episode 58: Peace Zone)

Mermista and Seahawk survive a mysterious and terrible whirlpool together before they finally make it back to Salineas. There, Mermista finds her homeland in ruin and her citizens scattered and missing. With Sea Hawk's help, they make the journey to bring her people back home. (Episode 59: Good Will Tour)

Catra stays in Mystacor to help Micah and Castaspella to tend to the injured and start rebuilding, while Adora is called back to Bright Moon to help Glimmer.

On their returns to their kingdoms, both Perfuma and Frosta discover disasters afflicting their lands. In Bright Moon, the Best Friends Squad reunites to help Glimmer to activate the distress beacon, which calls all of the princesses to Bright Moon for a meeting/sleepover. (Episode 60: Cry For Etheria)

In the meantime, Entrapta and Wink make their way back to Beast Island, where they meet up with Lucinda (the robot vehicle she left there), and travel to the nerve center of the island. There, they discover that the whole planet is threatened by a breakdown of the First One's planet-wide machine systems, which have been broadcasting a warning of the impending disaster.

While in Mystacor, Castaspella and Catra form a friendship that resembles a mother-daughter dynamic. (Episode 61: Stay Close)

At Bright Moon, all princesses gather, and Entrapta reveals that all of the disasters are the effects of glitches in the systems built by the First Ones, and Etheria faces complete destruction if and when the ancient systems fail completely. Time is short. To stop this happening, they must work together to shut the system down. (Episode 62: Chance for the Future, Ghosts from the Past) While the princesses return to their kingdoms to make link with their runestones, Adora and Bow accompany Entrapta, Emily, and Wink to the Valley of the Heart, where they seek Hordak's assistance to gain access to the Heart of Etheria to shut it down.

All princesses assemble to link with their runestones, but Scorpia (with Spinnerella and Netossa) arrives in the Peace Zone to find it in the midst of a lightning storm, one of the final events predicted by Entrapta that will occur before the First Ones system fails. As a result, Scorpia is forced to crash land in an area far removed from her runestone in the old Horde Command Complex. (Episode 63: Welcome . . .) She seeks the help of Lonnie, Kyle, and Rogelio to help her get there, while Spinnerella and Netossa protect the other former Horde soldiers from the devastation of the storm. And, while, half a world away, Catra makes her way through the Whispering Woods to return to Bright Moon, Adora faces many dangers as she follows after Entrapta when they enter the underground passages leading to the Heart Chamber. (Episode 64: Where There Is Light)

Sorry. That summary was a bit of a mess, as I tried to do something different with how I put all the links. Ah, well.

I am dedicating this week's chapter to Wellington ( @WellingtonSmith ), a fine friend, wise wit and wiki-parent to us all. 😊

'Cause you have a soft spot for "our irritating bird horse."

I hope you all enjoy this light-hearted scene at the beginning of the episode.

Because it is short, I will plan to give you another chapter within the week, too!

'Cause you deserve it. 😁

And thank you, as always, for sticking with me on this!

Episode 65: Shutdown Part 1

The light from the brilliant Moon Stone reflects dully off a sheet of gathering clouds, and the sunlight filtering through the occasional break is feeble in comparison to its glow.

General Juliet stands at the great castle gate in full armored garb. She is flanked by a large compliment of Bright Moon guards in ready formation and vigilant. As Juliet looks upward, she can just make out the silhouette of her queen, standing against the light of her runestone, in command of its radiance and power.

Juliet lowers her gaze to survey the crowds below. Citizens and nobles of Bright Moon in scattered groups along the walkways and amidst the shallow moat of the castle. They number in the thousands and comprise the vast majority of the citizenry, present in force in support of their beloved ruler.

A careless shuffling of hooves from nearby attracts Juliet’s attention. She turns, along with a few of her curious guards, to see what it is. Catching Juliet’s look of reproach, the guards quickly shift their attention back to their watch.

General Juliet strides over to Swift Wind, who stops a short distance behind the line of guards looking furtive and uneasy.

Spying the general approaching, Swift Wind immediately alters his bearing and expression into an attitude of casual calm. He begins to try leaning nonchalantly against the wall, reaching out his fore-hoof to touch it, then with a quick glance, notices that there is no wall nearby. He lets his hoof fall to the ground and awkwardly recovers with a cross-legged stance and a cool grin.

General Juliet regards him with a raised eyebrow and the hint of a smile.

Swift Wind: [brightly] Ahh! Good afternoon, General!

General Juliet: [cooly] Good afternoon, Swift Wind.

Swift Wind: Yes! [he pauses] Ah, hmmm. Errr . . .

He looks up at the remarkably bland sky, then back at Juliet.

Swift Wind: Lovely day. Lovely afternoon. [pause] Should be a nice evening!

General Juliet: Mm-hmm.

Swift Wind suddenly stares at his hooves for a moment, absently scraping his right fore-hoof against the ground.

Swift Wind: Yep. Nice day for a little flight.

He looks up to see Juliet’s reaction to this, and she just nods.

He regards her a moment, then nods his head.

Swift Wind: [smiling] You’re right! I should go!

With a quick motion, he crouches, spreads his wings and moves to spring into the air.

However, before he can fully complete this maneuver, General Juliet’s hand shoots out in a lightning motion and grabs a handful of his mane, pulling him up short with a sharp whinny.

General Juliet: [with gentle firmness] Nobody leaves the castle grounds.

Swift Wind: What? Ee-yahh!

He tries to shake his head out of her grasp, but Juliet holds firmly. Finally, he stops struggling, and she releases her grip on his mane. He looks at her pleadingly.

Swift Wind: But, I think somebody said, “Swift Wind.”

General Juliet: [emphasizing] Nobody leaves.

Swift Wind: [bargaining] It’s Adora! She needs me! I really think she needs me.

General Juliet shakes her head.

General Juliet: I’m sorry, Swift Wind. But, nobody is permitted to leave Bright Moon at this time. By order of the Queen.

Swift Wind’s expression brightens, and he straightens up proudly.

Swift Wind: Glimmer?! Glimmer and I are good friends! [continuing with a confident smirk] Yeah, we go back a ways.

He begins slowly prancing back and forth as he speaks, head held high.

Swift Wind: [like he’s reciting a list] Gave me a special chair. Made me special liaison for stables and pastures. Oh, yeah! [turning to General Juliet, with pride] We’ve shared apples together. And she and Adora are veeeery close. She would tooooootally understand.

Swift Wind flashes a winning grin at Juliet, who merely frowns sternly.

Swift Wind startles somewhat at her fierce expression.

Swift Wind: [uncertain] Uuuum . . . oh! [his face perks up, then relaxes] I’ll just go ask her!

And before General Juliet can stop him, he leaps into the air!

General Juliet: [scowling and shaking her head, under her breath] Grrrr!

(Edited by BrianSturgill)

Swift Wind General Juliet Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·3/17/2022 in Fan Creation/Project

Surprise! My Episode 59: Good Will Tour (Part Four and a half)

For all of you who like reading my story, I thought I would surprise you with a little mid-week installment!

I hope it brings some extra joy to your week. 😊

No big recap this time. But if you missed Part Four of this episode, it's here.

This short scene is dedicated to my good friend and wonderful artist and fellow story-teller, @3badcats ! 😃

Elsie, I know how crazy-much you love Catra, and Catra is center-stage in this part, and it's rather an important moment.

So, I hope you'll enjoy it!

I hope you all do.

And, rest assured, I will post another, much longer and even more exciting part of my story at the end of this week!

Love y'all. ❤️

A lush, wide valley lies beneath where once the sorcerer citadel of Mystacor floated in perfect balance and security. Its steep cliff-sides are overgrown with foliage, watered by the frequent heavy mists, making for an arduous descent.

With a grunt, Adora uses her staff to push aside another thick swathe of interwoven branches. Catra helps to hold the branches aside as Adora steps through to the next obstacle. Micah and the Bright Moon guards work alongside them, using their staffs to make a way through the brush. After a few more minutes of this, Micah holds up his hand, and they all stop for a breather. He closes his eyes and concentrates.

Micah: We’re getting close. I can feel it.

Catra looks at the others, her feet shifting restlessly. All at once, she ducks her head and steps through the opening that Adora has just made and finds herself in a more open area, near the base of the canyon. She stares intensely for a moment, squinting into the light mist flowing onto the valley floor, then turns back to the others.

Catra: I think I see something. I’ll scout ahead a bit.

Bounding on all fours, Catra quickly leaps her way down the rest of the cliff-side, from ledge to ledge until she reaches the floor of the valley.

Standing up, she jogs lightly over the mossy ground, weaving amongst the low shrubs. As she increases her distance from the cliff face, the mists begin to thin a little. Suddenly, a huge dark shape emerges, looming in the distance. Catra gasps as she sees what it is: an enormous island of rock resting at a slight angle against the further wall of the canyon. It’s blunt spires and domes rise from a spiral of terraces, their tops catching and reflecting the sunlight in opalescent glitter. But they are broken, wrenched, leaning at sharper angles than intended by their architect.

For a moment, Catra gazes in wonder at this fractured beauty, Then, she turns and calls loudly over her shoulder.

Catra: [urgently] It’s here! I’ve found it!

Adora Catra Mystacor Micah Bright Moon Guards

CallistoArt·3/14/2022 in Fan Creation/Project

Part 1 of my Catradora Ball Comic!

Happy Weekday! (Yes, I'm sorry to remind you.)

So, it turns out that that comic I had you guys vote on before has gotten a lot longer and more complicated. Heh, well, here's part 1...

Also, it's set after the end of season 5, so spoiler alert if you haven't seen it yet.

TW: PTSD, visions

* "in" Salineas, not "is". Don't worry, Glimmer doesn't have a cold.

It will probably be a little while before I post the next one.

Hope you enjoyed reading! :)

Adora Glimmer Catra Velvet Glove Bright Moon Bright Moon Guards Horde Chip

BrianSturgill·2/26/2022 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 59: Good Will Tour (Part Two)

Hello, and Happy Weekend to you! :D

To all of you who continue to read this story, you have my undying thankfulness!

It is very, very special to me to know that I have an audience that I can surprise, please, and move by this work.

You all mean so much to me. ❤️

In Part One of this episode, Entrapta and Wink have a surprise rescue in the form of Lucinda, and a pooka party transitions into a new adventure!

In this week's part, we turn to the question of what happened to Mystacor.

For those of you who love the ongoing dynamic between Catra and Glimmer, there is a moment for you here.

For those of you who treasure the father-daughter bond of Glimmer and Micah, you have also come to the right place.

And there is also another funny little moment that was one of my favorites to write!

All in all, I hope there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you again, and here we go!

The beginning of sunrise is just cresting the tops of the cliffs over the misty valley, bathing everything in a glow of dull orange and pink.

Adora and Catra sit slumped back-to-back resting against each other, their fingers gently touching, in somber quiet, with conflicting feelings of fatigue and tension. Nearby the Bright Moon guards sit together silently. All remain intentionally still, patiently waiting on their companion.

Micah stands near the edge of the drop with his eyes closed, his hands outstretched, in an attitude of disciplined concentration of mind and body.

All at once, there is a musical thrum in the air, a burst of sparkles, and the silhouette of a young woman quickly solidifies into Glimmer. Alerted by the sound, Micah, opens his eyes and turns toward her. Glimmer is still sparkling as she runs to her father and he gathers her in his arms.

Glimmer: [weary from worry] Dad!

Micah: [comforting] It’s okay.

She leans back to look up at him, searching his expression.

Glimmer: What’s going on? First Adora says that Mystacor is gone! Then, she calls back a little later and says you found it. I don’t understand. What’s happening?!

Micah sighs, smiling at her.

Micah: Well, Adora spoke a little too soon on both counts.

Glimmer: And Aunt Casta?!

Micah: [quickly] She’s all right.

Glimmer: But . . . how do you know?

Micah: I’ll show you.

He takes a step back from her and turns toward the cliff edge. Stretching out his arms with his palms outward, a spell circle takes shape between them.

Micah: My sister and I have a very special connection. We always have.

As he speaks, the circle fills with a weave of patterns in a lavender glow. The pattern then begins to dilate like an iris, and in the center of it, wisps of smoke appear, rising in colorful patterns.

Slowly the colors in the smoke resolve into a hazy shape. There is motion. A human form. Then the unmistakable long dark hair and purple gown of Castaspella. Her expression is tired and anxious, and she is looking around her in a frazzle, her hair out of place and her eyes bright with concern. But, she is clearly unharmed.

Glimmer: [with relief] Aunt Casta!

The image of her aunt in the smoky strands seems to react to Glimmer’s voice. She turns to stare out at the circle, frowning in concentration. Then, all at once, her face relaxes a little into a hopeful smile. Her lips move in soundless speech.

Glimmer: Does she know we’re here, looking for her?

Micah: [shaking his head] I’m not sure. But I think so. And look.

Micah frowns in more intense concentration, his features straining, his hands trembling. Gradually, the picture becomes clearer, and the background resolves into a tiered dome-like structure with curved spires, some of which are leaning slightly but remain intact. The vista is out of place against a wall of reddish rock.

Glimmer: Mystacor!

Micah: Yes.

Sweat sparkles on Micah’s brow, and the image quivers and blurs. Finally, he lets out a gasp, and the spell circle fades and dissolves in the air. He lowers his hands and takes some deep breaths.

Micah: [a little breathless] Something is . . . interfering with the magic. But this proves that she’s not far away.

He turns and lays a hand on Glimmer’s shoulder.

Micah: [with conviction] We’ll find Mystacor. And your Aunt Casta.

Glimmer smiles, her eyes bright. She leans against her father and holds him tight.

Glimmer: Thank you. I know you will.

Micah: Adora was completely right about one thing. It’s essential now to activate the beacon.

Glimmer looks up to him with a serious expression and nods.

Micah: I’m convinced now that whatever did this to Mystacor is affecting all of Etheria. And with the effect it’s having on magic, Mystacor might not be able to offer much help. We need the princesses now. [a pause, and he touches a hand affectionately to her head] And they need you.

Glimmer smiles and nods to him.

Glimmer: I’m on it. I won’t let you down.

Micah: [lovingly] You never have, and you never could.

After another brief embrace, Glimmer steps away and turns. Adora and Catra are standing nearby. Catra hangs back slightly, her glance averted. Adora looks at Glimmer with a sheepish expression.

Adora: I’m reeeally sorry, Glimmer. I didn’t -- I didn’t mean to . . .

Glimmer: [calmly, smiling] It’s okay, Adora. I don’t blame you.

Adora smiles back, then she frowns a little with concern.

Adora: How’s Swift Wind?

Glimmer: [smiling, dismissively] Him? Oh, he’s fine! He was just really exhausted. Slept aaaall day, and then just rested all afternoon.

She pauses and tilts her head, considering.

Glimmer: Well, he was a liiiiittle bit anxious when he first woke up and found out you were gone.

(FLASHBACK TO THE PREVIOUS AFTERNOON)

In one of the bedrooms at Bright Moon, Glimmer, Bow, and three of the Bright Moon guards are holding onto Swift Wind, trying to keep him still as he is bucking, jumping and flailing his wings wildly. His feverish motions are throwing his friends around, and they struggle to keep their footings.

Swift Wind: [in a panic] SHE NEEDS ME!! Adora needs me!!!

Glimmer: [growling with effort and frustration] Swift Wind!!!

Swift Wind lifts his head suddenly, as if listening to the breeze.

Swift Wind: Ahh! I hear her calling my name!

Bow: [with restraint] That was GLIMMER!

(BACK TO THE PRESENT)

Glimmer: [chuckling] But we plied him with apples, and he was just fine after that!

(FLASHBACK TO SEVERAL HOURS PREVIOUSLY)

Swift Wind is sprawled languidly across his lounge. One of the Bright Moon guards stands behind him, giving his back a massage. Another sits on the floor giving his hooves a gentle buff. He is surrounded by bushel buckets full of apples of different varieties. Swift Wind is the embodiment of calm control.

Swift Wind: [to no specific person] Tell them to hold my calls.

(BACK TO THE PRESENT)

Adora: [with relief] Oh, good! Thank you. I was . . . a little worried about him.

Glimmer: [grinning and laying a hand on her shoulder] No problem!

Glimmer turns now to Catra with a soft but more serious expression. She takes a step toward her, and Catra’s eyes widen as Glimmer tenderly reaches out to take her hand.

Glimmer: [with deep sincerity] And Catra. Thank you. For being here.

Catra shrugs uncomfortably, staring at Glimmer’s expression of affection.

Catra: Forget it. It’s nothing.

Glimmer: No. It really means a lot to me. [with conviction] I know you’ll find my Aunt Casta. I believe in you. You’re determined. And . . . [with a warm smile tinged with regret] you’re really good at saving people.

For a moment, they each see in the other’s eyes what must be going through their thoughts. Running through corridors glowing red with alarm. Relentless ghost-white servants of a malevolent power, breaking through the doors. A desperate fight. An apology. The fading image of a friend in need.

One good thing.

Catra looks down at Glimmer’s hand clasping hers. She watches as Glimmer squeezes her hand warmly, then lets it go.

Catra looks up, and Adora and she watch as Glimmer raises her hand in parting.

Glimmer: I’m going to activate the beacon now. Good luck. See you soon.

Her smiling image flares and fades in a blaze of firework sparkles and a shimmering afterglow. Catra and Adora turn to each other, blinking.

Adora Bow Glimmer Catra Swift Wind Mystacor Micah Bright Moon Guards

BrianSturgill·2/5/2022 in Fan Creation/Project

My Episode 58: Peace Zone (Part Three)

Hello, dear friends!

Time for another chapter in my story.

So far in Episode 58:

In Part One, it is possible that Entrapta should have listened to Darla's advice, rather than taking Wink on a jolly trip to Beast Island!

In Part Two, with the help of her friends, Scorpia is rightfully welcomed as princess in her own kingdom.

I've decided just this moment to dedicate this week's chapter to @Kali Bradshaw who thought that Catradora "is a nice ship, but maybe tone down the fighting and add more talking a little?"

Well, there is some fighting, but quite a bit of talking (among other things) in this next part of "Peace Zone," so hopefully Kali will like it. :)

And I hope you will, too!

On the crest of a high grassy hill beneath the cool light of three moons, Catra bounds into view. Standing tall, her tail waving restlessly, she scans the terrain ahead of her. Another tall hill looms in the middle distance as the land continues to rise along their pathway toward a horizon of towering cliff-faces. She frowns.

Adora approaches from behind her and lays a hand on her shoulder, smiling. Micah and two Bright Moon guards follow Adora from a short distance below them.

Adora: How ya doin’?

Catra sighs, looking over her shoulder at the others.

Catra: [grumbling] This is taking too long. We could have been there and back by now.

She sets off again, climbing the slope at a brisk pace. Adora stays close beside her, matching her strides.

Adora: But I thought you agreed with Glimmer about avoiding the Whispering Woods.

Catra: [annoyed and a little derisive] I know! Because they could be “dangerous.” Because we don’t know what’s in there.

Adora: Well, she’s right. We don’t.

Catra bristles.

Catra: [frustrated] Errghh! Why is Glimmer always right about everything with you?! Why does she have to control everything?

Adora: [like it’s obvious] Because she’s the queen. And she doesn’t just control everything. She listens to everyone, and we make a decision together. That’s how it works in Bright Moon. You saw how we talked in the Council Chamber.

Catra: [shaking her head] Don’t remind me. It was exhausting! [sincerely] How could you stand it?

Adora: Because I’ve learned that it’s worth the effort to work together.

Catra turns a piercing gaze Adora’s direction.

Catra: [challenging] Even when your idea is better?

There is a moment’s silence. They come to the top of the next hill, onto a wide grassy plain.

Adora: [reflecting] Back in the Horde, I might have thought differently. Most of the time, you didn’t question orders, but sometimes you took your own initiative to prove your skills and worth. It was all about command and merit.

Adora stops and touches Catra’s shoulders, causing her to stop and turn toward her.

Adora: [looking into her eyes, smiling] Never about love, though.

Catra’s tension softens a little, and she smiles.

Adora: It’s different now.

Catra tilts her head and puts her hand on Adora’s.

Catra: Yeah.

Adora: With Glimmer and Bow and the others, it’s always been about caring for each other, and loyalty. [Earnestly] They would do anything for you, or for me.

Catra: I know that.

Adora: And that’s the way things should be. So, . . . it’s worth it.

Catra: [nodding slowly, eyes locked with Adora] Yeah. You’re right. It is.

Behind them, Micah and the guards are topping the hill. Adora and Catra notice and drop their hands from each other. Catra turns back to look, then gestures with her head.

Catra: What about those two, though?

Adora: The guards?

Catra: Yeah, they’re just slowing us down.

Adora: Glimmer thought . . .

Catra rolls her eyes.

Adora: [quickly] She thought it was important to have an escort with the vestments of Bright Moon. Something like that. And in case we needed some back-up help.

Catra barely chokes off a scoffing giggle.

Catra: Uh-ha!

She takes one look at the cowled figures with their trailing capes and unwieldy staffs, and then leans toward Adora confidentially.

Catra: [under her breath so only Adora hears] Them? in a fight? One step, and they’d fall flat on their faces.

Adora: [with a confident smirk] Ah, you might be surprised.

As the guards come close, Adora turns to face them with hands on hips.

Adora: [in a loud command] TOOO ARMS!

The guards respond instantly. With unexpected speed, they cast their capes aside and sweep their staffs into fighting positions. And within the blink of an eye, they have adopted stances around their companions to effectively defend them from all directions.

Micah looks around warily.

Micah: [concerned] What’s going on?

Catra: [quietly impressed] Woah.

Adora: [calmly] Just a drill. [commanding] AT EASE!

The guards relax their stances, and quickly gather up their cloaks.

Adora: [to the guards] Nice work.

She turns to Catra with a wry smile. Catra cocks her head and raises an eyebrow.

Catra: Looks like they got some special training.

Adora: [shrugging] Let’s just say they got a few tips from the best.

Catra leans back and folds her arms loosely, regarding Adora’s self-assured smile. She smiles back. Micah and the guards start off again on their path, as Adora and Catra linger a while, facing each other.

Catra: [casually, pretending to consider] Hmmm. Well, I gueeeess you can say that. Since I wasn’t around at the time. [quickly, mock sincerely] Oh, but don’t worry. Second best is still pretty good.

Adora’s mouth drops open in a silly mock-wounded expression. Seeing this, Catra throws back her head and laughs.

Adora: [quietly, smiling] You know, we should really check on that some time.

As Catra recovers from the hilarity, she is surprised by a sudden boot to the chest.

Catra: Hahaha. Any time you wa---hooah!

Catra is knocked onto her back, and Adora leaps on top of her, holding her wrists.

Adora: [jubilantly] So, who’s the best, Catra? Who is it?

Catra: [smiling, playfully] You’re lookin’ at her, dummy!

She kicks Adora off over her head, and rolls to a crouch. Adora lands on her hands and springs to her feet with a twist, whirling around with another kick, which Catra ducks. Catra springs at Adora, catching her with a shoulder to the midriff. Adora doubles over, but manages to grab Catra’s right leg and lock it with her arm. Catra crashes to the ground, and Adora rolls on top of her, sitting up with one knee on her hip. With her free hand she reaches back and begins tickling Catra’s side. Catra curls her torso away and giggles. Clearly Adora knows exactly where Catra is ticklish!

Catra: [breathlessly, face-down, lifting her head] Aaaa! Hahaha! No fair! Hahahaha!

Adora: [grinning, with child-ike enthusiasm] Who’s the best?! Is it me?! Is it me?!!

Catra is almost helpless with laughter, kicking her free leg futilely, digging her claws into the dirt, trying to squirm away from Adora’s tickle attack. Adora dissolves into giggles, too, as she delights in their silliness and Catra’s flailing.

Catra: [with tears of laughter] O-okay! Okay! You’re the best! At cheating!

With a sudden well-aimed swipe of her tail, Catra pokes the furry tip up Adora’s left nostril.

Adora: [surprised!] Ooo-auugh! Wahh!!

Adora, caught completely off guard, swats at the tail and her nose with both hands, while Catra bucks her off. She flops to her back beside Catra, who rolls over beside her. They are both weak and out of breath from their laughter-filled tussle. Tears streaming down their smiling faces. Shaking with giggles.

Adora: [with effort, in a high-pitched voice] No, no, you’re [pant] the best!

Catra: [coughing and hoarse] Hahaha! You are!

Adora: [affectionately] You!

They both manage to reach the tail end of the laughter and sigh, breathing slower and deeply as they recover. They turn their heads toward one another, their foreheads and noses touching.

Catra: [smiling] No. You.

For a sweet moment, they look into each other’s eyes. Adora reaches her hand over to touch Catra’s. Catra grasps it tenderly. They sit up slowly, holding hands, still looking into each other’s eyes in the clear, soft moonlight.

Their reverie is broken by a voice.

Micah: [from a ways ahead of them] Hey! You two! We’re here!

Catra widens her eyes at Adora.

Catra: Here? Oh! We’re there!

She leaps to her feet, her tail twitching in agitation. Still holding Adora’s hand, she pulls her up quickly to standing.

Catra: C’mon, Adora!

Micah waits with the Bright Moon guards at the edge of a cliff: a sheer drop-off into mirky mists below. Catra and Adora come running up from behind them, hand in hand. They come to a stop and stand with the others.

Catra stares down at the vast drop into the mists. She looks ahead of them, across open air. At a loss, she turns to Adora and Micah beside her, who seem to be gazing into the empty distance. She follows their gaze with her eyes, but there is . . . nothing.

Catra: [frowning, perplexed] I don’t get it.

Adora turns toward Catra and smiles.

Adora: Mystacor is protected by invisibility. I’ll show you.

Adora steps close to the edge. Catra looks to Micah, who is staring into the distance, frowning, then back to Adora, who lifts one foot slowly and hangs it over the precipice.

Catra: [worried] Adora?

Adora: This part’s always the toughest. [she takes a breath] Well . . . here we go.

Closing her eyes, Adora hesitates a moment more, her weight on the ground, but her foot hanging over oblivion. Then, slowly, she shifts forward and . . . takes a step!

Abruptly and unexpectedly, her motion is halted, and she catches her breath, her eyes flying open in momentary panic.

Micah: [sharply] Wait!

Adora looks toward her arm, held above her head. Micah’s grip around her wrist is steel solid, and she hangs from it at a sharp angle away from the cliff, the toes of one boot just barely in touch with solid ground. She turns, frowning, to look at Micah, who looks grimly into her eyes.

Micah: Something isn’t right.

Then, Adora’s vision drops toward the mist-filled abyss beneath her, and at that very moment, the mists thin to reveal . . . empty air. And nothing at all but a thousand-foot drop between her and death!

Adora: Ee-yah!

Gasping, Adora pulls back against Micah’s arm and regains her footing.

She turns to Catra, whose wide fearful eyes are mirrors of her own.

Adora Catra Mystacor Micah Bright Moon Guards

JanuarySunrise·12/4/2020 in Opinions

which Double Trouble disguise is the best

Flutterina

Peekablue

Bright Moon Guard

Scropia

Catra

Adora

70 Votes in Poll

Adora Catra Scorpia Double Trouble Flutterina Peekablue Bright Moon Guards

Bright Moon Guards

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