Castaspella

I know I'm so behind on these, but I still wanna try to do the rest of the prompts!

I've made several tries over the past couple of weeks trying to figure out how to write this! 😩

(Here's hoping I finally got it right.)

I'm linking this one with my epic fanfic, 'cause it just seemed to fit. 😊

Here goes my take on "Magicats."

Enjoy!

On the day she learned that the Magicats had gone, seven-year-old Castaspella buried herself in busy-ness with yarn. And tears. And grief.

Her mourning was deep.

Still, she had never once actually met a Magicat in her whole life, although she had heard a lot about them.

Despite their name, the Magicats possessed no magic.

Yet, to young Casta, they seemed almost more magical than any magic of the Sorcerers.

They were mysterious creatures, mystical and legendary.

The Magicats were almost never seen, but their presence was felt in Mystacor.

Their hidden kingdom lay nearby. Somewhere far below, Deep beneath the ocean of mist that surrounded the floating island.

Casta had heard stories from her brother, who had heard stories from the more senior sorcerers, who had heard them from those who knew.

Only the eldest few of Mystacor had dealings with the reclusive people of the valley and had learned first-hand what they were like.

It was said that the Magicats were quiet but powerful.

Quick, strong, and fierce in battle.

Able to do incredible feats of acrobatic skill, leap as high as the spire of the Lunarium, drop down from an amazing height, and always land softly on their feet.

They could see in darkness, had claws as subtle and hard as steel, and they could flawlessly track any creature by scent alone.

They were fearless, loyal, and noble creatures.

And they were allied with Mystacor, each invisibly guarding the other.

But then, one day, some months after the invasion of the evil Horde, the Magicats suddenly disappeared.

Overnight.

Without a trace.

Had they fled? Were they wiped out in an attack? Scattered? Captured?

Nobody seemed to know.

Or nobody said.

And the children of Mystacor wept.

And Casta knitted.

. . .

Many years later, Castaspella learned that not all of the Magicats were gone.

But the one that remained was corrupted. A tool of the Horde's war machine. A monster. The enemy.

It almost hurt worse than the pain she had felt as a child when she learned the Magicat kingdom was gone.

Castaspella didn't weep this time.

But, as before, she knitted.

. . .

The war ended, and peace reigned, but new troubles revealed themselves.

And on the day that Mystacor fell, Castaspella was devastated.

How could the unthinkable have occurred?

How could the untouchable land of her home come to such grief?

Once again, Castaspella wept.

And she forgot, in the midst of her shock, about the healing, soothing power of her knitting.

For a time.

What brought her back, however, and gave her hope was the greatest shock of all.

It was Catra. Leading the envoy of rescue from Bright Moon.

She offered her hand in Mystacor's time of greatest need.

And she was quiet and powerful.

Quick and strong.

Skilled and subtle.

Fearless, loyal, and noble.

On that day, Castaspella finally met the Magicats she had believed in as a child.

And her tears dried.

And she knitted.

No.1: Mermista X Sea Hawk

No.2: Micah X Angella

No.3: Adora X Catra

No.4: Castaspella X General Juliet

No.5: Spinerella X Netossa

No.6: Perfuma X Scorpia

No.7: Glimmer X Bow

Part 1: here

Part 2: here

This is the last part. Thank you for reading!

Pings:

@I want Entrapta's hair

@DoubleTrouble7

@Wings of the ATLA Prince

Castaspella had finished Sea Hawk’s sweater, and had invited him back to Mystacor. But it was hours past when he was supposed to arrive, and there was still no sign of him.

“There you are!” she said, when he finally showed up. “I thought you might’ve decided not to come! The tea is all cold; I’ll have to reheat it… Come.” She led him to a seat at the table in her parlor.

“Sorry, I got held up,” said Sea Hawk. “Mermista wouldn’t give me a new ship after I burned my last one, so I had to steal a new one to come here.”

“You— What? You needed a new ship because…?”

“I set my old one on fire. Mermista replaced them the last few times, but this time she refused…”

“Wha— This has happened before?!”

“Well, yes—”

“How do you keep catching your boats on fire?”

“It’s not that hard, I just use a torch, and…”“You mean you burn them on purpose?!”

“Yes?” Sea Hawk was surprised at the question.

“Why?! For— For fun?”

“Ah… yes? Something like that?”

“Honestly— You—” Castaspella took a deep breath. “You’re saying you have set multiple of your boats on fire for fun?”

“Well, a couple of the times it was to fight the Horde. I set my ship on fire and steered it into the Horde ship, destroying it, and SAVED THE DAY. I told you about that, right?”

“Yes, but— Wait, a couple of the times? How many times have you done this?!”

“Ah…” Sea Hawk began counting on his fingers.

Castaspella shook her head. “And there wasn’t anyone to fight this time, right? The Horde is gone, so— well, you said it was just for fun.”

Sea Hawk opened his mouth, then closed it again, and stared down at the ground.

“So, you’ve set more than three of your boats on fire. And when you do this, Mermista usually gives you a new ship? But this time she didn’t?”

Sea Hawk nodded, grimacing as Castaspella scoffed. “I’d hoped you’d be more sympathetic.”

“Sympathetic? Young man, I am very disappointed.”

Sea Hawk winced.

“Such reckless behavior,” Castaspella continued. “Since Mermista wouldn’t give you a boat, you… stole one?”“Well, what was I supposed to do? I couldn’t come here without a ship, and how else was I supposed to get one quick enough?”

“I don’t know, buy one? Or get a ride from someone else?” Castaspella threw her hands in the air, exasperated. “Maybe—”

“Get a ride on someone else’s ship? The indignity—! And I can’t afford to buy one! I could try to win one off of someone in Seaworthy, only I can’t get there without a ship; and I can’t earn more money without a ship to take people on!”

“Maybe you should’ve thought of that before you set your ship on fire!” Castaspella sighed. “I expected better of you.”

Sea Hawk stole a glance at Castaspella’s face, then looked down. “Of course,” he said softly. He swallowed. “Well,” he said, louder, but with a quiver to his voice, “I guess I’ll be going, then.” He stood up. “Hopefully Mermista will forgive me for taking the ship…” Or he could stay in Bright Moon, or with Scorpia… Yes, that’d work, Scorpia wouldn’t give him a hard time for any of this. He turned to leave.

“Oh, don’t leave yet.” Castaspella sighed again. “I didn’t say you couldn’t stay.”

Sea Hawk looked at her. “But— I— You don’t mind?”

“Don’t be silly,” said Casta. “I haven’t even given you your sweater yet. I am disappointed in you, and you should really reflect on what what you’ve done and make sure not to do it again. And return that boat you stole and apologize for taking it.” She gave him a stern look, before breaking into a smile. “But you’re still welcome to stay for tea.”

“Really?”Castaspella nodded. “I insist. Here, sit down. I’ll go get the tea heated up.”

“Thank you.” Sea Hawk smiled, and sat down. “It is an honor.” Relaxing, he said, “You know, it’s not like I set anything of yours on fire.”

“Oh, if you’d set anything of mine on fire, that would be a different story,” said Castaspella. “As it is, I’m not mad. I just didn’t expect this from you.”

“I am a pirate,” Sea Hawk pointed out. “What did you expect? And I told you how I set my ship on fire to defeat the Horde… Which was IMPRESSIVE!”

“You’re a pirate?” Castaspella said incredulously. “You never mentioned that.”

“I didn’t? Oh.” Sea Hawk shrugged. “Well, you think pirates are cool, right?”

Castaspella shook her head. “I can’t say I encourage such criminal behavior…”

“Oh, I haven’t done anything illegal in a while. Unless you count the thing with the crabs, and really, Squall was—”

“Haven’t done anything illegal? You said you just stole someone’s boat!”

“That wasn’t really stealing, I was just borrowing it…”

Castaspella huffed.

“Anyway! You were going to get the tea?”

“Right, yes! And your sweater. Wait here.”

While Castaspella was in the other room, Sea Hawk absentmindedly pulled out his box of matches and started fidgeting with them, lighting one. He heard Casta’s footsteps just in time to put the flame out and put them away before she noticed.

Castaspella served them both tea and tea cakes, then took the sweater and placed it in Sea Hawk’s hands. “Here.”

The sweater was striped royal blue and powder blue, with a bird of prey, a osprey, embroidered on it.

Sea Hawk ran his fingers over the yarn, feeling its texture. “Its beautiful.”

Castaspella beamed. “Oh! I’m so glad you like it. The design took ages, but I’m so pleased with it. Try it on, now! Let’s see how it fits.”

Sea Hawk took off his jacket and pulled the sweater on.

“Oh, it looks darling on you,” Castaspella exclaimed. “I’m glad it fits right and everything… Turn around, now, let me see the whole thing.”

Sea Hawk gave his best twirl. This was followed by a fair bit of modelling, while Casta exclaimed over it.

“Thank you,” said Sea Hawk. “I will treasure it always.” While he would never let anyone else see him in such a thing, he meant what he said.

I promised to write this fanfic, uh... over a year ago. Whoops. I noticed in the beginning of "Heart Part 1," they're hanging out and talking in the background, and I made a post about it. People liked the idea, so I said I'd write a fic about it. And now, after much procrastination, here we are.

The title was a joke/reference but then I just... decided to go with it.

Thank you to Brian (@BrianSturgill) for feedback and help with Sea Hawk's dialogue in the first scene here, and also for general advice and encouragement.

Castaspella and Sea Hawk had first properly met during Prime’s invasion, when they were hiding out in the Whispering Woods. It wouldn’t seem like an ideal time for small talk, and in many ways it wasn’t; but there were moments when everyone sitting around camp, waiting for the next plan, so everyone ended up talking a bit. It also served as a welcome distraction from everything going on, the invasion, all their chipped friends.

No one made many new friends there, exactly, but acquaintances. Sea Hawk entertained Casta with some tale of derring-do. Not much to it.

They met again after the war, at Frosta’s Rebellion victory party. Castle Evernight’s Blizzard Ballroom was decked out like it had been for Princess Prom. (That was why Frosta was hosting the party—her turn with Princess Prom was ruined, so it was only fair that she got to host this.)

Sea Hawk and Castaspella’s conversation soon turned to Glimmer. What with Castaspella’s limited service to the Rebellion, she was mostly known to them as “Glimmer’s sorceress aunt.”

“So, you’re one of Glimmer’s friends?” Castaspella asked.

“Yes! Indeed I am. She is a brave and strong leader, and naturally she saw my courage and valor and has called for my aid on many a mission. I have fought by her side many times.”

“Good, good. You know, I was surprised enough when Glimmer made friends with Bow, not to mention Adora!” Castaspella laughed. “But more—! Well, I’m glad leading the Rebellion has been so good for her social life.”

Glimmer, fortunately, was out of earshot.

“You know Bow?” said Sea Hawk. “Has he told you how I saved his life?”

Castaspella’s eyes widened. “No! Do tell.”

“Well! It was during a harrowing battle for the Salineas Sea Gate. A vast fleet of Horde ships were firing at the gate, threatening to destroy it. Bow tried to stop them, but alas, he was flung overboard! He fell towards the propellor blades, moments from certain doom. I had to act fast. Heedless of the danger, I daringly swooped in on a rope and snatched him from the jaws of death!”

Castaspella gasped.

“But the battle was not yet won. So I— ah, Glimmer and I concocted a brilliant plan.” It couldn’t hurt to put in another good word for Casta’s niece. “With Glimmer’s aid, I set my ship on fire and rammed it into the Horde’s ships, taking out their entire navy and saving the day!” Sea Hawk finished. No one was there to point out that there had only been one Horde ship that day.

Castaspella smiled approvingly. “Impressive.” She paused. “But… didn’t the Horde conquer Salineas? I thought…”

“Ah, yes, well, that was a different battle,” Sea Hawk explained. “Tragically, the Horde invaded Salineas yet again, and we didn’t know until it was too late…” He looked down, frowning.

“Ah.” Another pause. “You’ve been with the Rebellion for a while, then?”

Sea Hawk nodded. “Yes! Ever since the new Princess Alliance was formed. I’ve bravely fought in many a battle. I once single-handedly took out three- no, four hundred Horde soldiers!” For once, he was almost glad Mermista wasn’t around (she was off talking to someone else at the party); if she were, she’d call him out on the lie. “Mermista and I were completely surrounded, and…”

The conversation at the party eventually ended, as the two of them went to talk to other people and do other things. But a few days later, after Castaspella finished writing letters to a couple friends of hers, she decided to invite Sea Hawk over for an afternoon.

She gave him the full tour of Mystacor. She liked giving the tour, and Sea Hawk more or less listened to it and managed not to break anything.

Castaspella concluded the tour in her personal parlor, where she served them both tea. “So, how do you like Mystacor?”

Sea Hawk gulped down a swig of tea. “It’s very nice. It’s beautiful, and… the, ah… The… crystals were impressive.”

“Wonderful!” said Castaspella. “It’s been so long since we’ve had any new visitors—the shield of invisibility keeps most people out—especially anyone besides young sorcery students. And you know how the students are; all they care about is magic and the beaches… And the teachers will complain for ages about their antics, and once you get them going you can never get them to talk about anything else. Honestly, don’t they have something better to do than complain all day? They just go on and on…” She paused, and sipped her tea. “Where are you from, again?”

Sea Hawk had downed the rest of his tea while Castaspella was talking, and had been drumming his fingers on the table since. “I am an adventurer, a great sea captain. I have no one home; I ride the waves. I hail from the far side of the planet, but I’ve travelled all around Etheria!”

“Mm.” Castaspella took another sip of her tea. “And do you have any family on this part of Etheria?”

“I, ah…” Sea Hawk stared into his empty cup. “I have… plenty of close friends here, which… Of course, I’ve had friends everywhere I went, you know,” he added hastily. “Everyone always thought I was very cool. But- Yes. Close friends.”

“Ah.” She was quiet for a moment. “Right. Of course. Oh! That reminds me, how are things with you and that Mermista?” Castaspella had been there during the final battle, she’d seen the conversation they’d had while Mermista was chipped, and she was eager for gossip.

“Grand!” Sea Hawk beamed. “She— Well,” he lowered his voice conspiratorially, “she might not want me to tell you this, but we’re practically engaged.” Practically was a word which here meant not really, but Sea Hawk wishes, but no one was there to point that out.

“Really? Oh, that’s wonderful. Call me if you need a wedding planner, I’m an expert. I helped with Micah and Angella’s wedding, you know, but of course Angella already had an official royal wedding planner hired instead…” She frowned. “I suppose her future sister-in-law, the head sorceress of Mystacor, just wasn’t good enough for her; she needed someone official from Bright Moon to help…”

“Yes, Mermista’s, ah, not quite ready for that yet, but… hopefully soon. I think I’ll take you up on that when the time comes.” He gave a sly smile.

Castaspella nodded. “Of course. Anytime. I can go over themes and color schemes with you and Mermista, and… Yes, let me know when you’re ready.”

“I will,” Sea Hawk said. “So… are you seeing anyone?”

Castaspella laughed. “Oh, no, I’m not interested in any of that myself. Those relationships are nice for other people, but I don’t need one of my own. The only problem is I don’t get a wedding, though I suppose my coronation was a big party just for me, and I can always throw myself a big birthday bash.”

Sea Hawk nodded. “Of course, I suppose it’s not for everyone. I couldn’t imagine a life without romance for myself, but as long as you have friends, perhaps you don’t really need it.”

“Oh, speaking of which, you said you’re friends with Glimmer and Bow; do you know if they’re together? I’ve been meaning to ask them.”

“Glimmer and Bow? Hmm. No, I… haven’t heard anything.”

“Oh, that’s alright then, I’ll just ask next time I see them. Or maybe Micah knows something… I’m getting together with him and Glimmer in a few days anyway.”

“Ah, yes, I’ll have to ask too.” Sea Hawk had never thought about it before, but now that Castaspella mentioned it, he was curious. “But have you heard about Entrapta and Hordak? I think there’s something between them…”

“Really?” Castaspella leaned forward. “Entrapta and Hordak? Well, Entrapta was always hanging around that other clone… Still, wanting to be with Hordak, the leader of the Evil Horde? Some romance I can understand, but that…” She shook her head.

“Mermista doesn’t understand it either,” said Sea Hawk. “Entrapta was with the Horde for a while… maybe she fell in love then?”

Castaspella just shook her head again. “The heart wants what it wants, I suppose, or so I hear.” She pursed her lips.

“It does indeed. I may not see much to like about Hordak, but I trust that Entrapta does…”

And so the conversation continued for a while. They managed to get in a lot more gossip, and by the end of the afternoon, Castaspella had promised to knit Sea Hawk a sweater.

She-Ra-tober Announcement Post

Fanfic #1: Rainbow

Fanfic #2: Tattoo

Fanfic #3: Evening

Fanfic #4: Purring

Fanfic #5: Leaf Pile

Fanfic #6: Sunset

Fanfic #7: Warm

Fanfic #8: Abandoned

Fanfic #9: Workout

Fanfic #10: Embarrassing

Fanfic #11: Drunk

Fanfic #12: Future

Fanfic #13: Canoe

Fanfic #14: Sleep

Fanfic #15: Rope

Fanfic #16: Kiss

Fanfic #17: Robots

Fanfic #18: Aquarium

Fanfic #19: Grandparents

Fanfic #20: Suit

Fanfic #21: Heart of Etheria

Fanfic #22: Prisoner

Fanfic #23: Roman Empire

Fanfic #24: Cuddle

Fanfic #25: Music

Fanfic #26: Enemies

Fanfic #27: Cosplay

Fanfic #28: Haunted

Fanific #29: Mushrooms

My Day 30 fanfic just goes to show that behind every story . . . there's another story.

Hoodie

Today, Glimmer just wanted to be Glimmer.

At least for an hour or two.

Not Queen, but just Bow's and Adora's friend.

So they were getting away from Bright Moon Castle and going on a little hike and a picnic on a beautiful, cool day.

Adora was looking through Glimmer's closets with her, helping her to find an outfit to temporarily replace her royal attire.

Something casual and warm for the chill on this morning.

She came across an intriguing purple jacket and pulled it down, showing it to Glimmer.

"What's this?" Adora asked, as she fingered the strings on the jacket.

Glimmer frowned at the garment. "It's just an old hoodie."

"Hoodie?" said Adora, feeling out the unfamiliar word.

Glimmer nodded. "Yeah. It's a sort of a light jacket with a hood. You can pull the strings to tighten the hood around your face and block the wind."

Adora felt the hoodie and then held it out for Glimmer. "It seems really comfortable. How about this?"

Glimmer shook her head. "I don't . . . think I would wear that."

"Why not?"

Glimmer took the hoodie and began to hang it back up.

"Because it was my mother's."

Adora frowned in sympathy and looked at the hoodie again.

"It's nice, but it's kinda hard to imagine Angella wearing it."

"She never did," said Glimmer.

Adora looked confused. "Wait. You won't wear it because it was your mom's, but she never wore it?"

Glimmer looked at Adora and sighed.

"I know it sounds strange. I'll explain . . . "

--------------

Years previously, young Castaspella started learning how to knit.

Her fingers were always fidgety, and they needed to stay busy.

One of the elder sorcerers noticed this and started giving her lessons in knitting, pointing out that this would help to improve her dexterity and make her a better spell-caster.

It worked! Not only did it give Castaspella an outlet for her nervous energy, but her casting improved until she became one of the most agile sorcerers in Mystacor and ultimately the head of the order!

But most importantly, Castaspella loved to knit.

She began making knitted gifts for family and friends.

First, she made belts and scarves (endless scarves!), then later bags, socks, hats, and sweaters. There likely wasn't a single inhabitant of Mystacor that didn't possess some little thing that she had made, many of which were reverently stored in rarely-opened drawers or the bottoms of closets.

Just before her brother Micah left Mystacor to live in Bright Moon, she presented him with a gift box.

"Micah, this is for you, so you won't forget your kid sister in Mystacor when you're living with the princesses in Bright Moon."

Micah opened the box, having a vague idea of what he would find.

It was a knitted purple hoodie that was probably too long.

He smiled. "Thanks, Casta. I'll . . . treasure this."

I will never, ever wear this, he thought to himself.

---------------

However, only a couple of years later, Micah was wearing the hoodie constantly!

It was too long, but it was warm and very cozy.

And little Glimmer adored it!

Micah used to put his baby inside the neck of his hoodie and zip it up so she was held snuggly against his chest as they went for walks together around the castle and through the edges of the woods.

Angella used to laugh at how funny and sweet they looked together, with Glimmer's little beaming head popping out of the neck of the hoodie just underneath Micah's beard.

It was absolutely adorable, and it reminded Angella of why she loved them both so much.

---------------

On the night that Angella learned that Micah was lost in battle, she left Glimmer briefly in General Juliet's care and locked herself in her bedroom to cry.

She looked through their closets and found Micah's purple hoodie.

Glimmer was wrong about her never wearing it.

She wore it once, that night, as if she could bring back the feeling of her husband's embrace.

After that, she would sometimes hold it close to her as she slept.

It still had Micah's smell, and holding it helped when Angella missed him.

---------------

After Angella's sacrifice, Glimmer found the hoodie again in Angella's closet.

And it smelled like her mother.

So she kept it and never wore it.

---------------

As she listened to the stories, Adora's eyes filled with tears.

And it wasn't until Glimmer looked up and saw them that she began to tear up herself.

Adora wrapped her arms around her friend and pulled her close.

"Oh, Glimmer. I'm so sorry."

Glimmer closed her eyes, and a few tears trickled down her cheeks.

"I know, Adora. I'm . . . it'll be okay. Just give me a minute."

Adora stepped back, smiling at Glimmer.

"We'll be just outside when you're ready. I know this is gonna be so much fun!"

Glimmer smiled back, wiping a couple of tears away.

"Okay. I'll be there soon!"

After Adora stepped out, Glimmer looked back at the hoodie.

She felt the knitted fabric.

Then, after a small hesitation, she took it down.

And put it on.

It was way too long for her, but it was warm, and the smell was comforting and familiar.

It was a little bit like a hug when she zipped it up.

Like a little bit of her family was with her.

She smiled, and called out: "Okay! I'm ready now!'

And she ran out to meet with her friends.

(A flash of lightning illuminates the sky outside of Bright Moon, as it's a chilly Halloween night. Adora and company have been forced to retreat inside, as the incoming storm has cancelled their trick-or-treating plans.)

Adora: Well, trick-or-treating is out the window. What should we do now?

Glimmer: Uh... We could...

(Before she can think of anything, Sea Hawk jumps in.)

Sea Hawk: Tell scary stories!! ADVENTURE!!! *thunderclap*

Frosta: Okay, can you also do that thing that Mermista did when she was interrogating everyone after the failed attempt to take back Dryl? Cause now I'm skeptical...

Sea Hawk: What thing?

Frosta: You know, you somehow miraculously summon a thunderclap anytime there's a dramatic moment?

Sea Hawk: Oh, yes. Just like my dear Mermista, I practice at home! *thunderclap*

Frosta: Yep... Just as I thought...

(They all get in a circle. Bow turns off the lights and shines a table lamp up in his face.)

Bow: So... Who'll be the first to go?

(Dead silence.)

Bow: Alright, I'll go first. *clears throat* It was a dark and stormy night. The moon pierced the clouds with its ever flourecent light, and-

(Suddenly, the lamp Bow's holding gets knocked to the ground.)

Catra: Bow, why'd you drop that? What's wrong?

Bow : That wasn't me! Someone- or something- knocked it out of my hands!

Catra: Well, who was it?

(Another dead silence. Then, out of nowhere, the lights turn on.)

Scorpia: Wait, how are the lights on? We're all sitting down, that can't be possible, right??

Entrapta: I don't know. Something funky is going on...

(Now everyone's feeling uneasy, but that's when a bed on the other side of the room flips over on its own with a loud CRASH!)

Princesses: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

(They all run down the hallway screaming and out the palace gates into the Whispering Woods. Shadow Weaver and Castaspella watch intently from a balcony.)

Castaspella: *laughs* Oh, we got you all so good!

Shadow Weaver: Happy Halloween!

😂

I noticed that towards the beginning of Heart Part 1, when they're all at the camp before Adora starts talking about the plan, Castaspella and Sea Hawk are talking. Sea Hawk appears to be telling Casta a story or something, which she is clearly enjoying.

I think they’d have a fun dynamic and relationship. Casta would enjoy Sea Hawk’s stories, would think he was cool and would enjoy his dramatics and flamboyance. But she also would very much not approve of his shenanigans (e.g. arson).

He’d become essentially an honorary nephew. She might make herself Scorpia’s honorary aunt, too. (Scorpia and Sea Hawk are totally friends with each other, and it's great.) She would knit them both sweaters. Scorpia would love the sweaters, and would look adorable in them.

Bow would still in some ways be Castaspella’s favorite besides Glimmer; but she might actually step into more of an aunt role with Sea Hawk and Scorpia than she did with Bow. Because they kinda don’t have anyone, any familial relationships. We don’t know where Scorpia’s family are, exactly, but they’re not around. And any family Sea Hawk has are presumably back wherever he’s from, on the other side of Etheria or whatever it is. And Casta would get along well with both of them, and they’d all like each other.

It would be cute.

Oh dear, am I going to have to figure out some fanfiction to write about them now? 😅

Hi, there! 😃

I am really excited that you're reading my fanfic!

For those of you who have been reading it for a while, you are amazing and very special to me! 🥰

You motivate and inspire me to try to do my best.

For those of you who are just checking it out, now, thank you so much!! 😄

And I hope you will enjoy this!

A lot has happened in this story so far.

Here is where you can read a summary at the start of the current episode.

And if you want to read my fanfic from the start (Episode 53) or catch up from any point, then you'll find links to every chapter in the Fan Fiction Archive.

Previously in Episode 70, Double Trouble made a tantalizing claim. (Part One)

And then they finally revealed their true (?) intentions. (Part Two)

I have a dual dedication for my chapter this week!

For minti ( @Sillybranch11 ), a great new friend here, who happens to think Catra is just a wee bit completely simp-worthy!

And for Joey ( @Ur local kangaroo ) because of . . . well, I think they'll understand.

This week, we return to Mystacor, where Glimmer (with encouragement from Catra) hopes to discover some of the answers behind the disappearance of the princesses' magic.

Catra has just been introduced to the wonders of the Steam Grotto.

And their mission continues.

(And if anyone happens to want a little more background from previous chapters for this particular chapter, you will find it: Here, here, and here.)

Enjoy, my lovely peeps! 😊

Glimmer and Catra are still lightly clothed in grayish-lavender bands as they emerge from the archway of the Steam Grotto chamber. Their bodies glisten with sparkling leftover droplets, vestiges of cleansing vapors and waters still clinging to them.

They pause, smell the air, then look at each other and smile at the gentle heat of sunshine on their skin.

A breeze sweeps its way through the wide valley upon which Mystacor fell to rest. It flows up and over the terrace steps of the island, rushing past the curved walls of the cylindrical and domed buildings, and spreading wide across the grass-covered plain, swirling around Glimmer and Catra. Glimmer shivers, and Catra holds her arms in close to her body.

Two nearby attendants approach silently alongside Glimmer and Catra, each bearing a wide rectangular piece of dark purple fabric.

Catra startles with momentary surprise as a smiling young man with dark braided hair ceremonially drapes a cloak around her shoulders. Catra glances down at the cloak, drawing it closer around herself, and her ears perk up at the pleasant warmth. She smiles at the attendant, who nods and backs away respectfully.

Glimmer: [ecstatically] Aunt Casta!!

Catra turns to see Glimmer running into the arms of her beaming aunt, then wrapping the two of them together within the generous folds of her cloak.

Castaspella: [chuckling] Oh, Glimmer! I’m sorry I wasn’t there to meet you when you first arrived! If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared some tea, and we could have had a little picnic! It’s so good to have you here!

Glimmer smiles as she presses her cheek against Castaspella’s shoulder.

Glimmer: I was worried about you! About everyone in Mystacor! How have things been going?

Castaspella steps back, smiling.

Castaspella: [upbeat] Better and better! Everyone is fine, and we have so much to share with you! Micah is waiting for you at the Hall of Assembly.

She turns toward Catra, who steps forward, looking fondly at her.

Castaspella grabs Catra’s shoulders affectionately.

Castaspella: [slowly shaking her head and grinning] And Catra. It’s wonderful to see you again! You’re looking so well and healthy! Why, you’re absolutely glowing!

Catra can’t help but break into a little grin.

Suddenly, Castaspella’s brow crinkles with mild consternation, and Catra’s eyes widen.

Castaspella: [mildly critical] You’re not wearing the scarf I made for you.

Catra: [taken aback] Er, . . . I . . .

Castaspella: [nodding in assurance] It’s the color, isn’t it?

Catra: [quickly] Uh, what? I mean, no!

Castaspella: [to herself, with certainty] Yes. That’s what it is. [she sighs] I didn’t have the right yarn, and I rushed it. [to Catra again, brightly] It’s all right. I’ll just make you another!

Catra smiles slightly awkwardly, glancing at Glimmer, who shrugs with a knowing grin. Catra looks back to Castaspella.

Catra: Okay. Thanks.

Castaspella beams happily. Then her expression falls, and she turns back to Glimmer, suddenly frowning. She looks her favorite niece up and down.

Castaspella: [concerned] But how are you? I had heard you were injured! Are you in pain? Did the steam bath help? How do you feel?

Glimmer grins at her aunt’s worry over her.

Glimmer: I’m okay, Auntie! Sooo much better! The steam grotto does wonders! Plus . . .

She pulls back her cloak and points down at the bronze framework on her right leg.

Glimmer: [proudly] See how Bow fixed me up?

Castaspella bends forward, interested.

Castaspella: Oooooo! Thaaaat’s clever!

After a moment of admiring the leg brace, she straightens up and puts a hand on Glimmer’s shoulder.

Castaspella: [pleased] I really have always liked that boy! [with a sudden serious thought] Oh! But I shouldn’t keep you. You need to change and go see your father. He’s got something important to show you.

Glimmer nods to her.

Glimmer: All right. We’ll see you later on?

Castaspella nods.

Castaspella: I’ll meet you there in a little while.

Glimmer: [smiling] Okay.

She looks to Catra and motions with her head.

Glimmer: Ready?

Catra: Yeah.

Catra looks again to Castaspella and smiles at her. Then, she turns to follow Glimmer, but stops as Castaspella lightly touches her on the shoulder.

Castaspella: Oh, . . . Catra.

Catra and Glimmer stop and turn toward her.

Castaspella: There’s . . . something you’ll want to see first. [she smiles] It won’t take very long.

Catra: [curious] Oh. Okay. Sure.

Glimmer raises an inquiring eyebrow at Catra, who shrugs.

Glimmer: Well, okay, then. [she smiles] Guess I’ll see you soon.

Catra nods, then looks back at Castaspella as Glimmer walks away and around the building (followed by the two attendants, who bow and take their leave of Castaspella).

Castaspella’s smile expresses deep regard and affection toward Catra. She gestures along the row of buildings to their right.

Castaspella: [gently] Walk with me.

Catra nods and follows her as she leads her along the terrace plain.

They walk for a moment in silence.

Catra turns to look at Castaspella expectantly.

Castaspella: [solemnly] Catra. Everyone here is so grateful for the things you did. For all of us. After Mystacor fell.

Catra looks downward as they walk further.

Castaspella: And, it’s amazing. Even after you left, your courage and your . . . determination . . . to do what needed to be done . . . well, it has continued to inspire us.

Catra smiles self-consciously and shakes her head.

Catra: [curtly] I did what I could. It wasn’t that much.

Castaspella suddenly lays a hand on Catra’s shoulder, and they stop walking. Catra turns to meet her gaze.

Castaspella: [with feeling] But you were here. [pause] That’s what made a difference.

Catra considers, then looks down and frowns.

Catra: Castaspella . . .

Castaspella: [quickly] Please. Call me Aunt Casta. O-or, no, just . . .

Catra raises her eyebrows, as Castaspella’s eyes dart back and forth, as if searching. All at once, Castaspella’s gaze returns to Catra’s face, her attitude more relaxed.

Castaspella: . . . call me . . . Casta. Yes. [gently, with a smile] Call me that.

Catra smiles back.

Catra: Can I say something, . . . Casta?

Castaspella: Of course.

Catra glances downwards and sighs, cocking her head to one side as she looks up again.

Catra: [in earnest] What you said to me before . . . about Adora, . . . that was . . . actually really helpful. You were right about her . . . and me.

Castaspella’s brow wrinkles with emotion.

Catra: [looking up at her] How . . . how did you know?

Castaspella hesitates.

Catra: [quickly] I mean, did you . . . once . . . have someone . . .?

Castaspella shakes her head.

Castaspella: [with neutral emotion] No. No, I didn’t. [pause] But I’ve seen it happen before. With my brother, Micah.

Catra’s eyes widen a little as she listens.

Castaspella turns away and takes a couple of steps toward the edge of the terrace. She holds her arms close to her as a gust of wind, waves through her cape and the skirt of her dress.

Castaspella: He and I were always very close. And . . . when he and Angella started becoming close, well . . . suddenly . . . things were different between us. [closing her eyes] I was jealous of her. I regret that now.

She turns back toward Catra, spreading her arms.

Castaspella: But I came to see that Angella was very, very good for Micah. Her strength made him stronger. And he became more responsible, more caring, more compassionate. [pause, nodding to herself] And I believe he helped her to become less reckless, more willing to receive help from others, more able to accept that the fate of the world didn’t rest solely on her.

Catra frowns, taking this in.

Castaspella steps closer, and she rests her hands gently on Catra’s shoulders.

Castaspella: Somehow, they each had what the other needed. And together, they each became more whole. It’s a bond that couldn’t be broken, even . . .

Suddenly, Castspella’s voice catches, and for a moment she can’t continue. She blinks a tear from her eye, and she reaches the back of one hand up to brush it away.

Castaspella: [whispering] I’m sorry.

Catra looks on, eyes wide and helpless. She opens her mouth, but no words form.

Castaspella shakes her head and straightens up, opening her eyes and nodding to Catra. She takes a breath.

Castaspella: That . . . is what I see between you and Adora. That kind of bond.

Catra smiles a little, her lips trembling ever so slightly.

Castaspella takes another breath and sighs deeply, opening her eyes wide and smiling down at Catra. She withdraws her hands from Catra’s shoulders and clasps her palms together.

Castaspella: Well! So! Now!

She pauses, looking affectionately at Catra.

Castaspella: [with a slight air of mystery] You left something behind from your last visit, didn’t you?

Catra raises a wondering eyebrow, her expression mildly perplexed.

Castaspella: [with a grateful tone] It has been a great encouragement to all of the sorcerers here. Especially for Micah as he leads their work together.

Castaspella gestures toward an open doorway in the building nearby, and Catra follows with her gaze.

Castaspella: [with veiled excitement] You should know that she very much wanted to see you again.

The room beyond the doorway is dark.

Castaspella’s arm drops to her side, and Catra glances back at her uncertainly.

Castaspella: [smiling, a little self-conscious] So. I’ll . . . just give you a moment. Okay?

Castaspella begins to back away on tip-toes.

Catra: [confused] What?

Castaspella: Oh, I’ll be right over here! I just . . . [semi-whisper] don’t want to spoil the moment.

Castaspella stops a dozen or so paces away and stands,, her hands folded, a look of anticipation on her face.

Catra: [impatiently] She? Who? What are you talking about?

Castaspella: Oh. Well, I say ‘she,’ but . . .

Suddenly, a motion catches Catra’s attention as a tall woman emerges from the darkness of the doorway, her features indistinct. Her body seems to glow with a gentle light.

Castaspella: [softly] I’ll just be right here.

As Catra watches curiously, the woman steps fully into the light.

She is luminescent, and parts of her seem semi-transparent. Her burgundy body is smooth and featureless. Long, waves of hair emanate as a bluish halo surrounding her head. She shimmers like a living flow of water. And she is smiling beatifically at Catra.

Catra’s ears stand straight up, and she beams with a sudden thrill!

Catra: [joyfully] Melog?!!

And all at once, the two friends are running toward each other, with the eagerness of two streams rushing to meet one another in the river.

At the last moment, Melog leaps into the air, her body forming instantly into the shape of an ethereal wildcat. It lands in Catra’s arms, and they embrace each other, tumbling onto the ground, where Catra’s joyous unrestrained laughter mingles with Melog’s gentle crooning purrs.

Hi. I'm finally back with the next chapter in my fanfic!

Thank you for being so patient, dear readers. 😊

I appreciate you, and I aim to make this a special chapter for you and a great episode overall that was, hopefully, worth the wait.

And, also, even though this is the start of the 12th episode in Season 6, and it is a two-part "finale," do not read too much into that. These are truly not the final episodes of the season, for it turns out that this will be a longer-than-usual season with more episodes to come.

Nevertheless, this two-parter will be filled with excitement, I do assure you!

The story so far:

Episode 53: On The Plain of Heroes: With the battle against Horde Prime finally over and won, the princesses begin their separate journeys for home.

Episode 54: Just Friends Ship: Catra returns with the Best Friends Squad to Bright Moon, where she is welcomed, but struggles in her attempt to fit in. Mermista and Sea Hawk face a deadly storm together.

Episode 55: Sleeping Arrangements: Catra encounters demons in the Whispering Woods, while Mermista and Sea Hawk help each other to survive. Glimmer has doubts about Micah's return, and Adora invites her girlfriend and her best friend on an adventure together.

Episode 56: Throne Room: Mermista comes home to a ruined Salineas, King Micah returns to Bright Moon, Adora and Catra race to inform Bright Moon about a danger that threatens the world, and Spinnerella and Netossa are the heroes of the hour.

Episode 57: Missing Peace: Entrapta embarks on a voyage with Wink. In a tense meeting, the council in Bright Moon forms a plan. Perfuma and Frosta accompany Scorpia back into the Fright Zone, where they are less than welcome.

Episode 58: Peace Zone: Beast Island is as dangerous as ever. Scorpia reclaims her kingdom. Adora, Catra, and Micah learn that Mystacor is missing!

Episode 59: Good Will Tour: Entrapta's old friend arrives in the nick of time on Beast Island. Mermista and Sea Hawk gather the people of Salineas. Perfuma and Frosta leave Scorpia in her new kingdom to spread word of the Peace Zone.

Episode 60: Cry For Etheria: Entrapta makes a momentous discovery, while Catra assists in the rebuilding of Mystacor. And the Best Friends Squad activates the distress beacon in the midst of mysterious disasters.

Episode 61: Stay Close: A sleepover brings all the princesses together in an emergency meeting, while Catra forms a bond with Castaspella.

Episode 62: Chance for the Future, Ghosts from the Past: With the help of Entrapta, the princesses form a plan to save Etheria, and Adora and Catra face terrors from their pasts.

Episode 63: Welcome . . . The princesses part on their mission to save Etheria, but even more trouble awaits. Entrapta reunites with Hordak, who leads her to the Chamber of the Heart along with Adora, Bow, Emily, and Wink.

This chapter is dedicated to two of my most faithful supporters: Cal ( @CallistoArt ) and Darcy ( @DBT15 ). I thought of both of you as I wrote this, and I hope that what I have written for you and all my readers pleases you.

This one is kinda different, but I have faith that you'll accompany me in a different sort of journey today.

Please enjoy the first chapter of:

Episode 64: Where There Is Light

Darkness.

From a murky distance, a strange clicking sound chatters forth.

A regular, rhythmic, complicated overlap of tick-tick-ticking.

Slowly, an image fades into view. Catra’s face, her eyes closed in apparent sleep.

Catra lies curled on her side on a grayish-green mattress, her head on her folded arms, and her tail wrapped close to her legs.

The click-clicking, tick-ticking continues.

Her ear twitches, and she slowly raises her head, turning to look in the direction of the sound. The scene is indistinct and blurry, but nearby, two tall, slender figures sit in chairs angled slightly toward one another.

Catra blinks her eyes, and the image resolves. The nearest figure wears a long flowing high-necked, long-sleeved gown of multi-layer scarlet and burnt-umber fabric. Her long dark hair cascades around a mask that hides her face completely.

The second wears a deep purple, full-length dress with a pale lavender cape, and her dark hair descends from a central part in two thick strands along either side of her face. Both of them are industriously knitting the ends of a single, long brown scarf that drapes between them.

Shadow Weaver and Castaspella!

Shadow Weaver: [emphatically] She is very lazy, you know. It’s in her nature.

Castaspella frowns at Shadow Weaver.

Castaspella: Don’t you think the sleep will do her good? [looking over to Catra] She’s awake now, anyway.

Castaspella smiles at Catra with sweet affection.

Shadow Weaver: [dismissive] It accomplishes nothing. She’s just as lazy now as ever. Unfocused. Obsessive. She can’t even keep track of Adora! Typical.

Catra bristles at her words and begins to stand up, but she can’t for some reason.

Catra: Hey! I never told her to leave!

Shadow Weaver casts a withering look in Catra’s direction.

Catra: [looking down] Oh. That time, I did.

Shadow Weaver: Forgetful, too.

Castaspella: [to Shadow Weaver, frowning] I don’t think you’re being fair! I know what she’s like. She just needs a little encouragement.

There is the sound of giggling nearby, and Catra turns to see Adora and Glimmer kneeling on the floor playing with dolls like children.

Catra: [puzzled] Adora?

She tries to stand again, but can’t. She looks down at her legs, and they are wrapped up in a huge tangling of the yarn that extends to Shadow Weaver’s and Castaspella’s needles. Catra tries to move her legs, but there seems to be no give to the yarn. Catra looks over to the girls again. Adora uses one doll to give another a ride on its back, and Glimmer laughs at this.

Catra: [frustrated] Adora, come over here and help me!

Adora: [without looking up] Oh, c’mon, Catra! It’s fun!

Shadow Weaver: You see? It’s not always about you, Catra. Let Adora play. Besides, this will make you stronger!

Catra pulls at the yarn some more, but it is like wire!

Catra: Errrrgh! Come on, Adora!

Castaspella stops her knitting for just a moment and leans down to Adora.

Castaspella: Here, my dear. Give her these.

Adora turns to look at the scissors and takes them.

Adora: Oh, okay.

Adora jumps up, takes the two or three steps to Catra, and presents her with the scissors, pointing them upward.

Adora: [happily] For the Honor of . . .

Catra: [snapping] Just give them to me!

Catra grabs the scissors from her, and Adora laughs. She goes to join Glimmer again.

Catra: [pleading] Wait!

When Adora doesn’t respond, Catra starts to work on the yarn with the scissors, still looking at Adora.

Catra: [bitterly] Why are you playing with dolls, anyway? Is that supposed to be princessy?

Adora: [good naturedly] It’s okay, Catra! I’m not playing with them. We’re gonna blow them up.

Glimmer: [shocked] Adora, no!

Glimmer grabs the biggest doll and holds it to her chest protectively.

Glimmer: [proudly] Mine!

The doll whose head she presses against her chest has a pleasantly athletic build and dark brown hair that sprouts up at the top and is cropped close around the sides of his head. He has a little bow and quiver of arrows strapped to his back.

Catra rolls her eyes. She looks down at her work with the scissors. They are blunt and not very effective, but some of the strands are splitting, and the tangles are looser.

She looks up again to see Glimmer holding Bow on her lap. Bow has his arm around Glimmer, and their other hands are clasped. They are grinning at each other. Adora notices this, too, and then turns to share a raised eyebrow look with Catra.

Adora: Heh-heh. Those two!

Catra shakes her head.

Catra: [muttering] I know. They’re just so . . .[with mild disgust] perfect together.

Glimmer and Bow turn to look at Catra with identical mock-outraged grins.

Glimmer and Bow: [together] No, we’re not!

They look at each other, smiling even bigger.

Bow and Glimmer: [together] Yes, we are!

Bow touches Glimmer’s chin with his hand as he looks down into her eyes.

Bow: [gently to her, smiling] We really are, though.

Glimmer: [in sheer delight] I know! [she giggles as she squeezes his hands in hers] That’s the joke!

They both chuckle together, quivering with care-free joy.

Bow touches Glimmer’s face with both hands and pulls her gently to him, kissing her forehead. Glimmer puts both arms around Bow’s chest and tilts her head up to kiss his cheek, then pulls him close to her and leans the side of her cheek against his chest, closing her eyes and breathing deeply against his skin.

Glimmer: [blissfully] Mmmmm.

Bow lightly touches the back of Glimmer’s head as he settles his face against her hair, and with his other arm around her shoulders he holds her close and sighs.

Bow: [with loving feeling] Mmmmm.

Catra shakes her head at this beautiful show of affection, while Adora does a good job of ignoring them.

All at once, there is an urgent whisper at Catra’s shoulder.

Voice: [quietly] Hey!

Catra turns away from the loving couple and sees that it is Adora crouching beside her. But it’s a different Adora. This one looks a little tired. Some of the hair has slipped out of her habitually perfect ponytail. Her jacket is missing, and there is an unearthly glow over her chest. She holds out her hand to Catra.

Adora: [seriously] I’ve figured it out. I know what we have to do. Come on!

Catra takes her hand and rises to her feet, still feeling the tangles of the yarn around her shins and ankles. Adora pulls on her arm to urge her along.

Catra: [looking at her ankles] But, I --

Adora: [forcefully] It doesn’t matter! Trust me. Let’s go!

Adora pulls her, and they start running down an eerie dim corridor. At first, Catra stumbles along, and the yarn drags at her, but after a little bit, her left foot pulls completely free! She continues to run with Adora against a tugging resistance as the yarn untangles and stretches, still gripping around her other leg.

As they run, a light appears in the distance, like daylight at the end of a long tunnel.

Adora: [encouraging] We’re almost there! Come on! They can’t get us there.

Catra: [fearfully] What can’t?! Who?!

Catra looks behind her, but there are only shadows and the line of yarn stretching backwards. In the dark, it’s possible that she sees movement. Things.

All at once, the tension increases and the yarn pulls back hard!

Catra falls forward onto the floor with a jolt! Adora stops and looks down at her.

Adora: [worried] Catra. Come on.

Catra struggles and pulls, but the yarn won’t allow her to go any farther. She scrabbles with the loop on her ankle, but the knots are so small and so tight that she can’t possibly loosen them. She grips the yarn and yanks with all her might, but there is no way to snap it. Finally, she stops and turns to Adora in defeat.

Catra: [helplessly] Adora.

Adora crouches down and looks into her eyes. She reaches out and strokes the hair over Catra’s ear. She is frowning painfully.

Adora: [softly] I’m sorry, Catra. I have to go.

Catra grips Adora’s arm with both hands.

Catra: No! Adora, you can’t! Please! Stay with me.

Adora shakes her head

Adora: I have to go.

Catra: Why?!

Adora’s forehead wrinkles in regret.

Adora: You know. [pause] I have to save the world.

Catra’s face has a devastated expression. Adora puts her hand on Catra’s hands.

Adora: [nodding sincerely] I’ll come back for you. I promise.

Catra: [with tearful anger] You won’t! You always say you will. But you don’t. You leave!

Adora shakes her head, and the tears gather in her eyes.

Adora: No. I’ll come back. I’ll . . . I’ll prove it to you.

She reaches her hand toward the glowing place on her chest.

Catra’s eyes widen.

Catra: No. Don’t.

Adora’s eyes meet Catra’s, and she nods reassuringly.

Adora: It’s okay.

Making a fist against her chest, Adora squeezes her eyes shut and twists her hand with a groan.

Adora: [wincing and gritting her teeth] Ahhhuuuh!

Catra: [shocked] Stop!

There is a sharp snap, causing Adora to double over. Then she lifts her head and slowly holds out her hand to Catra. Her face is flushed and tears are running down. In her trembling palm, there is a glowing fragment, like a rough jewel.

Adora: [quietly] Take it.

Catra reaches out both hands and touches the jewel. It falls into her hands as Adora lets go, and she gently cradles it, even as it starts to blur through her tears.

Adora withdraws her hand and touches her chest, which glows slightly dimmer now.

Adora: [struggling with emotion] It’s . . . part of my heart. Now, . . . you’ll always have some light. And . . . now you’ll know that I’ll always come back.

Catra stares at the jewel, and her voice is husky with feeling.

Catra: [moaning] No . . . [she looks up at Adora] I’m not worth it!

Adora smiles, and there’s a sparkle in her eyes. Tenderly, she puts her hands on Catra’s shoulders.

Adora: [with love in her voice] You’ve always been worth it . . . to me.

Catra looks at the jewel again, wondering at its reflective glow. As Adora stands up, it shows her face, smiling down at Catra. Somehow, Adora looks strong again. Her lips move in the reflection.

Adora: Goodbye, Catra. Stay safe.

Catra raises her head, but Adora is gone. She rises to her feet, starting to run after Adora, holding the light of the crystal in front of her.

Catra: Adora!

Catra blinks and opens her eyes wide, waking up quickly and sitting up straight.

Catra: [calling out] Adora! Adora!

The woods around her are calm and quiet, but for a wisp of wind that trickles past her face. She sits under the shadows of tall trees, where she fell asleep in the mid-afternoon. She reaches out and touches her pack beside her, then reaches to her other side and strokes the air. But there is nothing under her hand.

Frowning, she reaches down to her hip and lifts up the lunar crystal hanging there. She releases the cord, and holds the crystal out in front of herself. It is dark.

Looking up, she sees one of Etheria’s moons through a break in the trees overhead. As she raises the crystal upward, it suddenly catches the moonlight and glows brilliantly! For a moment she stares at it, then lowers it again and clutches it to her heart. Closing her eyes tightly, a single tear trickles down one cheek.

Catra: [murmuring quietly] Thank you.

Opening her eyes, Catra rises to her feet, straightens her body, and picks up her pack to go.

In our girls' most agonising moments, there were still many things to come. Adora and Catra went to Mystacor where Castaspella was already waiting for them. Excited as always, she led the girls through the multitude of corridors up to the changing rooms. Catra was annoyed to sense some warmer and more humid air. Concerned, she asked Adora, "Hey, does it seem like it's somehow here too.... different?". Adora, who was already dressed in a special costume laughed slightly and threw her girlfriend the same costume. "Put this on and go that way" Adora pointed to one of the many exits from which steam was coming. Then she ran in that direction. Catra confusedly put on the costume and walked towards her girlfriend and to her unpleasant surprise....

Hot springs! Catra, at the sight of all this, was immediately frightened and started to run away, but Adora grabbed her by the tail and started dragging her to a nearby spring. When they arrived and Adora was ready to put her foot in, Catra in an attempt to escape slips and falls into the spring. At first she tries to get out shouting "HELP! HELP!", but as soon as Adora stepped in and grabbed her arm Catra felt reassured. Slowly the girl began to calm down and even lay on Adora's shoulder, purring. Adora didn't know much to do so she just leaned against the wall, closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep.

A few hours later, in the evening, Adora woke up only to see that Catra was not with her. She began to quietly panic, but calmed down as she noticed Catra sitting wrapped in a towel with a sad face. Adora came out of the hot spring and sat by her, grabbed her hand and spoke to her. "I'm betting tomorrow's breakfast for your thoughts.", Catra laughed at this text, but her amusement lasted no more than a second. "I wanted to say sorry for the way I behaved. I didn't realise how hard the job of Etheria's guardian must be, how difficult She-Ra's job is. I know you're trying your best" Adora smiled and said, "We're both guilty. But I think through this strange game we have discovered the causes of our problems" Catra made her sarcastic face. "Well look, so much trouble and we could have just been sent to relationship therapy." The girls started laughing out loud. "We are one of the kind, Catra. We are very special", Adora added.

After a few minutes, Castaspella came into the room with an orchestra, people who are throwing flowers and other such silliness. Adora and Catra were surprised to get up and start fooling around. Castaspella hugged exclaiming "Congratulations! You have almost reached your destination! Please here is the last card", Castaspella handed the card to the girls who had already prepared themselves for the last silly riddle. They opened the card and there it said:

"Plumeria."

Bonus:

Catradora's face right now:

Does anyone else besides me think that Castaspella and General Juliet would make a cute couple?

Happy weekend to my wonderful friends! 😄

As this episode nears its conclusion, I have a special longer chapter to share this time around, as we visit fallen Mystacor once again.

So far, in this episode:

Part One: A sacred bond bears fruit in every season.

Part Two: The rise of Glimmer, dads joke, and the mystery of the purple pile of hair.

Part Three: An impressive presentation becomes too much for Adora

Part Four: Glimmer encourages, and the princesses have a plan.

I am dedicating this week's chapter to @Silverdonna , a friend indeed, who stepped in beautifully as Catra for our party!

And, a second dedication to Cal ( @CallistoArt ), who invited Melog to the party this time around!

I hope I do both characters justice in this chapter devoted to them.

Enjoy!

The Hall of Sorcerers has seen better days.

Cracks meander in frantic patterns along the length of the floor, which itself is canted at a slight angle. Some of the large windows have fractured, or outright shattered, admitting piercing rays of sunlight at varied angles. Others are dimmed by clinging dust and grit.

At this hour of the morning, the high ceiling is lost in darkness, and shadows obscure the features of many of the larger-than-life stone figures.

It has become a hall of broken memories.

Yet, the sense of solace and solemnity remains unbroken.

Along this way of light and darkness, Catra walks in contemplation.

She wears the scarf that Castaspella knit for her. She holds one strap of her small pack in one hand, as she runs her fingers along the cool stone surfaces of the statues with her other.

Staring downward, her face unreadable, she is alone in her thoughts.

Tap, . . . tap, . . . tap -- she touches each immortal figure alongside her, and the warm light flickers across her body with each window she passes.

Suddenly, a strange shadow comes over her, darker than the others.

She looks up to see the source, and shudders with a gasp!

Leaning directly over Catra, glaring down at her, slowly and silently bending forward, and reaching out to clutch her shoulder is her old tormentor returned from death: Shadow Weaver!

Catra steps back and throws her hands up to defend herself from the attack!

Then, she stands frozen. Staring upward, Catra’s eyes quickly adjust to the near-solid darkness that enshrouds the features of the face looming over her. Recreated in lifeless stone, it is the life-like image of Shadow Weaver -- or at least, an unmistakable version of her. In place of the menacing face-mask, she wears a veil, leaving only the upper half of her face uncovered. Her skin is smooth, unblemished and free of scars, and her gaze bespeaks the confident fire and youthful vigor of a young woman looking to seize a glorious destiny.

But it is undeniably Shadow Weaver, and the traumatizing memories come flooding back. Catra cringes at the pictures surfacing in her mind.

Her child-self standing and trembling, drowning in fear and shame under the forceful gaze of that awful mask: a pitiless gaze of cold judgment. Being made to stand alone, in the dark, for what seemed like hours, knowing that if she were to move, her punishment would be greater. Fearing less the occasional blow, but suffering more than enough from words that continually echoed in her mind. Nuisance. Impertinent. Disappointment. Failure.

With an agonized growl of rage, Catra holds up her hand, fingers slightly curled and tense. Her claws extend, and she draws back. With an anguished primal cry, she slices the air with a lightning sweep of her arm: a killing strike.

Catra: Errraughhh!!!

Catra’s blow smashes the air, . . . but she pulls it. Inches short of the defenseless stone figure. And her hand hangs suspended, vibrating with the terrible force of her emotion. With gritted teeth, she closes her eyes, bowing her head, her brow creased, shaking, tears slowly emerging.

Her claws sheathe, and she clenches her hand into a trembling fist. Catra breathes hard. And gradually . . . her breathing begins to slow. Her hand relaxes. And opens.

Softly, she lays her palm against the surface of the stone.

She lets her forehead come to rest against the solid, cool surface.

And quietly, she weeps.

After a few moments, she lifts her head and opens her eyes to stare once again into the cold gaze looking down.

A look of determination overtakes her face. Catra drops her pack and steps up onto the pedestal of the statue to brace her body between the side of the alcove and the towering figure of her former mentor. Setting her shoulders and gripping with both hands, she takes a deep breath and begins pushing.

For a moment, there is only a tiny hissing sound of shifting stony grit, and the stone shudders slightly as Catra winces and shivers with the effort. But all at once, her raw will asserts itself, and the figure begins to move.

Catra: [groaning] Unngggh!!

Sweat and tears mingle over Catra’s features as she channels all of her strength to tilt the huge statue slowly upright. With a heavy, scraping, creaking sound, the stone shifts and finally returns to a new position of stability, settling once again into its original place. Catra collapses against it, holding the statue now for her own stability, as she recovers her breathing, breathlessly sobbing with relief.

Catra manages a deeper breath and steps back, turning her gaze upward.

This time, she stares with eyes wide open, standing tall, without fear.

And Shadow Weaver’s face is touched by the sun, lifted from the shadows by Catra’s indomitable spirit. It glows now, in a way that Catra saw only once.

In her mind, Catra sees her face again, smiling at Catra, even moments from death, with serenity, pride, and . . . love. Now, a memory and an image in stone.

A final tear winds its way down Catra’s cheek as she looks up. She nods, and a tiny, grateful smile appears for a moment on her face. This is the memory she will keep.

Footsteps from further down the hallway cause her to turn.

Castaspella: [approaching her, beaming] Catra! There you are! I was worried you might have left already.

Catra can’t help but smile a little at her enthusiasm.

Catra: I was just taking a last look around. It’s all so . . . magical, I guess. [gesturing around her] This place . . .

Castaspella: [with reverence] The Hall of Sorcerers. Our place for memories.

She gestures from the windows to the line of statues.

Castaspella: We hold our memories in light. [placing her hand on one of the statues, her voice becomes touched by stronger feeling] In case they come back to us some day.

Catra follows Castaspella’s gaze upward to the face of a young man with long wavy hair and a trim beard. It is stylized, but clearly a representation of Micah in younger days. Catra looks again at the statue standing beside her, and nods in understanding.

Catra: Yeah.

Castaspella looks to Catra and holds out her hand, invitingly.

Castaspella: Well, come on then.

Catra stares at her hand.

Catra: [frowning] What?

Castaspella wiggles her hand with excited urgency.

Castaspella: [smiling and insistent] Come with me!

Trustingly, Catra picks up her pack and takes Castaspella’s hand, allowing herself to be led down the hallway to the open archway.

They step out into the light together, and the new day is a glory to behold. The valley where the island of Mystacor rests is burnished red, flourishing with grasses and dotted with small trees, and the island itself is dazzled by the sun, a brilliant green against terrace walls of lavender rock slabs.

Gazing down the slopes, Catra’s eyes light upon a large gathering of robed figures, standing expectantly in a group near the base of the island.

Catra holds back against Castaspella’s eager pull on her hand.

Catra: [suspiciously] Uhhh, what’s going on?

Castaspella smiles and shrugs.

Castaspella: [casually] Oh. Well, my brother and I wanted to see you off!

Catra: [raising an eyebrow] Yeah. And, the other fifty people?!

Castaspella: [as if she had only just noticed] Ahhh. Well, you see . . . we’re a rather tight-knit group.

As she says this, she nervously straightens Catra’s scarf, then chuckles.

Castaspella: Ahahahahahahaha! [Brightly] Come on!

Catra follows Castaspella’s lead down the terraced slopes, approaching the “shore” of Mystacor. As the pair draws near, the sorcerers arrange themselves in a line that points toward the edge of the island, with Micah standing near the further end of the line. Catra watches them as they begin making precise passes in the air with their hands, and a spell circle appears before each sorcerer, every circle glowing in a different hue.

Castaspella and Catra halt just before the head of the line of sorcerers, and with one coordinated motion, the sorcerers activate their circles.

In a sweeping arc of liquid light, the myriad colors of 50 spell circles suddenly spill upward and fall in a slow wave high over the heads of those assembled, forming a transparent rainbow archway leading to the border of Mystacor.

Catra stands in wide-eyed amazement, spell-bound by the achingly beautiful sight. She turns her head to see Castaspella’s reaction and is greeted by a warm and loving smile.

Castaspella: It’s the Sorcerer’s Salute. [she lifts her hand in a gesture of invitation] For you.

Catra turns to follow her gesture, and away at the end of the corridor of lights, she sees King Micah, standing in royal finery, holding a small, glittering object in his hands.

Catra reaches out her hand to the space beside her, and Melog appears at her touch, nuzzling its glowing mane against her leg before eagerly urging her forward.

Tentatively, Catra enters the tunnel of light with her companion.

She tilts her head upward to gaze at the shimmering canopy rippling against the sky. The colors shining down on her sway in the air, illuminating her in countless patterns as she makes her way through the living spectrum of radiance. She smiles and breathes in the comforting warmth.

Gradually, she turns her attention to the men and women beside her. They are smiling in the glows of their spell energies, meeting her eyes with expressions of gratitude, admiration, and renewed hope. At first, Catra finds it difficult to meet their gazes, casting her eyes to the ground or searching the colors above and around her in awe. Melog catches her attention with a soft, encouraging croon, to which Catra responds by lifting her eyes once more to the sorcerers as she walks past them.

For the brief span of a day, she has worked with these people, helped them, even cared for them. Yet, in every face, she sees something deeper conveyed to her. A feeling of life-long welcome unlike any she has experienced before.

One old man with a bandaged wrist held closely to his body bows his head, and when he looks up again, there is the suggestion of barely restrained tears and a quivering smile. Catra nods to him solemnly.

As Catra reaches the end of the rainbow salute, Micah is waiting with a deep smile that turns into a wide grin. Catra makes a slight bow to him, and Micah bows in return.

Catra: [hopefully] Mystacor’s magic? Has it come back, then?

Micah frowns slightly, even as he smiles.

Micah: [slowly] That . . . will take some time. [pause] But we have touched the roots of the magic, and the roots are still sound. The rest of the sorcerers and I have work to do. And we are confident. Mystacor will rise again.

Castaspella steps up beside them and joins in the conversation. As she speaks, she stares at the jewel that Micah holds by a braided cord.

Castaspella: [to Micah] And the Lunarium?

He shakes his head and sighs.

Micah: [flatly] The alignment of the lenses is disrupted beyond repair. Many of them are broken. The Lunarium is gone. Possibly forever.

Castaspella frowns up at him, but he smiles reassuringly.

Micah: It may be as well. I don’t believe we need its shielding any longer. The Horde is gone. The kingdoms are united. So, Mystacor will be shown to the world again.

Castaspella nods, sadly, then turns to Catra and touches her shoulders. All at once, she pulls her close and embraces her.

Catra smiles, holding Castaspella’s shoulders and feeling the warmth of her face against her cheek.

As Castaspella releases, she lingers a moment to kiss Catra softly on the cheek, then pulls back and takes a brief searching look into her eyes. She begins fiddling nervously with Catra’s scarf as she speaks, making sure it fits snuggly around her neck.

Castaspella: [with heart-felt emotion] Go with my love, Catra.

Catra nods and smiles to her in sympathetic feeling.

She turns toward Micah, and he holds out the crystal to her.

Micah: [with gravity] This is one of the lunar crystals. Take it with you to Bright Moon.

Catra accepts the crystal, and turns it to look at its facets. It is exquisitely beautiful but strangely dark, as if it simply doesn’t admit the light of the sun.

Catra: [looking up at Micah] What should I do with it then?

Micah: [without hesitation] Whatever Glimmer thinks best.

Catra nods, and they clasp hands. She takes the cord, and ties it around her waist, so that the crystal rests on her hip.

Catra looks up and sweeps her eyes over all of those gathered for her farewell.

Catra: [humbly] Good bye. And . . . thank you.

She grips her pack, turns, and steps toward the island’s edge, then leaps down the short distance to the valley floor.

Without looking back, she strides purposefully in the direction of the far side of the canyon. Melog becomes visible again at her side, looking up at her and matching her steps. All at once, Melog stops, raising its head with a low moan.

Catra halts, and her expression becomes pensive and serious.

She turns, looks at Melog, and steps over to it, crouching down until they are nearly nose to nose.

Melog speaks to her, briefly, emphatically, and lovingly. With an otherworldly rumble in its throat and a hauntingly beautiful sing-song purring mew, it reaches Catra’s soul with its words.

Catra: [slowly, nodding] Yes. Of course. [pause] I understand.

Melog nuzzles and licks each side of Catra’s face, then turns and leaves its smiling companion, as it leaps and dives through the air, disappearing into vapor.

As Catra rises to her feet, she dares to look back at Mystacor. She sees the wide line of sorcerers facing out from the island ledge, all waving silently, and smiling at her.

As her eyes trace the forms of each figure, she notices something new.

Standing just to one side of Micah, with her hand resting on his shoulder, is a presence unlike any of the others. She stands statuesque and noble, with flowing hair and outstretched feathery wings, a brilliant smile on her angelic face as she waves along with everyone else.

She is half-transparent, the colors of her body washed-out and dim, but surrounded by a soft, vibrant bluish glow.

It’s Melog, Catra realizes. Visible only to her.

The figure smiles down at Micah, then slowly nods to Catra. And vanishes.

Catra nods back, and she waves to all the inhabitants of Mystacor, before turning away again.

To shed a private tear.

Happy first day of Pride Month, everybody!!!

(This picture took me over 3 hours to create!! My hand still hurts, and I made it yesterday lol! -Not seriously, don't worry.)

I hope all of you have an amazing Pride Month and stay true to yourselves! And don't feel pressured to be anyone but exactly you, gay, straight, or anywhere in between.

What other people think doesn't matter, as She-Ra taught us. Just...

Be strong.

Be proud.

Be you!

Well, hello there! 😊

As always, my lovely friends, I am honored to have you read more of my fanfic.

I hope you will find this one special, as it builds on a relationship that I did not expect to involve or explore when I started this story.

Previously in Ep 61: Stay Close:

Part One: Entrapta and Wink uncover the root of Etheria's crisis.

Part Two: Adora and Bow help Glimmer to prepare for an unexpected sleepover!

I joyfully dedicate this chapter of my story to my talented and passionately creative friend Arcana @ArcanaGrayskull because:

1) it is high time I gave her a dedication, and

2) she puts both Catra and Castaspella in her S-Tier ranking!

I hope she, and all of you like it, and here it is:

The early evening breeze flows over the valley floor, up the terraced slopes of the fallen island of Mystacor, across the rooftops of the broken buildings, to find Catra seated atop one of the high domes, where it ruffles lightly through her fur.

Catra sits with one knee pulled up close to her chin, her tail swishing slowly side to side in a somber rhythm. She stares ahead, toward the fading sunlight, which is retreating up the side of the high valley wall. And her eyes are filled with tears again.

Her expression is merely empty as the tears flow down her face, freely and without opposition. Catra lets herself cry, and for the first time in a long, long while, her weeping is liberated from anger.

Melog appears beside Catra, matching her gaze across the valley. After a moment, they turn their heads toward one another, and Catra reaches out a hand to rest affectionately on Melog’s neck. She smiles at her friend through her tears, and her glowing feline companion smiles back. As one, they turn back, and together, they watch the dying light slowly departing the landscape below them.

Catra’s ears twitch, as a voice calls out into the air from afar. It calls her name, and Catra narrows her eyes, searching for the source.

A figure comes into view around the edge of one of the lower buildings, hurrying one way, then another, stopping to look around, searching. She is carrying something in both hands, but at the distance in the gathering dimness, it’s difficult to tell what it is. She seems frustrated. And all at once, they hear her calling out in a weary, forlorn way.

Castaspella: Catraaaaaa!

Catra swiftly draws back, pulling up her other knee and hunching lower where she sits. She watches as Castaspella shakes her head, then looks around, down the slope over her shoulder, and back the way she came. After calling a couple more times, she trudges over to one of the low terrace walls and sinks down wearily to sit, her shoulders slumping and her head drooping forward.

Catra, rocking forward and backward ever so slightly, maintains a curious watch over the sorceress sitting several hundred feet away down the slope from her.

Just then, Melog raises up a soft croon, and Catra turns to it frowning. Melog croons again, and Catra’s expression softens a bit.

Catra: [nodding, reluctantly, muttering] Yeaaah, I guess you’re right.

Catra, wipes the tears from her eyes with the back of her arm, then uncurls and slips agilely off the side of the dome to the ground. Melog springs to follow her, becoming invisible while still in the air.

Making her way in a slightly serpentine path to dodge bits of rubble and uneven ground, Catra leaps from one terrace down to the next until she is standing just a few paces from where Castaspella is seated. She approaches quietly from one side, and at this close proximity, it becomes apparent just how exhausted Castaspella really is feeling. She hangs her head and leans over to one side, bracing herself with an outstretched arm. Catra gazes down at her with a sympathetic expression.

Catra: [gently] Hey. You okay?

Castaspella turns and looks up at her, her expression brightening in a beautiful tired smile.

Castaspella: [pleased] Oh! Catra! I’m so glad I found you. [touching the ground beside her] Please! Sit down.

Catra steps forward slowly and crouches down to her haunches near Castaspella, then stretches her legs out to hang them over the side of the terrace wall. Castaspella responds by reaching around to her other side and turning back with a bowl of fluffy white food in her hands. She offers it to Catra.

Castaspella: [cheerily] I thought you might be hungry. It’s malutia!

Catra glances down at the airy mixture in the bowl, then turns slightly away and rolls her eyes. Malutia. Glimmer’s “comfort food.” Nevertheless, as she turns away, she extends a hand to accept the bowl. Castaspella smiles as she places the bowl in Catra’s hand.

Castapella: [babbling nervously] Only you see, well, we have so much of it in storage, and now, . . . with all the damage, if we don’t eat it, it’ll just go to waste.

Catra turns back to her, shrugging.

Catra: [with muted enthusiasm] Okay. Thanks.

Catra sets the bowl in her lap and begins taking spoonfuls. Her eyes close as the food hits her mouth, and, in spite of herself ,Catra’s lips curl into a small, satisfied grin.

Castaspella: And I made this for you, too!

Catra snaps her eyes open to see Castaspella, reaching toward her with a long, maroon-colored woven scarf. Catra pulls back, raising the bowl slightly as if to defend herself.

Catra: [quicklly] Uh, no, that’s okay, I . . .

Castaspella flips the scarf over the back of Catra’s neck and ties a quick fashionable knot at the front.

Castaspella: There!

Catra slumps in defeat.

Castaspella: [self-effacing] You see, I knit when I’m nervous. [nervously] Ahahaha!

There is a moment’s silence. Catra appears non-plussed.

Catra: [flatly] Yeah, okay.

Castaspella sighs, then continues more seriously.

Castaspella: Catra, I am . . . so grateful for what you have done for us here. [looking down, remembering with emotion] Before you came, it was all so overwhelming. It just felt like . . . [there is a catch in her voice] like the world was falling apart.

Castaspella frowns sadly, and Catra sees how vulnerable she seems. Catra looks down and away, seeing her own memories.

Catra: I . . . know how that feels.

Castaspella looks at Catra with admiration.

Castaspella: I just can’t thank you enough.

Catra shrugs uncomfortably.

Catra: It was noth-

She checks herself, then raises her eyes to look at Castaspella.

Catra: [with quiet sincerity] I mean . . . you’re welcome.

Catra looks down again.

Catra: [after a pause] I kinda made a promise . . . to Glimmer. I promised her I’d do what I could to help out here.

Castaspella has been staring at Catra, studying her with an empathetic gaze. Her words reply to something she sees.

Castaspella: You miss her, . . . don’t you?

Catra eyes widen. Then she frowns slightly.

Catra: [puzzled] Glimmer?

Castaspella: Adora.

Catra stares ahead of her, but says nothing.

Castaspella: [softly] Glimmer told me what you did for her, and for Adora. You must really . . . love her.

For several moments there is silence. Catra blinks into the evening dimness, her eyes misting up, frowning. And Castaspella waits with a patient and caring expression. Finally, Catra speaks, still staring ahead of her.

Catra: [quietly] She’s just . . . She’s . . . the only person who, when I’m with her, I feel like . . . I belong. [there is a slight trembling in her voice now]

Castaspella: [with tenderness] In Bright Moon?

Catra: [pause, almost a whisper] Anywhere.

Castaspella frowns in sympathy.

Castaspella: [understanding] She’s your anchor.

Catra nods slowly.

Catra: Yeah. I guess.

Castaspella puts a gentle hand on Catra’s shoulder. Catra accepts it.

Castaspella: [urging] You should be with her. I’m sure she misses you, too.

Catra: [shaking her head] I’m needed here, and Adora . . . she’s with her friends.

Castaspella: [emphatically] She needs you more than you think.

Catra raises her head a little and glances at Castaspella with a vulnerable expression.

Castaspella: [meeting her eyes] I’ve seen it.

There is a deep earnestness in Castaspella’s expression, and the look in her eyes reveals a wide caring wisdom, worthy of trust.

At that moment, Catra looks into Castaspella’s eyes . . . and sees a mother that she never had.

At that moment, Castaspella looks into Catra’s eyes . . . and sees a daughter that she never had.

They smile, then turn toward the sunset rays together.

Catra: I’ll stay until tomorrow. [pause] Thank you.

Castaspella: [warmly] You’re welcome.