General Juliet

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

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

Day 25 fanfic, and it's time to jam out!

Music

The castle of Bright Moon held secrets.

Even Queen Glimmer didn't know them all.

In fact, she had just discovered a new one!

But she also knew Bow's favorite.

There was a way up the cliffside behind the castle that led to a formation from which (if you had a simple grappling arrow), you could swing across and land on a particular stretch of the castle roof.

From that part of the roof, you could reach a portion of the main spire that was scalable, and from there it was possible to clamber up to a ledge that formed the base of one of the massive wings of the spire.

That ledge was comfortable and quiet. An ideal spot for private contemplation, away from all of the typical activities associated with castle life.

Bow was thinking about the future when Glimmer appeared beside him in a brilliant flash of sparkles. He startled as she grabbed his arm.

"Bow, come on! I've gotta show you something!"

And they vanished together.

In a completely different part of the castle, Adora and Catra were wrestling together, grappling in an immobile tangle of interlocked limbs.

At that moment, the air around them exploded as Glimmer and Bow materialized beside them.

"Guys! You gotta come see this!" Glimmer squealed with excitement as she reached out to Adora's shoulder.

All four of them vanished together and immediately reappeared in one of the castle hallways in front of a closed set of double doors.

Catra and Adora rolled apart in a confused heap, and Catra groaned.

"Gah! Really, Sparkles?!" She sat up, scowling. "At least a little warning, maybe!"

Glimmer smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry! I just got so excited, I-- Oo!"

Suddenly, Glimmer's expression changed, her eyes wide and smiling.

She looked at Bow. "It's the baby again!"

She touched her slightly swollen belly, then grabbed Bow's hand and placed it there. "Feel it? It always seems to happen after I've teleported a bunch!"

Bow looked at her belly and grinned. "Hey, yeah! That's so amazing!"

Adora had jumped to her feet and was looking on with interest.

"Oh. Can . . . can I?"

"Sure!" Glimmer grabbed Adora's hand, too, and placed it flat against herself.

Adora's mouth widened. "Oh, wow! I can feel it!" She turned to her girlfriend. "Catra!"

Catra stood with arms folded. "I don't really need to--"

Before she finished her sentence, Adora grabbed her arm and pressed Catra's hand onto Glimmer's belly.

Catra fell silent, and her eyes suddenly became very wide!

"Woah." She blinked a few times rapidly. "So, uh . . . so you brought us here so we could feel your stomach?"

Glimmer shook her head. "No. Let me show you."

She drew away from their hands and turned, taking grip of each of the door handles. "Welcome to . . . " She flung open the doors, and her friends looked with wonder at what lay beyond.

" . . . Bright Moon's treasury of music!"

Glimmer led her friends into a huge storage space. And it was filled with a generous array of musical instruments!

"I used to love this place when I was really little, but I forgot about it during the war" Glimmer explained. "I only found it again today!"

Bow walked over to a wall of stringed instruments and a variety of ornately carved musical bows! "This is sooo cool!" He picked up one of the instruments and a beautiful bow. "It's even cooler than the armory!"

Catra's ears perked up. "Armory?!" she snapped, turning to Adora. "You been holdin' out on me?"

Adora wasn't paying much attention to her. She picked up a golden instrument with a mouthpiece, a curved neck, and a large number of press-keys along its length.

"Wow! It's so shiny! What do you do with it?"

Glimmer beamed. "Oh, that's a saxophone: one of my favorites! You blow into the smaller end and use the keys to change the notes. Try it!"

She turned to the others and gestured toward the instruments. "Go ahead and try them!"

Adora blew into the saxophone and made a loud groaning honk that ended in a squeak. She blinked at it and smiled. "I love this!"

Glimmer tapped Catra's shoulder and pointed to a set of drums in the corner. "And you play those by hitting them with sticks," she explained enticingly.

Catra raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Oh, yeah?" She sauntered that direction.

Just then Swift Wind poked his head around the corner, with an intrigued expression. "Hey, guys. How's it goin'? Did somebody say Swift Wind?"

Glimmer had seated herself at a sort of piano. She looked up and urged Swift Wind, "Pick an instrument!"

Glimmer began to play with the piano, while Bow sawed on an upright bass, Adora created some interesting honking noises, and Catra began to bash skins with vigor!

Swift Wind nodded with understanding and found a large xylophone, which he began to play by tapping the notes with his front hooves.

"Hey!" Bow announced loudly, "We're the Best Friends Symphony!"

The cacophony that followed was joyfully raucous!

It spilled into the halls and corrupted the peaceful atmosphere of the castle.

In less than two minutes, General Juliet arrived on the scene accompanied by three of her Bright Moon guards.

"Your majesty!" she called into the room, "Is everything . . .?!"

Seeing what was occurring and noting the evident pleasure it was bringing the perpetrators, the General wisely withdrew.

Being sure to shut the doors tightly before she left.

My wonderful friends! 😊

Every week I look forward to sharing a new chapter of my fanfic.

It is always a privilege to have you read and enjoy my story.

There are still a few more posts to come of this final episode, and I really hope you like it!

So far in Episode 77:

Lonnie, Kyle and Rogelio reflect on new life in the Peace Zone, and Perfuma and Scorpia receive some exciting news! (Part One)

Queen Glimmer bestows a special honor, and Entrapta finds deeper friendship. (Part Two)

And the new Queen of Salineas makes an important choice! (Part Three)

My dedication this week is for my dear friend Cal ( @CallistoArt ), who is always generous with her creativity and with her encouragement to me and others in their creativity. Thank you! 😁

It is a magical night at Bright Moon!

Enjoy!

Early evening has arrived, and the castle of Bright Moon shines palely in the moonlight. Her Moonstone, while dim in comparison to its former glory, nevertheless retains a stately and constant glow from within. Peace reigns across the deep purple landscape, the fall of dark blue waters, and the gentle midnight green of the shadowy forest that fringes the valley.

Within the palace, the atmosphere is light and joyful, with cheerful music filling the hallways where guards stand alert or walk their solemn rounds.

Following the strains of music leads to a large arched doorway, through which gently colored lights may be seen to shift in shades and hues, and a light chatter of many voices floats out on the swaying rhythms of slow dance music.

Catra stands, leaning against the wall beside the archway, arms folded, with a neutral expression on her face, staring down the hallway.

Her ear twitches, and she turns her head as Adora steps out of the room, her brow slightly furrowed. Catra smiles at her as their eyes meet.

Catra: [lightly] Hey, Adora.

Adora smiles, and her shoulders relax in relief.

Adora: There you are!

She sighs and takes her own place against the wall, near Catra and mirroring her posture.

Catra: [with a smirk] What’s wrong, Adora? Tired of dancing?

Adora shakes her head and puts her hands against her stomach as she turns her head towards Catra.

Adora: No. I just couldn’t eat anymore. What about you?

Catra shrugs.

Catra: Just bored. [gesturing with her thumb toward the doorway] What do they call that place again?

Adora: The ballroom.

Catra: Hmm.

Adora: It’s hardly ever used. And I didn’t even know what it was for until today.

Catra frowns.

Catra: So, was Double Trouble supposed to be a guest? Or were they the host?

Adora: [shaking her head] I . . . never quite figured that out. [curiously] Can they be both?

Catra turns her head away.

Catra: [ambivalently] Who knows?

Adora looks at Catra for a moment and then reaches out a hand to lightly touch her chin with the tips of her fingers. Catra turns her head to face her.

Catra: [bemused] What?

Adora lowers her hand and smiles.

Adora: I was missing you in there.

Catra: [with slight surprise] Really?

Adora: Yeah. Dancing wasn’t as much fun without you.

Catra smiles.

Catra: [pleased] Oh, yeah? [with a smirk] You didn’t say that last time.

Adora narrows her eyes in mock-annoyance.

Adora: This time was different.

Catra quietly slips her hand around Adora’s.

Catra: Yeah, I know.

They turn toward each other and squeeze each other’s hands.

A moment passes as they look into each other’s eyes. Adora tilts her head.

Adora: We could . . . I mean, you wanna . . . try it again?

Catra’s eyes widen.

Catra: [mildly surprised] You mean they’re still at it in there?! I thought they were done with all that.

Adora: Yeah. [equally bewildered] Everyone just seems to . . . keep dancing.

Catra: Hmm. [looking downward, in thought] That’s kind of unnerving. But . . .

There is a moment’s pause, and Adora puts a hand on Catra’s shoulder.

Adora: Catra.

Catra meets Adora’s eyes again.

Adora: I think maybe I know why they do it.

Catra blinks at her, and Adora smiles.

Adora: I used to think it was just part of the rules. Something you had to learn to do for the protocols of Princess Prom, or a party. But . . . when you and I were dancing together tonight, it felt . . . different.

Catra smiles a little, while Adora looks downward, remembering.

Adora: [with a little thrill] I suddenly felt so . . . free.

She looks Catra in the eyes again.

Adora: Like everything in the world was suddenly okay, and all that mattered was you and me.

Adora lifts her hand to gently touch the back of Catra’s neck.

Adora: [warmly] The war is over, and the magic of Etheria is flowing again, and everyone is happy. So it’s okay to just . . . dance. I think that’s why they keep doing it.

Catra’s smile grows, and there is a softness in her eyes.

Adora: Maybe we could be like that, too.

There is a beat of silence, and Adora wrinkles her brow self-consciously.

Adora: You think I’m being an idiot.

Catra shakes her head, smiling.

Catra: No. I don’t. I felt that, too.

She squeezes Adora’s hand.

Catra: We can dance. As long as you want.

She tilts her head, looking Adora in the eyes.

Catra: But how about just us. We don’t need a party for that.

Adora grins and nods her head.

Adora: Okay.

Adora turns, holding Catra’s hand, and they begin to move away from the entrance.

Just then, Glimmer comes out in a mild rush, hand-in-hand with Bow. They stop, and Glimmer beams at the two girlfriends.

Glimmer: [brightly] There you two are! [with mild disappointment] Leaving already?

Bow: [concerned] Weren’t you having a good time?

Adora brightens up, putting on her smile.

Adora: Oh! Yeah! Of course we were! It’s a great . . . party! [thinking] The, the food is really good! And, the dancing!

She looks toward Catra for support.

Catra: [after a second, with a little over-enthusiasm ] Oh. Yeah! It is!

Adora tosses a searching look to either side of Bow and Glimmer.

Adora: So. Where’s Entrapta?

Glimmer looks to Bow, who raises an eyebrow in consideration.

Bow: Sheeee . . . she’s mingling. Entrapta-style.

At that moment, General Juliet approaches hurriedly from further down the hall. She stops before Glimmer and bows respectfully.

General Juliet: [formally] Your majesty.

She holds up a small scroll and offers it to Glimmer.

General Juliet: A message from Salineas. I’m told that it is urgent.

Glimmer takes it from her with a look of mild concern.

Glimmer: Oh. Thank you, General.

Glimmer examines the scroll and unrolls a piece of it as the others look on.

After a moment, her eyes widen, and the hint of a smile appears.

Glimmer: Oh, wow!

Adora: [wary] What is it?

Glimmer re-rolls the scroll and looks Adora in the eye.

Glimmer: This is important! And it involves you, too, Adora.

She takes a furtive look over her shoulder.

Glimmer: [seriously] But we need someplace more private to talk about it.

Adora nods with a stern look.

Adora: Right. The Council Chamber?

Glimmer grins.

Glimmer: The Throne Room! Come on! You, too, Catra!

She grabs Bow’s arm, and urges him along with her.

Catra and Adora share a perplexed look, and Catra shrugs, as they turn to follow.

Happy Monday, wonderful friends! 😊

I hope my post today gives you a smile to start your week.

Previously in this episode, She-Ra summoned the rest of the princesses to save Entrapta (Part One), and together they formulated a plan (Part Two), which ran into a snag (Part Three). It turned out that Double Trouble is the only one who can help (Part Four).

Part Five began with Double Trouble taking on a new role in an effort to summon Darla.

I'm dedicating this second half of the chapter to Shadow (@Shadow and Light am I right? ), and I hope she likes what I'm doing here!

It's time so see if Double Trouble can complete the unique challenge that they started, and if you didn't read the first half to this chapter, please do so here!

Ready now? Here we go!

Mere minutes later, a massive shape descends, blocking the starlight over the main entrance to Castle Bright Moon like a heavy cloud, and shivering the air with a droning whir of engines.

A perfect version of Entrapta stands on the walkway through the shallow moat, grinning upward and rocking up and down on her toes, her fingertips tapping together excitedly as she watches the mighty spacecraft Darla descend with the grace of an eagle.

Standing a few paces behind her, Bow watches with Catra beside him, his expression smiling in relief, hers with a slight frown of anxiety.

Spinnerella and Netossa approach from the steps of the castle, holding hands and sharing a hopeful glance.

As Darla’s fins touch the surface of the moat, her wide ramp unfolds from her underbelly, reaching down to touch the walkway a few feet in front of Entrapta.

Catra is the first to move.

Catra: [impatiently] Let’s go.

As she steps toward the base of the ramp, she gives the faux Entrapta a wide berth, tossing her a distrustful look. But all of a sudden Entrapta launches into motion, her ponytails striking the ground to propel her up the ramp like stilts.

Entrapta/Trouble: [gleefully] Hahaha!!!

However, after only a few long strides, the hair-stilts become misaligned, twisting into each other and causing this more clumsy Entrapta to fall, crashing head-first onto the metal with a resonant clang!

She tumbles over and sits up on the ramp, pushing aside her own hair from her face with a bemused frown, unharmed but shaken.

Entrapta/Trouble: [wonderingly, to herself] How does she do it?!?

Catra walks quickly by her, casting an amused smirk her direction, and disappears into the ship.

Entrapta shakes her head wonderingly. Then she notices an offered hand beside her shoulder.

Bow: Hey.

Entrapta looks up to see Bow’s face with the hint of a friendly smile.

Bow: You okay?

Entrapta smiles self-consciously and takes Bow’s hand, letting him help her to her feet. She nods to him.

Bow: [encouragingly] Come on.

He nods and lets go of her hand.

She follows him into the ship, trailed by Spinnerella and Netossa.

Once inside, on the huge command deck, the group spreads out, Bow and Entrapta following Catra toward the forward control panel, while Netossa and Spinnerella separate to explore either side of the deck with their individual expressions of wonder.

Entrapta’s expression is all aglow as she draws alongside Darla’s holographic sphere floating near the control panels.

Entrapta/Trouble: Great job, Darla! I knew I could count on you! We’ve got an important mission to accomplish!

Spinnerella and Netossa look upward in different directions as the air reverberates with Darla’s smooth, comforting feminine voice.

Darla: I am ready, Entrapta. What is our next heading?

For a moment, Entrapta looks uncertain.

Entrapta/Trouble: Ahhhhhhh . . .

She glances at Bow, who nods seriously to her. She turns back toward Darla’s sphere.

Entrapta/Trouble: [with the tiniest hint of regret] It’s actually Bow’s mission. I want you to follow his lead on this one. I’m . . .

She looks back toward the hatchway, where General Juliet stands at the top of the ramp, arms folded.

Entrapta/Trouble: I’m staying in Bright Moon for now. I’ve got . . . [smiling] a science-y project I’m working on!

Darla: Very well. Bow. I await your instruction.

Entrapta turns back toward Bow, eyes wide and vulnerable.

Entrapta/Trouble: And . . . Bow, . . .

She turns her eyes downward, running both hands through a thick strand of her hair.

Entrapta/Trouble: [tentatively] Thank you for . . . for giving me a chance.

She looks up at Bow with a tiny, fragile smile.

Bow hesitates, but then smiles back kindly.

Bow: Well. That’s just what a friend would do.

Entrapta/Trouble: [looking downward again] Oh. Friendship. Right.

She meets Bow’s eyes with a questioning frown.

Entrapta/Trouble: I guess that’s what Bright Moon is all about, huh?

Bow nods.

Bow: Yeah.

Entrapta looks at him and smiles.

Entrapta/Trouble: [with sincerity] I’ll try to remember that. Good luck, Bow.

And she raises up a little on her ponytails until she is level with Bow and close enough to plant a small kiss on his cheek. She pulls back quickly as Bow startles, eyes widened in surprise.

Entrapta turns to Catra and smiles at her.

Entrapta/Trouble: Good luck, Catra.

As she begins to rise up, Catra hurriedly steps backwards, holding her hands up in a warding gesture.

Catra: [firmly] N-no, Dou--! I mean, . . . Entrapta! That’s okay! I’m good. But . . . [with a little smile] thanks for . . . you know.

Entrapta smiles and giggles nervously, and there is a strange momentary flash of yellow in her eyes, which disappears in an instant.

Entrapta/Trouble: Oh! Hahahaha! Sorry! I just got a little . . . ! Well . . .

She steps backward toward the hatchway beside General Juliet, who watches her suspiciously.

Entrapta grins at Bow and Catra with her characteristic enthusiasm.

Entrapta/Trouble: Good-bye! And truly! Good luck with the mission!!

She executes an odd little bow, her hair waving over her head. Then she turns quickly and scampers down the ramp out of sight.

General Juliet performs a more formal bow, then turns to follow.

Outside, under the night sky and three of Etheria’s glowing moons, Entrapta and General Juliet turn back to see the ramp retract and Darla begin to rise to the humming whine of her engines. The massive craft rotates in place high overhead, before momentarily glowing with energy and careening off over the cliffs.

General Juliet’s attention is drawn to a creeping black shadow that flows over Entrapta’s form, quickly obscuring her body from her boots to the tips of her ponytails. The shadow seems to contract in on itself, and the featureless body thins and stretches. Within a few seconds, the darkness recedes and evaporates, revealing Double Trouble’s lithe reptilian physique and an expression of mild concern.

They turn their gaze to General Juliet.

Double Trouble: Here’s some free advice, honey. Whatever role you’ve got . . . whether you’re the star . . .

They turn back to stare into Darla’s invisible wake.

Double Trouble: . . . or just the opener . . . always commit.

They frown and sigh.

Double Trouble: [quietly] I . . . I only hope it was enough.

There is a beat in which General Juliet’s expression toward them softens a little.

General Juliet: [reassuringly] Knowing the queen as I do, I believe I can say that when she hears of your performance, . . . she will be pleased.

Double Trouble smiles at this, and their eyes brighten as if they suddenly hear the world applauding.

Hello, adventurous readers! 😁

I'm glad you're here!

Did you catch the mid-week bonus post?

Well, then, let's recap for a moment.

Previously in Episode 76:

Part One: Catra and Swift Wind feel the power of She-Ra's call.

Part Two: At Catra's urging, Bow and the princesses formulate a plan to save their friends!

Part Three: Time is running out for Entrapta; and Catra, Bow, and General Juliet realize that their best chance means making a deal with a former ally and former enemy.

Part Four: Double Trouble is "a delight . . . and a menace . . . as usual"

I'm dedicating this one to Vivian ( @FlamingSunsetSecretSpitfire ) because it's been a while, and I want to!

What will happen when Etheria's most chaotic performer takes on one of their most chaotic roles? 🤔

The result is too good for one post!

So I am making it two! 😊

Look out for the second part of this chapter in a couple days as you begin your week!

Onward, friends!

The Crypto Castle lies quiet and still on the cliffs of the Kingdom of Dryl, her grayish-purple walls blending in with the natural rock faces sheltering her.

The oval windows of the castle glow with a lavender light, like the eyes of an enormous crouching spider.

Deep within, an electric humming vibrates within the space of a vast chamber. It’s source is Darla, a huge and magnificent diamond-shaped spacecraft standing empty and dormant within.

On Darla’s flight deck, a gentle electric glow in geometric patterns emanates from the floor and the wall-to-wall console surrounding it. And a large violet holographic wire-frame sphere hovers in the air, as if overseeing everything beneath.

Suddenly, the air around it shimmers, and a virtual screen unfolds, piercing the atmosphere and breaking the quiet.

Entrapta: [with urgency] Darla! Hey, Daaaaaarla!!

A bright-eyed beaming face suddenly fills the screen.

The floating sphere immediately reacts, vibrating in the air and brightening in a more vibrant shade of violet.

Darla: [with affection] Entrapta! Hello!

Entrapta’s face grins and blinks with relief.

Entrapta: [lovingly] Hi-ya, girl!! How are you feeling?!

The sphere pulsates as Darla speaks.

Darla: [with a tinge of pride] My critical systems are fully restored, all essential functions operating at 86% efficiency, and my energy reserves are nearing maximum capacity. And how are you, Entrapta?

Entrapta chuckles.

Entrapta: [ebulliently] Haha! Great!! I’ve been doing science! Sooooooo much science!!! Hahahahahahaha!!!

Darla: [seriously] Message: Bow would like to see you as soon as possible.

Entrapta: [in happy surprise] Oh! Bow is here with me!! He’s helping me out! With sci-ence!!! It’s wonderful! But now I need you, Darla! I need you here in Bright Moon right away!!

Immediately, the entire deck lights up with energy, and the huge panoramic windows brighten to display a scene of Entrapta’s laboratory outside the ship. A revving whining hum of massive engines arises all around, and the floor begins to vibrate.

Darla: I am commencing departure.

Outside the ship, as Darla begins to slowly rise, the walls and floor tremble, causing instruments strewn across workbenches to rattle, monitor screens to ripple, and thick vertical cables snaking from the ceiling to sway in sinuous rhythmic motions.

Once Darla is off the floor, the ceiling above her splits down the middle, and the two halves begin to fold back, revealing a dark sky spangled with glittering stars. Darla slowly and dramatically rears back, her bow rising to aim for the heavens. Within a few moments, the ceiling has laid the universe bear to her, and the whine of her engines rises to a gentle roar. Then all at once, in the space between one heartbeat and the next, Darla suddenly shoots into the sky, and she is underway at an astonishing speed!

Far away, in Bright Moon’s Council Chamber, Bow watches the performance with wide-eyed appreciation, while Catra, General Juliet, Spinnerella, and Netossa stand apart.

The counterfeit Entrapta gazes down at the tracker pad in her hands with a delighted gleam in her eye. The violet sphere on the screen glows with determination.

Darla: [from the screen] I am now en route to Castle Bright Moon, Entrapta, and will be meeting you there momentarily.

Entrapta/Trouble: Good girl, Darla! See you soon!

The image on the tracker pad fades to a dot, and the screen goes dark. Entrapta looks up to Bow with a wink and a grin. He blinks at this.

Bow: [slightly in awe] Double Trouble, . . . that was really--

But the purple-haired princess of science interrupts him.

Entrapta/Trouble: [in a rush of words] Applause later, Bow! ‘Cause Darla moves fast!! Come on!!

And, in a chaotic flurry of hair and feet, she bounds from the room at a terrific speed, leaving her companions to sprint after her as best they can.

✨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!!

Happy weekend, my wonderful friends! 😊

This is one of my very favorite times of the week, when I post the next chapter of my fanfic!

It's time for Entrapta's friends to put their plan into action.

Previously in this episode:

Part One: Entrapta is fading, and She-Ra sends a desperate message.

Part Two: Bow, Catra, and General Juliet collaborate on a plan to bring all of the princesses together.

Now, it's time to call on one of Entrapta's most powerful allies for assistance!

I have decided to dedicate this chapter to @Rqkha , a new friend here whose favorite character Catra plays a prominent role, fueled by her will to do whatever she can for the one she loves and their mutual friends.

Please enjoy!

At the base of the spire by the entrance to the Chamber of the Heart, She-Ra drops to the ground from the branches above. As she lands, she collapses into a half-crouch, clearly fatigued near to exhaustion.

For a few moments, she closes her eyes and breathes heavily, recovering some of her strength. Her golden aura glows comfortingly in the night, and it gradually brightens.

She-Ra opens her eyes.

Then, she grasps her sword, stands up fully, and turns to enter the chamber.

Within the Heart Chamber, Wink and Glimmer huddle closely around Entrapta, who remains nestled in Hordak’s arms, sitting on the floor with their backs to the base of the central console.

Wink kneels, clutching Entrapta’s ankles, while Glimmer massages Entrapta’s arms.

Glimmer turns as She-Ra’s glow falls across them, a look of desperate worry in her eyes.

Glimmer: Adora, she’s so cold. [shaking her head] She’s so cold.

She-Ra frowns in concern. She raises her sword with both hands, and in a burst of energy it transforms and spreads out until she is holding a large golden blanket between her hands.

She-Ra: Then we’ll keep her warm.

She approaches and kneels down with the others. tenderly draping the blanket over Entrapta’s still body. Entrapta shivers slightly. She-Ra wraps the edges around her, placing a gentle hand on her forehead.

She reaches her other hand out to touch Glimmer’s shoulder. They meet each other’s eyes.

She-Ra: Don’t worry. Help will be here soon.

Time draws on painfully back in Bright Moon as Bow’s companions stand behind him, Netossa and Spinnerella on one side, Catra and General Juliet on the other, leaning over to watch the image on Bow’s tracker pad.

Bow sits at the table in the Council Chamber of Bright Moon, huddling over the screen in his hands. It currently displays a hovering purple sphere, which pulsates in time with the rhythm of an evenly-modulated female voice.

Darla: [calmly] I cannot leave Dryl, Bow.

Bow: [with controlled agitation] But why not?

Darla: [logically] Because Entrapta instructed me to remain here, replenishing my energy until she returns.

Bow: [pressing] But Entrapta is in trouble. We need your help. She needs your help!

Darla: Then I will await her instruction.

Bow: [emphatically] But she’s not able to give you instructions. That’s why we need you. To help her.

Darla: [kindly] I have appreciated working with you, Bow, and your technical skills are well above the average for an Etherian. However, Entrapta’s knowledge and skill surpasses your own. Therefore, I must rely on her guidance.

Bow pounds one palm on the table.

Bow: [with mounting frustration] Darla! Listen! You don’t understand! We need to reach Entrapta right away, and we can’t do that without your help.

Darla: I am anticipating her return, Bow. I will inform her of your interest in seeing her.

Bow: [protesting] That’s not what I meant!

Catra: [in exasperation] Here! Let me!

Catra swipes the tracker pad from Bow’s grasp and raises the screen to her eye level.

Catra: [with irritation] Listen, Darla! Entrapta is in trouble, and if you don’t come here right now, we might lose her!

Darla: [assuredly] Thank you, Catra. I will certainly assist Entrapta in any way I can.

Catra shifts her eyes to smirk at Bow.

Darla: [continuing] I am prepared to do so immediately upon receiving her request for help.

Catra’s expression turns to one of incredulous annoyance.

Darla: Until that time, I am required to rest and conserve my energy.

Catra snarls at the tracker pad.

Catra: You stupid -- !

Darla: Ending communication.

The tracker pad screen goes dark.

With gritted teeth, Catra squeezes the pad with both hands, and a couple of small cracks appear on the frame. She drops it on the table in front of Bow.

Netossa shakes her head.

Netossa: Now, that . . . that was painful to watch.

Catra: Try it again, Bow!

Bow: [shaking his head] It won’t work.

Catra: We don’t have a choice! We need to have Darla! We’ve got to try!

Bow pushes his chair back and stands up.

Bow: No. I know Darla. She won’t go against the instructions she got from Entrapta. No matter what we say. Buuuut . . .

He begins to pace across the floor, looking downward in concentration, one arm folded across his body and the other hand holding his chin.

Bow: [thinking it through] Darla wants to help. But she’ll only leave Dryl if Entrapta tells her to do so. Entrapta isn’t here. And we can’t convince her. Because none of us is Entrapta. Which means . . .

He stops suddenly, considering. Catra walks toward him, gesturing with her palm.

Catra: [impatiently] Which means we need Entrapta! How is that helpful?!!

Bow looks up, the glimmer of a smile on his face.

Bow: No! It means we need someone who Darla thinks is Entrapta to convince her to come!

Catra frowns at Bow’s evident confidence.

Catra: But why would Darla . . .

Catra’s eyes widen momentarily, and then she frowns again.

Catra: Ohhhh.

General Juliet steps forward.

General Juliet: Just a minute, Bow. You’re talking about Double Trouble.

Bow: Double Trouble could do it, General! They’re the only one who can.

General Juliet frowns sternly, hands on hips.

General Juliet: That person is an untested asset of Bright Moon. Only Queen Glimmer can make the decision to employ them.

Bow: [firmly] But Glimmer isn’t here, and we have no way of contacting her!

General Juliet sighs.

General Juliet: I am aware of that. [with evident frustration in her voice] Unfortunately, the Queen saw fit to leave before I could receive any instructions from her. In her absence, I am the one in command at Bright Moon. As such, I am reluctant to compound one problem with the addition of another. [she shakes her head] I’m not willing to take that risk.

Bow extends his arms to her in a pleading gesture.

Bow: But General, we don’t have much time, and there’s no other option!

Catra steps between them.

Catra: [with calm assurance] With respect, General, Bow is right. And when we last saw Queen Glimmer, she told us she was looking for an opportunity to have Double Trouble prove themself worthy of her trust. [pause] Isn’t this is the opportunity she was looking for?

The General takes in Catra’s unwavering gaze, then shifts her eyes to see Bow’s beseeching one.

Bow: [earnestly] Please.

Spinnerella and Netossa draw near, joining the group with hopeful expressions.

Finally, the General nods.

General Juliet: [with resolution] Very well. Then, let’s hurry.

Welcome back to my story! 😊

Episode 76 opened with Catra and Swift Wind receiving an urgent message from She-Ra as Bow rallies the princesses for action. (Part One)

This week, I am pleased to present you with a longer chapter as the princesses, unable to use magic, develop a plan, joining together on a mission to save their friends!

But first, I would like to dedicate this week's chapter to two new friends who have joined our beloved wiki: Goober ( @Goofylittlegoober ) and Jubilee ( @.extravagant-jubilee. ) 😄

Even though you probably haven't read my fanfic before, I am hoping there is something here you will like.

And if you want to check out what came before, you can find all of my Season Six and Season Seven as part of our Fan Fiction Archive!

And now, let's see what transpires upon the return of Catra and Swift Wind to Bright Moon!

Swift Wind and Catra enter the Council Chamber side by side. Catra’s expression is serious in contrast to her grinning and self-satisfied companion.

Bow smiles widely, throwing his arms apart, as if to embrace them.

Bow: You’re back!

Without a word, Catra moves quickly to the table, beside Juliet. She leans over the tracker pad, nodding with approval.

Catra: [all business-like] You’ve already contacted the other princesses. Good.

Bow’s smile fades as he looks around.

He returns to the table, standing on the other side of the tracker pad, and looks questioningly at Catra.

Bow: What happened? Where are Glimmer and Adora?

Catra looks up sternly.

Catra: Adora needs the princesses. We’ve gotta get them to the Chamber of the Heart.

Bow regards her with wondering eyes, as Swift Wind casually strides over.

Bow: She told you that?

Catra shakes her head briefly.

Catra: No. But she sent a signal. Like the beacon.

Swift Wind nods, his muzzle poking out from over the top of the chair back.

Swift Wind: That’s right! I felt her.

Catra: [pressing] And it’s urgent. We need to bring them right away.

Bow nods to her. He picks up the tracker pad, addressing the group.

Bow: Okay. You heard that. What can we do?

Mermista’s face appears on the monitor, eyes rolling heavenward.

Mermista: Uuuuuuuuuum. Not a lot. Without our magic.

She glances outward from the screen, shrugging.

Mermista: I mean, . . . Sea Hawk’s ship is fast, but like . . . ya got a few hours?

Bow wrinkles his brow.

Bow: Scorpia? What about you? Could you take your skiff?

Scorpia appears on the tracker pad screen, chuckling uncomfortably, and tapping her chin with her claw.

Scorpia: Heh-heh. Well, in theory, that would be [her face falls] . . . completely impossible.

Scorpia cocks her head and looks upward, considering.

Scorpia: [to herself] I’m not even sure where all the pieces are!

Bow: [clutching at straws] Frosta? What about you?

Frosta’s face wears a bland expression as she replies.

Frosta: Stuck at the top of a mountain, Bow. Remember?

Bow: [deflated] Oh. Right.

Catra throws both hands into the air in exasperation and leans in toward Bow’s face.

Catra: [irritated] Arrghh!! None of you are getting this! [emphatically] This needs to happen! We don’t have time to focus on what we can’t do! We’ve got to figure this out, and do it now!!

Swift Wind sticks his head up close between them, smiling.

Swift Wind: [smugly] I hear what you’re saying, and what you’re really trying to say is . . .

Suddenly, the magnificent steed steps backwards, creating space to unfurl his wings in a brilliant display of sparkling rainbow plumage!

Swift Wind: [triumphantly] Swift Wiiiind!

There is momentary silence, as Bow sets down the pad.

He stands up straight, folds his arms, and faces Swift Wind, unimpressed

Bow: Okay, Swift Wind. How many people can you carry at a time?

Swift Wind straightens up proudly.

Swift Wind: [confidently] How many do you need?!

Bow: Frosta, Perfuma, Mermista, Scorpia, Spinnerella, and Netossa

Swift Wind tilts his head and squints in a pondering way.

Swift Wind: [considering] Uhhhhhh, lemme see . . .

He picks up a hoof and looks at it for a moment. Then he sets it down and inspects his other fore-hoof. Next, he turns his head to glance at his own back.

He turns toward Catra, who is glaring at him.

Finally, he turns back toward Bow.

Swift Wind: [innocently] Mmmmm, what was that you said about Frosta?

Bow: [nodding] Fine. Go get Frosta. She’s the most remote and the most difficult to reach over land.

There is a sudden whoop from the tracker pad.

Frosta: [ecstatically] Yes!!

All eyes turn toward the screen.

Frosta: [slightly self-conscious] Uhh, good plan. G’bye!

Frosta beams and runs offscreen.

Swift Wind raises one hoof to his forelock in a salute to Bow.

Swift Wind: [dramatically] I will not fail you in this noble mission!

He turns and springs into the air, wheeling around and gliding out of the chamber.

Bow: [sighing] Well, that’s one down. Five to go.

Catra: No! We need to simplify. We’re looking for transportation for three locations to get to the Valley of the Heart. Bright Moon, the Fright Zone, and Salineas.

Scorpia raises a claw on the tracker pad.

Scorpia: [lightly] Uh, it’s actually the Peace Zone now. Just . . . saying.

Catra: [snapping at the pad] Whatever. [raising her eyes to everyone in the room] Now, think, people! What have we got?!

Another voice arises from the tracker pad.

Mermista: Uuuuuuuuum, wasn’t there this super-fast ship that Entrapta and Adora had? The one that could go into space and travel, like, a zillion miles an hour?

Catra and Bow stare at each other wide-eyed as they listen.

Mermista: [from the tracker pad] Yeah, whatever happened to that? ‘Cause, that would come in clutch right now.

Catra and Bow: [together] Darla!

Mermista’s face frowns on the tracker pad monitor.

Mermista: Who?

Bow beams and does a little jump in the air.

Bow: [energized] Yes! If we could get help from Darla, we might be able to get all of the princesses together within minutes!

General Juliet steps in and quickly slides the tracker pad to one side.

General Juliet: If I may, master archer.

Bow nods, and she activates a control on the table, causing a pink holographic wire-frame relief image of landscape terrain to emerge from the surface of the table.

General Juliet: You’ll need a strategy, [looking toward Catra] as I understand that time is of the essence.

Catra nods and steps aside to give the General plenty of space.

Netossa and Spinnerella circle closer to the other side of the table so that they can easily see the area in question.

General Juliet: What is the current location of the ship?

Catra: Entrapta said she was “resting” in Dryl.

General Juliet points to a highland location somewhat north and west of the symbol for Bright Moon.

General Juliet: Here, then.

Catra: How far away is that?

General Juliet: About an hour and a half by foot.

Catra opens her mouth to protest, but Bow raises a reassuring hand.

Bow: [quickly] But, Entrapta gave us Darla’s frequency! if I can contact her remotely, then she could be here in a couple of minutes.

Catra nods.

Catra: That’s good. Then what?

General Juilet draws a line through the air to a location with a crescent moon icon above it.

General Juliet: From Bright Moon . . .

She moves her finger north halfway up the map toward a coastline location in an inlet.

General Juliet: To Salineas.

Then, in a wide sweep, she moves her arm to point toward the western side of the map.

General Juliet: Then the Peace Zone.

Catra steps forward and interrupts, pointing and drawing a large circle around the area where the General is pointing.

Catra: [sternly] The Peace Zone is huge. Scorpia, where exactly are you?

Scorpia’s voice emerges from the tracker pad.

Scorpia: [cheerfully] Oh, we’re easy to find. Perfuma and I have made a big camp with our people on the eastern border. We’ll be ready for you!

Catra: Good. Then stay put.

General Julilet makes a final motion of her arm, drawing a line part of the way back toward Bright Moon and pointing to a feature with a C-shaped cliff face.

General Juliet: Finally, the Valley of the Heart.

She looks up and meets Bow’s eyes with a little frown.

General Juliet: It’s quite a distance.

Bow reaches up and rubs the back of his neck, contemplating the map anxiously.

Bow: The problem is Salineas. It takes us in a completely different direction from everything else!

Suddenly the tracker pad vibrates with Mermista’s voice.

Mermista: [perturbed] Ex-cuse me! Could you not?!

Bow grabs the tracker pad and watches as the monitor image blurs away from Mermista’s scowling face and sweeps over to Sea Hawk’s bright-eyed grin.

Sea Hawk: [to Bow] Bow! Mermista and I are already out on the sea! We will alter our course and make for Seaworthy! There, we shall rendezvous!

Bow shakes his head vigorously at the tracker pad.

Bow: No! That’ll take too long. It’s too far by ship from Salineas!

The monitor blurs again as there is an apparent struggle for control of the pad.

Mermista’s voice: [from offscreen] It’s -- I’ll take that!

The image resolves on Mermista, who stares out with a bland look.

Mermista: it’s really not, though, Bow.

Bow: [perplexed] But Sea Hawk . . . when we . . .

Mermista raises an eyebrow, looking out from the screen.

Mermista: Hold on. Lemme guess. He took you on the ad-ven-tur-ous route from Sea Worthy to Salineas, right?

Bow: Uhhh . . .

Mermista: [nodding from the pad] Yeah. There’s a quicker way. We’ll be there by the time you’re ready with . . . [with an awkward expression] Darla, I guess?

Bow nods and smiles at Mermista.

Bow: Great! Okay. I’m gonna end this call, and then we’ll contact Darla. We’ll come for you all soon! Mermista first. Then Scorpia and Perfuma. Everybody be ready!

Scorpia and Perfuma appear on the tracker pad screen.

Perfuma: [serenely] We’ll be ready for you. We will be centered and calm.

Scorpia: Good luck, Bow!

The image switches to Mermista’s face.

Mermista: Yeah, we’ll be ready, too. We’ll be . . . you know, . . . us.

Sea Hawk’s face appears from the side of the frame.

Sea Hawk: [enthusiastically] Adventure!!

Mermista: [shaking her head] Really? [to Bow] Okay, ‘bye.

Bow thumbs a control, and the screen goes dark.

Catra watches him closely as he adjusts the controls.

Bow: Okay. Now for Darla.

Hey, there!

Welcome now to the conclusion to this episode, which finds Entrapta about to share her findings from investigations aboard the mysterious Tree Moon orbiting Etheria! 😃

Time for a recap, as well!

Previously in Episode 71:

Part One: In an extraordinary effort, Darla breaks free from Horde Prime's old flagship to return Wink and Entrapta to Etheria.

Part Two: Scorpia helps Perfuma to see her true magic, as former Horde soldiers and Plumerians sow seeds of food and friendship.

Part Three: Micah shares the rediscovered magic of Mystacor with Glimmer.

Part Four: Catra, Glimmer, and Swift Wind catch up with Adora and General Juliet in Bright Moon, and Entrapta makes an Entrapta-like entrance!

I'm dedicating this chapter to Constellation ( @JellyfishConstellation ) because a) Constellation is awesome, and b) Entrapta is about to science!

Hope you enjoy! 😁

In the Council Chamber of Bright Moon, Catra, Glimmer, and General Juliet are looking at each other in nervous silence. Finally Catra speaks.

Catra: [helpfully] So, should I go get Adora?

Glimmer: [snapping] No! We need to just --

A loud voice from the doorway causes them all to start!

Entrapta: [over-cheerfully] Hi, there, everyone!!

Glimmer whips around.

Glimmer: Entrapta?!

Entrapta steps into the room, heading straight for Glimmer, with Adora close behind her.

Adora: [matter-of-factly] It was Entrapta.

Entrapta stands close to Glimmer and lifts up her tracker pad, which is hanging from a strap around her shoulder and neck. She holds the pad in her hand and studies it. At the same time, one of her ponytails reaches into a pocket of her overalls and withdraws a wand-like piece of tech, which she proceeds to interface to the edge of the pad by some hanging wires and a cord. The lash-up looks like it was hastily constructed.

Entrapta: I’ve been working on the problem of the princess magic, Glimmer, and I’m ready to confirm my latest hypothesis. I need to take some noninvasive bio-readings on you.

Glimmer nods without hesitation.

Glimmer: Okay. What do you need me to do?

As Entrapta completes the connections to the tracker pad with tendrils on her left ponytail, she uses her right ponytail to pull a chair back, away from the central table of the Council Chamber.

Entrapta: [without looking up] Sit here and extend your arm outward.

Glimmer does so. Catra and General Juliet move closer to observe.

Glimmer: Now what?

Entrapta leans over her eagerly, one ponytail settling on top of Glimmers head to hold it firmly, the other grasping Glimmer’s fingers to hold her arm stretched out.

Entrapta: [with energetic anticipation] Now hold perfectly still!

Glimmer looks uncertain, but resolute.

Holding the tracker pad in one gloved hand, Entrapta uses the other to slowly pass the wand over Glimmer’s arm from shoulder to fingertips. It emits a strange buzzing noise, which ends with a small electronic chirp.

After doing this, Entrapta immediately steps back, releasing Glimmer so suddenly that she wobbles.

Glimmer touches her arm with her other hand and rubs it, as if checking to see if it was damaged. She looks relieved. Then she turns to Entrapta, who is staring head-down at the screen of her tracker pad.

Catra, Adora, and General Juliet observe over Entrapta’s shoulders. After a moment, Catra looks away, apparently bored. Adora glances at Glimmer, shrugs, and shakes her head.

All of a sudden, Entrapta erupts with laughter.

Entrapta: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! This is incredible!

Glimmer: [intrigued] What?! Did you figure something out?

Entrapta: Ohhhh, yes!!

Entrapta raises up on her ponytails and perches on them like a high stool.

Entrapta: Just look at THIS!!!

Entrapta leans over toward Glimmer, both arms extended, with the tracker pad held between them, screen outward.

Glimmer squints at what looks like a complicated line-drawing of white on black. It resembles the shape of an arm, but with a branching set of zig-zag lines traced over it, like cracks in a window.

Glimmer: [Tentatively] Is that my arm? What are those lines?

Entrapta’s face appears over the top of the pad, beaming with enthusiasm.

Entrapta: It’s First Ones Tech!

Glimmer recoils from the image and grasps her arm.

Glimmer: [in shocked disgust] That’s inside me?! First One’s Tech?!

Entrapta leans back on her pedestal of hair, holding the tracker pad in a way that everyone can see.

Entrapta: Yep! Conductive filaments and processors embedded deep within your entire body!

Glimmer: [fearfully] But why?! How did it get there?

Entrapta: [with excited delight] It’s always been there! You were born with it inside you! ALL the princesses were! [a pause, frowning to herself] At least, I think they were.

Suddenly, Entrapta shrinks down as her hair-stool relaxes, and she lands with her shoes on the ground. She begins to pace. The others all stare at her with varying degrees of worry and upset visible on their faces.

Entrapta: [to herself] What I really need is more princesses to examine.

Catra: What about you? You’re a --

Right at this moment, two new figures appear at the doorway to the chamber, hand in hand. Netossa and Spinnerella!

Netossa: Helloooo!

All heads turn their direction.

Netossa: [smiling] We’re back.

Spinerella: [frowning slightly] And . . . there’s a . . . thing . . . outside.

Netossa nods, letting go of her wife’s hand to gesture with both.

Netossa: [with emphasis] Yeah. A big thing!

She drops her hands to her hips.

Netossa: [raising her eyebrow] And right now, it’s playing with Swift Wind! What’s that all about?!?!

Entrapta giggles happily.

Entrapta: [overjoyed] Hahahahaha! This is great! Come over here! We’re doing science!

Netossa and Spinnerella glance at each other and shrug. They walk toward the group. As they stop, Entrapta practically leaps forward, her tracker pad and wand in hand.

Entrapta: [eagerly] Hold still!

As Entrapta quickly passes the wand over their arms, Netossa and Spinnerella watch with curiosity.

Netossa: What is all this?

As the wand passes over the back of Spinnerella’s hand, zig-zag lines momentarily glow from beneath her skin. Seeing this, Spinnerella’s eyes widen.

Spinnerella: [in a tiny gasp] Ah!

Entrapta doesn’t seem to notice, as she stares at the display of her tracker pad. The glow on Spinnerella’s hand fades quickly, and she turns it over, staring at it.

Entrapta: YES!!! This confirms my theory perfectly!

Glimmer stands up beside her. She glances uncomfortably from her fellow princesses to Entrapta.

Glimmer: [nervously] Okay. Now that we know that there’s First One’s tech inside us . . . how do we get it out?

Entrapta looks at her curiously and shakes her head.

Entrapta: [earnestly] We don’t. We can’t. It’s part of you. It’s the reason that the princesses have any magic at all.

Glimmer: [in quiet horror] What??

Entrapta: [with glee] Hahaha! That was my breakthrough discovery!

Entrapta raises upward on the tips of her ponytails and spins for joy, her ponytails stretching, spiraling together in a braid as she raises her arms and looks to the sky.

Entrapta: My mistake was thinking that something had gone wrong with the princesses to cause them to lose their magic. I needed more information. And I found what I needed back on Horde Prime’s flagship!

Adora looks up at her with a stricken expression.

Adora: Horde Prime? You went back?!

Entrapta looks down at her and kicks her legs in the air with delight.

Entrapta: YES! That’s where Wink and I discovered the truth.

Suddenly, Entrapta tilts forward, so that she is hovering above the princesses in a completely horizontal position, gesturing down at them.

Entrapta: The princesses never had any magic of their own. It was the tech inside their bodies giving them access to the First Ones system! When we shut down the system, it shut down the princesses, too!

Netossa looks at Spinnerella, holding both of her wife’s hands in her own. She looks back up to Entrapta, almost with a pleading expression.

Netossa: Then . . . that means the magic really is gone, forever.

Entrapta spirals to the ground as her ponytails untwist. As she reaches the floor, she looks directly at Netossa, beaming.

Entrapta: Oh, no! That’s the beauty of it all! Now we know that we can bring it back whenever we want!

A strange momentary flash of purple flickers in Entrapta’s eyes.

Entrapta: We have complete control of it. Now.

Adora frowns.

Adora: [with forboding] What do you mean?

As if taken by a new idea, Entrapta suddenly spins around, facing the doorway.

Entrapta: I need some more equipment from Lucinda! I’ll be back!!

As she darts away, Adora reaches out for her.

Adora: Entrapta, wait! What do you mean?!

But Entrapta is gone.

Catra lays a gentle hand on Adora’s shoulder. Adora turns to her with a look of worry.

Out in the corridor, the guards lean well back as Entrapta vaults past them, skipping on her hair and chuckling happily.

She reaches the end of the hallway by the window and suddenly stops.

With a look of curious wonder, she slowly removes one of her gloves and rolls up her sleeve, exposing her arm. She picks up the wand of her tracker pad.

She hesitates.

Then, she passes the wand over the length of her arm, and it makes a buzzing hum.

Entrapta stares with wide eyes at the glowing signs that appear.

Spidery lines and nodes of First Ones tech stretch across every surface, pulsing beneath her skin. Far more so than with any of the other princesses.

She frowns in troubled fascination.

They saturate every part of her.

(End of Episode 71)

Hello, my dears! 😊

This weeks chapter will be nice, with characters coming together again who have been apart. But some of them have some explaining to do! 🤨

But before we get into that, it's time for a recap of the current episode!

Previously in Episode 71:

Part One: Darla, Entrapta, and Wink battle a ginormous tree in space, desperate to bring back information for the sake of every princess of Etheria!

Part Two: Scorpia and Perfuma work together for the recovery of the Peace Zone!

Part Three: Glimmer discovers a secret within the untamed magic in Mystacor!

I would like to dedicate my chapter this week to a wonderful new friend and kind reader of my fanfic, May ( @.+*Twilght Wings*+. ) 😁

May, I think you will enjoy this one! I hope so!

We are returning now to the place where (in the words of Double Trouble in my fan fiction) drama truly lives! 😆

Welcome back to Bright Moon, my friends!!

Bright Moon Castle glows softly in the early evening as the last haze of sunlight colors the far distant edge of the sky a deep auburn rose.

Over this peaceful scene, the glorious Swift Wind glides gently downward toward the great entrance facing the Moon Stone.

He announces his arrival in song.

Swift Wind: [dramatically] Swiiiift Wiiiiind! It’s a wooonderful Swiiiiift Wiiind!

Silhouetted in the Moon Stone’s soft white light, he bears Glimmer and Catra into the brightly-lit interior of the Throne Room and lands with stately grace.

As Glimmer and Catra dismount, three of the castle guards rush into the room, staves at the ready. Seeing Glimmer, they assume an attitude of attention, then execute bows in unison. Glimmer nods in approval.

Catra looks around, ears twitching in alertness.

Swift Wind: [loudly, to the guards] Hey! Where’s Adora?

Catra: [pointedly] Is she here?

The central guard bows to Catra.

Guard: [formally] Yes, my lady.

Glimmer steps forward, hands on hips.

Glimmer: Then, take us to her, please.

All three of the guards bow to Glimmer.

Guard: At once, your majesty.

They follow the guards out into the broad hallway. The guard in command pauses with a nod to the other two, who immediately take positions on either side of the Throne Room entrance. Then she turns, and leads Glimmer and her friends down the main corridor.

Partway down the hallway, recognizable voices are heard, which become clearer as they near the entrance to the Council Chamber.

Voice of Adora: [insistent] -- at any time! It’s too much of a risk! These precautions will assure --

Voice of General Juliet: [firmly] With respect, Adora, that is for the Queen to decide.

At that moment, Glimmer enters the room, along with Catra and Swift Wind.

They find Adora and General Juliet standing facing each other with severe expressions, their hands pressing the surface of the table, upon which are a couple of parchment documents. Their heads turn in unison, Juliet’s eyebrows raised and Adora’s eyes startled and wide. General Juliet straightens her posture.

Glimmer: [brightly] Hi, there!

Adora: [surprised] Glimmer!

General Juliet: [respectfully] Your majesty.

Glimmer: [formally] General.

Catra: [with happy relief] Adora.

Adora: [excitedly] Catra!

Swift Wind: [proudly] Swift Wind! Did someone say my name?

Adora walks over to them laying one arm over Catra’s shoulders, one hand on Swift Wind’s neck, and catching Glimmer in the middle.

Adora: It’s so good to see you guys!

Catra puts her arms around Adora’s waist, while Glimmer wraps one arm around Adora’s back and one around Catra’s. Swift Wind tilts his head down to nuzzle Adora’s face, while briefly stretching his wing to encircle Glimmer and Catra.

Glimmer: [sing-songy] Weee’re baack!

Adora: [turning her head to nuzzle Swift Wind’s face] Swiftie!

Swift Wind makes a pleased whinnying sound.

Catra: [to Adora, softly] I missed you.

Adora: [quietly to Catra] Missed you, too.

They all step back from the embrace, and Adora looks at them with a pleased but curious smile.

Adora: Why did you all leave?

Glimmer raises an eyebrow.

Glimmer: Tell ya in a minute. But first . . . [pointedly innocent] what was it I was supposed to decide?

Adora takes a step back, looking slightly awkward and putting a hand to the back of her neck.

Adora: Oh, ahhh . . .

She glances at Catra, who narrows her eyes.

Adora: [quickly] It’s nothing, really! It can wait.

Catra smiles a little at Adora’s discomfort.

Catra: [suspiciously] Uhhh, huh.

Glimmer steps forward, following Adora as she backs away.

Glimmer: Ohhh. Are you sure?

Adora: Yeah!

She looks downward, noticing the brace on Glimmer’s leg.

Adora: [evasively] Oh, wow! Your leg! How are you doing with it? Is it still hurting?

Adora looks at her innocently, smiling. Glimmer grins back.

Glimmer: [with relief] Oh, it feels soooo much better! And Bow did an amazing job with the brace! I hardly feel it now.

Adora: [enthusiastically] Oh, good! That’s good. ‘Cause . . . [softly, genuinely, looking Glimmer in the eye] . . . I was worried about you.

Glimmer looks at her gratefully, with affection.

Glimmer: Thank you, Adora. That means a lot.

Adora smiles at her. There is a brief awkward pause, while Swift Wind paws the ground a bit.

Swift Wind: [bored] Sooo . . .

Adora: [quickly] So!

Glimmer: [directly] So, how were things around here? Any trouble while I was gone?

Adora: [chuckling nervously]: Trouble. Heh-heh-heh.

Adora tosses a quick glance toward General Juliet, who has been standing nearby with arms folded. She steps forward.

General Juliet: Your majesty, we captured an intruder in the castle.

Glimmer: What?!

Adora: [guiltily] Oh, yeah. That happened.

Glimmer: [concerned] What intruder?

General Juliet: It was Double Trouble again. We’ve taken them into custody.

Catra: [softly, with intensity] What?

Glancing at Catra, Adora sees that her eyes are like smoldering daggers.

Adora: Yeah. But it’s okay!

Glimmer tilts her head forward and sighs, touching her wrinkled brow.

Glimmer: [groaning] Ugghh! Double Trouble is a headache I did not want to have to deal with.

Adora: [reassuringly] It’ll be fine! The situation with Double Trouble is tooootally under control.

Catra grits her teeth, her eyes narrowed, her hands fists.

General Juliet: [to Glimmer] I have arranged for there to be two guards with them at all times, always awake, always alert, with alternating shift changes. This person will not be a problem.

Catra addresses General Juliet.

Catra: You say they’re confined right now.

General Juliet: [turning toward Catra] Yes.

Catra: Good.

She turns on her heel and starts for the door.

Catra: [ominously] I’ll be back.

There is a quiet, but disturbing shinging sound.

Adora leaps forward, and Glimmer turns quickly to reach toward Catra.

Adora: Catra! No!

Glimmer: Catra!

Glimmer and Adora each grab one of Catra’s wrists, holding her back. Catra pulls against them for a moment.

Catra: [frustated] Erggh!

Glimmer: Catra, please! This is not how we roll! Just let me talk with them, okay!

All at once Catra stops pulling. Her head drops, and she takes a deep breath. Her claws sheathe again. Glimmer and Adora look at each other with concern, then release Catra’s wrists. Catra clenches her fists, sighs deeply, and then lets her hands relax. She turns to face them, looking first at Glimmer and then Adora. She nods, then looks back at Glimmer.

Catra: [conceding] Okay. Fine.

Glimmer turns back to General Juliet.

Glimmer: Do we know what they’re doing here? What they want?

General Juliet shrugs.

General Juliet: They say they want to make some kind of deal with you. They acted like they wanted a job and a place to stay.

Glimmer: [wrinkling her face] A job?

General Juliet: That’s what they said.

Catra steps up close to them, frowning, her ear twitching.

Glimmer: [to Juliet] Well, what I really wanna know is --

Catra puts her hand out and interrupts.

Catra: [sharply] Shhh!

Glimmer halts mid-sentence, looking curiously at Catra.

Catra: Listen. There’s something outside.

Everyone freezes for a moment, cocking their heads.

Within a second, a faint thumping, booming sound becomes audible. Rhythmic. Like giant footsteps.

Everyone looks at each other with worry and wonder.

The guards look tense. General Juliet’s hand hovers by her sword.

Catra: [earnestly] It’s coming closer.

Swift Wind steps up beside Glimmer.

Swift Wind: [confidently] I’ll go check it out!

Adora: [quickly] Wait.

All at once, Swift Wind leaps into the air, sweeping over their heads, causing them to duck as he flaps his wings around.

Adora: [annoyed] Swiftie! What did we say about flying inside the castle?!

Swift Wind executes a gentle spiral glide overhead as he speaks.

Swift Wind: [confidently] Wait at least half an hour after a big meal!

Adora: That’s not what we said!!

Swift Wind: [ignoring her] I’ll take a quick look and be right back!

Glimmer: Hold on a second!

Adora: Swiftie!

Swift Wind quickly flies out of the Council Chamber and out into the hallway. There are a couple of surprised cries, and then the brief sound of a scuffle, like the great winged horse is smacking into a few of the walls.

Adora: [to Glimmer] Don’t worry. I’ll get him.

And she sprints out of the chamber. Glimmer reaches a hand after Adora, as if she could somehow catch her.

Glimmer: [troubled] Adora!

Catra: [calmly] Well, the noise has stopped.

Out in the hallway, Adora looks both ways, then lays her eyes on a pair of guards, who look decidedly shaken. They point toward one of the far ends of the hallway.

Adora nods, and runs to the end of the hallway, where a large open window looks out onto the night and the grounds below. She reaches the window and leans against the casement with both hands, searching the sky intently.

Adora: Hm.

Without warning, a fast-moving dark figure leaps over the edge of the window, colliding with Adora and knocking her onto her back!

The figure kneeling over her is dressed in overalls and wears a bug-like mask with huge glowing ovals for eyes. It’s Entrapta! She lifts up the shield of her mask and stares down at Adora with a grin.

Entrapta: Oh, hello, Adora! I’m glad I bumped into you! Can you take me to Glimmer? I need to see her, right now!

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.

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!

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)

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!

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

Hello!

First of all, for what it's worth:

This my 1000th post on the wiki! :D

And my first fan fiction post of 2022, as well.

Previously in this episode:

In Part One, Entrapta spends some quality time with Darla and plans a trip with Wink.

Then, in Part Two, Perfuma and Frosta (each in their own way) help Scorpia prepare for her return to her homeland, and there are snowballs in springtime!

But, now, it's time to get serious, as Glimmer leads a meeting in Bright Moon to determine how to address the threat that now faces all of Etheria.

This is a bit of a longer part this time. I hope you will like it!

The mid-morning sun shines through a huge prismatic window on the ceiling of Bright Moon’s Council Chamber. The light splits into individual beams that touch each of the seats around the large circular table, where Glimmer awaits the gathering of her friends. Glimmer is radiant in her royal attire, and she bears a look of determination and concern.

Spinnerella and Netossa are already present, as well as Micah, who has accepted his old chair, next to the queen’s. He is dressed more humbly than at his arrival the previous night. Not the image of a king, but equally noble as a strong presence of support beside his daughter.

Glimmer stands up when Bow enters the room, looking expectantly at him. Bow shrugs, shaking his head, then takes his own seat at the table across from her. Glimmer turns to Micah, who smiles encouragingly up at her. She smiles a little and gives his hand a brief squeeze of affection, before she takes her seat again.

All heads turn at the sound of footsteps from the other side of the room. General Juliet approaches the table and removes her helmet. She executes a small bow to Glimmer.

General Juliet: They will be here shortly, your Majesty.

General Juliet takes her seat beside Glimmer, and the room falls silent again.

There is an air of expectancy in the Council Chamber of Bright Moon, broken only as Catra enters the room with Adora. Adora bears a small bandage on her forehead over her left eyebrow, and there are a couple of small clean scratch marks on the side of her neck and cheek. Glimmer abandons ceremony and rushes over to them.

Glimmer: [with concern] Adora. Catra.

Catra: Sorry we’re late, your Majesty.

Adora: [sheepishly] I guess we overslept a little.

Glimmer: [waving the thought away] Don’t worry about that. How are you feeling? Are you all right?

Catra: [quickly] We’re fine. [after a slight pause] Thanks.

Catra turns to Adora and puts a hand on her shoulder, searching her eyes for reassurance.

Catra: Right?

Adora smiles at her and nods.

Adora: Yeah.

She turns to Glimmer again.

Adora: We’re okay. Ready to get started.

Glimmer: [glancing around] And Swift Wind?

Swift Wind: Right here!

Glimmer whirls around to find him immediately behind her. She smiles.

Glimmer: Great! Then we’re all here.

She turns and walks with them back to the table, where Adora and Catra take their places to one side of Bow. Swift Wind crosses around the table to an empty space, stares for a moment at the table, then raises his head and clears his throat dramatically.

Swift Wind: You know, . . .

Glimmer, standing beside the queen’s chair, holds up her hand in a halting gesture.

Glimmer: Ah-ah. No need to say another word.

She motions to the guards behind him. Swift Wind turns and steps back as they carry a heavy and luxurious lounge over to the empty place at the table, setting it down gently. Swift Wind eyes it appreciatively for a moment. He lifts up a fore-hoof and delicately presses it into the padding, then lightly taps one of the cushions.

Swift Wind: [appraisingly] Hmmm. Mm-hmmmmm.

Glimmer grins with pleasure at his obvious fascination.

Glimmer: See? I hadn’t forgotten.

All at once Swift Wind does a little graceful leap into the air and lands heavily onto the lounge, his legs folded casually beneath him. The furniture creaks, but stands solid.

Swift Wind: Veeeeeery nice! [after a pause] Okay, you can proceed.

Glimmer giggles a little, but then composes herself to a more serious demeanor.

Glimmer: Then let’s begin.

She seats herself. Looking around the table, she addresses them all.

Glimmer: Last night, something unusual happened that endangered our friends. And it may pose a threat to Bright Moon. The purpose of this meeting is to determine what it is and what action we need to take because of it.

She directs her attention toward Adora and Catra.

Glimmer: Adora. You said something about a warning.

Adora: That’s right. But . . . [turning to Catra] actually, it was Catra who first noticed something was wrong.

She smiles apologetically to Catra.

Adora: I should have listened to her.

Glimmer turns to Catra.

Glimmer: What was it you noticed, Catra?

Catra glances around at the faces staring at her, then drops her gaze down toward the table, frowning at the memory.

Catra: It was a few days ago, in the Whispering Woods. I heard . . . a voice. But it wasn’t coming from anywhere. It was like an echo. But without any source. I thought . . .

She turns to look at Adora with a pained expression. Adora frowns sympathetically. Catra turns away, looking down again.

Catra: I thought it was something inside my head.

Glimmer: [trying to understand] Inside your head?

Adora: [leaning forward in her chair, emphatically] But it wasn’t.

Catra: [looking up at Adora] No. [looking to Glimmer] I went back later, and the voice was stronger. More insistent.

Glimmer: [on the edge of her seat] Insistent about what?

Catra: I don’t know. Something about “errors.” Emergency. Warning.

Glimmer: But, why didn’t you say something?

Catra: [her voice rising defensively] Because it didn’t make any sense! It was just . . . words. [after a pause] And . . . I was angry. I just wanted to forget about it.

Adora notices Catra’s discomfort.

Adora: [jumping in] Then, yesterday, we were flying over the woods. And . . . something drew me back . . . to the Crystal Castle. The feeling was so strong, so urgent, I could hardly resist it.

She speaks reflectively, reliving in her mind what she saw.

Adora: We went inside, and it was dead, empty, except for one panel that was still active. And there was a light. I could tell . . . I don’t know how, but I could tell that it meant that something was wrong. Not just here, but everywhere. The whole of Etheria.

Glimmer looks toward Spinnerella and Netossa to her right, then back to Catra and Adora.

Glimmer: [prompting them, puzzled] And then? There was a storm?

Everyone is a bit startled as Swift Wind suddenly chimes in.

Swift Wind: [dramatically] Hooooo-boy, was there! Like nothing I have ever seen. Out. Of. Nowhere!

Adora: [nodding] It’s true. No warning at all. And it wasn’t anything natural.

Swift Wind: Definitely unnatural.

Catra: And we nearly didn’t make it back.

In their rapid-fire statements, Glimmer is looking from one to the other, taking it all in with an expression of mounting worry.

Adora: [urgently] Glimmer, we have got to alert the other princesses about this.

Glimmer suddenly frowns, reasserting control of the situation.

Glimmer: Wait a minute! Activate the beacon, you mean? I don’t think so. We don’t even know what we’re dealing with here!

Catra: We know enough. Adora’s right.

Glimmer: [in a reasonable tone] But we don’t know what it is. Is it an isolated event? Is it being controlled somehow? Is it magic? Is it technology?

Adora: [impatient] We know that it’s a threat, and we know that it’s big. We’re gonna need all the help we can get, and Bright Moon’s beacon is the best way to get help.

Glimmer: Adora, the other princesses have their own urgent concerns right now! Many of their kingdoms were ravaged by the Horde. Whatever is happening here, we need to know more about it first. If it’s a threat, we need to know what kind of a threat it is. Then, we can decide if we need to alert the other princesses.

Adora: [pressing her] It may be too late by then!

Glimmer: [standing up and raising her voice] This is my decision!

A stunned silence falls around the table, and Glimmer scans their faces, her expression set in determination. Adora has an expression of hurt, and Catra’s fur bristles. Glimmer’s eyes settle on Bow, who frowns sadly at her. Her face falls as she takes in the effect of her own words. She sits down and composes herself. Then turns to Adora.

Glimmer: [gently, but firmly] Adora, I’m sorry. I know that you’re concerned. So am I. But before we take action, let’s see if we can make sense of what we know.

She takes a deep breath.

Glimmer: [turning to Catra] First, we know that there’s some sort of mysterious presence in the Whispering Woods. [turning to Adora] And it seems to be connected with the warning you discovered in the Crystal Castle. [turning to Swift Wind] And it also likely caused that strange storm that was definitely not natural. That sounds like some sort of magic to me.

She turns toward the princesses to her right.

Glimmer: Spinnerella, Netossa, what are your opinions?

They look at one another and nod.

Spinnerella: Well, I’ve never seen any winds move like that before. Unless they were driven by magic.

Netossa: [firmly] Yep, I agree. Definitely magic.

Glimmer nods and turns to Bow.

Glimmer: Bow, anything to add?

Bow: [evenly] Not really. [gesturing toward Catra and Adora] I just want to be sure that we can all come together [looking at Glimmer, frowning] around whatever you decide.

Glimmer: [sighing] Point taken. So do I.

She turns to Micah, who sits silently beside her in attentive contemplation.

Glimmer: Dad, what are your thoughts?

Micah: [deliberately] Well, if this thing is being caused by an unfamiliar kind of magic, then we need help from Mystacor. We need the knowledge and wisdom of the sorcerers to discover what’s causing it and how to deal with it.

Glimmer: I agree with that.

She turns to look across the table.

Glimmer: Adora?

Adora: [with slight bitterness] You’ve heard my opinion.

Glimmer: I’m asking you to come with me to bring this information to Mystacor. You and Catra and Swift Wind.

General Juliet rises slightly in her chair, leaning toward Glimmer.

General Juliet: [quietly] Your Majesty. If this becomes an immediate threat to Bright Moon, it would be well if the queen was present.

Glimmer: [nodding, slightly reluctantly] You’re quite right, General.

She turns back to Adora her eyes pleading.

Glimmer: Adora, would you be willing to go with Micah to Mystacor? Please.

Adora: [after a moment, nodding] Okay. Yes.

Catra: [rankled] What?! But, Adora . . .

Adora: [resigned] No, Catra, she’s right. It makes sense. And it is her decision as Queen of Bright Moon.

Glimmer: [to Catra] I promise you, I am prepared to activate the beacon if and when it becomes necessary. Bow has built some new tracker pads that we’ll use to stay in contact, and if there is any sign of an additional threat or you find out something that warrants it, I won’t hesitate to act. [earnestly] You have my word.

Catra glares at her a moment, but sees her sincerity. She looks to Adora, who nods encouragingly.

Catra: [sighing] Fine, whatever. Anything to get out of this room and actually do something about it!

Glimmer addresses the rest of the gathering.

Glimmer: Right. Are we agreed, then?

There are nods and words of assent around the table.

Glimmer: [nodding] Then, let’s get to it.

As everyone rises from their chairs and starts to move, they are suddenly frozen by an unusual sound: like a cross between a creaky door and a small hailstorm.

They all turn to see Swift Wind sound asleep on the lounge, snoring vigorously.

Slowly, Adora and Catra, Glimmer and Bow, gather around staring down at their deeply snoozing friend. He lies comfortably, mouth open, slightly drooling.

They look at each other and smile. Then Glimmer motions to the guards, who appear beside them with a large blanket, which they drape over the noble slumbering steed.

Glimmer gives her guards a big grin and double thumbs-up, and everyone creeps away softly on tip-toe.