Chapter Text
I’m roused from a pleasant dream involving Adora and a very creative use of her sword (the one that can turn into anything, or so she says) by none other than the woman herself, thrashing her arms and legs around.
“Adora,” I groan, pushing her shoulders until she’s at least an arms length away. “Not again…”
She dozilly punches her arms forwards, not that I’m sure they could really be called punches when there’s literally no weight behind them. Then again, she did catch me in the eye that one time, I think, rolling my eyes.
“Pew, pew,” she mumbles.
“Yeah, you get ‘em tiger,” I say, chuckling to myself. I stretch out and then wrap my arms around her, cocooning her arms and legs between my own, and rolling on top of her. “Oh look, you won.”
Adora snorts, and groggily opens her eyes. “Huh? Won?”
“Who were you beating up this time?” I ask, relaxing my hold on her, and lazilly resting my form half atop hers, stroking a hand down her side.
“Oh no, was I doing it again? Sorry,” Adora says, wincing. “Perfuma says it will stop, eventually…”
“Wanna talk about it?”
Adora scrunches up her face. “It was bacon.”
“Haha! What?!”
“Bacon came to get it’s revenge on me,” Adora says, turning wide eyed. “Giant rashers of it! With big pointy sticks!”
“Sounds terrifying,” I say, purring. “Hmm, you’re an idiot.”
“I’m your idiot,” she says, stroking a hand down my back, forcing my purrs to grow louder still.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. “Guys?” Glimmer's voice, muffled through the door. “It’s 11am. What are you… you know what, never mind,” she continues, thumping what sounds like her head against the door. “Just hurry up, you’re missing all the fun!”
“We’re having plenty of fun, actually!” Adora yells.
“Ugh… Adora!” I say, gritting my teeth, shoving at her shoulders until I’m prised up over the top of her, with my arms straightened. “Remind me why I’m marrying you?”
Adora cocks an eyebrow, smiling smugly. “Do you remember what we got up to last night?”
“Guys,” Glimmer says, sounding increasingly agitated. “I don’t hear you getting ready…”
“Then stop listening!” I yell.
“That does it. I’m coming in. Make yourself decent.”
“What!” I yell, scampering to pull the blanket up over us both, with Adora giggling the whole time.
The door bangs open and Glimmer stands there, arms folded, pouting. “Seriously? You’re not even dressed?!” she says, staring somewhere above us and turning wide-eyed. “And what the… what happened to the bed? And the wall?!”
I thin my lips into a line. “Woops.”
Adora carries on laughing, barely even to speak between words. “She…s-she…”
“Do not finish that sentence, love,” I growl.
“Okay, I can’t deal with this right now,” Glimmer says, storming over to the foot of our bed. She gently raises her hand to her shoulder and helps Melog down, resting them on the end of our duvet, where they yawn sleepily. “I have things to do. So will you please. Get. Ready.”
“Yes boss,” I say, scrunching up my nose.
“And Adora, you can explain all of that to my mother,” she says, pressing one hand to her forehead while waving the other in the general vicinity of our destruction. “Honestly! You just had almost a week in space together, where you were supposed to be resting and getting all of this out of your system. And then you come back and wreck the place on your first night back! And you have the audacity to sleep in!”
I blink a few times, watching as she pinches the bridge of her nose.
”I just... don’t believe you two. I don’t,” she says, vanishing after finishing her little rant, as though never here.
I duck under the covers, peering at Adora and watching as she continues to laugh, her cheeks turning redder and redder while she attempts to talk between fits of giggles.
“S-she could have at least, haha!” Adora says, bursting into another fit of laughter, “closed the door. Rude!”
I shake my head, feeling laughter bubble up from my throat. “pffft…ha... haha!”
It’s infectious. Before I know it I’m laughing loudly with her, and just when we both stop, one of us starts the other off again.
“T-the headboard,” Adora says, pointing upwards and almost crying. “Hahaha!”
“S-stop it,” I say, wiping tears from my eyes. “It’s not funny! Adora!”
“Then why are you laughing?”
“Pfft, because... the wall… haha!” I peer upwards, finding several claw marks ripped into the plasterboard, and large chunks of it folded over and dangling down.
Adora’s gaze follows mine, and her laughter dies down to a throaty chuckle. “Hmm. Someone got a little wild.”
I bite my lower lip into a smile. “Shut up.”
Adora throws the covers from us, then strokes her hands down my thighs. “Why? It was hot. You were amazing.”
I lower myself to her, and kiss her slowly, pushing my leg between her thighs and groaning when I feel how wet she is.
“M…ating…?”
Adora and I both gasp, and I sharply turn to face Melog, watching their tiny form uncurling on the foot of our bed. They look at us from their upside down position, their blue eyes glowing brightly.
“Buddy!” I say, clutching the sheets to my chest, and scurrying over. “You can talk? Already? It’s only been a week!”
Melog sneezes in response, then sits up, scratching their ear. “Mating.”
“Seriously. That’s your first word?”
Melog nods. “Mating.”
I peer back at Adora, finding her sitting upright, the covers held to her chest as she stares wide-eyed at Melog. “Adora? What’s wrong?”
Adora shakes her head quickly, then blinks a few times. “I… I can hear them too.”
“What?! No way!” I say, grinning widely.
She rushes over and bends over next to me, stroking Melog’s head. Then she looks at me, her brows furrowing. “I’m… I’m sorry!”
“Huh? Why?” I ask, tilting my head.
“It’s… your special thing. I don’t want to take that from you.”
“You aren’t,” I say, kissing her cheek. “It’s just another thing I get to share with you.”
“But… Why can I...”
“Hmm, could be because we were both there when they woke up, after...”
Adora nudges her shoulder to mine playfully. “Or it’s because we’re engaged. Maybe they can tell us once they’re bigger.”
Melog makes a quiet whining noise, almost like a sigh, before staring at the two of us. “Steaaak.”
I laugh. “And that’s your second word. Of course it is.”
“Aww, they’re hungry,” Adora says, standing up and rushing over to our bedroom door, closing it. “We should get to the party before they starve.”
--
I’m busy looking in the dresser mirror, deciding whether to fasten the last button up on my red blouse or not, when Adora steps behind me, and wraps an arm around my waist.
“Leave it open,” she whispers, placing her other arm over my shoulder, and resting her hand on my collarbone, just beneath the loose material.
“Okay,” I purr, taking her hand in mine, and raising her fingers to my lips, watching her watch me in the mirror.
“How do the boots feel?” she asks, nuzzling her cheek against mine.
“Hmm,” I say, peering down at the soft grey leather, and wiggling my toes within the confines of the shoe. “Comfortable, but at the same time… weird.”
Adora squeezes her arms around me tightly and kisses my cheek. “You know you can go barefooted, right?”
“True, but,” I say, turning around to face her, and looping my arms around her neck. “I only need my toes out if I need to make a quick getaway.”
“I suppose there’s not an awful lot to run from anymore.”
“Not that I can think of,” I say, smirking. I quickly shift my form around hers, reversing our positions and pushing her against the dresser, resting my hands either side of her on the wooden surface. “There are some things I might run towards, though.”
“Such as?” Adora asks, biting her lower lip while peering down at my mouth.
“Such as you, wearing that damn open-backed dress,” I purr, running my palm up the white, silky garment, and pressing my fingers into the dip of her waist.
Adora smiles smugly. “Didn’t you get all this out of your system last night?”
I kiss her, trailing my tongue along her lip. “I’m not sure I could ever get enough of this.”
“Actually I’m pretty sure you asked me to stop after our fourteenth-”
“Pfft, idiot,” I say, silencing her with another kiss, roughly pushing my hips to hers, causing the small bottles of perfume atop of the dresser to fall over with a loud rattle.
“But… We need to feed Melog,” Adora gasps, twitching her hips ever so slightly towards mine.
“We… we do,” I say, shaking my head to clear the sudden brain-fog. “Shit, I’m a terrible mother!” I exclaim, pushing away from the dresser and hurrying towards the bed. I stroke Melog’s sleeping form and turn around to scowl at Adora. “It’s your fault for being so damn irresistible.”
Adora blushes and tucks a few strands of her loose hair behind her ear.
“Steaaaak,” Melog says, glaring at me accusingly.
“Okay, come on buddy,” I say, helping them up onto my right shoulder. “Oh! They’re a little heavier!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yup,” I say, heading over to the wardrobe. I grab my new white and gold-trimmed jacket and flick it over my left shoulder, then clip it in place. “Hey look, now we match!”
“You look…” Adora says, licking her lips. “Beautiful and handsome at the same time. How is that even possible?”
“Because I’m amazing,” I say, winking and holding my hand out. “Come on, let’s get to this dumb party.”
--
We head out of the bedroom, and then down the west hall towards the center of the palace. The celebration, or Brightmoon Festival as they’re calling it, is being held in the eastern courtyard. The one with all the stalls and restaurants. Apparently a few of the Amazons arrived today, after Entrapta went to go pick them up in Darla, that is.
“You look deep in thought,” Adora says, squeezing my fingers.
“I was thinking about the party. And the Amazons.”
“Oh, yay! I can’t wait to see them again.”
I wrinkle my nose, and blow out a puff of air.
“You can’t still be jealous…”
“I’m not,” I say, shrugging. “You know it takes me a while to like people, Adora.”
Adora hums to herself as we walk through the western entrance into the central gardens. She purses her lips and looks at me, as though in two minds about speaking.
“What? Spit it out, dummy.”
“I actually think you’re getting better at it, you know, the whole making friends thing. In fact, you seem happier in general, lately,” she says, smiling widely. “I’d love to take all the credit, but I’m guessing Perfuma is helping you as much as she is me.”
“Shit!” I say, freezing mid-step.
“What is it?”
“Ugh, damn it. I was supposed to get a dumb book three days ago…”
“So go get it now,” Adora says, pointing towards the south side of the garden. “We’re already here, so you might as well.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I can face her wrath again.”
“She really doesn’t like it when you don’t do your homework.”
“Tell me about it,” I say, shaking my head. “The worst part is, she pretends she’s cool about it. But you can tell she isn’t.”
“Okay, well I’ll look after our little pup,” Adora says, gently taking melog from my shoulder and resting them in the crook of her arm, “and I’ll get them all fed while you take care of your book thing.”
“Thanks love,” I say, kissing her cheek. “You’re the best.”
“Yeah I am,” she says, turning back to grin at me, before heading towards the eastern exit.
--
A short while later I step into the library, my golden heels clacking on the dark wooden floor, and I scan my gaze quickly up and down the stacks of shelves until I find the M-O section.
“Okay... M… i...,” I mutter, lightly tracing my fingertip across the alphabetically sorted books. “Ah, got it,” I say, pulling out the book in question, titled Mindfulness for the many.
I flick through the leatherbound book a few times before snapping it closed and tucking it under my arm, and I’m about to head back to the bedroom to drop it off when I notice Angella’s mural out of the corner of my eye.
I pause mid-step, turning to face it, clutching the book to my chest. It feels like so long ago, I think, as I slowly step towards the coloured tiles. So long ago that I just… lost my shit, right here. But then, if none of that had happened, would I still be here now? Would things have gone the same way? I might never have been talked into therapy. I might never have started to heal.
I hear footsteps approaching from behind, and peer around my shoulder, watching Angella approach. And, I think, smiling, I might never have rescued her.
“Catra,” she says, standing beside me. “Shouldn’t you be at the party?”
I peer up at her, wincing. “I was just on my way. I had to get this first,” I say, nodding down at my book.
“Ah. Perfuma’s orders, I assume?”
“Yeah. I keep forgetting to read it, and she gets all cranky about it.”
“I’m sure she has your best interests at heart,” Angella says, before raising her hand and running her fingertips across the tiny mosaic tiles. “You know, we really ought to replace this.”
“Huh? But why?”
“Because I am more than a memory now,” she says, nodding her head down towards me. “Thanks to you, and Melog.”
“Oh, right,” I say, sighing. I’m wondering how to tell her the truth, that I caused it all in the first place, and my lips part open while I try to find the words. But then Angella rests her hand on my shoulder, and gently squeezes her fingers.
“Glimmer told me, by the way. About your… involvement with the portal.”
“Oh,” I say, sighing. I glance upwards, expecting to find her furious. But instead, her expression remains neutral. “I was going to tell you. I just wanted you to not hate me, at least, for a little while longer.”
Angella shakes her head, and crouches down, until her eyes are level with mine. “I do not believe you were yourself at the time. Not even a little bit.”
I flatten my ears, clutching my book more tightly to my chest. “That’s no excuse.”
“It is not. But when one tries as hard as you have to change, and to heal, then... it can be forgiven, at least.”
I sniff, and look down at the floor. “I… don’t think I deserve that, honestly. But thanks.”
Suddenly Angella swoops forwards and pulls me into her arms, holding my head against her chest. “Dear, sweet child. I know how they raised children in the Horde. I even managed to save a few, you know. The fact that you are here today, and are so clearly loved, is testament to the strength of your heart.”
“But… “ I choke, feeling tears stream down my cheeks. “I could have… I mean, I didn’t have to-”
“We all make choices that we regret,” Angella says, pulling away and looking at me, smiling sadly. “I know this more than anyone. All we can do is press on, and try to do better. Try to be better. And you have outdone us all in that regard.”
“Do you really think so?”
Angella nods and stands up. “I do. Come along then, the festivities are just getting started, and our resident not-hero really ought to be there.”
--
We make it as far as the central gardens, before bumping into Kyle, Lonnie and Rogelio.
“Catra!” Lonnie shouts, waving me over.
“Are these friends of yours?” Angella asks.
I wrinkle my nose. “It’s... complicated.”
“Your majesty,” Kyle says, bowing at the same time as the others.
“Oh, there’s no need for any of that,” Angella says, smiling. “Any friends of Catra are a friend of mine.”
“Uh,” Lonnie says, forcing a smile. “Sure. We go way back.”
“Well then, I’m sure you all have some catching up to do,” Angella says, before ruffling her hand into my hair, and smiling down at me. “I’ll see you at the party, trouble.”
I watch as Angella heads towards the exit, then I blow out a long puff of air, and hug my book to the front of my chest, struggling to understand why she’s being so nice to me, never mind the strange, unfamiliar feelings it stirs.
“Wow,” Lonnie says, raising her eyebrows. “The queen sure seems to like you.”
“Yeah. I guess so,” I say, shrugging. “So what’s up? I thought you didn’t want to see me again.”
“We heard what you did,” Lonnie says, folding her arms and raising an eyebrow. “Sounds like saving people is your thing now. Never would have seen that one coming.”
“No. It really isn’t,” I say, frowning.
“First you saved Glimmer,” Kyle says, raising one finger at a time. “Then Adora and probably all of Etheria too, and then Angella!”
“Alright already! Just… stop making a big deal out of it.”
Rogelio grumbles and barks out a few weird sounds, before placing his hand on my shoulder.
“He said he’s proud of you,” Kyle says. “I think we all are, whether you like it or not.”
I twitch my ears, trying to ignore the lump forming in my throat. “Whatever.”
“So are you coming?” Lonnie asks. “Gotta say, I’m looking forward to being at an actual party.”
“Yeah, in a minute,” I say. “I need to drop this off first.”
“We’ll see you there, then?” Kyle asks.
“Uh, probably.”
Lonnie pumps her fists in the air. “Come on boys, it’s drinkin’ time! Wooo!”
“Idiots,” I mutter, sniffling as they walk away.
--
I hear the noise from the festivities reverberating all the way down the eastern hall long before I arrive. There’s the constant drone of people talking, high pitched giggles and squeals of excitement from small children, and a band playing music, their drums echoing all around.
When I step out into the courtyard I raise my eyebrows in surprise. The food and drink stalls are trimmed up with decorations, and packed with people eating and drinking. There are balloons everywhere, and brightly coloured streams of paper floating through the air as if by magic. It probably is magic, actually, I think grabbing a red strip of paper in my hand.
“Holy shit,” I mumble, peering around, narrowly avoiding a couple of young Salinean kids as they run around, giggling. “Hey, careful!”
“Sorry!” they both say, grinning toothilly before running in the opposite direction.
It’s a clear, dry day, warm but not boiling hot, which is a good thing because I’m really not dressed for any kind of heat right now. There might even be rain later, I think, peering at the clouds in the distance.
“Hey, Catra!” Spinnerella waves from up ahead. She and Netossa are sitting outside the same juice stall that Scorpia and I sometimes drink at, except it looks a little different with hundreds of coloured streamers taped along the front of it.
I join the two of them, sitting in one of the vacant seats. “Hey guys. What’s up?”
“Nothing much. Just staying hydrated,” Netossa says, nodding at the jug on the table. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks,” I say, pouring myself a glass of lime juice, and leaning back in the chair.
“Adora was looking for you, by the way,” Spinnerella says, beaming. “She said to tell you she’s gone to get food.”
“Shit,” I say, glugging down my drink, “I’d better go find her.”
“Hey, not so fast,” Netossa says, narrowing her eyes. “There’s a rumour going around that you’ve destroyed your bedroom wall, somehow. Care to fill us in?”
I feel heat rush to my cheeks. “No, I don’t.”
“Sweetheart, don’t pick on her,” Spinnerella says, placing a hand on Netossa’s arm. “Though I have to say, it sounds like you girls are having lots of fun.”
“Ah, to be young and in love,” Netossa says, placing her hand over Spinnerella’s.
“I think I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it,” I say, standing up. “Thanks for the drink, by the way.”
“Any time,” Netossa says, smirking and then puckering her lips. “Say hi to Adora for us.”
“Ugh, whatever,” I say, putting the glass down and scowling at Netossa, before turning around and heading towards the main courtyard. I hear them both giggling as I leave, and it makes my cheeks burn all the more. I’ll never hear the end of this one, I think. But then I smile to myself, knowing I’d do it all over again.
--
I arrive at the main courtyard, having lost count of how many people I’ve bumped into along the way. Usually it’d irritate me but the buzz in the air is palpable, and everyone’s spirits are high.
There are long tables set out, each covered with light purple tablecloths, and teeming with various foods, snacks and drinks. Along one side of the tables there’s a makeshift cooking area, with several outdoor grills and a marquee providing shade from the occasional bright sunlight.
I grab an apple from one of the fruit bowls, and bite into it while heading towards the grill, finding Dumpling there. He’s facing away, busy preparing sandwiches.
“Hi Dumpling,” I say, swaying my tail slightly. “How’s it going?”
“Brother!” Dumpling explains, spinning to face me, holding a butter knife in his hand. “I have missed you, so much!”
I burst into laughter, noticing Dumpling’s bright pink hair, and an even brighter sleeveless pink leather jacket with rainbow badges, and stubby silver spikes all around.
“Missed you too, buddy,” I say, tilting my head. “You look ridiculous by the way.”
“Thank you, brother!” Dumpling says, smiling brightly. “The market sells so many wonders.”
“Oh yeah, tell me about it,” I say, grinning toothilly. “I hear Stan’s been keeping you busy?”
“I’m learning so much,” Dumping says, winking at me. “He is really good in the kitchen!”
“Catra!” Stan beams, walking into the grill area while carrying a large transparent container, full of various meats. “So good of you to finally join us. I saved the best steak for you, yes? A big, fat, juicy T-bone.”
I lick my lips, and feel my belly growl. “Sounds perfect. I just need to find Adora first.”
“Brother Adora already went to the dining hall,” Dumpling says.
“Uhh…”
“The big, orange tent,” Stan says, pointing towards the large, grassy outdoor area which spans outwards from the east side of the courtyard. “If you give me five minutes you can take this with you!”
“Hmm, yes please,” I say, quickly finishing off my apple.
“You heard the lady,” Stan says, placing his hands on Dumpling’s shoulders. “Let’s get grilling!”
“Yes, brother!” Dumpling says, blushing brightly, then watching closely as Stan tenderises the meat, salts it, and throws it on the burning-hot grill.
“Only use salt to season. And make sure the grill is hot, yes!”
Dumpling nods.
“A minute or so, turn. Another minute or so. Turn!”
“Make it rare, Stan,” I say, rubbing my hands together.
Stan twists his head around to face me. “As if I don’t know that by now? Hah!”
I chuckle, watching the two of them work together, with Stan patiently explaining what to look for, such as juices seeping from the surface of the meat, and how soft it should feel to know how cooked it is. Hmm, they make a cute couple, I think, eagerly holding my hands out when they pass a plate across.
“Wow, that’s huge!” I say, grinning widely. “Thanks, boys.”
Stan wraps his arm around Dumpling’s waist, and Dumpling’s eyes sparkle. “I can now make big, bony steak!”
“Haha!” Stan laughs loudly, slapping Dumpling on his bottom. “It’s t-bone, I told you this! The bone is shaped like a T!”
“Oh, of course!”
I smile widely at them both, before heading towards the table with salad and rolls, which I stack up onto the side of my plate. Then I hurry towards the orange tent, being careful to not bump into anyone.
--
I walk beneath the shade of the giant, orange marquee cover, wondering how I’ll ever find anyone in here. The area is huge, at least four times the size of the kitchen, with at least twenty long, wooden tables set out. I run the numbers quickly in my head, and work out that there’s room for around four hundred people, although it’s only at half capacity right now.
I step across the dry grass, peering across the rows and rows of tables, looking for at least one familiar face when suddenly, I’m roughly tackled from the side.
“There you aaare!” Adora says, throwing her arms around me and kissing my cheek. “You were gone for ages!”
“Woah! Steak” I say, gripping the plate protectively.
“Wow, that’s a big one, -hic-.”
“Adora,” I say, wrinkling my nose. “Are you drunk, already?!”
“Lil bit,” she says, smiling smugly. “It’s their fault!” she says, pointing towards the table in the far corner, where I can see the amazons standing around, each of them busy swigging down one large drink after another.
“I hope Micah brought enough booze for them,” I say, shaking my head while following Adora to the table, where I finally spot everyone else.
“Catra!” Calisto says, raising a glass, alongside Mauve, Zara and three other bronze-skinned Amazons that I don’t recognise.
“Yay! You’re here!” Scorpia says, beaming. She and Perfuma are both covered head to toe in coloured chalk. “You missed the colour run!”
“Sounds messy,” I say, sitting down next to Scorpia, grabbing cutlery from the center of the table, and eagerly slicing into my steak. I pop a small piece into my mouth, my eyes watering at the perfect salty taste, and soft, tender texture.
”There’s another in an hour,” Adora says, sitting on my right and resting her hand in her chin. “I waited for you, so we can do it together.”
“Thanks,” I mumble, taking another bite of my food. “That’s so thoughtful of you.”
“I’m a good girlfriend, and you know it,” Adora says, scrunching up her nose.
I put my knife down and point my index finger to her forehead, then push it gently, just like I used to do when we were kids. “You’re okay, I guess.”
“Shh, you looove me,” Adora says, taking a swig of her drink. “Also, you should try one of these. They’re yummy.”
“What are they?”
“There’s like lemon, and orange, and other fruity stuff,” Mermista says, before taking a sip.
“And plenty of alcohol,” Sea Hawk says, winking.
“Wouldn’t know, since I’m not allowed it,” Frosta says, folding her arms. She sips at a smaller cup, frowning at everyone over the rim of her glass.
Perfuma starts to refill everyone's drink, and nods towards my empty cup. “Would you like to try it?”
“Sure, why not,” I say, shrugging before returning to my delicious steak. “Where’s Melog, by the way?”
“They’re asleep on my lap right now,” Scorpia says, grinning widely. “They’re soo -hic- cute, shhh.”
“Hah, are you getting tipsy? That's not like you.”
“When there is no danger, we can all loosen up a little,” Perfuma says, placing the filled-up glass next to my plate. “But still, please do not feel pressured. We would all understand.”
“I just want you to try it cos it’s tasty,” Adora says, beaming. “Besides, I don’t need you to be drunk to get my way with y-”
I kick her under the table, and she yelps, rubbing her calf.
“No danger other than my loud-mouthed girlfriend,” I mutter.
“Fiancee.”
“Girlfriend, fiancee, but mainly pain in my ass,” I say, rolling my eyes. “So, where’s everyone else?”
“Entrapta is watching us all from that hut over there,” Scorpia says, tipping her head towards the distance. “Bow and Glimmer are… Um, you know, I have no idea. They were here earlier.”
“They did appear to leave in a hurry,” Perfuma says, a small smirk apparent on her lips as she presses her fingertips together. “I am sure they are peacefully… meditating together.”
“Hah, meditating,” Adora snorts, resting her chin in her palms. “Good one.”
--
I’m half-way through my steak when a flurry of movement catches my attention, and I twist my head to find a group of pale bodies stumbling in, barely holding each other upright.
“Haha!” Adora suddenly bursts out laughing. “That’s… that’s amazing!”
“Wow, they’re so pretty” Perfuma exclaims, clapping her hands.
“You’ve got to be shitting me,” I say, quickly swallowing down my current mouthful.
The clones appear somewhat less than sober, each one dusted from head to toe in coloured chalk. And every single one of them has brightly-coloured hair, from every colour of the rainbow. Some have stripes of two colours. Some with three. And then there’s one with bright red hair, spiked up into an impossibly tall wedge.
The spikey-haired one notices me looking, and wobbles over to where I’m sitting. “Catra. -hic- Thank you for your earlier advice. I hope this is better?”
I burst out into laughter. “Seriously? Are all clones this goofy? I thought it was just Dumpling.”
“Dumpling helped us to find the dye!” the clone says, beaming proudly.
“Okay, spike. Whatever you say.”
“Spike? Is that my name?”
“Um.”
“I like it, very -hic- much! Thank you, Catra,” he says, beaming widely. “I feel like I want to become very punk-rock. Or at least I think that’s how they say it.”
“Literally nobody says that, Spike.”
“Well then, I shall return to my brothers,” he says, pointing at nothing in particular, then stumbling, and landing flat on his ass.
“Brother!” the others yell, quickly surrounding him and helping him to his feet.
I watch as they flock to a vacant table, and begin to pour more drinks. A bunch of drunk clones, I think, chewing on my steak. What could possibly go wrong?
“Well they’re having fun,” Adora says, chuckling. “I guess you’ll have to name all of them now.”
“Um, no. Not gonna happen,” I say, shaking my head, and returning my attention to the rest of my food. Or at least, to the empty plate where it used to be. “What the hell?! Melog!” I exclaim, watching their tiny form drag the large slab of steak across the middle of the table.
“Hah, they must be hungry again!” Mauve says, picking the steak up, with little Melog refusing to let go and dangling in the air. “If you let go, I’ll cut it up for you, small one.”
Melog opens their mouth and sits down, watching Mauve attentively.
“I mean sure, I didn’t want it anyway,” I mutter, shrugging, and grabbing my drink.
“Catra,” Mauve says, passing a triangle of meat to Melog. “Adora told us what happened. How is it that they survived?”
“I don’t know for sure,” I say, pausing to sip at my drink. “But they said we had a strong bond, so I guess that helped somehow. Uh, not that I’m saying you and Lydia didn’t-”
Mauve smiles. “I am not offended. Lydia and I were very close, but had only been bond mates for a few days.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be,” Mauve says, passing over the last four pieces of steak on a small plate, for Melog to chew on at their own pace. “They have returned to the cosmos, at least, that’s what they told me during the… process.”
“Damn golems just doing whatever they want, huh,” I say, peering over my glass as Melog chews into the second piece of steak. “Where are you even fitting all of that, buddy?”
Melog looks up at me, and burps, before continuing to attack the meat.
“Aww, so cute,” Adora says, her eyes almost sparkling as she watches them. “I wonder what Swifty is up to these days.”
“Still not seen them?”
“You talking about the annoying flying rainbow horse?” Huntara asks, and I almost jump out of my seat.
“How the hell do you sneak up on people like that!?”
Huntara smirks, and peers down at me. “If you’re nice to me, maybe I’ll show you one day.”
“You’ve seen swiftwind?” Adora asks.
“Yeah, he’s chilling out in the wastes. Says he’ll be back in a couple of weeks.”
“Why the hell would he be- you know what, I don’t care,” I say, shrugging.
“Anyway, where’s all the booze!?” Huntara asks loudly, resting her hands on her hips.
“We have the booze!” Zara yells, holding up a jug and then downing the contents while the other amazons cheer her on.
Huntara grins toothilly and storms towards the several crates of alcohol that the Amazons seem to have stockpiled around the table. She grabs an entire keg, pops open the cork at the bottom, and holds it above her head, glugging the contents for two minutes solid before burping loudly. “Ah, I needed that. They ran out in the other tent.”
Calisto watches the whole thing with one eyebrow raised, and a smirk curling up one side of her lips. She holds a hand out towards Huntara. “Hi, gorgeous. I’m Calisto. But you can call me Cal.”
“And you can call me interested,” Huntara says, beaming widely as she takes Cal’s hand, raises it to her lips, and kisses her knuckles.
“I guess she’s found a wife,” I say, muttering the words quietly. Adora hears though, and bursts out laughing, then almost falls off of her chair.
--
A few drinks later, I’m feeling comfortably buzzed. Scorpia and Perfuma are snoozing on each other’s shoulders, as are Mermista and Sea Hawk. Frosta has gone back to her kingdom, thanks to the snazzy new teleporters. Melog is fast asleep on their plate, having somehow finished off the rest of the steak, and the Amazons are as loud, drunk and boisterous as ever, probably due to the fact that they’re trying, and failing, to out-drink Huntara.
“Hey, baby,” Adora says, nudging herself against my shoulder. “Let’s go do the paint thing.”
“Sure, sounds fun,” I say, standing up and stretching out. “Mauve, can you keep an eye on Melog?”
“Of course,” she says, smiling. “I doubt they will move any time soon, though.”
“Thanks,” I say, taking Adora’s hand, and stumbling out of the marquee with her, only then realising that I’m more than a little drunk. I squint up at the overcast sky, and then across the courtyard, smiling at the sight of children running around with balloon strings in their hands.
“Oh hey, it looks like you,” Adora says, pointing at one of the balloons.
“That’s just an orange cat, Adora,” I say, shaking my head. “How wasted are you?”
“Wasted enough that I feel like pouncing on you, right now.”
“Well,” I say, chuckling, “That’s good to know. But please don’t.”
“Awww…”
“Can you imagine the outrage,” I chuckle, following her further and further across the dry, grassy field. “Adorable little Adora, in a public -hic- sex scandal. Tsk tsk.”
“I meant somewhere private,” Adora says, pouting. “I know a place.”
“Is that so,” I say, gripping her hand more tightly. “How about we do this dumb paint thing, and then you show me.”
“It’s not dumb! It’s fun!” Adora exclaims, tugging my arm, and leading me towards a large fenced area, within which are several colourful, squishy-looking slides and obstacles. “And we’re just in time!”
“Oh wait, that’s -hic- the guy from Crabs r us, isn’t it?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at the guy standing in front of the entrance gate.
“It’s Cranky Crab,” Adora says, laughing, “And yes, that’s D.”
“Hello ladies,” D says, his long moustache twitching as he smiles at me, then gestures into the entryway. “Go on in, it’s just getting started.”
“What, that’s it?” I say, frowning as I follow Adora through the entrance, and into the area proper.
“I told you people will forgive you,” Adora says, quickly kissing my cheek, before tugging me towards the other contenders, who’re already lined up in a row. “Now, get ready to lose.”
“Wait, I don’t even know what we’re-”
“Go!” Micah yells, his voice amplified by a large cone.
“-doing,” I say, watching everyone storm off ahead, before grunting, kicking off my boots and jacket, and then breaking into a sprint, quickly catching the others up.
I clamber up the first obstacle, a long, steep slide, and I’m halfway up it when Adora’s head peers over from the ledge at the top. “Hey, Catra!”
“What?”
The next thing I know she throws a small pouch at me, and it hits my shoulder, exploding on impact, a rainbow of chalk blasting into my face. “Seriously?! Just you wait!” I yell, redoubling my efforts.
I soon climb to the top of the slide, finding lots of the same, small pouches that Adora threw stacked up in buckets, and I grab a few, tucking them into my trousers before dashing onto the next part of the obstacle course.
“Gotcha,” I mutter, running alongside Adora then elbowing her out of the way and leaping ahead of her. I spin around mid-sprint and launch a pouch straight into her chest, turning her into a walking rainbow.
“Haha!” Adora giggles, pausing to reach down her bra and pull out another one of the small sacks.
“Oh, nicely improvised,” I say, ducking under the projectile, and then running ahead of her. “But you’re too slow, Adora.”
Adora smirks, and watches me as I stumble into a pit, falling headfirst into a mountain of coloured sand. “Maybe you should pay attention to where you’re going,” she says, reaching down and taking my hand, helping me up. “Though I know you can’t help but stare at me.”
“Whatever,” I say, kissing her chalk-covered cheek and quickly dashing away, or I would have, if not for Adora tugging at my blouse, sending me hurtling back into the pit. She turns around and blows me a kiss, before running ahead.
“You… you little shit!”
--
Some time later, Adora and I finish the race, placing dead last and second to last. “Ladies and gentlemen, the heroes of Etheria!” Micah says, laughing loudly while slowly clapping his hands.
I point a finger at him. “Hey. I told you not to call me that.”
“Sorry, our hero and not-hero!”
Everyone cheers and claps, and I roll my eyes, taking a bow alongside Adora. Then she wraps an arm around my shoulder and we walk towards the drinks stand, helping ourselves to some chilled lemonade.
Micah joins us, wafting his hand at his face. “Man, it sure is hot.”
“Yeah, it’s getting warmer,” I say, holding the cold glass to my cheek. “And sticky, too. There’s going to be a storm.”
“So, did you both enjoy the race?”
“It was awesome!” Adora says, grinning widely, before taking a few steps backwards. I frown, wondering what she’s up to.
“Yeah, it was kind of fun,” I say, swigging at my drink. “Adora cheated, though.”
“Hah, says you!” She exclaims, before reaching down her top and pulling out another small sack, and grinning maniacally before she launches it at me.
“Adora, no!” I laugh, holding my free hand out, and bracing for impact. But it never comes.
“Well that was unexpected,” Micah says.
“Um, Catra?”
I open my eyes, startled to see the pouch levitating in front of me, surrounded by a familiar, blue glow, and my first instinct is to look around for Melog. But, then I remember that they’re back in the tent, fast sleep.
“Is that,” I say, knitting my brows together, watching as the blue glow fades, and the pouch falls to the floor. “Was that me!?”
“It appears so!” Micah says, beaming.
“This is nothing to smile about! What the hell just happened!?”
“Melog gave you part of their life force,” Adora says, stepping forwards and resting her hands upon my waist. “So maybe you got their magic, too.”
“It’s a plausible explanation,” Micah, says, holding a hand to his chin. “Well, I guess you really are a MAGI-cat now, huh?”
“Actually, a lot of my people can use magic, or they could. Hence the name,” I say, shrugging. I notice Adora’s surprised expression. “What? I’ve been reading up on it, that’s all.”
“Magicats really are one of the more mysterious races on Etheria, you know,” Micah says, holding a hand to his mouth and whispering. “Some say they’re from a different planet entirely.”
“Yes, but that’s probably just a wild rumour.”
“If it were true, though,” Adora says, grinning, “it’d mean we’re both from other planets!”
“I’m pretty sure I was born here, Adora.”
Micah raises his eyebrows. “How can you be so sure?”
I twitch my tail. “Because sometimes I remember… stuff. Ugh, I’m not talking about this right now,” I say, shaking my head, and looking down at my hands. “I need to get my head around whatever the hell Melog’s done to me first.”
“Hey, you’ll be okay,” Adora says, pulling me into her arms, and kissing my cheek. “And whatever they’ve done, it won’t be anything bad. We’ll work it out,” she continues, resting her lips by my ear and whispering. “Just imagine all the fun we can have if you can turn us invisible…”
“I’m… going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Micah says, smiling awkwardly.
I raise an eyebrow at Adora, thinking she’s just made a really good point, when suddenly, the skies above rumble loudly, and small droplets of rain pour down. I tip my head backwards, close my eyes and sigh, enjoying the cooling drops of moisture on my face. But then they turn into larger, faster drops, and before long it’s a complete downpour.
“Shit! My boots!” I exclaim, running back down the side of the obstacle course, my bare feet slapping across the suddenly sodden ground, and Adora giggling as she follows behind.
“See you in an hour, girls,” Micah yells. “It’s the main speech! Don’t forget!”
“We won’t!” Adora yells back.
--
“Oh no, they’re drenched!” I exclaim. I stand under the shelter of the entryway, tip the boots upside down, and watch streams of water trickle from them. “And my jacket’s even worse.”
“For what it’s worth, you look incredibly hot right now,” Adora purrs, running her gaze over my drenched clothing, the red shirt and black trousers stuck to my skin.
I peer up at her, only then noticing the outline of her curves beneath the damp fabric of her white and rainbow-splotched dress. “You always think I look hot,” I say, chewing at my lip. “You’re just a horny little shit, Adora.”
She steps forward and rests her lips next to my ear. “Says you. I see you looking, baby.”
“Hmm. So, what were you saying about a private area,” I say, running my finger over the coloured chalk on Adora’s nose, smearing it across her face.
Her lips stretch into a huge, smug smile, and she takes my hand. “Follow me.”
--
Some time later we race towards the main courtyard, finding that all the tables have been removed, and a huge crowd of people are standing around, facing a raised platform that’s at the edge of the area, just where the grill was earlier.
“Did we make it?” I ask, flattening my shirt down.
“I think so,” Adora says, her cheeks still appearing flushed from our little adventure. “At least it’s stopped raining now.”
I lace my fingers with hers, and we stand at the back of the crowd, waiting.
“Oh there you are,” Glimmer says, hurrying over to us. “Come with me!”
“What, why?” I ask, as we follow her around the outskirts of the bustling crowd.
“You’ll see,” she says, holding out her hands, which we both take. A moment later we’re inside an enclosed area, but I can still hear the din of people talking nearby.
“Glimmer?” I ask, frowning.
“We’re behind the stage. Don’t freak out, but Mother wants to give you both medals.”
“Um, how about no.”
Adora wrinkles her nose. “Yeah, we don’t really need-”
“Guys, it isn’t for you,” Glimmer says, folding her arms, and shaking her head. “I-I mean it kind of is, but it’s also for the people. Some of them lost their homes, or more, these past few years. The celebration may have lifted their spirits, but they need heroes. They need to feel safe.”
“But I don’t-” I begin, peering at Adora. She looks back at me and shrugs.
“It’s just a ceremony. It doesn’t cost us anything, Catra. And if it helps...”
“Fine!” I snap, folding my arms. “But I’m retiring after this.”
--
We stand behind the platform, and listen in while Angella and Micah address the audience. They talk about peace, and hope, and everything that I guess people need to hear right now, but I don’t pay much attention because Adora’s looking at me in that certain way that always gets my attention, a smug smile creeping onto her lips.
“What?” I ask, grinning.
“I was just thinking about earlier,” she says, her cheeks turning pink.
“Adora,” I laugh, feeling warmer all of a sudden. “Stop it. Seriously.”
“Maybe we could try that invisibility thing later… I know you can work it out.”
“Invisibility thing?” Bow asks, raising an eyebrow.
“She has Melog’s powers now.”
“WHAT?!” Glimmer whispers loudly. “Since when?”
“I don’t know if I can turn invisible, idiot!” I say, barely keeping my voice down. “I don’t even know how I did what I did!”
“Even if she could turn invisible, that’s the first place your mind goes? Seriously, Adora?” Glimmer asks, prodding a finger into her chest.
“Hey,” Adora says, folding her arms and smiling smugly. “I meant I could help her work it out. I never said why, so that’s your own filthy mind at work, Glimmer.”
“Yeah, Glimmer,” I say, batting my tail against her arm. “You and your filthy mind.”
“What, but I-”
And now, please join me in celebrating the heroes of Etheria!
The crowd suddenly roars loudly, sounding even wilder than the day Angella came back, just a week ago, where we held a smaller, impromptu celebration for whoever happened to be around at the time.
“Okay, you’re up,” Glimmer says, rolling her eyes. “Don’t be nervous, you don’t have to talk or anything.”
“But maybe smile, or wave at least,” Bow says, wincing.
“Fine,” I say, narrowing my eyes at the two of them. “By the way, Bow’s shirt is on inside out.”
I chuckle to myself, watching their expressions become mortified, and then take calm, controlled breaths while Adora and I walk out onto the platform together.
“Catra, Adora,” Angella says, bowing her head slightly. “We are all so incredibly grateful for your selfless deeds. You have saved us all, some of us more than once, actually.”
The crowd laughs, and I kind of zone out for a while, looking across the endless rows of people. There’s so many faces, so many people, and not one of them is looking at me like they hate me, or like they’re repulsed in any way. They’re smiling, and cheering, and it’s just so... surreal.
“Catra?” Angella asks, holding a medal up.
“Oh, sorry,” I say, dipping my head.
Angella places the loose red loop around my neck, and I grab the fist-sized golden star at the end of it, peering down at the small writing etched on the back.
Catra. Thank you for saving us all, but more importantly, for saving yourself. Always look forwards, and never forget that you deserve to be loved. -A
I feel a lump form in my throat. “Um, thanks,” I mumble, glancing nervously at the crowd.
Adora turns to face me, and takes my hands in hers, smirking. “Hey. Want to put on a show?”
“What? No, Adora-”
She leans forwards and presses her lips to mine, much to the delight of the roaring crowd. And then, before I even know what’s happening she shifts up into She-Ra, holding me up while never breaking the kiss. The crowd loves it, yelling and cheering more loudly than ever, and when they start to chant our names I get caught up in the moment, eagerly kissing her back, smirking against her lips.
“Thank you, heroes!” Angella yells, waving to the crowd. She places her hand over her mouth, quietly adding, “perhaps you two should retire to your room. Do try not to destroy any more walls, though.”
“We’ll try, your majesty,” Adora says, grinning before carrying me to the back of the stage.
“Adora! What the hell was that!?” I exclaim, shaking my head.
She shrinks back down to her usual size, and winces. “I’m sorry. I just… got carried away...”
“Carried away? We just made out, right in front of everyone!”
Adora smiles smugly. “Now that you mention it, yes we did. I’m pretty sure you were kissing me back, after all.”
“Pfft. You’re just a bad influence,” I say, resting my hands behind her neck, and pulling her close to me for a long, sensual kiss. “But I kind of like that I’m so irresistible to you.”
“You really are,” Adora says, squeezing her hands into my butt.
“Pfft, stop it,” I say, laughing.
“But it’s so squishy,” she says, pouting.
“It is not squishy! It’s firm!”
“It’s squishy and firm.”
“Okay, can you both please stop talking about Catra’s ass,” Glimmer says, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Nice show, by the way,” Bow says, grinning. “You really got them going.”
“I think they got each other going more,” Glimmer mutters.
“Hey,” Adora says, puffing her chest out, “at least we can dress ourselves properly after a good-”
“Do not finish that sentence, Adora,” I say, placing my hand over her mouth.
“Anyway, there’s an after-party going on for the next few hours,” Bow says, his eyes widening with excitement, “in the orange tent. Please say you’re coming.”
“Well she was earli-”
“Adora. No.”
Glimmer holds her hand to her mouth, covering a sudden snort of laughter.
“Don’t you start, sparkles,” I say, frowning. “We were headed there anyway. I have to check on Melog.”
“Yay! Party! Party!” Adora says, walking beside Bow, the two of them raising their fists into the air and cheering each other on.
“Do you ever feel like they have too much energy?” I ask, walking beside Glimmer.
“Ugh, tell me about it,” she says, her shoulders slumping. “I just want to go to bed.”
“Me too. But we’ll let them get it out of their system first, right?”
“Right.”
--
The rest of the day goes by in a blur, until it’s just myself, Melog and Adora on the rooftops of Brightmoon palace, laying down side by side on a blanket and staring up at the countless dazzling stars which are scattered across the night sky.
“Well, that was some party,” I say, squeezing Adora’s hand.
“You can say that again,” she says, smiling at me, then bursting into laughter. “I can’t believe Sea Hawk set fire to our table.”
“Pfft. Or that the clones did the conga.”
“You led them!” Adora says, laughing more loudly. “It was your idea!”
“Hey, Lonnie was practically pouring alcohol down my throat.”
Adora’s laughter dies down a little. “You seem sober enough now, though.”
“I am,” I say, taking a deep breath. The air is crisp and clear thanks to the storm, and it’s a much welcome change after the humidity earlier on. “It was a nice idea, by the way. Coming up here again.”
I notice Melog shift on my abdomen, and peer down, finding that they’re now on their back, still very much asleep, with their tiny paws in the air. I chuckle to myself, and can’t help but stroke my finger across their fluffy little belly.
“I guess it’s our thing now, right?” Adora asks, her blue eyes piercing into mine.
“Yeah. It is,” I say, tearing my gaze away from hers, and peering up at the stars above. “Hey, I was thinking…”
“Hmm?”
“I’ve heard some rumours about this place… well, it’s underground. Hidden away somewhere.”
“You mean Halfmoon?”
“Wait,” I say, twitching my ears. “How do you know about it?”
“I always thought you’d want to chase down your people at some point,” Adora says, shrugging. “So I’ve been doing my own research.”
“Of course you have,” I say, shaking my head, and grinning. “Maybe we could go look for it some day.”
“Yeah,” Adora says, running her fingertips along my open palm. “Maybe we could.”
“But I still think we should look for Eternia, too.”
“One thing at a time, stargazer,” Adora says, lacing her fingers with mine, and squeezing them tightly. “How about we get married first?”
“Hah! Just like that, huh?”
“Tomorrow?”
“What?! No!” I say, grinning from ear to ear. “Please don’t tell me you’ve arranged something.”
Adora pouts. “I might have.”
“Adora!”
“Fine, I’ll cancel it then.”
“You know what, don’t. Let’s do it.”
Adora’s eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yeah. Really. If we only live once, we should make the most of it, right?”
Adora grins. “I hadn’t actually arranged anything. But now I’m going to.”
I shake my head, smiling. “You’re such an idiot.”
“Yeah, I know,” she says, blinking at me slowly.
And I blink back, my heart feeling more full of warmth than ever. I finally get it. It isn’t just that I’m in love with her. It’s that Adora is my person, my soul mate, and she always has been. Just like I’m hers, and I always will be.
“I love you,” I say.
“I love you, too.”
I smile, staring back into her beautiful blue eyes, knowing that whatever happens next, be it finding out where we came from, working out my strange, new magic, or even exploring the furthest reaches of space, we’ll be okay. Because from now on, we’ll be there for one another. Together always, and forever.
- x -
