Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was often said that a single day, a single moment, a single word or sentence could change the course of history forever. For most they remember that line for the rest of their lives. For some they are told that line while they are too small to remember it but they were still impacted by it.

This story however…This story is about a single sentence spoken to a young girl who took it to heart and never forgot it. And that one sentence would change the course of history forever even if no one knew that. For all they knew this would always be what was going to happen. But…we know otherwise now don’t we?

Adora was only five years old, not that she would know that. They’d only be able to guess at her age since her day of birth would never be known to anyone, not even herself.

She was five years old and had just been punished and scolded for getting into a fight with one of the older cadets, although she was being praised for winning the fight against a cadet at least three years older than her.

“You have great strength in you Adora. Far greater strength and potential than anyone else in the Horde. But you must remember. We use our strength to fight the princesses. To protect and save those who the princesses are hurting.” Shadow Weaver had said that as she was being walked out of solitary and to the mess hall. She had been in solitary for two days, even though Catra snuck over to visit and talk to her through the door anytime she could, and Adora was now being allowed to eat.

Shadow Weaver was holding her arm, her arm not her hand, and was near dragging the smaller child to keep up with her longer strides. Adora knew she’d have a purple mark on her arm later, but that was okay. The Cadet uniform all the kids wore would cover it up.

“Yes ma’am.” Adora obediently listened and replied to the words she was being told and she was paying attention. Not getting distracted like she sometimes did when being lectured.

“You want to protect those who are your own Adora. You must use your strength and skills to protect those who you care for, no matter who your opponent.” Those words. That sentence. That was the sentence that changed the course of history. Adora engraved those words into her mind and heart and would carry them with her forever.

Now when Shadow Weaver told her that, the older woman thought she was one of the ones Adora cared for. After all she had raised and groomed the girl for six years at this point. She was the only mother figure Adora knew.

What she hadn’t realized or known was that Adora was smarter and more perceptive than she thought. Adora had seen how the other Cadets were punished by the magician. Had seen how much Shadow Weaver seemed to enjoy torturing them. Had seen how Shadow Weaver hurt the others. Adoras friends and squad.

Adoras affection and care about the older woman had died gruesomely the very second she had first seen Shadow Weaver slap Lonnie to the ground and strike Catra with a jolt of her magic lightning at the tender age of four.

“Use my strength…to protect…those I care about. I will Shadow Weaver.” Adora said and her tiny face was filled with determination and diamond like resolve.

“I’ll be so strong, one of the strongest on Etheria. And I’ll use my strength to protect my own.” Adora declared and Shadow Weaver smirked behind her mask, releasing the girls arm to pat her head almost like one would a pet.

“I’m sure you will Adora. Now go and eat and then return to your bunk for the night. You have training and drills in the morning.” Shadow Weaver handed the girl two ration bar tickets and then shoved the child lightly towards the door and Adora nodded once and saluted before turning and walking into the room.

Immediately she was besieged by her best friend Catra who nearly leapt on her. Instead Catra restrained herself for now and took Adora’s hand and guided her to the lunch counter to get their ration bars. Catra got one, Adora got two, and then Catra was the only one to notice how Adora slipped her spare one into her pocket as they walked over to the rest of their cadet group. Lonnie and Kyle looked relieved to see her and Rogelio nodded to her.

These were her friends. The ones she cared for. And Adora would do everything in her power to protect them. She was the strong one so it was her responsibility.

“I’m glad you’re okay Adora.” Catra said softly as they sat together and the little cat like girl rubbed her head against Adora’s with a small purr.

“Yeah we missed you.” Lonnie said and Kyle looked so so relieved he was near tears as he looked at Adora.

“I’m okay. Isolation was empty this time and I only got a bruise from Shadow Weaver dragging me…But…when it’s time for Lights Out let’s all meet and huddle at my bed.” Adora whispered that part so that no prying ears could hear her. The other four looked confused but nodded and Adora slowly ate her ration bar, careful not to eat too fast and upset her stomach, before they all got up and lined up. They filed back to their bunks and waited, chatting softly to each other and occasionally glancing at Adora as they waited until Lights Out.

They each waited five minutes for bed checks to be completed before they carefully snuck out of bed and over to Adora who was sitting up with Catra waiting when they gathered together.

“I think we can all agree I’m the strongest one in our group.” Adora began and she looked so serious despite Catra being curled up against her purring contently.

“Yeah that’s obvious. The only one of us who gets close is Catra and that’s cause she’s super fast.” Lonnie said softly and the other two nodded, well Adora saw what she thinks is their heads move up and down a bit so she hoped they nodded.

“Shadow Weaver said something during the lecture. That I need to use my strength to protect the ones I care about. So I’m going to do that. From now on I promise all of you. I’m going to get stronger and stronger. And I’m going to protect you.” Adora swore to them and they were all silent for a moment.

“And we’ll do our best to protect you too Adora.” Catra said softly with a purr as she butted her head affectionately against Adora’s chin.

“What she said. We might not be as strong as you two…but we’ll look out for you too.” Kyle was the one to say and there was an affirmative noise from Rogelio and a determined noise from Lonnie.

“We’ll protect each other.” Lonnie said and Shadow Weaver chuckled as she cancelled the scrying spell she was using. She loved it when her plans and manipulations worked wonderfully and it seemed this one had.

If she had kept it going for a little longer she would have heard something that would be alarming.

“I’ll protect you four from everyone. I don’t care if it’s princesses, older Cadets, Shadow Weaver or even Hordak himself. I’ll protect you from everyone. I’ll be the sword that strikes down those who try to hurt my friends!” Adora said and they were all silent for another minute or two and then Catra snorted.

“You dummy…well if you’re the sword I guess that makes me the knife that strikes from the shadows. I’ll need to be sneaky and fast!”

“And I’ll be the shield! I'll be defensive!”

“I….I’m not strong or fast like you guys though…”

“Well…all the older squads have medics…you could be our medic and Rogelio could be the one to protect you!”

“…That’s pretty smart for you Adora…”

“Hey!”

The kids giggled then and started talking softly about short term plans and their training, each determined to protect the other four. And Adora grinned as she hid the spare Ration Bar in Catra’s unused pillow. It’d be a good idea to have a stockpile of food after all. And she always got an extra ration ticket from Shadow Weaver.

No one knew how this would change the course of history.

Chapter Text

Not many noticed really what had actually changed that night. Shadow Weaver noted a change in Adora, how she seemed focused on getting even stronger and stronger and seemed to look after her little squad of cadets more than normal.

But since that was the only notable differences in Adora, determined to be stronger and protect her fellow Horde cadets, and it was considered a good idea to let these changes grow and develop.

Shadow Weaver didn’t even bother noting the changes in the rest of the cadet squad or how with each punishment she inflicted on them Adora seemed to pull away and frown more and more.

If she had paid attention to more than how Adora was progressing in leaps and bounds then she would have probably noticed something sooner. As it was she didn’t.

So when Adora was ten and on the fast track towards being a Force Captain in the next year or two…well Shadow Weaver had no idea of the thoughts churning in her little prodigy’s mind.

After once more getting into a fight with an older cadet and beating them down badly, and then being punished and seeing how Shadow Weaver blamed Catra and Lonnie for the fight and took away their ration tickets for the day…

Well she exchanged glances with the others. She met Rogelio’s eyes and made a hand sign that meant for them to meet. They had learned a way to speak to everyone in the squad with just a look or hand sign and Rogelio nodded ever so slightly to show he had gotten the message.

He'd tell the others for her. She knew he would. If they used one of their hand signs then it wasn’t a joke.

After her day in isolation, which she spent doing different exercises and resting, she was taken aside and given another lecture about using her strength to protect her own.

“I was.” Adora said calmly to Shadow Weavers lectures as they walked towards the mess room. Shadow Weaver didn’t grab her. She had noticed Adora seeming to have an adverse and violent reaction to being touched by anyone, including her. After she had approached Adora from behind and accidentally startled the girl with a hand on the shoulder only to get judo flipped hard into the ground…well Shadow Weaver was a lot more careful about getting near the girl.

“Explain.” Shadow Weaver demanded as the two paused outside the mess hall where Adora’s squad was waiting for her before going in.

“They’re my squad. Mine. And he decided to mess with one of my squad. I have my strength to protect those that are mine. They are mine and he was hurting one of them. Therefore I used my strength to stop him.” Adora said calmly and coldly and Shadow Weaver stared down at her for a moment before chuckling.

“You really took that lesson to heart then have you? Good. Good. Keep up this good work Adora and you’ll be one of the best the Horde ever produced in no time. Now here are your ration tickets. Go eat and rest for training tomorrow.” Shadow Weaver said and as a special treat she gave Adora three tickets. Adora nodded to her politely as she took and pocketed the tickets.

“Adora.” Lonnie nodded to her as she approached and the group of five went in all together. The small amount of conversation went silent when they walked in. Adora’s blue eyes glaring around the room before she smirked slightly as she noticed how no one sneered at them. Good…they were starting to learn.

She handed Kyle one of her extra ration tickets and he looked relieved as she did so. They all lined up and got their rations, Adora slipping the second into her pocket to hide away like usual. She saw as Kyle hid his second one away as well. No one ever suspected him of hiding anything since he was known to be weaker than the rest of them and not a good liar. That’s part of why no one suspected Adora of anything unless they knew she did it. Because she was a terrible liar.

Amazing how that didn’t translate to lying by omission or half truths for either of them.

The group of five ate in silence, Catra being known as the closest to Adora and her second in command meant that no one even glanced at them funny when Catra nudged against her and purred ever so slightly.

Lonnie rolled her eyes at the two to hide how her hand made a sign on the table.

Meet?

Adora smirked at her and nodded once.

“Will you two stop being so cuddly? I’m trying to eat.” Lonnie asked to cover their hidden conversation. Adora shot her a confused look.

Lights out?

“What do you mean being cuddly?” Adora asked tilting her head to the side slightly.

Ten minutes. Ten minutes after Bed Checks then. That would be five minutes after Catra’s and Rogelio’s sixth senses said they would no longer be watched. The tingle and feeling of being watched disappearing most nights after all the cadets had been in bed for five minutes.

Kyle snickered around his ration bar.

“You two always sit close together and she’s nearly on top of you.”

Your bunk?

“Of course we are.” That was the whole message right there.

“Just saying that for someone who doesn’t like being touched you sure don’t seem to mind Catra.” Lonnie said smirking at her and nodding to where the two were literally shoulder to shoulder.

How serious?

“Why would I? We’re best friends and I trust Catra with everything.”

Life or death. The other four’s eyes tightened a bit but they didn’t tense at all. If anything they seemed to relax a bit.

Adora knew she wasn’t imagining how Kyle’s eyes flickered to the exit while Rogelio’s glanced around briefly. Lonnie’s eyes flickered to the biggest threats in the room and then at any improvised weapons. Adora knew from experience and from the way Catra nuzzled slightly into her that Catra was eyeing Adora’s blind spot with her sharp feline gaze.

For her own part Adora was keeping all of her senses tuned in for any possible threats. They’d be like this until the meeting then. And this meeting…well…

Honestly it should have been seen coming. And if anyone who truly knew the squad knew or heard any of it then they wouldn’t be surprised by what would be discussed tonight under the cover of darkness.

And to think this wouldn’t at all happen if it weren’t for Shadow Weaver. The irony of it made Adora’s lips twitch as they all lined up to go back to their bunks.

Chapter Text

“So what’s up Adora?” Lonnie asked as the group gathered at Adora’s bed at the specified time.

“What do you all think about abandoning the Horde?” Adora asked point blank and there was a thick heavy silence for a moment.

“I’ll follow you anywhere Adora.” Catra said after a moment and the other three sighed slightly.

“Can I ask what brought this on?” Kyle asked softly and Adora felt his hand on her leg. His hand was on her ankle and Rogelio’s was right above it in case he needed to make any signs. Even though Catra could see in the dark and tell her of anything Rogelio wanted to say it made Adora feel better to feel them near her and know they were okay. That was why Catra was nearly in her lap while Lonnie had a hand on Adora’s arm.

“Shadow Weaver. And the way she treats us and lets others treat us. The Horde…we’re supposed to be training to protect Etheria from the princesses and the Rebellion…and if we’re the good guys…why are we being treated the way we are?” Adora asked and everyone was silent for a moment longer. They all knew Shadow Weaver had a special fondness for Adora and yet she never escaped punishments and they all had seen her trying to manipulate the headstrong Adora into doing things differently including abandoning them.

Not even counting what she did to the one she hated the most, Catra. Lonnie and the guys were lucky that Shadow Weaver didn’t often punish them or interact with them like she did with the other two. But anytime she did turn her attention on them…

All five children shivered slightly at the different memories. Their scars tingling.

“If we’re the good guys…then why is someone like Shadow Weaver in charge? Yes the princesses might be worse if half the stories are true but…that doesn’t make us the good guys either.” Adora said softly and they all hummed or nodded or made noises of agreement.

“So…if we leave the Horde but the princesses might be worse…what are you thinking Adora?” Lonnie asked and Adora sighed heavily at this part. This was the tricky part.

“I’m thinking…we need to set up a third section. A third faction in the fight. Our own. Where things are right, where things are good and no child is raised like we are being raised. Where other kids can be safe. From Shadow Weaver and the Princesses both.” Adora said and she heard some curious noises from the others.

“Where do you suggest we set up base?” Catra asked softly as she nuzzled under Adora’s chin, purring slightly.

“I figure there’s three options we have.” Adora said and she relaxed a little bit when it looked line none of them were trying to dissuade her or claim that they should stay. She didn’t think they would but it never hurt to be sure.

“Our first and least likely option, Beast Island. I highly doubt that’s what we’re going to pick but that is an option.” Adora said and the others hissed or recoiled a bit at the mention of the place they were threatened with.

But they didn’t interrupt outside of the noises.

“Our second option and also unlikely but still more likely than the first. The Crimson Waste. We go there and take it over and make it our own base.” It was a wasteland that was dangerous and filled with outlaws and those who even the Horde and Rebellion wouldn’t accept.

“That one has a few advantages if we could set ourselves up there. For one we could recruit some of the other outlaws and stuff to work as fighters and guardians as well if we can somehow convince them it’s a good idea… Not to mention there’s no telling what kind of supplies and all are there.” Catra said and she was the more tactically inclined of the group so they believed her.

“Our last option?” Kyle asked softly, his fingers rubbing soft circles in Adora’s ankle.

“We take over the kingdom of a princess and turn it into our base.” That earned some surprised and confused looks on how that would be the safest or best option.

“That’s the most likely option because that means that we could look up any information the Horde has on the landscape, the terrain, the forces we’d encounter. The princess and the powers she’d possess. We’d be able to be very well informed of all of that before we make a plan and our move. We’d have a lot more information than we would for the other two and we’d know what resources we’re working with. Plus they’d never see it coming.” Adora said and the others admitted that she was right. There were a lot of reasons why that was the better option. Information was power. And they could look up a lot of information on the kingdoms of a princess.

“So that would be our best option so far. Crimson Waste is a great backup though if we are unable to take over one of the kingdoms of the princess.” Catra said and the other three made affirmative noises.

“Yes. And as much as I hate to say this after talking about how we need to leave…but we’ll need to stay here for a little while longer at the least. A year, maybe two or three max.” Adora said and the others were silent, merely waiting for her to finish explaining.

“We’d need more rations and supplies than what we’ve amassed so far. And Shadow Weaver let it slip that I am close to being made a Force Captain, the youngest in Horde History. Once I get that promotion, we’ll be able to get more supplies and we might be able to get some of the others on our side. After all if the youngest Force Captain in history brings up good points and is planning on defecting for a good reason…then what does that tell you?” Adora asked and the others were silent for a long moment, they knew if that happened whether they knew the Force Captain personally or not they’d definitely be shaken and questioning things.

“So it’s decided. In the next two or three years we’ll train more than ever. We’ll get supplies and rations…and we’ll make a plan.” Lonnie said softly and the guys made hums of agreement.

“And maybe recruit some more people. More people who notice something is wrong and just…just want to live in peace.” Catra said and she cuddled closer to Adora with a purr. She’d be happy no matter where she went as long as she had Adora with her.

“And then we’ll leave. As soon as we’re ready and we have a plan and I give the signal…We’ll leave the Horde and go find somewhere to just…just live.” Adora said and that sounded absolutely amazing to them. The chance to just live in peace, to be something other than Horde soldiers.

“I can hardly wait.” Kyle said with a hopeful sigh and Rogelio hugged him slightly.

The five kids roughly ten years old all decided that instead of going to their own bunks that they’d spend a while longer whispering about different plans and ideas, hesitantly mentioning things that they’d do when they were free.

They all fell asleep in a cuddle pile on Adora’s bed with hopeful dreams of the future dancing in their heads.

Chapter Text

For the next month the kids were studying and training a bit more than before. Catra and Adora studied the information available on all known princesses and their lands. Trying to see who they would have the best chances of taking over.

Lonnie began looking up any information she could on the Crimson Waste and had to admit that she liked their chances of taking over one of the Princesses territories better.

Kyle focused again on being able to do first aid and even learned how to make a few ration bars, wording it as being something he wanted to learn for one of his survival courses. So of course they had taught him since he was known to be in the same group as the Prodigy Child and therefore he would be making the rations for her. And none of the kitchen staff wanted to be the one to deny him and risk Shadow Weaver finding out they were by extension denying her precious Golden Child something vital.

Rogelio had focused more on slipping some gear and supplies past the others and storing them in the mattress of Catras’ unused bed. Pipes, scrap metal, an occasional knife if he could manage it…anything that he could get his hands on he managed to slip into his pockets and uniform and then into mattress.

He had brought up the idea of them all learning how to master a weapon. Oh sure they had skills in all weapons the Horde could train them in, but he thought that it might prove beneficial if they all learned one weapon more than the others.

So they did. They still kept up their skills and training in most weapons, especially improvised weapons, but they also began to specialize.

Lonnie specialized in a pole arm, like a bo staff. She wanted to master how to use something as simple as a pipe to save her and her friends lives.

Rogelio chose to learn how to use a shield, he had the best build of the group for it and picked up a few maintenance and engineering tricks to be able to do field repairs if need be. He decided he’d learn some engineering too. It’d come in handy no matter where they went.

Kyle being the scrawny bean pole he was decided to stick to a blaster. After all he had steady hands and a good aim, so if he learned how to shoot people from further away and keep them away from his squad so he could tend to their wounds…well…he would do anything to protect his small family.

Catra had her claws already so she didn’t really need another weapon under her belt, not when she had some built in. But she definitely wanted to contribute and help as much as she could. So she learned how to use a pair of small knives. Mostly she could use them to throw if her enemies were too far away for her claws to reach. With how agile and fast she was…well it was literal childs play for her to become a very hard to hit target and a very big threat up close.

Adora however…she decided she’d take her idea of being the ‘sword’ of the group literally. So she started learning how to use a sword. It came…almost easily to her. As if she was born to wield a sword. It was a bit unsettling how easily she started learning sword play but she decided she wouldn’t look a gift bot in the mouth. If she could learn more effective ways of protecting her small family fast? Of course she’d use them.

So the family continued to train. Continued to learn and gather and plan and grow their skills.

And then they finally decided on the ideal place for them to attack, the ideal place for them to take over and make their home for peace. Their base to keep safe and learn how to live and fight back against all sides to show a peaceful area for people to live.

“The kingdom of the princess Perfuma, Plumeria.” Adora said to them one night in the cover of darkness.

“That’s the flower one right?” Lonnie asked softly and Catra gave an affirmative.

“She’s one of the elemental princesses though… wouldn’t the Whispering Woods be better?” Kyle was unsure about that however but was open to listening.

“Whispering Woods is right in between the Fright Zone and Bright Moon. If we set up there we’d be trapped in the middle and fighting both sides. Plumeria is a bit further away so that we could at least set up traps and ambushes and use the trees to our advantage by the time anyone comes at us. Besides she might be an elemental princess but she’s around our age.” Catra said shaking her head slightly and the others winced they had to admit that it was a good point. Whispering Woods was way too in between the two different sides.

“Plus despite the princess being an Elemental princess Plumeria is known to have very little in the way of guards or fighting. They generally are nonviolent and peaceful. Which would make it easy to take over or at least fight our way into making a base there if they aren’t prepared for a fight.” Adora said and then she smirked slightly.

“Besides you mentioned that they were the flower people right? That means that all we really need to win against them is some fire. And that there’d be a lot of food and supplies there that we could take even if we aren’t able to take over the area. And the area is big. Even if we can’t take over the kingdom itself to set up our base we’d be able to be near there and set up a base that we could easily defend.” Adora said and the others could admit she had a point. It’d be easy to fight against them if they put up a fight over them setting up in their kingdom and even if they couldn’t take it over there’d be an abundance of supplies for them to take before having to retreat.

“So that’s our plan for now. Plumeria. That means when the time comes we’ll either need to fight our way there or steal a skiff…probably both.” Catra said and she seemed very happy about that, most likely she had been wanting to steal a skiff for a while.

“…Can we punch Shadow Weaver in the face when we’re about to leave?” Kyle asked softly and there were snickers from all four of the others.

“If I do that consider that the backup signal to get the fuck out of here.” Adora said and the others snickered. Honestly they’d pay to see her deck Shadow Weaver…right before they all ran for their lives.

“So we have our target for our hopefully new home. Plumeria.” Lonnie said and Catra purred slightly in agreement.

“Another year or two and then we’ll be out of here.” Adora said and the rest of them nodded. They were almost literally counting down the days to when they’d make their escape.

“Speaking of which…Rogelio, Catra. I need to speak to you two about a plan to cover our escape and make it harder for them to track us. But I need to get some more information first. So just be prepared for that.” Adora said and the other two gave noises of confirmation.

Lonnie and Kyle didn’t ask. They’d be told if it they needed to know. And if they weren’t told? That was fine too. They trusted their squad. Trusted Adora.

“We should go to sleep soon. We have more training and preparations to do tomorrow. And Shadow Weaver is supposed to be watching us in the simulators.” Kyle said and they all grimaced as everyone but Catra left Adora’s bed to curl up in their own.

Catra purred contently and kneaded Adora slightly as the two cuddled for bed.

“Soon we’ll be in Plumeria…what’s your idea for covering our escape?” Catra murmured softly as she snuggled into Adora who grinned against her hair.

“Wanna blow something up?”

Chapter Text

It was several months later almost a year when Adora was named the youngest Force Captain in history. And when she moved into her new bigger room she dragged the rest of her squad with her.

Although it was because of her promotion that she met someone who would be very important.

“You must be that prodigy everyone is talking about.” One of the people now under her command, now in her squad, said looking at Adora who was meeting the cadets she’d now be in charge of, aside from her original squad.

Adora paused and looked at the scorpion like girl who was standing not far from her and watching her curiously. The girl was a year or two older than her and tall and muscular with white hair and scorpion pincers and a tail.

“I don’t know about prodigy. I’m just doing my best to protect those I care about.” Adora said in return and she felt something different about this girl. She was different from some of the other cadets, something felt…off about her. As if she didn’t truly belong here. Similar to Kyle honestly.

“Oh?” The girl asked and she walked over to Adora curiously, being a few inches taller than Adora who had to look up at her.

“My strength is to protect. I use it to protect my own. The ones I care about.” Adora said and the other girl hummed, seeming to think deeply about that comment.

“My name is Scorpia. I’ve been assigned to your team.” The now named girl said and Adora smiled at her and shook her pincer, not even flinching at her grip or the pinch.

“Welcome to the squad. I’ll introduce you to the others.” Adora said and then she turned and the eleven-ish year old let out a short whistle.

Immediately Catra dropped from somewhere up above at her side and was eyeing the new arrival while the rest of the squad wandered over fast.

“Introductions. Everyone this is our new member Scorpia. Scorpia my right hand is Catra. Lonnie is the one with dreads who’s great with a pole arm. Rogelio is the tall one with the shield. And our medic is Kyle who’s pretty good with a blaster.” Adora motioned to each person in turn and then she nodded to Scorpia once.

“This is our new team mate Scorpia. Go easy on her.” Adora said and everyone nodded slightly and greeted Scorpia politely or happily. The Squad heard Adora’s unspoken message.

Team. Team not Squad. She wasn’t family or part of their…defection yet if she would be. Go easy on her. Don’t tell her anything yet. Sound her out gently and quietly.

“Welcome to the team. I’ll tell you right now that I’m the second in command of the squad. And if you hurt one of these idiots I won’t think twice about kicking your ass.” Catra said and Adora snickered.

“I thought I was the protective one who kicked peoples ass.” Adora said glancing at Catra who snorted and smirked at her.

“You kick any and everyone’s ass to protect us. You fight for other people and never yourself. So I need to be the one to protect and fight for you.” Catra said and Adora rolled her eyes but was smiling. Scorpia just watched as the group teased each other and joked and then glanced at her and pulled her into their teasing.

Was this what it was like to have friends? She’d…she’d love to have friends. Do anything to have friends who cared about her.

Maybe if she proved she was loyal and a good fit for the team they’d be her friends. She’d like that. Real friends…

“Alright squad. Let’s get ready! We’ve got a new simulation today and I don’t know about you all but I can’t wait to get in there!” Adora said grinning and the squad immediately fell into line with her without a second thought. Scorpia looked around a bit lost however not knowing where she should be. After all they were a well oiled machine so…where would she go?

“Hey Scorpia. With me! I wanna see what you can do!” Adora said and Scorpia was relieved and eager as she moved over to the Force Captain. She was eager to prove herself. Prove she could be useful and a good friend and ally.

As Scorpia went into the simulation Adora shared a glance that had a whole conversation in it with Catra. They’d keep an eye on the girl and see what they could find out about her and how loyal she was to the Horde exactly. Who knows…they might have a new one to join the defection.

As it was the girl was definitely strong and adept at fighting, able to tank a hit from the bots and keep going with little to no damage done to her.

“Not bad Scorpia. Not bad at all. Just remember to watch out for your team.” Adora said at the end of the simulation and Scorpia lit up at the praise and nodded rapidly at being told to watch out for the team.

“Ah Adora. I see you’ve met one of your more notable new cadets. Tell me. How is she fitting in with your…collection?” Shadow Weaver asked stepping up behind Adora who turned and gave her a bland smile.

“Hello Shadow Weaver. By collection do you mean my collection of friends? Because I really hope you didn’t mean that as an insult?” Adora asked and Shadow Weaver merely chuckled.

“Of course I didn’t mean it as an insult. You know that those who are important to you are important to me as well. But enough idle chatter. You’re being given a week to get used to your new member and the rest of the canon fodder. Then you’ll be leading a scouting mission out into the Whispering Woods.” Shadow Weaver said and Adora merely nodded and glanced at Catra to join her.

“What are we going to be scouting for?” Catra asked immediately and no one missed the distaste and disgust that dripped from Shadow Weaver as she looked at Catra.

“Just to see if the princesses are trying to push forward. Theres’s supposed to be a military fort nearby and we want to make sure they aren’t planning anything big.” Shadow Weaver said and Catra nodded and glanced at Adora.

“Very well. We’ll run some more of the Whispering Wood simulations during the week up to the scouting mission. And we’ll make sure we pack rations and weapons as well as take a communicator with us if we can get the authorizations for them.” Adora said and she looked at Shadow Weaver then who nodded and seemed fond and proud as she looked at Adora now.

Scorpia looked confused and alarmed by the change in Shadow Weavers tone between the two, although glancing at the others showed that they weren’t surprised by the difference in treatment.

“I’ll sign off on everything personally if you can get me a form of what you need.” Shadow Weaver ‘graciously’ offered and Adora favored her with a bright smile.

“Thanks Shadow Weaver. Your help means a lot to me.” Adora said brightly and then she turned to her squad and her smile fell into a smaller one.

“Kyle make up a list of any medical supplies you’ll need for first aid. Rogelio get me a list of what rations we’ll need. Lonnie you’re in charge of telling me what else we will likely need. Catra you and I will look over any available information we have about the terrain to see if there will be complications. Scorpia. I don’t know you’re strengths or talents yet so you’ll join us in a planning session in my room tonight so we can come up with basic ideas and get to know each others abilities.” Adora said and everyone nodded and saluted. Scorpia near vibrating in eagerness and anticipation.

She’d be going to the Prodigy’s room with the squad to get to know them and work out plans! It’d be like a sleepover! Her first sleep over! And she’d get her first big mission! She’d get to prove herself!

Ohhhh she could hardly wait!

None of them were aware of just how much this mission would change their lives.

Chapter Text

“Scorpia. Glad you made it. Pick out a spot and we can start talking strategy and getting to know one another.” Adora said smiling slightly as she answered the door to see Scorpia standing there awkwardly and holding a few drinks for everyone. After all she wanted to be nice and make a good impression!

“Thanks. I’m sorry if I’m late. I thought we might need some water during the session…” Scorpia said sheepishly when she entered and saw everyone else already there, most of them having pillows and blankets and mats set up on the floor. All of them in their sleeping uniforms already.

“It’s alright. You were right on time. And thank you for thinking of that. I didn’t even consider it.” Adora said smiling up at Scorpia and leading the woman further in.

Rogelio glanced at her and stood up, clearing off the single night stand and moving it to the center of the group of beds without a word.

“You never think ahead Adora. That’s what we have Catra for.” Lonnie said grinning and Scorpia froze at the way the cadet just spoke to a Force Captain.

“Hey! I think ahead plenty!” Adora protested and she…she wasn’t mad? Most Force Captains would be furious and would immediately punish the cadet, and hard, if they had dared say such a thing to them…

“Sure you do dummy. You didn’t bring your mattress and blankets Scorpia?” Catra asked as Kyle took the drinks from her and set them on the table.

“Ah…no…I wasn’t aware we were expected to stay the night.” Scorpia said and she seemed sheepish but inwardly she was panicking a bit. Had her Captain said that and she just hadn’t been paying attention? Had she forgotten?

“Oh crap. Sorry about that Scorpia. I’m still new to being a Captain and forgot you wouldn’t know.” Adora said wincing as she looked at the taller woman while sitting on her bed near the foot and reaching her foot out to gently bump against Lonnie’s.

“Um…” Scorpia was confused but Lonnie stood up and guided Scorpia to an empty mattress that, now that she was looking at it, they were arranged in a circle formation. Lonnie was right next to Adora’s bed on the right side and the two guys were only about a few inches away from Lonnie’s in a half circle with the last one being back near the end of the bed about three or four inches away from Rogelio’s mattress.

“When she got promoted and got her own room Adora said ‘screw that’ and dragged us all in here with her. You can use that mattress and all for tonight.” Lonnie said as Scorpia sat on the mattress, careful to keep her tail from going too close to anyone else.

“Someone has to watch after you three. Besides I’m so used to sharing a room with you four that it’d be weird to be on my own.” Adora said scrunching up her nose a bit and Catra snorted from where she was curled into Adora’s side, facing more towards Scorpia.

“I suppose this is your mattress? I don’t want to take it from you. I can just stay on the floor…” Scorpia said to Catra who shook her head and the whole group snickered now.

“Catra and Adora share a bed, they have ever since we were little. We just brought it with us because that’s what they’d expect us to do and hey extra bed.” Kyle said shrugging and Scorpia looked at the two younger women who were cuddled up close as they sat on the bed together.

“Usually those two just use that one since they said it feels weird to be on the bed frame while the rest of us are on the floor. But hey with you here we can make them sleep on the bed for once.” Lonnie said and Rogelio nodded quietly in agreement.

“If you want Scorpia you could have this bed and Catra and I can take the mattress?” Adora asked almost hopefully but Scorpia rapidly shook her head in the negative. She’d never take a Force Captains bed and make them sleep on the floor! She would never even think about it!

“Damn. Worth a shot.” Adora said sighing and the others snickered at her.

“First off. Thanks for bringing drinks Scorpia and again I’m sorry that I forgot to tell you to bring sleep things. Since we don’t know how long this planning session will last and I’m used to sharing a room with my squad anyways I expected you to stay the night as well but neglected to tell you.” Adora said and Scorpia hurriedly waved it off, it was weird hearing a Force Captain actually apologize. Especially for something so minor.

“So first thing we’ll do is going around and talk a little bit about ourselves to get to know each other. Naturally the five of us grew up together and know everything about each other but this is so you can get to know us and we get to know you.” Adora said and she glanced at Catra who looked at her and then rolled her eyes. Adora snickered fondly and then looked back up at everyone.

“Should I start?” Scorpia asked confused and eager as the rest of the group had glanced at Adora and nodded as if they had been having a conversation without saying a word. Adora blinked at her and then smiled sheepishly.

“Oh sorry. We were going to take turns and go in a circle. So I’d start, then it’d be Lonnie, then Kyle, then Rogelio, then you and ending on Catra. That good with you?” Adora asked and Scorpia nodded rapidly. That was fine with her. Anything that would make them more comfortable!

“Okay so my name is Adora. I’m the leader of this group and has been the strongest for all our lives. I’m decent with all kinds of weapons but my primary is a sword. I usually fight front lines and use my strength to protect those I deem as mine.” Adora said and then she glanced at Lonnie who nodded once and looked at Scorpia.

“My name is Lonnie. I’m a jack of all trades type of cadet. I know a bit of first aid, a bit of strategy, but I’m mostly a front liner as well. I usually use a pipe or a pole arm as my primary weapon of choice. I trust my squad with my life and will be the first to follow them into anything.” Lonnie said and there were snickers.

“I swear you are a chaotic enabler.” Catra said but she seemed so fond that it was obvious even to Scorpia that it was a playful jest.

“You have absolutely no room to talk.” Kyle said promptly but was also smiling playfully. Then he looked at Scorpia.

“I’m Kyle. Physically I’m the weakest and worst one here. But I’ve got sharp eyes and am good with a blaster…mostly though I handle more support style things. First Aid, communications, food. If it’s anything support then I’m the one you’ll go for. I’m also usually the voice of reason.” Kyle said and there was a noise of disbelief from Catra and Lonnie while Adora snickered.

“Voice of reason? Weren’t you the one to dye that older cadets entire uniform a bright sparkly pink a few weeks ago?” Catra demanded and Kyle just raised an eyebrow at her.

“It was either that or let you and Lonnie deal with them. What I did was tame compared to you two!” Kyle said and Rogelio made a noise and then did some hand motions towards the others.

“Oh right. Rogelio doesn’t talk much so we’ll translate what he says for you.” Lonnie said to Scorpia who nodded slowly.

“Rogelio is, as far as we can tell, the oldest of our squad. He’s the defense of the group. His chosen weapon is a shield so that he could tank the attacks and bash through the enemy. Usually he stays with Kyle and he has an amazing poker face. He likes to pretend he’s all serious and all, but honestly he’s just as bad as the rest of us.” Adora said and she grinned at Rogelio who threw his pillow at her. Catra caught it immediately and flung it back.

Scorpia waited a second and then realized it was her turn.

“Oh! Erm! I’m Scorpia, pleased to meet you all and work with you. I’m fourteen years old and well…you can see that I’ve got the pincers and my tail. My tail is usually reacting on instinct and it has a paralyzing agent in it so if I sting someone it can inject them with the paralyzer. I’m also really strong for my age. I’m also a hugger. I hope we get along well!” Scorpia said sheepishly and everyone nodded to her or smiled at her, making her relax a little bit.

“My name’s Catra. I’m the second in command. I’m the fastest in our group and have the best reflexes. Usually I’m the sneaky one too and the clever one. I’m the one who keeps this dummy from getting in over her head. I usually use my claws in a fight but I’m good with knives as well.” Catra said and Kyle and Lonnie both cried out.

“Keeps her from getting in over her head?! You usually are right there with her! And weren’t you the one to break that cadets jaw two months ago when he said something bad about Adora?” Lonnie demanded and Catra blushed and hissed a bit.

“He deserved it! And you three were just as bad! Kyle dyed his uniform, Rogelio made sure he failed in his simulations for a week straight and Lonnie you were the one who jumped me with him and gave him a black eye!” Catra said and the quips began to fly back and forth as Scorpia sat there watching wide eyed.

This was the team that she was joining? They were so close…they were…they weren’t a group of cadets following a Force Captain…they… Her moms would have liked them.

They were like friends. Family…

Maybe…Maybe she could be part of that family?

From there they talked a bit of strategy for the coming simulations and what Scorpia would need for the mission but…if Scorpia was being honest it felt kind of like what her mom had described a sleepover as. It didn’t feel like a meeting or like a group discussing purely business.

Mom and mama would have liked them. Scorpia hoped that her new squad would like her too…

She hoped she could be friends and family with them like they were with each other.

Chapter Text

Scorpia was eagerly following along as the team entered the woods and began to scout out the area on foot. This was a part of the woods that wasn’t well traveled or explored by the Horde, largely due to a nearby military fort named Thaymor.

“Not the best for Stealth missions but since this is just recon in the woods it should be okay.” Catra said glancing at the taller girl who winced a bit at this, knowing very well that she often stood out with ease.

“To be fair neither you nor Rogelio are good for stealth missions that involve walking around either.” Lonnie pointed out and Catra just gave a hum noise in her throat before she made her way back to the back of the lineup.

“As second in command shouldn’t she be up there with the Captain?” Scorpia asked and Kyle laughed a little but it wasn’t meanly.

“You’d think but these two are both very protective, although I think all of us are actually. Adora is the strongest and most direct in a fight amongst us all, and she’s the captain. She always charges in to meet the enemies head on.” Kyle said and Lonnie chuckled as she glanced back at Catra.

“Catra’s no slouch either, she’s definitely the second strongest of our squad but she’s mainly fast and sneaky. Not to mention she’s a bit more clever than the rest of us. She prefers to watch the rear in case of attacks from the back because she knows she’s fast enough to react to anything.” Lonnie said and Catra gave a smug little smirk at that as she watched the rear.

They made steady progress and the group was slowly growing more worried and tense the longer they managed to wander through the woods, Catra marking their path by scratching the trees with her claws every few steps.

Scorpia was frowning as she looked around while walking with the others who were all on high alert, and everyone came to a stop when Adora held up a closed fist. Everyone froze and were looking around but Adora took a slow look around before turning to look at Catra.

Catra was on high alert with her ears pricked up and listening for any sound for a long moment and then she tilted her head.

“It’s all clear.” Catra said at a normal volume as she glanced at the others.

“That…shouldn’t be.” Scorpia said as they all glanced around again but if they thought it was okay to talk who was she to argue?

“This close to a military stronghold…especially one on the front lines…” Kyle looked worried and confused and Adora grimaced as she adjusted her jacket a bit.

“We should have run into a patrol by now or at least heard others nearby. If there are rebellion soldiers nearby we should have…heard or ran into them…” Adora said and everyone looked confused and alarmed as they considered that and the implications.

“Either this is a trap or there’s something funky going on.” Catra said and she was definitely on high alert, everyone else went on high alert as well almost instantly. And it was only because they were looking for anything at all out of the ordinary that Rogelio happened to spot a strange glint coming from deeper into the woods off to the side.

He made a noise that got their attention and then nodded towards it. Those with human eyes weren’t really able to tell what he was pointing out but Scorpia and Catra spotted it immediately.

“There’s something over there. Metallic or crystalline. It’s glinting in the light but it’s not very big.” Scorpia said squinting as if to try and see it better.

“Shit’s already suspicious. Might as well check out the glint. If it’s a trap we’ll figure it out and get out. If it’s not…it might be important.” Adora said and the squad nodded and fell in line immediately. Scorpia stood to the side confused and feeling out of place as everyone seemed to already know where to go for the formation.

Adora at the front with her crappy Horde provided sword at the ready, Rogelio right behind her with a shield on his arm, Kyle in the middle with a blaster in hand, Lonnie behind him walking backwards with a pipe in her hands, and Catra at the end walking backwards with her claws extended and ears pricked.

The common no name cadets had been made to secure a resting place for the night in case it became an overnight mission and to guard the exit in case of an attack…and Scorpia had no idea why she was even here as she stared at them and then looked around awkwardly.

“I’m sorry…where did you want me?” Scorpia asked quietly feeling a bit ashamed that even after a week of training with them she still wasn’t sure where she should go in the line up.

Adora paused for a moment and looked at Scorpia carefully before exchanging a glance with Catra around the others. Adora nodded her head up and Catra just nodded before she jumped up into the tree above them, easily resting on one of the branches and peering down at them.

“Lonnie. Take the rear guard. Scorpia in between Lonnie and Kyle. If something comes at us from the rear Catra will likely warn us ahead of time but just in case I’ll be trusting you to keep things safe back there.” Adora said and Scorpia’s eyes widened but her tail swished a little happily. She was being trusted with rear guard of their medic! That was a huge display of trust.

“Yes ma’am! You can count on me!” Scorpia said eagerly and she hurriedly moved to her place as Lonnie moved up a few steps and shot Scorpia a friendly smile when the larger woman got in between her and Kyle.

“I know I can. If I didn’t think I could I wouldn’t have you back there. Catra will scout ahead a bit from above and we’re going to move at a steady and unhurried pace. Remember we could be going towards a trap so move slow and careful and be alert.” Adora said and they all nodded, Scorpia’s tail swishing slightly in excitement and she felt her cheeks darken at the trust and faith her Captain was putting in her.

She hoped she lived up to Adora’s expectations!

The group moved ahead slowly and carefully and despite trying to listen out for it as much as she could Scorpia couldn’t even hear Catra leaping through the trees as she checked out the area.

It was a few minutes later as they got closer to the object when Catra jumped down from the trees and everyone froze to a stop as she took up a relaxed stance.

“It’s all clear. There’s no one here. And the light up ahead is from a sword in the ground.” Catra said and everyone relaxed a bit at hearing that it was all clear but everyone was confused. A sword?

“A sword?” Adora asked confused and curious and Catra nodded.

“Yeah. Don’t know how long it’s been there, there’s vines and everything growing on and around it. But it’s still rust free and looks almost as if it were freshly made.” Catra said and she glanced at Adora’s rusty blade now then back at Adora.

“We should check it out. Worst case? It’s nothing important and it’s crap that we can use for scrap metal. Best case if we’re lucky? You get a new sword that isn’t rusted crap.” Catra said and everyone was quiet, and Scorpia honestly wondered now on why Adora was using the rusty sword. The Horde had better swords than that… and shouldn’t she as a Force Captain be given a decent weapon?

“What do you guys think?” Adora asked and Scorpia gaped slightly. She was asking their opinions and thoughts on what they should do? But…but most Force Captains she knew would just make a decision and demand everyone else go with it.

“Let’s check it out but be careful.” Kyle said and Rogelio made a noise Scorpia was beginning to realize meant an affirmative.

“What the hell? Might as well.” Lonnie agreed and then Adora’s blue eyes landed on her and Scorpia startled. Oh…oh her opinion mattered too? Adora wanted her thoughts?

Adora didn’t seem impatient waiting on Scorpia to answer but the longer those blue eyes stayed on her the more flustered Scorpia became.

“We-uh…we can check it out? But we should…definitely still be careful about it? We don’t know how long it’s been out here…but if it’s been here for a while and is still good as new? That nearly screams magic.” Scorpia said finally and Adora nodded slowly.

“I hadn’t even considered magic having a play in this…Scorpia do you know magic?” Adora asked and Scorpia blushed a little bit harder and rubbed gently at the back of her head with a claw.

“Well. I know a little bit? My mom was magic and so was granddad but I didn’t get to learn much.” Scorpia said sheepishly and Adora smiled at her brightly.

“But it’s still so cool that you know magic! None of us know magic! And considering that the Rebellion is made up mostly of magical princesses then even knowing a little bit makes our jobs a bit easier!” Adora said and Scorpia blushed and nearly tripped over herself at that.

“I can tell you about the princesses if you want, some of my information is out of date and I know nothing of the new Snow Princess but I know a bit about all of them!” Scorpia said and Adora beamed at her.

“Join us in the room tonight and we can go over the stuff you know!” Adora said and Scorpia nodded rapidly in agreement while the others sighed and Catra nudged Adora with a fond smile.

“Okay dummy. Focus. Potential magic sword just waiting to be claimed. We gonna go get you a new sharp shiny stabby or no?” Catra asked and Adora turned that beaming smile onto Catra who weathered it a little better than Scorpia did.

“Hell yeah!” Adora said and then she raced forward. Scorpia yelped at that, oh no. What if her Captain got hurt or attacked?

Scorpia raced off after her and the others sighed, Catra face palming.

“Now there’s two of them.” Catra said before the rest of the squad took off after the two light haired females.

They got there just in time to see Adora touch the sword and then pass out, Scorpia catching her in her claws and looking panicked.

“Oh for fuc-…Kyle check on my idiot. Scorpia do you know anything about that sword? Rogelio and Lonnie? Perimeter.” Catra said immediately taking Adora from Scorpia and laying her down on the ground while Kyle rushed over.

“I’ve never heard of it or seen it before…Maybe it’s blood locked like the Runestones?” Scorpia said and she was hovering and fretting as she stood there.

“Great…well set up camp for a while and break out the rations. We’ll give it an hour or two for Adora to wake up and if she doesn’t then you’ll carry her as we make our way back to Fright Zone.” Catra said sighing and Scorpia immediately set about following the orders.

Catra sighed and looked at Adora as Kyle just shrugged at her. There was nothing he could do to help really, not if magic was involved.

“You dummy. You could have at least waited for the rest of us to get here and watch you fall on your face.”

Chapter Text

Netossa and Spinnerella weren’t actually on a Rebellion mission. They were actually visiting Theymor for the yearly festival and decided to have a walk through the woods. Well it started as a walk and then it turned into a game of chase and tag between the two princesses who were both competitive and besides...taking a moment for themselves wouldn’t hurt anything.

At least that was their thoughts before they came across a small clearing that was actually occupied despite how deep in the woods they had wandered.

Occupied by a group wearing Horde uniforms…but…

“Children?” Spinnerella looked confused by the sight of the teenagers and children in the clearing. Immediately all of them were on alert.

“Rogelio, Kyle with Adora! Lonnie Scorpia on me!” A cat like girl no older than eleven or twelve said immediately handing a blond off to a bulky lizard-folk and a scrawny brown haired boy not much older than the magicat.

“Children…what are children doing out in these woods?” Spinnerella asked worriedly and Netossa was on high alert.

“We were on a recon mission!” A tall Scorpioni girl no older than fifteen or sixteen said brightly and the younger girl next to her with dreadlocks sighed.

“Scorpia how about you don’t tell the potential hostiles what we were doing here?” The girl said and Scorpia looked sheepish at that.

“Sorry. Can you forget you heard me say that Princess Spinnerella, princess Netossa?” Scorpia asked and the whole group seemed to tense at the knowledge that they were princesses.

“You know them?” The magicat asked flatly as she stared down the two princesses and she seemed to be covering someone protectively with her body.

“Yeah we met at the princess prom last time it was held! Princess Netossa is competitive and a great fighter and talented with her nets and Princess Spinnerella is very kind but also very strong with her wind powers.” Scorpia said brightly and the magicat looked so done with her friend.

“Ughhh. Scorpia…how did you get to a princess prom?” A voice behind them asked and the girl with dreads and Scorpia immediately glanced back as a blond haired girl about twelve or so stood up and was rubbing her head.

“I got invited! It was the last one I went to, back when my moms were alive! Spinnerella was really nice and showed me how to dance!” Scorpia said and right now all of the kids were giving her disbelieving or flat looks. Spinnerella gave a small giggle as she recalled that dance and the party and the way Netossa pouted over ‘the little Scorpion princess trying to steal her girlfriend’.

“You…were invited?” The scrawny boy asked staring up at Scorpia who nodded.

“Of course. All princesses get an invitation.” Scorpia said and the entire group stared at Scorpia for a long moment in silence and she looked confused before she smiled sheepishly.

“You…ah…didn’t know I was a princess?” Scorpia wagered a guess and there was a guttural noise from the lizard-folk who gave her a flat look.

“Most of the Horde probably doesn’t know. After all we’re being raised and trained to hate and fight princesses. So if they found out that there was one living right there with us…” Adora said and then she sighed and rubbed her head.

“You okay idiot?” The magicat asked glancing at the blond who shook her head a bit roughly and then nodded.

“I’m fine. Sword’s magic and it’s calling my name literally in my head. We’ll figure out why as soon as we figure out why there are two princesses standing here watching us.” The blond said and she stepped forward in front of the one with dreads who immediately turned to guard the rear as the kids made a circle to cover the entire clearing.

“Okay…okay…one thing at a time. Why are there a bunch of children in the Horde?” Netossa asked staring at the kids who all seemed confused.

“That is where we were raised and trained.” The blond said and Netossa and Spinnerella shared dismayed looks. Child soldiers…by the First Ones they couldn’t be any older than Glimmer… The oldest was Scorpia and she wasn’t even sixteen yet.

“What are your names?” Spinnerella asked gently and the blond who was the leader tilted her head and observed them for a second. Then she glanced at the magicat who’s ears twitched a bit.

“It’s clear. There’s no one else besides them so this isn’t some kind of ambush.” The magicat said and the group seemed a little bit more relaxed at that.

“Do you sense anything else?” The blond asked and the magicat snorted.

“Oh please. If that old hag was watching us with her magic I wouldn’t have said anything aloud.” The Magicat said and the blond nodded her head.

“I am Force Captain Adora. This is my right hand Catra. Scorpia is the newest addition to our squad. Lonnie is the one with the dreads, Kyle is our medic and Rogelio is the big guy.” Adora said motioning to each of her group in turn.

“As Scorpia said I’m Spinnerella, and this is my girlfriend Netossa. You mentioned being watched with magic and being raised and trained by the Horde to hate and fight princesses. Are you children safe?” Spinnerella asked softly and the whole group aside from Scorpia snorted slightly.

“With Adora around? We’re all safe. And we protect her as much as we can.” Lonnie said and that…that did not sound good to the two princesses.

“With Shadow Weaver around though none of us are safe.” Adora said shaking her head and it was said with a sardonic smile and the others seemed to give sad noises in agreement.

“Children…” Netossa spoke softly using a soft voice that she typically used for Spinerella when they were alone or when they were babysitting Glimmer when she was little.

“Do you want to fight?” Netossa asked gently and the kids all let out almost broken laughs that sent chills down the spines of the three princesses as Scorpia looked at her squad confused and worried.

“It doesn’t matter what we want. We are soldiers. We have no choice but to fight this war.” Adora said and she gave a nearly broken smile that absolutely destroyed the two older princesses.

“If you had a choice. A chance to escape…where would you go…what would you do?” Spinnerella asked and she sounded so heartbroken as she stared at the broken children in front of her.

“Plumeria. We’d…we’d probably go to Plumeria and we’d make a safe place. Somewhere where we can just live…where we can keep other kids from turning out like us.” Adora said immediately and the two older princesses felt their hearts shatter. They just wanted to find somewhere to live, and…and they didn’t see themselves as kids anymore. The oldest of them couldn’t be sixteen yet and yet they didn’t see themselves as kids…

“We can help you. We can help you escape and get to Plumeria. We can even tell Queen Angella about everything so that she knows you don’t mean any harm…We can help you.” Netossa said softly and Adora paused for a moment and then looked at Scorpia.

“Whatever you decide I’m with you a hundred percent captain. Keeping other kids safe sounds amazing…” Scorpia said smiling at Adora who gave her a smile back and then looked at the two older princesses.

“It wouldn’t be that easy to get away. Shadow Weaver…she sees me as her Golden Child. She’d probably let the others go without trying to get them back…but me…she’d do everything she could to get me under her thumb again.” Adora said and her squad tensed aside from Scorpia who looked confused.

Adora pinned the two with a stern determined look that didn’t belong on the face of a child.

“If it comes down to it can I trust you two to get the rest of my squad out safely to Plumeria? I could stay behind and cause a distraction and then fight my way out. But if we are able to do it can you get them to safety?” Adora asked and the princesses…oh by the first ones did they hate how this girl had to think like that. How she had to think about saving the others and sacrificing herself.

“We wouldn’t leave you behind!” Kyle said immediately and fiercely and the rest seemed just as determined.

“Consider it an order to get to safety and set up a base for us.” Adora said flatly.

“Fuck orders.” Catra said immediately and the rest nodded. The two older princesses were surprised at how close the group was and how determined they were not to leave anyone behind.

“There’s no telling what Shadow Weaver would do to you if the rest of us defected. Favored child or not she would hurt you and might even kill you.” Lonnie said looking worried and Adora was notably silent about that as she stared at the princesses.

“We’d do everything we can to protect and save all of you.” Spinnerella said seriously and she was determined to save all of the kids, they were just kids. So young they could be her children…

She had to help them.

Adora stared at them for a long moment now as she studied them before glancing at Rogelio and Kyle who both nodded and then at Catra who nodded.

“Very well…we’ll trust you for now. We’ll meet up and speak later on about any plans if we can. For now…” Adora turned towards the sword and glared at it.

“We’ll deal with you later. We need to start heading back towards Fright Zone before someone looks for us.” Adora said to the squad who nodded and packed up their things, Kyle handing Adora a ration bar that she quickly scarfed down.

“We…We’ll be in the town of Thaymor for a while…we…we can try to meet back up here at the clearing in a week?” Spinnerella offered and the squad froze as they looked at each other.

“Town…we were told Thaymor was a military fort.” Adora said flatly and the two princesses shook their heads rapidly in the negative.

“No! By Etheria no! It’s a civilian town.” Spinnerella said and she looked horrified by the implications of what could happen if the Horde thought there was a military fort nearby.

“That explains the lack of patrols and guards.” Lonnie noted and the rest looked grim as well.

“I’ll do a debrief when we get back to base. Squad. As far as anyone else has to know there was no sword, we did not run into princesses and there was no information on Thaymor being anything other than what we were told except that they are very lax in patrols. I’ll request we do a secondary sweep of the area in a week and meet back here. We meet in my room tonight to talk about everything.” Adora said looking at her team who all gave grim snickers and humorless snorts.

“We meet in your room anyways you idiot.” Catra said but she was fond as she looked at Adora, bumping their shoulders together gently.

“Honestly I don’t think I’ve even gone back to my own room at all in the last week we’ve been having the planning sessions.” Scorpia said grinning at them and Rogelio snickered slightly.

“You haven’t. Honestly just grab your stuff and move into the room with the rest of us full time at this point.” Kyle said grinning up at her and Scorpia perked up. They were inviting her to live with her core team!

“I will!” Scorpia said happily and the two princesses watched with heavy broken hearts as the group of children got into a military formation and proceeded through the woods.

“We have to help them Spinny.” Netossa whispered as they watched the children leave.

“We will darling. We will…let’s get back to Thaymor and get in touch with Queen Angella and let her know about the child soldiers.” Spinnerella said and Netossa nodded slowly and the two adults stared after the children for a moment longer before they turned back towards Thaymor and held hands as they walked.

They were silent and both of their thoughts were on those children and what they could try and do to help them.

Chapter Text

That night after debriefing and dinner the group met in Adora’s bunk and Scorpia showed up with a small box of things and her own mattress and pillow.

“Okay. Okay…first things first before anything else.” Adora said after Catra and Rogelio gave her the all clear. Adora looked at Scorpia.

“I’m not mad or upset at you not telling us you’re a princess. Honestly it’s probably for the best no one in the Horde outside this room knows about it.” Adora said and Scorpia smiled relieved at that as she settled on her mattress.

“Second know that no matter how you answer my next question we will not tell anyone of you being a princess nor use this information against you.” Adora said seriously and Scorpia tilted her head curiously but she appreciated that they wouldn’t tell anyone.

“Now for the biggest thing, which I’m afraid we were going to ask you eventually but we were going to wait several more weeks until we got to know you better.” Adora said and Scorpia was quiet as she sat there and waited.

“We are planning to defect.” Adora said point blank and Scorpia blinked slowly twice.

“Okay…that explains how you already knew you’d go to Plumeria so easily. I’m guessing you’ve been planning this for a while?” Scorpia asked and everyone relaxed just a bit but nodded.

“For almost two years now. Although I’ve been thinking about it for a bit longer.” Adora said and Scorpia nodded at that and merely watched everyone.

“Can I ask your reasons? This isn’t me saying yes or no to agreeing with you. This is me wanting to know your reasoning.” Scorpia said looking at everyone and the rest of the squad nodded to Adora and Catra, Catra was frowning as she looked at Adora.

“Shadow Weaver is a large part of it. We…the Horde is supposed to be the good guys, we’re supposed to be uniting and freeing Etheria from the Princesses. And yet…Shadow Weaver has been manipulating and abusing us for years, for as long as I can remember and probably even longer than that.” Adora said and Catra’s noise twitched a bit and her head turned to Kyle.

“Put a pause on the conversation. Kyle get the medikit.” Catra said sharply and Kyle was immediately standing and grabbing his always present medical kit and making his way towards Adora.

“Alright idiot. Stop hiding the wound and let us see. I can smell the blood.” Catra said and Adora sighed and shucked her red jacket, showing the blood stains beginning to grow on her side. She pulled up her shirt and everyone winced at the sight of the bleeding wound in her side. It looked like she sliced clean open with something.

“Shadow Weaver did that? She almost never does more than some of her minor lightning with you.” Catra said looking worried and upset as she stared at the wound. Adora just smiled and held her hand even as Kyle cleaned the cut and then checked it for a moment with a wince.

He glanced at Adora who nodded and he seemed upset as he took some thread and a needle that Rogelio heated to sterilize it over a liberated lighter and began to stitch her wound closed.

Scorpia was horrified to see her not show a single bit of pain at the stitches being done.

“I’m pretty sure it was an accident. She thought I was hiding something and her shadows exploded outwards and one caught me in the side. On the plus side she no longer suspects me of hiding something about our mission which means she won’t question any of you.” Adora said brightly and Scorpia felt sick. Shadow Weaver, the leader of the magic division and Hordaks second in command, had done this? On accident just because she suspected something but had still done it. And she hadn’t even sent Adora to medical.

“You self-sacrificing idiot.” Catra said looking exasperated with the blond while the others looked upset.

“Your idiot!” Adora chimed brightly and Catra went bright red, although it was hard to tell through her fur, but the way her tail and ears wiggled in embarrassment didn’t lie. Lonnie gave a small snicker and Rogelio rolled his eyes.

“Things like this are one of the biggest reasons we want to leave. I’m Shadow Weavers favorite, her golden prodigy child. And if she does things like this to me without care, imagine what she does to the others? Especially to Catra who she despises.” Adora said to Scorpia who’s mouth was dry. Yeah that was a damn good point.

“Kyle, Rogelio and I are lucky. Shadow Weaver mostly ignores our existence which means we can slip things past her and generally go unbothered by her. Catra usually gets the worst punishments from her though, Adora gets quite a few too when she tries protecting us.” Lonnie explained to Scorpia, Scorpia slowly looked at Catra who just glanced at her and then shrugged.

“It’s not so bad. She hates me and the more she uses her anger on me the less it’s used on Adora or the others.” Catra said and Adora gave her an annoyed look for that.

“And you call me self-sacrificing.” Adora muttered knowing full well that everyone could hear it.

“But with someone like Shadow Weaver being one of the ones in charge but doing things like this…and if half of what we’re told about the Princesses are true then they’re just as bad if not worse…we want to defect. Defect and set up our own side and base where kids can be safe and people can live in peace without having to fight if they didn’t want to.” Adora said to Scorpia as Kyle finished up the last stitch and then wrapped her wound in gauze just to be on the safe side.

“Sounds like a good idea, and Plumeria is our designated spot to set up in. Okay where are we so far in getting ready to go?” Scorpia asked looking at them and they all stared at her for a moment.

“What? After learning about Shadow Weavers actions, and knowing some of what I do about the rest of the base including how most of the others would kill me without hesitation just because of my birthright? Did you really think I wouldn’t join you?” Scorpia asked smiling at them and Kyle smiled brightly at her and hugged her, getting a big hug in return.

“Right. Welcome to the family Scorpia. We’ll start teaching you the silent way to communicate we developed. And we’ll start getting you up to date on what we’ve got so far and where we are in preparations.” Adora said after a moment of staring and then she smiled.

Scorpia beamed. Family? She was part of their family?! Really?! Ohhhh she hoped she didn’t let them down!

“For now…we’ll go on another mission to the woods in a week to go back to that sword and meet up with the princesses. We won’t immediately trust them of course but we can see if they are truthful and interested in genuinely getting us away from the Horde. Scorpia tonight we’ll all just relax after the mission today and then tomorrow after training we’ll come back and start teaching you some of the signs and codes while you fill us in on everything you know about the princesses.” Adora said and Scorpia nodded happily at that.

Adora and Catra then laid back and curled up together on the mattress next to Scorpia’s on the floor.

“Don’t lay on those stitches Adora. That means no cuddle pile tonight.” Kyle said as he began to make up his own place to sleep and Adora merely gave an affirmative. Rogelio sighed and Lonnie gave a huff but nodded.

“Sometimes we all curl up in a big cuddle pile. Due to her wounds we aren’t going to do it tonight but Adora will probably call for one tomorrow. She’s a huge cuddle bug.” Catra explained to Scorpia even as she smiled fondly at Adora who was already knocked out asleep.

“Says the one who always curls around her.” Lonnie muttered smirking and Catra grabbed a spare pillow and lobbed it at her.

Scorpia grinned as there were quips and pillows traded back and forth for a little while before they all began to pass out.

It felt…it felt like a family. Like she had siblings…

She knew she wouldn’t regret supporting them and joining them fully even in defection. Not if it meant she could protect and stay close to her siblings...And Adora and Catra. She was pretty sure the way she felt for them was less sibling like.

Chapter Text

“You wish to go out into that area again? Why.” Shadow Weaver demanded when Adora put in the request the next morning.

“It’s strange how lax their patrols are for a military fort on the front lines. I want to get a better lay of the land and try to observe them a bit to see why they are so…sloppy. If it turns out they’ve let their guard down that’s one thing that we can take advantage of. But if it turns out they’re being so lax because of a princess or even the queen being there? Then we need to know now rather than when we attack.” Adora said calmly.

“Any other reason?” Shadow Weaver demanded and Adora just nodded.

“I’d like us to get a better lay of the land around the area. That way if it proves to be too heavily guarded or a princess shows up mid battle and we need to retreat we can.” Adora said and Shadow Weaver stared at her for a long moment with narrowed eyes.

“Any other Reason.” Shadow Weaver demanded with her shadows dripping from her dangerously as if to intimidate Adora.

“No ma’am.” Adora said and the shadows exploded again, one catching her in the face but Adora hadn’t even blinked.

“Are you lying to me?!” Shadow Weaver demanded but she didn’t anticipate what happened next.

“No I’m-“ Adora had no clue what would happen next either as she blinked and in that time Shadow Weaver was knocked away from her and onto the floor.

Adora blinked slowly as she looked from the tall muscled and armored back in front of her to Shadow Weaver’s position on the floor and then back.

“Kyle.” Scorpia barked out and Kyle was immediately there beside Adora and already wiping her wound away with disinfectant.

Rogelio had appeared right behind Adora with his shield out and Lonnie was behind Kyle with her polearm out. Adora wondered where Catra was for a moment before she saw the magicat preteen jump on Shadow Weaver and hold her claws to her throat.

“Shadow Weaver. You might be the second in command but there are regulations and rules for a reason. Using your magic on and injuring a fellow soldier is against those regulations. That is an abuse of power and if you try to order us to keep it quiet then that’s an abuse of authority too. There will be a write up and complaint about this to Lord Hordak himself in less than an hour.” Scorpia said with a cold voice as she protectively stood in front of Kyle and Adora.

Shadow Weaver was frozen, very aware of the claws at her throat and the hissing magicat with a grudge against her on her chest glaring down at her with a pair of mismatched eyes and slit pupils.

“You okay captain?” Scorpia asked Adora softly as she glanced back at Adora who blinked slowly.

“Yeah I’m fi-“ She was cut off by Kyle slapping her arm twice lightly.

No talk

“You need stitches along your cheek. It’ll probably scar.” Kyle said softly but firmly and Adora merely shrugged.

“Adora I swear that if you say ‘What’s one more scar?’ I will slit Shadow Weavers throat and wrap you in blankets.” Catra said from where she was holding Shadow Weaver down still.

“…I mean…is that supposed to stop her from saying it or make her say it?” Lonnie asked and there was a snort from Rogelio.

“Shadow Weaver. I understand yesterday’s during the debriefing was likely an accident. But doing this again today? When there was no reason to even use your magic on her? Or near her? That makes this look intentional. That makes this look very very bad for you.” Scorpia said coldly and she was damn near cracking her claws as she glared down at the sorceress.

“That is the second scar that you, our commanding officer, has given her within two days for no reason aside from your magic lashing out.” Scorpia said and then she narrowed her eyes at the woman and smirked a tiny bit.

“If you are having such a hard time controlling your magic then perhaps it is in everyone’s best interest if I sever your connection to the Black Garnet to limit the outbursts and injuries?” Scorpia asked and Shadow Weaver tensed and growled a bit behind her mask.

“You are bluffing.” Shadow Weaver said and Scorpia merely raised an eyebrow at her.

“The Black Garnet, and it’s abilities, are my birthright. My family allowed you to tap into it’s power as a show of good will and a favor. At any given time we, or rather I as the last of the family, are allowed to revoke your access to it. If you are misusing the power my family allows you to use? Then it is my duty to take that power away.” Scorpia said not cold and not unkind, she was just stating a fact. Catra’s ears could hear how Shadow Weavers heart started to speed up at that.

“If I learn of you misusing the power granted to you by my family again then I shall take that power from you…and in case you were thinking it, and I’m sure you weren’t but better to err on the side of caution, if anything happens to me. Such as I die in a tragic ‘accident’ or your seemingly uncontrolled magic hits me then your connection is severed immediately by the Runestone itself.” Scorpia said matter of factly but she was smirking a little bit now as Kyle finished the last stitch.

“You forget that the Runestones are semi-sentient and normally blood locked to the royal family. If someone who has a small connection to the runestone dares strike against the family? Well the runestone knows…” Scorpia trailed off and then turned around and looked at Adora.

“Sorry about jumping in there Captain. I know you can handle yourself but seeing her use the magic my family let’s her use against you like that? I couldn’t stay silent.” Scorpia said gently to Adora who smiled slightly up at her, a crooked half smile so that she didn’t pull her stitches. She nodded once and Scorpia relaxed a bit, knowing that there was no grudge or anything.

Adora then looked over at Catra still on Shadow Weaver and gave a small whistle noise. Immediately Catra hissed at Shadow Weaver one last time and then sprung off of her, with her feet in her chest and using her full weight and force to make it hurt, and over to Adora’s side.

Catra let out a small mewl and there was a chuff from Adora who was then given gentle head butts and a rub of Catra’s cheek against her uninjured one.

“Let’s get you to medical to have them double check my work and then we should probably get lunch and go back to our planning sessions.” Kyle suggested as Lonnie collapsed her pole arm and put it at her waist in an easy to reach and grab place.

“Right. Rogelio, up front, Scorpia guard our rear. Kyle in the middle with the Captain. Lonnie you take the left.” Catra gave the orders and the group followed them, Rogelio taking point with his shield still up and ready.

Adora rolled her eyes but smiled slightly at her group as the rest of the Cadets under her met them outside the door and a few looked worried and joined their detail to the medical. The others looked confused or alarmed or otherwise unhappy as they noted her injury and then glared back at the room she exited from.

Catra however noted how even the other Cadets looked worried about Adora’s injury or angry at her being hurt by Shadow Weaver’s magic and smiled a bit.

Adora was more well liked than she realized and Catra realized with a bit of amused disbelief and a bit of concern how there’d be a good sized group defecting with them.

Chapter Text

“Catra?” Adora asked when they got close to the clearing a few days later, Catra tilted her head and then jumped into the trees. The core group waited patiently while some of the newer cadets to the squad were nervously shifting in place.

“Captain?” One of the smaller cadets, a boy their age who was a scrawny slip of a thing but a great sniper, asked nervously and Adora shot him a reassuring smile.

“She went to scout ahead.” Adora said and she wasn’t too sure about bringing some of the other cadets in on what was going on. In on their escape plan…but…Catra had brought it up and Kyle and Rogelio had overheard and sounded out a few of the cadets as well. And…well…it seemed most of the Cadets looked up to Adora and were more sure of following her than they were of following Shadow Weaver and the elusive never before seen Lord Hordak.

So now there were four more cadets than normal with the squad, the four who were more set in stone about following Adora or who questioned the Horde more than the others. Besides Scorpia brought up a good point when they first started talking about bringing more Cadets in.

The more people they got from the Horde the better as that meant less soldiers from the Horde attacking them later. And that meant that they’d probably be able to grab some of the younger kids who were still in training and save them some of the torture.

“Do you trust me?” Adora asked turning to the Cadets when Rogelio nodded to her.

“Of course.” They all replied immediately and noted how none of Adora’s main Squad or Scorpia seemed to need to answer. In fact Scorpia was watching them while the rest of the Squad was keeping an eye out on the surrounding area.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to pick right now. Me? Or the Horde?” Adora said and they were all quiet for a long moment.

“Let’s see. An organization and army that attacked my town as a child and then took me and raised me to be a soldier…or one of the most honestly cheerful and nice people I’ve met who’s well known to be very protective of those she deems as hers?” The bulkiest of the four asked slowly as she stared at Adora with a flat unimpressed look.

“Same.” The sniper and medic agreed with the bulkier woman while the mechanic of the group grinned at Adora.

“You took the punishment for me once and didn’t even try to use it against me or anything with Shadow Weaver. I’m with you all the way Cap.” She said grinning and Adora smiled brightly at them.

“Great! I’m going to ask you to trust me and holster your weapons unless we’re attacked. Who we’re about to meet goes against everything the Horde stands for and I barely trust them but they are likely our best bet to achieve our goal.” Adora said and the four exchanged looks before holstering their weapons.

“And what is our goal?” The bulkiest one of them, Adora believed her name was Rosa?, asked staring at Adora but her hands were pointedly away from her weapon.

“Oh we’re going to defect from the horde, get to Plumeria, and either take over the kingdom itself or take over some land nearby and fortify it so that we can live free and protect children from being raised like we were.” Kyle said casually and the four Cadets stared at him for a long moment before turning to Adora who nodded her head in agreement.

“Yeah that’s the gist of it. We want to make a third faction in this war. One that will defend itself but doesn’t really want to fight. We want to keep other kids safe from the clutches of both the Horde and the Princesses and be free to live our lives.” Adora said and the older Cadets all stared for a long moment before nodding slowly.

“Honestly? That sounds like a good idea to me…I know the Horde’s destroyed a lot of towns to take in children to be soldiers. If we can prevent that…or get to those kids first…” The medic, wasn’t his name something like Sarum?, trailed off and the other three nodded.

“So who are we meeting? You said that it was going against everything the Horde stood for?” The sniper, Rossu, asked as he looked at the younger Squad who all seemed perfectly at ease with this plan and even eager for it.

“Two princesses who want to help us get away from the Horde. Not sure how much we can trust them yet but if they’re being honest about helping us without expecting us to join the Rebellion? Then their help would be very welcome.” Adora said and the older four all nodded slowly.

“All clear!” Catra called from the tree and the squad nodded once and then began to move up towards the clearing. Scorpia and Lonnie were at the rear and motioned the older four Cadets to move forward first. Just to be on the safe side.

In the clearing looking surprised but then relieved to see them was Spinnerella and Netossa. They did a double take at the sight of the four newer Cadets joining them however and then smiled warmly at the tense and guarded Cadets.

“So you did meet us…and it isn’t a trap. Have to admit I’m surprised.” Adora said and Spinnerella and Netossa coulldn’t even fault her for checking about it being a trap as Catra landed silently on Adora’s right side, taking her place as her right hand.

“We spoke to Queen Angella of Brightmoon. She said that if you wish to live in peace once you leave the Horde then she would hold no ill will against you and will leave you alone. She can’t promise for anyone else however since she has no command over those not of Brightmoon.” Netossa said and Adora nodded her head once in understanding. That was honestly far better than she’d thought she’d get.

“She offered to arrange for you all and any who come with you to go to Mystacor if you were so inclined…The head Sorceress there, Castaspella, is more than happy to offer sanctuary to any child in need.” Spinnerella piped in and Adora hummed in her throat.

“The offer is appreciated but for now our plan remains the same. We’d like to set up near or in Plumeria and stay out of this war beyond keeping children safe.” Adora said as diplomatically as she could and the two princesses nodded their heads in understanding. Just because she trusted this wasn’t a trap and was giving them a little bit of trust didn’t mean she’d trust them about the Queen she was raised and trained to hate and distrust. And especially they weren’t sure how she’d react to being offered to stay near mages.

“We’ve reached out to Princess Perfuma of Plumeria and she said that all who wished to live in peace were welcome within her kingdom.” Netossa said and Adora looked a bit relieved at that. It would be easier to set up in or near a kingdom if the princess was on their side or sympathetic to them. Despite their planning and bravado she wasn’t too sure how well they’d do going against a whole Kingdom and Princess, especially one hooked to a Runestone, while trying to protect the children they’d inevitably take with them.

“Captain…Adora wasn’t it? What happened to your cheek?” Spinnerella was worried however about the stitches she could see on the girls face and Adora just shrugged.

“Shadow Weaver thought I was hiding something, her magic exploded and caught me. But it’s fine, far from the worst she’s done. You have my thanks for reaching out and speaking with both the Queen of Brightmoon and the Princess of Plumeria.” Adora said brushing off her wound and earning noises from the rest of her squad.

The two Princesses very much did not like hearing that someone had attacked the preteen in front of them and had apparently done worse than a horrid wound on her cheek that would likely scar.

One thing at a time. Get the kids safely away and to Plumeria or Mystacor or even Brightmoon, and then they could go and beat the shit out of Shadow Weaver.

“As things are we have to look at their being a decent sized group that is likely to flee the Horde alongside us.” Adora said and the Princesses refocused on the topic at hand.

“Roughly how many do you think will come? If we have an estimate we can tell Perfuma and she can start preparing places for your group.” Netossa asked and Adora glanced at Kyle now as he cleared his throat.

“I know of six who’d come with us. Not counting the four with us.” Kyle said and then turned towards Rosa.

“We could probably get another eight or nine to follow us from the Horde. Not many of us are happy, especially not under Shadow Weaver.” Rosa threw out there and the group nodded.

“So make the amount of teens about fifteen. For kids and babies we could feasibly snatch and try to support at least the entire amount of babies, there’s only three so far, and a good chunk of the new kid cadets. So all together we can expect a group of around twenty five to thirty of various ages. Not counting the ten of us here.” Catra said after a few seconds of thinking and making Adora nod and Netossa couldn’t help but whistle.

“Big sized group then. That’ll put a heck of a chunk in the Hordes forces.” Netossa said and Spinnerella put a hand on her shoulder.

“Darling.” Spinnerella said and Netossa shrugged slightly.

“What? Sure I want to help the kids cause they’re kids but hey this also damages the Hordes forces! Two birds with one net Spinny!” Netossa said unashamed and the Horde raised teens relaxed a bit. At least she admitted to her secondary reason for helping them.

“At least you’re honest about your ulterior motives.” Lonnie said dryly and the white haired princess shrugged a bit.

“Oh I’d absolutely help you all out just cause you’re kids. But I’ not going to turn down or deny that the fact this hurts the Horde is a great bonus.” Netossa said and Adora chuckled. She might get to like this princess if she was this open all the time about things.

She could respect a direct and blunt approach to everything, and at least the princess wasn’t foolish enough to act like she had no ulterior motives. If she had then they would have left and never trusted the two again.

Chapter Text

It took weeks for them to get everything ready, almost two months. But now…now they were ready. The last thing they were waiting on was Adora’s signal. All those that were defecting knew what their roles were and where they’d meet up.

And now Adora had had enough of the damn sword calling her name, so she and Catra stole a skiff and went to grab it. As soon as she did she felt power flow through her veins and then she felt light headed.

“How do you feel? Are you okay?” Catra asked worried as she looked at her best friend who smiled at her and gripped the sword tightly. The sword seemed to pulse a bit and then it seemed almost upset as it turned into a perfect copy of Adora’s crappy rusted sword only the handle was the same as the much bigger fancy sword. Oh yeah. It was definitely magical in some way.

“I’m okay. Confused but okay.” Adora said softly and then they began to make their way back towards the skiff and then back to the Fright Zone.

“It’s soon isn’t it?” Catra asked as the two preteens made their way back to the Fright Zone where everyone who knew would be waiting eagerly for their return.

“Yes. Spinnerella and Netossa will be in position tomorrow…” Adora said but she trailed off and Catra took one look at her before she immediately knew the plan.

“We’re not going to wait till tomorrow.” Catra said and Adora grinned at her. She grinned back.

“We might trust them a little bit…but rely on them? Not anytime soon.” Adora said and Catra snorted before purring when Adora nudged their heads together gently.

“So what’s the plan?” Catra asked as they got closer to the line where the Fright Zone started, a quick look showed that there was no one and nothing pointed towards them at the moment. Heck there wasn’t even anyone on shift here at this time of day.

“I’m going to see what this sword wants me to do before we get there. With any luck it’ll be something helpful to us escaping.” Adora said and she slowed the skiff to a stop and Catra turned to look at her again and gave her a flat look.

“And if it’s not helpful?” Catra asked and Adora just grinned at her.

“We toss the sword back into the woods and leave anyways.” Adora said and before Catra could stop her she had the sword in hand and looked at it.

“For the honor of Grayskull?” Adora seemed to ask more than anything and then the sword lit up.

Catra squinted before covering her eyes against the bright light, and when she looked again she was so glad her fur hid her blush.

Because in place of Adora stood an eight feet tall warrior woman with obvious muscles, long blond hair in a ponytail, brilliant blue eyes, and she was literally glowing as she wore her white and gold outfit and cape.

Catra stared at Adora, Adora looked at Catra…then looked down to look at Catra. They stared at each other for a moment before Adora looked at herself and seemed to examine her new appearance.

“This would be a lot weirder and probably freak me out any other time but we’re working with two princesses to escape the Horde and drag a good bit of the newest cadets and another princess with us all the way to a fourth princesses kingdom. Honestly I’m not going to look a gift robot in the wiring.” Adora said after a moment and Catra merely nodded mutely. A bit tongue tied and still blushy at the sight of the eight foot tall warrior woman her best friend and everything had become.

“…”Adora looked at Catra a bit longer and then grinned at her.

“At least this’ll be helpful for us getting out and getting to Plumeria.” Adora said and Catra merely nodded mutely again.

“…”Adora and Catra stared silently for a long moment before Adora perked up visibly.

”I can punch Shadow Weaver in the face!” Adora realized and Catra couldn’t help but let out a strangled laughter at that.

“Fuck yeah you can! You have to be taller than her now! And definitely stronger!” Catra said finally breaking out of her tongue tied state as she grinned at Adora.

“Oh this is perfect!” Adora said as she finally somehow detransformed and stumbled but still stood and grinned back at Catra.

“You’re using this in the plan?” Catra asked eagerly and Adora nodded as she drove them back into the docking bay and they quickly vacated the skiff to rush back to their room where the rest of their squad was waiting.

“How did it go?” Scorpia asked standing as soon as they entered the room and beaming at the two who were grinning widely despite the apparently crappy sword on Adora’s back.

“Sword’s definitely magic, definitely going to help, and I am absolutely going to punch Shadow Weaver in the face before we leave! Let’s get out there and spread out, make sure everyone in the know knows we’re doing it today!” Adora said and Scorpia paused as she looked at Adora while Lonnie and the others cautioned her to calm down but headed out to follow their orders.

“You’re not afraid of the magic?” Scorpia asked looking at Adora who looked at her and grinned.

“Nope! Oh sure there’s probably some kind of catch to this that will bite me in the ass later but if it helps me protect my friends and family? I’ll take the punishment and do what I can for them!” Adora said and Scorpia stared for a moment longer and then nodded with a determined face.

Anything for the family huh? Well…she had something she could do to help as well.

“Give me five minutes before you do whatever you’re going to do. And keep Shadow Weaver away from the Black Garnet.” Scorpia said and she left the room as well with a plan in mind. If her captain was ready and willing to risk using untested and unsure magic to help them all…
…

Well Scorpia had a birthright of magic that she could get ahold of that was far more stable. And she would do anything for her new family.

Well that and if she took possession of it then Shadow Weaver couldn’t use it…served the old bitch right.

Chapter Text

Scorpia didn’t know what kind of distraction they were causing to get Shadow Weaver to stay away from her room for the time Scorpia asked for but she entered it and stared at the large looming crystal.

“So this is the Runestone…” She had known logically that her family had one, that she had one by birthright since she is a Princess… But given that they let Hordak and later Shadow Weaver take over the kingdom and then the Runestone? She hadn’t really seen it more than a few times before, and had never really thought of making her connection to it and claiming her birthright

But…well if Adora could trust and risk using iffy confusing and all together probably not safe at all magic to try and protect them…

There was no reason that Scorpia couldn’t trust and use a very known and confirmed safe magical source that she by all rights should have been using for years with or without Hordak and the Hordes whispers in her ears.

“You’re quite the sight…” Scorpia said and she stared at it for a moment longer before the teen placed one claw on it and felt energy and power flow through her.

“I need to use this power, this strength, to protect my friends and family. I can’t have them using it against us. Sever all connections and power to anyone else. This is my birthright and I am claiming it in full.” Scorpia said and there was a red flash of electricity that hit her but didn’t hurt her and then another that blared out of the room. She had the distinct feeling that Shadow Weavers connection had just been severed…and it hadn’t been painless like it was for Scorpia.

Well it couldn’t happen to a nicer bitch.

Scorpia then immediately left the chamber and raced off to find her squad. She blinked once and then twice at the sight of Catra holding several babies and Rogelio holding some toddlers but they looked relieved at the sight of her.

“Take them. I need to hit the button.” Catra said and Scorpia gently cradled the babies in her bigger more muscular arms, careful of her pincers, as Catra dug out a remote and pushed a button.

There was a loud explosion and then alarms blared. Catra looked very pleased with herself.

“That was the main signal. Let’s move people!” Catra called as she led the charge out of the hallway and towards the skiffs. The skiffs where several of theirs was waiting with warmed up and waiting skiffs primed to steal.

“Sound off! Who’s here?!” Catra barked out and she heard the whistles and calls of everyone who was defecting. There were a bit more than she expected. It seemed some of the cadets took the chance to drag along their friends who were in other squads.

There were more than thirty people here but they had enough skiffs and a few were moving to take the kids from Scorpia and Rogelio so they could start to blast at any non-defectors who came towards them with weapons pointed at them.

“The only ones missing are Adora, Lonnie and Kyle!” Scorpia said as she mentally catalogued who all they had expected and noticed who was missing.

“Rogelio get with the skiff that has the kids! Get them out of here first!” Catra ordered and the lizardfolk nodded once and then took off and jumped on a skiff. It left before the rest of them did and Catra glanced at those left, everyone over the age of ten that they were taking with them aside from the missing three.

“If you want to leave now and follow Rogelio and the kids it’s the time! I’ll stay and wait for our missing trio of dumbasses!” Catra called and there was a snort from Rosa who blocked one of the doors into the bay with a large metal crate.

“You think we’re going to leave you and the Cap behind? Keep dreaming Lieutenant.” Rosa said and the rest of the ones remaining nodded their heads in agreement, all of them armed and blocking any of the robots from getting close or those who weren’t defecting.

“I love our group.” Scorpia said and then electricity sparked from her and zapped a robot, frying it

“Nice powerup.” Catra laughed and Scorpia looked sheepish but pleased as several more robots and a few cameras fried.

Suddenly everyone paused, both the defectors and the loyalists, as loud pounding footsteps were heard rushing towards them.

“What the FUCK?!?!?” Scorpia shouted as a tall blond bombshell with the build of a tank cut down all the robots in her way and ran into the room, Kyle and Lonnie over her shoulder.

“Get on the skiffs! Let’s move people!” Catra immediately sounded the orders and everyone hesitated for a second as they all stared at the blond who looked at them with glowing blue eyes and grinned.

They knew that grin. And those eyes even if they were glowing.

“Is that…” Scorpia trailed off with a blush on her cheeks and Catra nodded sagely in agreement.

“Yeah. Sword came with a power up.” Catra said and everyone got onto the skiffs as the tall bombshell hopped on and then set Kyle and Lonnie down on the deck as she turned and somehow swung her sword so hard that it produced an energy slash. Which cut through several robots and left a deep gouge on the floor.

“Anyone who comes after us…you cross that line and I get in close.” Adora’s voice was a bit deeper, more smooth, and the look on her face was one of pure steely determination. A grin on her face unnerving the other squishy fleshy Horde minions into backing up.

“What took you three so long?” Catra asked as she piloted the skiff out of there, the other two following hot on her tail.

Kyle grinned as he held up a tablet with a pleased look on his face. Lonnie looked like she was trying to hold back laughter while also preserving something in her mind.

“I punched Shadow Weaver in the face!” Adora said excitedly and happily as Catra nearly crashed at the remark.

“I got it on video!” Kyle said proudly. Lonnie began to snicker and several cadets scrambled to get closer to see the video.

“Hell yeah!” Scorpia said grinning as she offered Adora a careful high five that was eagerly returned.

“We are absolutely going to share that video with everyone as soon as we get to safety!” Catra said as their group met up with Kyle’s who was waiting for them over the woods.

“Share what video?” A voice asked from the back of the skiff. Catra and Scorpia whirled around tense.

“A video of me punching our toxic abusive supposed mother figure in the face full force and breaking her mask!” Adora said excited and then she paused as she looked at the ones in front of her and then slowly turned behind her.

Behind her were Netossa and Spinnerella who were looking at them amused.

“You decked that abusive bitch who scarred you?” Netossa asked to clarify as she looked up at the eight foot tall warrior woman.

“Yes?” Adora asked shrinking down a little as she smiled sheepishly at them.

“Hell yeah kid! That’s what I’m talking about! Up top!” Netossa cheered and offered Adora a high five.

“How did you two get up here?” Lonnie asked as Adora gently high fived the now smaller woman.

“I have wind powers little one. And we figured you lot would skip out of there early so we’ve been waiting the entire week for you to make your move.” Spinnerella said kindly and neither of the princesses seemed upset at all as the Main Squad gave sheepish grins.

“So…uh…you aren’t mad at us for skipping out early and not telling you?” Kyle asked curiously and warily and the two princesses looked amused and fond.

“Not at all. Kid you were raised and trained to hate and distrust us. You think we expected a lifetime of conditioning to go away in two and a half months? Hell I’d probably be more wary and paranoid if you did trust us so easily and fast.” Netossa said and the kids blinked at the two in confusion and curiosity.

“Well…we’re on our way to Plumeria now… sit back relax and enjoy the rid-“ Adora’s transformation suddenly dropped and she began to wobble. Scorpia and Catra lunged to catch her and collided, hitting the floor in a tangle of limbs and bruises. Lonnie yelped and grabbed the controls to keep them on course, Kyle grabbed the medi-kit he had on him.

Spinnerella was the one who was able to grab Adora before she hit the deck of the skiff and held her close.

“Oh dear…she looks like she’s exhausted.” Spinnerella clucked and fussed as she gently set Adora down with her head on a bundle of nets Netossa had summoned quickly and then tucked her cape around the girl like a blanket.

“That transformation of hers probably took a lot out of her. We should let her rest.” Netossa said and everyone hovered worriedly while Kyle tended to Catra and Scorpia’s bruises.

“Well it’s a four day trip to Plumeria. Our skiffs will be out of fuel in one day. So that leaves three days of walking. We’ll let her sleep as long as we can.” Catra decided immediately and the rest nodded.

“If need be when we’re out of fuel I can carry her.” Scorpia offered and Catra nodded slowly.

“For now lets’ all get comfortable and relax a bit as we ride. You kids are free to ask us anything you wish as we ride.” Spinnerella said as she settled down on the skiff and Netossa was pulled down to sit on her lap and be cuddled.

“Can you please stop calling us kids? After everything we’ve been through we don’t feel like kids.” Kyle was the one to request and the two older women looked sad for a second but nodded.

“Of course. Forgive me for calling you that.” Spinnerella said and the child soldiers all nodded their heads slowly.

It was very tense and a bit uncomfortable as they rode in silence for a while.

Chapter Text

Adora blinked slowly as she awoke on the skiff. Taking quick stock of where she was and what was happening around her.

Netossa was giving Scorpia, Catra and Kyle a lesson in spotting and exploiting weaknesses. Spinnerella was fretting and fussing over the littlest ones on the skiff, that being the ten year olds and the odd nine year old since Rogelio took off with the younger ones and was an hour ahead of them.

Lonnie was piloting the skiff and everyone else was just generally on alert.

"How are you feeling dummy?" Catra asked giving Adora her complete attention before the blond could even sit up.

"I'm fine. Report." Adora said looking at Catra who clicked her tongue while Kyle checked Adora over.

"We've got all the babies and toddlers. All the kids under ten. Most of the ten year olds and over half of our year group and a solid third of Scorpias graduating year. We're still on alert but there's been no attempts to track or hunt us down. Between the explosion, you knocking Shadow Weaver fucking out, and whatever Scorpia did they haven't chased us." Catra said while Kyle hummed and nodded slowly as he looked Adora over.

"There's nothing physically wrong with her except that she seems to have gained muscle mass but not a lot." Kyle said and Scorpia gave a noise.

"It's most likely magical exhaustion that got her. Having never been exposed to that kind of or used magic before...falling unconscious isn't an uncommon side effect. Heck first time I used my magic as a toddler I slept for two days straight, and I was exposed to it from the womb." Scorpia said and Netossa and Spinnerella nodded their agreements. They remembered the first time Glimmer used magic, she was knocked out from exhaustion for almost three days....then again she did almost destroy the east wing.

"Kyle?" Adora glanced at the brown haired boy who nodded to her.

"Only minor scrapes and bruises. Scorpia is winded and you were out for three hours." Kyle said softly and Adora nodded.

"We've got enough fuel for a day and it's a three day walk after that, less if we don't stop to sleep. Got about a day and a half of rations before we have to forage for food but we should land in an area with plenty of vegetation and game." Lonnie said without even looking at Adora or waiting to be asked.

"Rogelio is an hour ahead of us with the little ones and one or two older cadets to help him. When they are out of fuel they'll land and wait for us. We have enough weapons for everyone right and up to have one. No rechargers for the blasters though but Rogelio said if we cannibalize the skiffs once we're done with them then he could probably rig something up. It'll slow us down to have to carry all of the supplies though." Catra said almost immediately after Lonnie was done talking. Scorpia gave Adora a ration bar and a canteen and Adora processed the information as she took a bite of the bar and a sip from the canteen.

"Have the engineers and mechanics of the group do it. We'll salvage any and every thing we can. We can't afford to waste anything. Make sure there are no less than two trained fighters with the babies and four with the those nine and under at all times when we land. No one under nine gets a weapon but those older than seven can help carry the lighter supplies. Six and five year olds help with the younger ones. Medics and those support oriented stay closer to the younger ones. All else fails the combatants will buy you all time to take the little ones and get to safety." Adora said after a moment. Everyone nodded grimly at their orders, Lonnie relaying them over to Rogelios skiff.

"You should finish the bar and rest captain. You need to replenish your energy." Scorpia said softly to her captain who ate half the bar and then wrapped up the other half and put it in her pocket.

Adora moved to stand but Catra put a hand on her shoulder and gently pushed down enough for her to feel it.

"Dummy. We've got this and we've got a long time until we land. Rest." Catra said softly and she and Adora shared a look for a long moment. Then Catra let out a chuff noise and Adora chuffed back and leaned against her, making a purr noise.

"Wake me up if anything happens." Adora ordered and Spinnerella clicked her tongue a bit as she tucked her cape around Adora once more.

She shared a look with Netossa, the two having been silent and watching the entire time.

They were going to end up adopting these kids weren't they?

Chapter Text

As soon as the gas tanks were low enough to be at risk of crashing Adora ordered them to set them down among the trees and foliage.

"Alright. Mechanics? Cannibalize em. Strip away anything useful we can carry and then toss em to make em look like an old wreck." Adora ordered as she stood and took control of the group who all looked to her for orders.

The mechanical inclined former Horde cadets all immediately snapped to it and began to take apart the ships.

"Hopefully them looking like an old wreck will keep the Horde from finding them too fast. Anyone with wilderness and foraging know how find anything edible around here. We've made it a bit further than I thought we would..." Adora glanced up at the fading light.

"It'll be dark soon. We need some hasty shelters. Anyone who can set those up use what you can but don't make it obvious. We'll be using the trees as shelter. We don't want to be out in the open and don't want to leave an obvious trail of where we went so stick to the middle area, not near the top or bottom." Adora said making Rogelio and a few others scale the trees and begin to set up some makeshift beds and canopies in case of rain.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Spinnerella asked fussing slightly as Netossa immediately began to help forage for food and some other supplies.

"Uh?" Adora blinked and looked around confused as everyone glanced at her wondering what she'd ask the princess to do.

"Can you help with the babies and little ones? We don't...most of us don't know what to do?" Adora asked hopefully and Spinnerella immediately brightened and nodded, moving towards the littlest ones.

"Not a problem. Come here little ones. Let's get you fed." Spinnerella cooed to the little babies as she took the first one in her arms and began to feed her from the baby things they had stolen in a rush. Thankfully only one was still small enough to need a bottle the others were either on soft foods or starting real food.

"Spinnerella no stealing the babies!" Netossa called with an exasperated noise.

"I make no promises darling. They're adorable!" Spinnerella playfully called back as she fed the baby who eagerly ate while the older ones were setting about their tasks.

"For the love of- Spinny! At least wait until we have them to safety before you adopt them!" Netossa said sighing, she knew good and well that Spinnerella was going to adopt these children, all of them. The most she could do is delay her a bit until the kids were more comfortable with them.

"No. Promises." Netossa sighed at her girlfriend's words. Welp. She almost felt bad for anyone who tried to get near the kids when Spinny was nearby. Almost.

"Alright. We'll sleep in shifts just in case. I want at least five or six armed and ready people awake at any moment! If you need to switch off wake the next person. Children under seven and those who have no blaster training do not count! I'll be one of the ones on first watch!" Adora said and the older kids all nodded solemnly as they got the little ones up into the safety of the trees and the makeshift beds after quick meals of berries and nuts and fruits.

Best to save their rations for later when they could forage from the forest for a while.

Spinnerella and Netossa exchanged a look that carried a conversation and nodded.

"I'll be with Adora on second watch." Catra said and she glanced at Lonnie who nodded. She and Scorpia would be on third watch and Kyle and Rogelio would be on third.

"Get some rest darling." Spinnerella gave Netossa a brief quick kiss goodnight before setting herself up to watch over the youngest ones for the night.

"Wake me if you need anything." Netossa said and she made herself comfortable against the tree to drift into a light sleep.

"What was that?" Adora asked curiously as the watch group, Adora, Catra, and three others with blasters only two years younger than them, sat in a circle near the scavenged ships.

"What?" Spinnerella asked confused.

"That thing you and Netossa did. With your lips?" Adora clarified and Spinnerella tilted her head a bit.

"Our kiss?"

"What's a kiss?" Catra asked baffled and Spinnerella paused and then looked at the kids looking at her curiously.

Oh...she better give them a crash course in love and affection and expressing it.