Shera and the Evil Horde

In the Horde (Quick Recap/Setting)

"Do not be flippant with me, solider," Shadow Weaver hissed, her eyes narrowing even behind her scarlet mask. "You hold Adora back by your blatant disregard for training. You'll never amount to anything."

Standing by the wall, Adora watched Shadow Weaver continue to lecture Catra. Years of being under her teachings and nothing had changed. She could be called a mother by some, but only when they behaved. Failure to achieve victory ended in punishment. Disobeying and trying to seek glory that surpassed her was met with humiliation. She only showed kindness when they were perfect, and as she looked on, Adora's stomach twisted in knots.

"Y-yes, Shadow Weaver," Catra muttered, but her blue and yellow gaze promised revenge. Her claws dug into her palms, and she stood stiff, clearly on edge. "It won't happen again."

"Oh, I know it won't," Shadow Weaver said in that superior voice of hers. "Because next time Adora won't be able to save you."

And with that she blended into shadow, and glided down the hall. Her onyx hair floating above her shoulders as she left them grim, and silent. Swallowing, Adora neared Catra, chewing her bottom lip. She rocked back on her red boots, tempted to reach out and reassure her. But she didn't dare for fear of getting a warning scratch. Catra was basically a cat after all.

"Shadow Weaver just doesn't know you like I do." She said, settling on just staying close to Catra. "I know you'd be a great Force Captain."

Catra snorted. "Yeah? And would I have to kiss up to Shadow Weaver like you?"

"I don't kiss up to-"

"Save it." Catra sneered, crossing her arms over her chest. "She's never liked me, and I don't care. All that matters is that we eventually call the shots."

Adora went quiet, then smirked. "Well, our trip to the whispering woods was kinda cool. I mean if we didn't crash it would have been awesome."

"You mean if you didn't crash."

"Catra, you ran us into a tree!"

Catra shrugged, smirking. Danger. Destruction. If only they'd blown some stuff up, Catra would have been overjoyed. Shaking her head, Adora folded her arms over her chest. Her eyebrows pinched, and she got a strange look on her face. Catra lifted an eyebrow.

"What's with you? Are you still brain damaged?"

Adora shook her head. "When we were in the forest...I felt different. I have to go back."

Catra snorted. "Fine, let's go. This time we blow stuff up."

"No," Adora shook her head. "I don't want you getting in trouble over this. I need to go alone."

"What? I don't think so. You aren't leaving me out of this."

Adora looked at her seriously. "Catra, you can't. Shadow Weaver will blame you, and I really need to see this for myself. Just cover for me."

She turned away then, smiling, but it didn't reach her eyes. Going back to the whispering wood seemed right, but if she got lost, she wouldn't be coming back. She just had to be careful and quick. Find out why she felt so confused, so conflicted, and return to Catra. She strode off, hustling to borrow a skiff and get back before Shadow Weaver realized she'd left. She just started to head out when a hand caught her wrist, the feeling of sharp claws digging into bone.

"Catra!" She winced. "What are you-

"Don't go without me!"

Adora froze, stunned. Besides their late night chats about daily life in the Horde, Catra wasn't exactly the open and talk type. To be honest, neither was Adora. She was more of the punch your feelings out type. Relaxing, she turned around, staring at Catra's conflicted face. Her eyes were on the floor, and her tail was frayed behind her, as if on edge.