She-Ra:Â Forgotten Histories Chapter 1 -Â In the Woods
Adora sat back against the tree in the Whispering Woods. The vast increase of teeming life in the woods was comforting. Creatures she had never seen before roamed around freely without any fear. New plants were growing along the forest floor with an endless number of multi-colored flowers carpeting the rocks, bushes, and vines. Adora had always thought the Whispering Woods were beautiful, but this new scene was truly breath-taking. A memory flashed briefly in Adora’s mind. The first time she set foot in these woods. A rebellious joy ride that became a life-altering jaunt. Adora was amazed at how far she had come since that day in the woods. In just three short years, she went from newly minted, militant force captain to the beacon of hope and salvation to the entire universe. Adora chuckled at the absurdity of her situation. Leaning forward placing her elbows on her knees, Adora cupped her face in her hands. Only a few days had passed since the defeat of the Horde, and Adora still felt the elation bubble gently in her chest. Etheria was saved; the planet’s magic restored, and ultimately her friends and the universe were safe. She finally felt like she had fixed everything. Adora felt the muscles in her neck and shoulders relax. Breathing in the fresh air, Adora closed her eyes and allowed herself to just be in the moment. She leaned back and nuzzled into the tree she had been resting by. Adora closed her eyes, and the sounds of the woodland creatures lulled her into a gentle sleep. Â
Opening her eyes slowly, Adora blinked a few times before sitting up and stretching her arms above her head.  She leaned back against the tree expecting to feel the firm bark, but she was surprised to feel something much softer. Adora turned and found Catra leaning against the tree asleep adjacent to her. A warm and electric sensation filled her stomach. Adora was always stunned by Catra’s beauty, but seeing her suddenly up close was startling, especially considering what happened a few days ago. Adora slowly and delicately turned to face Catra and gaze at her sleeping friend without waking her. Hugging her knees to her chest, Adora watched the rise and fall of Catra’s chest; she glanced at Catra’s parted lips where she caught and released her breath. Adora still felt the sensation of Catra’s lips pressing gently against her own. Warm, soft, and ever so fleeting. Adora wanted to do more than remember that feeling, she wanted to experience it all over again. Adora scanned Catra’s limp body. Catra was leaning back against the tree with her legs crossed at the ankle in front of her, and both her arms resting in her lap. Her head was slightly tilted toward her left shoulder. Wearing black legging under cut off jeans, and an oversized jacket, Catra looked always unrecognizable to Adora. Black tufts of short hair gently caressed Catra’s forehead as a sweet breeze passed through. Adora smiled. This newfound peace suited Catra well; Adora loved seeing her like this. Suddenly Catra’s ear twitched and she began to stir. Upon opening her eyes, Catra glanced around briefly before rubbing her eyes and then stretching her arms. She yawned lazily and stretched her neck to one side initiating a series of small pops joint and tissue realigned.   Â
“What are you staring at?” Catra stated as she continued stretching her arms across her chest. Adora’s smile widened and her eyes narrowed.
“Oh, I don’t know, just a stray cat that came up to take a nap with me.” Adora retorted. “How did you even find me? I sat back against this tree because I was lost and wanted to take a break.”
Catra chuckled. “How did you get yourself lost?” Waving her hand dismissively, Adora stood up and brushed the leaves and dirt from her gray pants. Even though the war was over, Adora still chose to wear her Horde uniform, although she had Glimmer use magic to remove the Horde’s emblem on the back of her white shirt. Adora thought about finding a new style, but this was not very high on her list of priorities. Â
“Sadly, this happens often.” Adora started. “I came out here to clear my mind, but I think I got too lost in my thoughts and forgot to mark the trail. Maybe we should make a walking trail in these woods?” Adora mused.
“That could be helpful, especially for the more aloof citizens of Bright Moon.” Catra sneered. Catra also stood up and placed her arm across Adora’s shoulders leaning into her slightly. Adora clicked her tongue and shoved Catra off. Â
“Whatever” Adora huffed, but she continued to smile despite Catra’s teasing. “The light is fading fast, though, we should probably start walking home. I venture you know how to get us out of here?” Adora asked.
“Sure do!” Catra exclaimed, “but my navigating services do come at a cost. I wonder if you can afford it.” Catra walked around Adora playfully, tracing Adora’s arms and back with her tail. Adora trembled slightly at the touch. A sudden impulse flooded Adora’s mind; a need to pull Catra into a tight embrace. The impulse passed quickly.
“Tell me the rate.” Adora said waving Catra’s tail away. Â
Catra hummed slightly as if thinking about what she wanted to say. “If my calculations are correct, and I’m very sure they are, we have about a fifty minute walk back to the Bright Moon castle.” Catra pointed through the trees to the west. Â
“You know you just told me how to get back without naming your price, right?” Adora snickered. Catra smiled charmingly and took Adora’s hand intertwining their fingers gently. Â
“That is correct, but I decided you would be willing to pay regardless.” Catra stated matter of factly.
“So, what do I owe you?” Adora asked playfully while squeezing Catra’s hand endearingly.
“Just an hour of your time will do. That will cover the fifty minutes that I play tour guide plus ten minutes of accrued interest.” Catra mockingly counted on the fingers of her free hand.
“Deal!” Adora exclaimed. “Now let’s go, I’m getting hungry.”
“You would.” Catra replied, and the two began their trek back to Bright Moon.
Later that night after dinner Adora reclined, slightly bored, in a large plush chair in her room at Bright Moon. “I really need to find a hobby.” she said to herself. During the war, Adora spent almost all of her time drafting battle plans and working on strategies to keep the Horde at bay or recover lost territory. And if she wasn’t masterminding a war, she could be found training and preparing her body for battle in the Bright Moon gym. She was driven solely by an unrelenting passion to fix what the Horde had done to Etheria. Although Adora had never seen active duty during her time with the Horde, she could not help but feel responsible for much of the destruction and loss of life. Prior to finding the Sword of Protection in the Whispering Woods, Adora firmly believed the Horde was her family; an extension of herself, thus Adora easily blamed herself for the Horde’s misdeeds. Then making matters worse, Adora learned that her ancestors, although unfamiliar to her, were also destroying Etheria for personal gain. Adora could not help thinking that something was wrong with her. The Horde and the First Ones, both demented and damaging, were a part of her story, a part of her history.
“Adora, I’ve been looking all over for you” Catra exclaimed as she entered Adora’s quarters, making sure to close the ornate double doors behind her. Adora snapped out her thoughts and looked up and Catra who was smiling mischievously.
“Sorry, I was feeling tired, and wanted to be alone for a bit. I figured I would just head up to my room. Glimmer and Bow seemed busy, and I wasn’t sure where you went after dinner.” Adora stated flatly. Catra tisked with her tongue and walked over next to Adora, looking down at her, eyes glinting.Â
“Stop apologizing and come with me.” Catra said, batting away Adora’s explanation or solitude. Catra was one to understand needing solitude, but now was not the time for that, she thought.
“Where are we going?” Adora asked as she stood from the plush recliner. An indent remained where Adora had been sitting. Adora didn’t think she would ever really get used to the soft furniture in this palace.
“I can’t tell you. I can only show you.” Catra extended her hand to Adora expectantly. Adora hesitated, glanced up at Catra inquisitively, and then grabbed Catra’s hand. Immediately, Catra began tugging her through the double doors, down the majestic hallway, past the great room, and out into the garden. Previously, Shadow Weaver took up space here in the gardens, binding her time, waiting to make a move to reclaim a power source to exploit. Adora made a pained face as she remembered the sinister sorceress momentarily. The thought was fleeting, though, as Catra picked up the pace and was practically dragging Adora out of the garden and toward the Whispering Woods. Â
“Weren’t we just here a few hours ago? Why are we going back, especially at night?” Adora asked Catra slightly impatiently. Catra looked over her shoulder quickly without stopping and smiled. Adora’s stomach fluttered slightly as Catra turned her head back around and began tugging Adora into a steady jog. After a few more minutes of navigating the woods, Catra began to slow down and let go of Adora’s hand. Immediately, Adora recognized the place. Catra stopped in front of the tree that Adora had napped at earlier in the day.
“I want to tell you something, Adora,” Catra said slowly, wringing her hands and looking down at the ground demonstrating a rare moment of vulnerability.
“I thought you were supposed to show me, not tell me.” Adora said sarcastically through a teasing smile. Catra looked up suddenly with her jaw jutted out to the right. Folding her arms in front of her chest, Catra couldn’t resist a sarcastic squabble.Â
“Is that anyway to talk to your captors, Princess?”
“Captors? Oh, now I’ve been kidnapped? Why didn’t you tell me, I would have struggled more.” Adora spouted exuberantly. Catra slowly strutted over to Adora and gently cupped her cheek with her hand. She allowed her claws to tenderly press into the skin behind Adora’s ears as she touched Adora’s forehead with her own. The sudden intimacy made Adora’s playful facade falter. Adora awkwardly gasped and rather instinctively stepped back. Catra’s smile widened at this result.
“I love the effect I have on you.” Catra finally teased after the two stood staring at each other for a few beats; Adora with questioning eyes and rapid heartbeat and Catra with steely confidence and smug smile.
“Ok, Ok, you make my knees go weak, or whatever.” Adora spat quickly turning around and away from Catra. Adora was still not accustomed to the way her heart beat so loudly, especially when Catra acted so, so seductively. Adora took a deep breath, calming her nerves. She absentmindedly lifted a couple fingers to her lips, longing for that feeling again.
“You can turn around anytime now. “ Catra called out. Adora shook her head and remembered they were out here for a reason, she guessed. Turning around, Adora’s eyes widened and she gasped loudly.
“What is this?” Adora exclaimed. Grinning wildly, Catra grabbed Adora’s hand and slowly led her over to a massive tent, campfire, and set of chairs. Catra opened the flaps of the tent ushering Adora inside for a tour. The inside of the tent contained various camping supplies, two sleeping bags, food, and Melog laying contently curled up in the corner. Still holding Adora’s hand, Catra pulled her out of the tent and toward the campfire.
“I had Melog help me spring a trap for you, I mean set up a surprise.” Catra teased.
“Well, I’m impressed that Melog even contained the smoke coming off the campfire.” Adora retorted playfully. Catra grinned and after a moment timidly stepped closer to Adora. Dropping Adora’s hand, Catra merely looked into Adora’s eyes with an expression Adora could not easily read. Adora’s face began to feel hot, and her heartbeat began beating loudly again. She was certain Catra could hear it thudding rapidly in her chest. Catra always seemed so collected, Adora thought. Â
“I wish I knew what you were thinking.” Adora whispered. Adora lifted a hand slowly and brushed a stray hair behind Catra’s ear tenderly. Lowering her hand, Adora grabbed Catra’s hand and stepped into Catra’s space, closing the distance between them, touching foreheads, eyes closed. Catra also closed her eyes and pushed back against Adora’s weighty slightly, accepting her touch, and gripping Adora’s hand gently.
“I want to talk to you about something.” Catra said again.
“What is it?” Adora asked. Catra took a deep breath, took a step back, and grabbed Adora’s other hand. She lifted Adora’s hands to her mouth and kissed them softly on the knuckles. Adora’s stomach churned involuntarily. Adora could feel herself falling deeper in love with Catra with every passing day they spent together, she thought. Yet, Adora was not prepared for what Catra was about to say.
“I think I need to leave Bright Moon, Adora.” Catra stated, then she exhaled as if she had been holding her breath for a few minutes.
“What?” Adora said breathily. “What do you mean, leave Bright Moon? What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Adora dropped Catra’s hands and began pacing feverishly in front of Catra, back and forth.
“Adora, wait. Please listen. Stop pacing, Adora!” Catra shouted the last phrase louder than she meant. Adora froze mid pace, and looked at Catra in shock at the sudden outburst. Adora softened when she noticed that Catra’s eyes were beginning to water as Catra closed her hands into fists at her side. Catra looked pained as if barely keeping her temper and emotions in check.
“This isn’t easy for me, Adora. I’ve been needing to talk to you about this for two days now, but every time I try, I start to lose control of my emotions. I hate this.” Catra swiped at her eyes. Then, she turned around and sat in one of the chairs by the smoldering fire. Without some more kindling, the fire was sure to burn itself out. Catra grabbed some leaves and twigs laying on the ground and threw them on the fire, along with a few larger sticks for fuel.
“I’m sorry.” Adora whispered and moved to sit down next to Catra. “Please talk to me, Catra.” Taking a deep breath, Catra began to speak as she stared into the flames engulfing the twigs and leaves.
“The day after Horde Prime was defeated, something happened.” Catra paused. “A mark appeared on my upper arm.”
“Is that why you developed a new love for sweatshirts?” Adora interrupted. Catra looked up from the fire and glanced sideways at Adora.
“You noticed that?” she asked.
“Well, yeah. I’m always paying attention to you.” Adora said matter of factly. A quiet settled between the two, and Adora’s face began to feel warm again. Catra ended the silence with a small laugh.Â
“Yeah, I understand, I notice you all the time, too.” Catra’s eyes softened slightly before she turned back toward the fire and continued her story.
“The mark appears to have some magical qualities, Adora. Don’t be mad at me, but I talked to Glimmer about this first, yesterday.” Adora merely nodded, encouraging Catra to continue. “Without getting into a bunch of details I barely understand, the gist is that the magical rune that is branded on my upper arm is apparently a family crest.”
“Branded!” Adora gasped. “Does it hurt? Did it hurt? Are you ok?” Adora began to dissent into another worrisome frenzy.
“Calm down, Adora. I’m fine. I didn't feel any pain when it appeared. I think the brand must have happened when I was a baby, and I think that Horde Prime is somehow connected to why the brand was not visible until now.”
Adora’s eyes widened as she watched Catra roll her sleeve up revealing the mark. An upside down equilateral triangle with a diagonal tangent and two dots was now embedded into Catra’s fur. Adora slowly reached up and caressed the rune. At first touch of Catra’s arm, Adora felt a quick jolt in her chest. Flinching, Adora withdrew her arm and grasped at her chest.
“Adora, what happened?” Catra exclaimed standing up and motioning toward Adora.
“You’re right. You have been imbued with magic, Catra.” Adora said slowly.
 To be continued...        Â
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