{"id":123,"date":"2019-05-31T09:55:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T01:55:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/?p=123"},"modified":"2023-06-25T09:51:12","modified_gmt":"2023-06-25T01:51:12","slug":"ready-to-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/123\/","title":{"rendered":"ready to run"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe we won!\u201d Glimmer said, punching the air.<\/p>\n

Perfuma grinned. \u201cThat was so exhilarating!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to mention cathartic. Damn, I needed that,\u201d Mermista said, stretching her arms above her head.<\/p>\n

Adora couldn\u2019t believe it either. They were the victors of the Battle of Bright Moon. They had overcome the Horde, their war machines, and Catra. If it hadn\u2019t been for the other princesses arriving, Adora couldn\u2019t dare to imagine what would have unfolded. To say she was grateful was an understatement.<\/p>\n

The Horde had retreated and the princesses, plus Bow, were together celebrating. They had already conducted repairs deemed urgent around Bright Moon\u2019s base, but there was still a lot of work needed to be done. Fortunately, the other princesses had all offered their help with that too.<\/p>\n

Adora excused herself from the group. Glimmer shot a worried look her way so Adora gave her what she hoped was a reassuring smile. Truthfully, Adora was feeling pretty beaten up, even after receiving healing potions from Queen Angella. The fight had been physically taxing, but also emotionally taxing. She just needed a moment to herself.<\/p>\n

As she ventured further away from the other princesses and closer to the woods where the Horde had attacked from, she surveyed the destruction the battle had wreaked. The natural landscape had been trampled over (something Perfuma could probably help with), parts of destroyed war machines had been left, a few tanks She-Ra destroyed abandoned, and\u2014 hang on, was that a body Adora spotted in the distance? Surely the Horde weren\u2019t so callous as to leave someone behind? But then again, it was the Horde. Adora wasn\u2019t so naive anymore.<\/p>\n

She got closer to the body and gasped. Was that who she thought it was?<\/p>\n

It was.<\/p>\n

It was Catra. And she was bleeding. A lot. Adora looked around helplessly \u2014 what was the correct way of doing things according to her first aid training? Put pressure on the wound? That sounded right. She dropped to her knees and placed her hands over the wound by Catra\u2019s hip. She hoped it was helping, but she only had two hands and couldn\u2019t remain like that forever. She needed help.<\/p>\n

Help came in the form of sparkles. While startled by the sudden teleport, Adora had never been so relieved to see Glimmer and Bow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, shit!\u201d Bow said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to save her,\u201d Adora said, her eyes pleading up at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she just tried to take us down!\u201d Glimmer said.<\/p>\n

Tears threatened to well up in Adora\u2019s eyes. \u201cLook I don\u2019t expect you to forgive her, but she was my best friend. We grew up together. Please help me save her. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glimmer and Bow shared a look and both nodded. Bow took off his quiver and ventured into its outside pocket (a neat feature, Adora had thought) and withdrew what looked to be one of Queen Angella\u2019s magical mini first aid kits.<\/p>\n

Adora couldn\u2019t prevent the tears of relief that ran down her face. \u201cI love you guys so much,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe love you too. Which is why we\u2019re helping,\u201d Glimmer said. She got down on the ground with Adora and opened the first aid box. From it, Glimmer withdrew what appeared to be a dressing. \u201cMove your hands. This is enchanted. It will stop the bleeding for now.\u201d Adora moved her hands and Glimmer made quick work of placing the dressing over the wound. \u201cShe will need to take this potion when she comes to,\u201d Glimmer said and held up a yellow potion. \u201cIt will heal her wound but she\u2019ll need to rest for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora nodded. \u201cOkay. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bow crouched on the ground and gazed at Catra\u2019s pained expression with his head tilted. \u201cWhat are you gonna do, Adora? You know things probably won\u2019t pan out well if you keep her here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adora said. \u201cI know somewhere I can take her and look after her. Can you cover for me? Create a distraction?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bow gave her a thumbs up. \u201cCan do! But first how about a BFF squad hug!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora and Glimmer simply held up their bloodied hands. Bow grimaced. \u201cAir hug maybe?\u201d The three of them laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet going now,\u201d Glimmer said. Adora nodded and whistled for Swift Wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go with Swift Wind and send him back to you. He\u2019ll be able to bring you both to me should you need me,\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

When Swift Wind arrived he was reluctant to let Catra on him, but conceded after a few bribes from Adora promising him his favourite foods. They prepared quickly and once Adora was sitting on Swift Wind she smiled to her friends. \u201cYou guys are the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glimmer shrugged nonchalantly. \u201cIt\u2019s what best friends do,\u201d she said, like it was no big deal. Bow nodded with a grin. Glimmer grabbed hold of Bow and they gave a quick wave before she teleported the two of them back to the other princesses.<\/p>\n

Adora got herself comfortable on Swift Wind. \u201cAlright Horsey\u2014 I mean, Swift Wind. To Madame Razz\u2019s we go!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

Madame Razz happily welcomed Adora, Swift Wind, and Catra into her home, no questions asked. Though she didn\u2019t seem to quite remember Adora.<\/p>\n

Adora transferred Catra from Swift Wind to one of the mattresses in a hidden room in Madame Razz\u2019s dwelling \u2014 something Adora didn\u2019t realise was in there. It looked like a child\u2019s room, though, as it had child-like drawings stuck up on the walls, plush toys neatly on display all around, and two small beds with knitted blankets.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadame Razz, did children used to live here?\u201d Adora asked after gently placing Catra on one of the beds.<\/p>\n

Madame Razz nodded and a smile broke out on her face. \u201cCheeky kids they were!\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Madame Razz stroked her chin and studied the drawings. She took her big glasses off and gave them a wipe. Her eyes were a lot smaller than the glasses made them appear. When she popped them back on she pointed to one of the drawings. It was of some kind of building.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have their own library now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Upon closer inspection of the drawing, Adora could see that it had been captioned with \u2018Our Library!\u2019. She smiled. They must have achieved their dreams.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were their names again?\u201d Madame Razz mumbled to herself. She shook her head and wandered off.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

Catra didn\u2019t come to until the next morning. Adora was alerted to this by what sounded like a groan \u2014 she had been listening to Madame Razz talk about the benefits of herbal tea, something she was rather grateful to have a break from.<\/p>\n

\u201cCatra!\u201d Adora said when she entered the room and found Catra sitting up, examining the dressing on her hip. She looked slightly pale, probably from blood loss and covered in bruises \u2014 those were probably from the battle. But she was conscious and for that Adora was grateful.<\/p>\n

Catra\u2019s eyes widened but a moment later she was glaring at Adora. \u201cUgh. I should\u2019ve known,\u201d she said. She moved to stand up from the bed but Adora rushed to her side.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you need to rest,\u201d Adora said and was about to guide Catra to lie down but the moment she placed her hand on Catra\u2019s shoulder, Catra smacked it off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to do anything,\u201d Catra said. She went to stand but Adora could see the little colour she had left in her face being drained.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to rest,\u201d Adora said. Catra ignored her. She went to step but started to fall, Adora caught her in time and guided her back onto the bed. In all their time together, Adora had only seen Catra seriously ill twice. Each time had been scary but Catra had always made a quick recovery. Adora hoped this time was the same.<\/p>\n

Catra didn\u2019t oppose the help but as her eyes were threatening to drift off back to sleep, she said, \u201cThis isn\u2019t over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora nodded. \u201cGet some sleep.\u201d But Catra needed no more instruction.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

Adora was on the other bed reading one of Madame Razz\u2019s recipe books. It was old \u2014 she had to wipe dust of \u2014 and quirky. It contained ingredient combinations that Adora would never have thought of in the Fright Zone. Bow and Glimmer had introduced her to a lot of great things, but the variety of food they\u2019d provided her had to top the list. She wondered what Catra would think of all the food.<\/p>\n

Adora looked across at Catra\u2019s sleeping form. It had been about three hours since she had been awake. Adora hoped Catra would wake up again soon, even if she did look so at peace when she was sleeping. There was no crease between her eyebrows, no frown, and just no visible tension at all. When had Adora last seen Catra so relaxed? It felt like many moons ago.<\/p>\n

As if she could read her thoughts, Catra\u2019s eyes opened. She was staring directly at Adora.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi,\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you been there? Have you been watching me sleep? That\u2019s kind of creepy,\u201d Catra said.<\/p>\n

Adora rolled her eyes but couldn\u2019t hide her smile. \u201cNot long,\u201d she said. It was semi-true; she had been in the room for a while but she had only been staring at Catra for a few moments. She sat up and grabbed the yellow potion from the bedside unit. \u201cYou need to take this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Catra frowned but didn\u2019t move. \u201cI don\u2019t need to do anything you say. Besides, it\u2019s probably poison.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora gaped. \u201cIt\u2019s not poison! I would never poison you! I can\u2019t believe you would think that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Catra groaned. \u201cReally, Adora? Do I have to explain to you what being enemies means?\u201d Catra put a finger to her temple. \u201cLook. I\u2019ll take the damn potion if you just leave me alone. You\u2019re giving me a headache.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

Catra rolled her eyes and nodded. \u201cYes. Now go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora was skeptical, but ever the optimist agreed and left the room.<\/p>\n

Madame Razz greeted her when she entered the kitchen. The kitchen smelled delicious. Adora didn\u2019t know what she was cooking but her stomach rumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you making? Smells yum!\u201d Adora said<\/p>\n

Madame Razz smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s an experiment,\u201d she said and went back to chopping up some vegetables. In Adora\u2019s experience, Madame Razz\u2019s experiments were either really good or most of the time really bad. She gulped, no longer so enthusiastic to taste. Madame Razz sent a knowing smile her way but paused as she took sight of Adora\u2019s hand. \u201cI thought you were to give that potion to your friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora lifted her hand \u2014 the potion was enclosed in it. She let her head roll backwards. \u201cI am such an idiot! How did I not even realise I was still holding this!\u201d She shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m losing it. I better go give it to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

She busted through the bedroom door, which was really just a large piece of bark, \u00a0with so much speed it startled Catra. But what Adora saw was more concerning. Catra had thrown her blanket off and on display was blood soaking through the dressing. She immediately threw her hands over the wound when she noticed Adora staring at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cCatra! Why didn\u2019t you tell me it was bleeding through!\u201d Adora said, and wasted no time rushing to her bedside, thrusting the potion into her face.<\/p>\n

Catra swatted her hand away. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing. I\u2019m fine and I\u2019m not taking your damn poison.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will stop the bleeding and heal that wound!\u201d Adora insisted, holding the potion up to Catra.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said no!\u201d Catra snarled and smacked the potion straight out of Adora\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Adora watched as it went flying through the air and smashed straight onto the floor, its contents leaking everywhere. \u201cNo!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

She turned back to Catra who was investigating the bloody dressing on her hip. Adora was conflicted about what to do. She scanned the room for anything that would help \u2014 but it was pointless. Adora had no clue on how to improvise when it came to first aid. She blamed the Horde for that\u2014 they\u2019d taught minimal first aid. If you got wounded badly, they would rather leave you than waste resources helping you. Adora reached to help put pressure on the wound but Catra slapped her hand away. She settled for shouting for Madame Razz, praying she had a magical fix.<\/p>\n

Catra observed Adora\u2019s distress and chuffed but it only caused her to wince in pain. Adora frowned and opened her mouth to scold her but Madame Razz chose then to join them.<\/p>\n

Adora clutched Madame Razz by the shoulders. \u201cPlease, Madame Razz, tell me you can help,\u201d she said and gestured to Catra who was busy peeking under the dressing of the wound.<\/p>\n

Madame Razz put her hand to her chin. \u201cI have something but it has a longer recovery period.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine. What do I need to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me get my medical kit,\u201d Madame Razz said before she left the room.<\/p>\n

Catra coughed. \u201cUh, hello? I never agreed to this. In fact, I think it\u2019s about time I left.\u201d She stood but the sudden postural movement adding onto the blood she had lost made her collapse back onto the bed.<\/p>\n

Adora rolled her eyes. \u201cStubborn as ever,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Catra just stared up at the ceiling, defeated. \u201cShut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madame Razz re-entered the room, equipped with a fairly large red tin box. She approached Catra\u2019s bedside and opened the box. Adora craned her neck to see past Madame Razz\u2019s back and into the box. There was all sorts of medical equipment; what they each did, Adora had no idea, she just had to trust Madame Razz knew.<\/p>\n

Equipped with her tools, Madame Razz went to work on Catra\u2019s wound. She wasn\u2019t using anything magical which must explain the longer recovery time. Adora wondered why an experienced sorceress like Madame Razz was resorting to, what many called, primitive methods; she must have had her reasons, though.<\/p>\n

Adora avoided looking at the wound and Madame Razz\u2019s hands and instead focused on Catra\u2019s face. Every time Catra winced, Adora sent her a reassuring smile, not that it mattered though because Catra\u2019s eyes hadn\u2019t moved from the ceiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I\u2019m only letting you do this so I can get out of here sooner,\u201d Catra eventually said, eyes still fixed on the ceiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adora said, even though she didn\u2019t want to believe it. \u201cBut you\u2019re going to have to rest here a bit longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSays who?\u201d Catra challenged, looking at Adora for the first time since Madame Razz has started working on her wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cSays me!\u201d Madame Razz said. She studied Catra\u2019s hip and nodded. \u201cThat magical dressing sealed your wound mostly, but I\u2019ve had to stitch up the part that re-opened. Don\u2019t think of going anywhere for at least the next week.\u201d She packed up her kit, putting the bloodied tools in a separate compartment and made to leave, but turned right as she got to the door. \u201cI mean it,\u201d she said with an air of authority Adora had never seen her have.<\/p>\n

Once Madame Razz had left, Adora laid back on her own bed in the room and looked over at Catra. Catra just rolled her eyes. \u201cI heal twice as fast as normal people. I don\u2019t need to be here that long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora raised an eyebrow. \u201cThat lie isn\u2019t gonna fool anyone. Especially not me.\u201d She knew Catra well enough to know that her recovery time was, in fact, fast but not that fast.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever,\u201d Catra said. \u201cI\u2019ll be out of here before you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora sat up. \u201cBut why? You\u2019re returning to the Horde? They just left you for dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa. That\u2019s rich, coming from you,\u201d Catra said, making eye contact with Adora.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Adora asked, eyebrows furrowed.<\/p>\n

Catra\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cReally, Adora? Do I have to spell it out for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adora didn\u2019t respond Catra shook her head, in disbelief or disappointment, Adora couldn\u2019t tell \u2014 maybe both.<\/p>\n

Catra gestured for Adora to come closer. When Adora was within her reach, Catra shoved a finger into her chest. \u201cYou<\/em> left me to die! You left me to suffer Shadow Weaver\u2019s wrath. You didn\u2019t care that she was threatening me! You just wanted to run off and play princess without thinking about anyone but yourself.\u201d Catra withdrew her hand and looked away. \u201cWithout thinking about me,\u201d she added quietly.<\/p>\n

Adora didn\u2019t know how to react. A tidal wave of guilt swept over her. \u201cCatra, look \u2014 I\u2019m sorry. I never meant for any of that to happen. Truly.\u201d She swallowed, not sure how to phrase the next part. \u201cBut what I\u2019m doing is right \u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

Catra groaned. \u201cShut it. I don\u2019t want to hear your speech of righteousness. Save it for someone who cares.\u201d Catra turned her head to the other side and grabbed the pillow and used it to muff her ears.<\/p>\n

Adora sighed. That was the end of that conversation. How could she get through to Catra? Nothing seemed to be working. She left the room feeling frustrated.<\/p>\n

The rest of the day Catra only left the room to go to the bathroom \u2014 Madame Razz had advised she have minimal movement, so at least she had listened to that. However, she completely ignored Adora\u2019s attempts at conversations when Adora brought food or pain relief. It was frustrating. Catra could be really stubborn when she wanted to be.<\/p>\n

When Adora was getting ready for bed that night, she heard Catra mumbling her sleep. She walked over to Catra\u2019s bedside and grabbed hold of her hand. \u201cCatra?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Catra opened her eyes a fraction. \u201cYou\u2019re so pretty\u2026 Adora,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Adora\u2019s cheeks lit up and she looked away from Catra, flustered. It must have been the pain relief talking. Catra didn\u2019t mean anything by that, surely. Adora didn\u2019t want to get her hopes up.<\/p>\n

She looked back at Catra\u2019s face. Her eyes were closed and her breathing had evened out \u2014 she was fast asleep. Adora studied her face. In her opinion, Catra was the pretty one. But even then pretty didn\u2019t feel like the right word. Usually, Adora would describe her as charming, but seeing her lie there, unwell and vulnerable, it didn\u2019t feel right either.<\/p>\n

Adora sighed and collapsed on her own bed. While she was eager to see the return of a charming, healthy Catra, she also dreaded it. For Catra would be under no obligation to stay.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

The next day was uneventful. Catra was barely awake for most of it. Adora hadn\u2019t tried to engage in proper conversation with her. She had only asked simple yes or no questions like \u201cdo you want some water?\u201d Which Catra, in her tired state, answered without a problem. Adora was relieved to see some of Catra\u2019s light bruises were beginning to fade too.<\/p>\n

The morning after that, though, without any notice, Bow and Glimmer appeared on the back of Swift Wind.<\/p>\n

Adora grinned through the entrance of the dwelling as she watched them land out front. Swift Wind looked as majestic as ever. She ran outside to greet them. \u201cBow! Glimmer! Swift Wind!\u201d It had only been a few days, but she couldn\u2019t stop grinning<\/p>\n

Bow and Glimmer dismounted from Swift Wind and pulled Adora in for a big group hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh.. Okay.. I\u2019ll just stand here awkwardly while you hug without me. No big deal,\u201d Swift Wind said. It caused the three of them to laugh as they made sure to pull Swift Wind\u2019s head into the hug.<\/p>\n

When they seperated Bow put a hand to his chin. \u201cSo this is where you\u2019ve been hiding\u2026 Interesting,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Catra?\u201d Glimmer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s recovering. Madame Razz \u2014 the lady who lives here \u2014 stitched her up because the potion you gave me kind of\u2026 er.. smashed,\u201d Adora said, rubbing the back of her neck.<\/p>\n

Glimmer just rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. \u201cTypical.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora led them inside. Madame Razz was sorting through a basket of berries. She looked up upon their arrival. \u201cOh hello. You must be Mara\u2019s friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bow and Glimmer looked to Adora in confusion. Glimmer said, \u201cUh.. we\u2019re\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They\u2019re my friends,\u201d Adora interrupted. She turned to Glimmer and Bow and mouthed, \u201cJust go with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glimmer stepped forward. \u201cI\u2019m Glimmer and this,\u201d she gestured at Bow, \u201cIs Bow.\u201d Bow greeted her with a nod. \u201cI like your place,\u201d Glimmer said.<\/p>\n

Madame Razz smiled. \u201cThank you. Would you like a berry? Picked them myself.\u201d Adora refrained from correcting her; technically it had been the two of them picking them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you. I just had breakfast,\u201d Glimmer said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too. But thanks,\u201d Bow said. Madame Razz nodded and resumed sorting through her berries.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis way,\u201d Adora said, ushering them to follow. She opened the door to the bedroom she and Catra shared.<\/p>\n

Catra was awake when they entered, as made obvious by her dramatic groan at their entry. \u201cNope,\u201d she said and twisted her legs off the bed. \u201cNot listening to you and your friends lecturing me.\u201d She went to stand but was gently pushed back down on the bed by Adora.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not gonna lecture you. Just thought you might like some company,\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Why would I want yours or their company?\u201d Catra said. The tension in the room was palpable. Adora could practically feel Glimmer\u2019s irritated twitch. After a silent ten seconds, when Glimmer didn\u2019t act on her irritation, Adora let out a breath she didn\u2019t know she had been holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdora, can you leave us with Catra for a little while, please?\u201d Glimmer said.<\/p>\n

Adora\u2019s eyes widened and she whipped her head around to look at Glimmer. Maybe she hadn\u2019t waited long enough to let out that breath. \u201cUh, no. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s the best idea right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, yes. That\u2019s a great idea,\u201d Catra said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t think it is,\u201d Adora said. She had no idea why Catra was suddenly onboard with Glimmer\u2019s plans. She was rightfully concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, who made you boss?\u201d Glimmer said.<\/p>\n

Catra laughed. \u201cYeah. Who did make you boss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora gulped. She didn\u2019t like where this was heading. Individually she could handle Glimmer and Catra. Together, though, she had no chance.<\/p>\n

Adora scrambled for words. \u201cI \u2014\u201d But Bow pulled her towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make sure nothing happens,\u201d he said. \u201cI promise.\u201d Adora nodded before she was gently pushed out of the room, the bark door closing behind her. She stuck her ear to the door, trying to eavesdrop, but she couldn\u2019t hear anything clearly. It was just muffled voices. She sincerely hoped Bow would make sure nothing escalated. As much as she trusted Glimmer, she was certain Catra wouldn\u2019t make things easy. There was always that sliver of doubt when people were put into emotional or confrontational situations. Bow was there, though. He was usually rational and level-headed.<\/p>\n

Adora sat down on the old worn couch in the living room, it was the comfiest in the dwelling, and waited. She was shortly joined by Madame Razz. She had two mugs in her hands and passed one of them to Adora. Adora recognised it by its smell. It was one of Madame Razz\u2019s original recipe teas; Madame Razz had told her this the first time she had tasted it many moons ago. It was a mixture of flavours, the berries they picked among them, yet it wasn\u2019t overly sweet. She took a sip.<\/p>\n

\u201cMara used to hate my tea,\u201d Madame Razz said. She was watching Adora over the top of her mug.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I enjoy it,\u201d Adora said, gazing into her mug.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not as good as it used to be. Some of the original ingredients are no longer within reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora tilted her head. \u201cCan I help source them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Madame Razz just shook her head. \u201cNo. I\u2019ve learnt to make do with what I have. Sometimes you have to let things go and trust them to come back when the time\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora couldn\u2019t help but get a sense that they were no longer talking about just the ingredients. She looked down into her tea. \u201cWhen will the time be right, though?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho knows!\u201d Madame Razz said. \u201cCould be tomorrow. Could be one hundred years!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora frowned as she looked towards the bedroom door. Was she meant to just let Catra walk out of her life? And trust that she would come back when she was ready? But what if she was never ready? It just didn\u2019t make sense. Everything was wrong. With a sigh, Adora walked over to the dwelling\u2019s entrance and watched outside. Swift Wind was eating grass but perked his head up upon seeing Adora.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look like you need a ride,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adora smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

When Adora got back from flying around with Swift Wind, Bow and Glimmer were waiting out the front of Madame Razz\u2019s dwelling for her. Adora was relieved to see their physical appearances hadn\u2019t changed and they were both smiling \u2014 a good sign that no fighting had unfolded. Not that Catra was in any fit state to be fighting, anyway, she reasoned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWanna go for a walk?\u201d Glimmer asked as Adora was dismounting.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

The three of them didn\u2019t stray too far from Madame Razz\u2019s dwelling. They found a little inlet and sat on nearby rocks. It was really pretty \u2014 a vivid green colour scheme, but Adora had come to learn not to fall for the Whispering Woods\u2019 picturesque landscape. She had been chased by some gigantic hungry creatures one too many times.<\/p>\n

Adora kicked a rock. \u201cSo\u2026 How did speaking with Catra go?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Bow and Glimmer shared a glance and then turned to Adora and grinned. \u201cIt went really well!\u201d Bow said.<\/p>\n

Adora\u2019s eyes widened. That hadn\u2019t been the response she was expecting. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCatra\u2019s surprisingly nice and really funny when she\u2019s not trying to fight or kidnap us,\u201d Glimmer said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did she say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said a few things.. Mostly ranting about your terrible nursing skills,\u201d Glimmer said with a chuckle. \u201cShe tries to hide it but I can tell she really adores you. I can see why you two were such good friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora blushed and looked to the ground. \u201cYeah, that\u2019s in the past, though. Were <\/em>good friends. Now I just can\u2019t get through to her,\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

There was a pause.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be honest, Adora, as much as it would be great to have her on our side, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s what she needs right now,\u201d Glimmer said.<\/p>\n

Adora looked up, frown on her face. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Drumming his fingers along his biceps, Bow said, \u201cMaybe she just needs her best friend. Minus all the politics and war.\u201d Glimmer nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s who I am now. I am She-Ra and She-Ra has responsibilities and duties to uphold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glimmer just looked down, fidgeting with the end of her tunic while Bow shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re Adora first, though,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adora opened her mouth to respond but then shut it, instead she focused on a rock on the ground. She wasn\u2019t sure what to say. Obviously she knew she was Adora first, but had she lost sight of that? Maybe?<\/p>\n

She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Bow and Glimmer were looking down at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s go back,\u201d Bow said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Bow and Glimmer left on Swift Wind shortly after they got back to Madame Razz\u2019s dwelling. It was for the best. Adora needed space; she was stuck inside her head, hung up over her purpose and identity. Hung up over Catra. She needed time to process her thoughts.<\/p>\n

She went to bed that night without saying anything to said roommate, though it didn\u2019t seem to faze Catra.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

The following morning, Adora couldn\u2019t stop yawning. She had stayed up late thinking, but it had worked and she had a plan of action in mind. She would apologise to Catra. Genuinely, this time.<\/p>\n

She was enjoying a mug of Madame Razz\u2019s tea when Catra came through. It was the first time since they arrived that Adora had seen her walk somewhere that wasn\u2019t the bathroom. While she still had a lot of recovering to do, she looked a lot better than she had when Adora had found her unconscious at Bright Moon. Adora was relieved to see a bit more colour in her cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Madame Razz?\u201d Catra asked before carefully dropping onto the adjacent couch to Adora, putting her legs up and taking up the whole thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cGathering more ingredients probably,\u201d Adora said. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

Catra made eye contact with Adora, her cheeks lit up. \u201cFine, actually. Not that it\u2019s any of your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora resisted the urge to scowl.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh but your friends \u2014 they\u2019re not as bad as I thought,\u201d Catra said. \u201cGlimmer loved hearing about all your embarrassing stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora almost choked on her tea. \u201cWhat did you tell them?\u201d she asked, dreading the answer. Anything but the tree incident.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis and that\u2026 maybe the tree incident.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora threw her head back and groaned. \u201cWhy! I was drunk!\u201d Unfortunately it was a memory solidified in her memory\u2026 and Catra\u2019s evidently. Catra liked to remind her of it all the time. Remind her of the time she got so intoxicated that she thought a tree was an enemy and launched an attack at it.<\/p>\n

Catra just shrugged, looking smug.<\/p>\n

Adora just sighed and put her empty mug down. Time to initiate her plan. \u201cLook, can we talk?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are talking,\u201d Catra said, inspecting her nails.<\/p>\n

\u201cCatra. I just. I\u2019m sorry. I wanted to apologise to you,\u201d Adora said, hands in her lap as she twiddled her thumbs.<\/p>\n

Catra hummed in acknowledgment but said nothing and remained focused on her nails.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for letting you down and leaving you to suffer the consequences of my actions. That was a really shitty thing to do.\u201d Adora stopped twiddling her thumbs and looked towards Catra. \u201cBut what I\u2019m most sorry for is being a terrible best friend and dismissing over a decade of friendship to pursue what I think is morally right without considering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had Catra\u2019s full attention. \u201cYeah, you should have considered me. All you had to do was talk to me,\u201d Catra said as she sat up. \u201cWe were gonna rule the world together. Just me and you.\u201d She scuffed her toe along the rug. \u201cBut your friends made me realise something, too. I should\u2019ve been more understanding through your moral dilemma. There\u2019s always two sides to every story, but I wasn\u2019t open to hearing yours or the princesses\u2019.\u201d Catra met Adora\u2019s eyes. \u201cI know the Horde is guilty of a lot of stuff, but I remained with them out of familiarity and comfort. I don\u2019t know anywhere else and it\u2019s hard to admit but I\u2018m not sure anywhere else would have me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora joined Catra on her couch and clasped their hands together. \u201cYou know you\u2019re always welcome to join me and the princesses but that\u2019s your decision to make. Not mine,\u201d Adora said. \u201cWhat are you thinking of doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Catra squeezed Adora\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m not sure. But I\u2019ll let you know when I decide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora nodded and gave a reassuring squeeze back.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

Later that afternoon, Adora introduced Catra to Swift Wind. Their previous interaction with one another had been one-sided, given Catra\u2019s unconscious state at the time. Catra wasn\u2019t as mesmerised by him as Adora had been on their first encounter many moons ago, but she was still entertained by the thought of a talking horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe it. An actual talking horse!\u201d Catra said, laughing.<\/p>\n

Swift Wind wasn\u2019t as amused. \u201cI am She-Ra\u2019s noble steed and I would ask you to respect that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah,\u201d Catra said before turning to Adora. \u201cCan we go for a ride tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora bit her lip. \u201cI think you need more time to recover.\u201d<\/p>\n

Catra waved her hand. \u201cPffft. I\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019m almost fully healed,\u201d she said and gestured down her body for emphasis.<\/p>\n

Swift Wind snorted. \u201cYou\u2019re still covered in bruises and stitches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! No one asked for your input, Horsey,\u201d Catra said, turning to Swift Wind.<\/p>\n

Adora laughed. Catra would fit in just fine. \u201cBut he makes a valid point,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMara, I need you to fetch me some more of these herbs,\u201d came Madame Razz\u2019s voice as she approached them.<\/p>\n

Adora accepted the herb handed to her. She didn\u2019t recognise it but it looked somewhat similar to mint leaves. Her nose scrunched in repulsion as she sniffed them. They certainly didn\u2019t smell like mint leaves.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Where will I find it?\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

Madame Razz just pointed up into the trees. \u201cUp!\u201d she said. She turned to Catra. \u201cAnd I need to check your stitches, dear.\u201d She gestured for Catra to follow her back into her dwelling.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh,\u201d Catra groaned but followed anyway. Adora shot her a smile and thumbs up. Catra just rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take Swift Wind and Adora too long to locate the herb. It had been troublesome up until Swift Wind suggested he sniff the sample Madame Razz had provided them. After that Swift Wind had been able to detect its scent. Unfortunately, Adora had the unpleasant job of picking it out from underneath prickly vines. When she retracted her arm it was covered in red scratches.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better get some ointment or something on that,\u201d Swift Wind said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah. Do you think we have enough?\u201d Adora asked. They had sourced it in 15 different locations and had a fairly generous amount, though she could never tell the quantities Madame Razz needed for her concoctions.<\/p>\n

Swift Winded nodded. \u201cYep. We should head back anyway. It\u2019s getting dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora hummed in agreement. As nice as the Whispering Woods was, in the darkness it was just eery. You didn\u2019t know who or what was watching you.<\/p>\n

After Adora left Swift Wind to his own devices, he was considering staying the night at Bright Moon, and Adora entered the little dwelling but couldn\u2019t spot Catra or Madame Razz. She placed the collection of herbs she had gathered on Madame Razz\u2019s bench and was about to call out when she heard voices from their bedroom.<\/p>\n

The bark door was slightly ajar, allowing some of the conversation to escape into the rest of the dwelling. Adora approached the door and was about to push it open all the way until she heard Madame Razz\u2019s voice. It lacked its usual cheerful inflection. It was rather sombre, if Adora had to describe it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw what the Horde did that day. How they destroyed that town, those people. It\u2019s something I\u2019ll never forget. I\u2019ll never forgive myself for not doing more,\u201d Madame Razz said.<\/p>\n

There was no verbal response, Adora assumed that Madame Razz was talking to herself, which would not be surprising, or that Catra was just listening and nodding along.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe damage they\u2019ve caused is unforgivable.\u201d There was a pause. \u201cFortunately we have your friend on our side.\u201d Madame Razz\u2019s tone perked up. \u201cShe\u2019s a good egg. Stay with her and she won\u2019t lead you astray.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora smiled. Even if Madame Razz couldn\u2019t quite remember her name, at least she had her support. Adora heard movement coming from the room and quickly jumped back, trying to look as natural as possible and not like that of an eavesdropper.<\/p>\n

Only Madame Razz came out of the room though and her eyebrows shot up upon seeing Adora. Her eyes fell onto her working bench where Adora had placed the herbs.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, lovely! Thank you,\u201d Madame Razz said. \u201cThat should last me quite a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora grinned. \u201cNo worries. It\u2019s the least I can do for all your help.\u201d Madame Razz just smiled. \u201cI\u2019m going to head to bed now, unless you need me for something else?\u201d Adora said.<\/p>\n

Madame Razz started to shake her head but stopped when she caught sight of Adora\u2019s arm. \u201cYour arm! Let me put some ointment on that before you head to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time Madame Razz was done it was pitch black outside. Adora wished her a good night and entered the bedroom. Catra\u2019s soft snores could be heard.<\/p>\n

It was the first night Adora in a long time that Adora went to sleep with her mind at ease. Her dreams were filled with images of her and Catra running through the Fright Zone, like old times, only different. Now they were adults and with that came intent. When Catra reached out for Adora\u2019s hand, it wasn\u2019t to guide her but to pull her in close, with foreheads touching and the same breath shared. It meant more. It felt right.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

Adora woke up to an empty bedroom and the feeling that something was off. When she entered the main living area Madame Razz looked up from her mug of tea and greeted her. \u201cGood morning!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adora smiled. \u201cMorning. Where\u2019s Catra?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou missed her. She left a little while ago,\u201d Madame Razz said.<\/p>\n

Adora frowned. \u201cLeft? Did she say where she was going? Whether she was coming back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Madame Razz just shook her head.<\/p>\n

Panic started to set in. Where was she? Was this the decision she had made? Leaving Adora? Adora clenched her jaw. Catra wasn\u2019t physically ready to leave and Adora certainly wasn\u2019t emotionally ready for her to leave either. She couldn\u2019t just let Catra walk out of her life now that she knew they had a chance to be together. She was and always had been her best friend, the one she grew up with and wanted to grow old with. Tears started to well up in the corner of her eyes.<\/p>\n

Adora took a deep breath and wiped away her tears. She could catch up to her, surely. She had Swift Wind\u2019s help after all. Catra may reject her, but she had to try at least or else she\u2019d regret it forever.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d came a familiar voice.<\/p>\n

Adora turned on the spot. In the dwelling\u2019s entrance stood Catra, equipped with a basket of fruits. Adora lunged at her, pulling her into a tight embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re still here,\u201d Adora said, sniffling.<\/p>\n

Catra pulled back and smiled at her. \u201cDuh, you still owe me a riding lesson on Horsey.\u201d Adora laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that!\u201d came Swift Wind\u2019s voice from outside.<\/p>\n

Everyone started to laugh. Adora wiped her tears away.<\/p>\n

Catra wiped away a tear Adora missed and proceeded to tuck a loose strand of Adora\u2019s hair behind her ear. She smiled at her. \u201cI\u2019m with you, dummy,\u201d Catra said.<\/p>\n

Adora clutched Catra\u2019s hand in her own and squeezed; Catra squeezed back. That was all the reassurance she needed. In that moment Catra was still by her side. Something she thought she had lost for good. After everything they had been through, Adora should\u2019ve been protective of this rekindled yet new bond \u2014 but she had grown, they both had. What had once been weakened had turned into a weapon she could wield, something that gave her strength; something that gave her hope.<\/p>\n

It would take time to master this new weapon, but now there was another pair of hands helping her along the way. Hands she would never let go of again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After the Battle of Bright Moon, the Horde leaves Catra for dead. Adora is the one who finds her.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[23,7,62],"fandom":[24],"rating":[3],"ship":[25],"class_list":["post-123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-f-f","tag-canon-divergence","tag-canonverse","tag-fandom5k-exchange","fandom-spop","rating-teen","ship-catradora","wpautop"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=123"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":124,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123\/revisions\/124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=123"},{"taxonomy":"fandom","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/fandom?post=123"},{"taxonomy":"rating","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rating?post=123"},{"taxonomy":"ship","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ship?post=123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}