Chapter 21: Princess Prom
Jiro was getting some breakfast after the movie bonanza the class had last night, still trying to get some of the sleep out of her eyes as she grabbed some leftovers the class prez made earlier in the morning. It was amazing he was up so early especially with how long the class was in the common room.
Then again, Iida excused himself after the first movie seeing everyone was taking care of themselves anyway. That, and he had a routine to follow apparently. Guy needed to relax more in her opinion but if doing work three days ahead of time was a way to relax, then who was she to judge what you do with your time.
Jiro could however judge other people on what they did with their time. Like the friend group that organized last night. Cool people, especially Yayorozu. They just seemed a little too invested with becoming with a certain greenette's friend and finding about nearly everything about him.
Was she interested on what was going with Midoriya? Sure, at this point who wasn't? But she knew not to pry in other people's business. Ashido and Kirishima on the other hand really wanted to figure him out. If the theories from last night weren't enough. Frankly she was getting sick of people walking around him like he was a famous hero, and the class was the paparazzi.
Just talk to the guy! Jeez… It's not like he gonna wave his hand and turn you inside out if you asked…
…Was that something he could do? Whatever. No sense in sitting on ifs anyway. Finishing up, Jiro cleaned up and left the common room towards the dorm halls. At first just to head to her room and jam out with some of the instruments she brought from her place to the dorm room.
That was the plan until she saw the resident ice prince at Midoriya's door. Todoroki raising and lowering his hand repeatedly, the internal conflict betrayed by his blank expression of if he should knock or not. It was kind of sad to watch. Oh, for the love of… No. Go left. Go to your room and let him deal with his "conundrum" himself. Just go left…
Jiro went right.
She went right up to where Todoroki was standing. The ice prince letting out a heavy sigh before realizing he had company. He looked over to Jiro, his face still as blank as a wood board.
"Hello." What a way with words.
"Hey. So… What're you doing exactly? Other then trying to burn a hole through Greeny's door."
"…I'm not burning anything. I wanted to see if Midoriya would like to talk." Ok… About what? "Just talk. Maybe something else. I'm not sure." He looked back to the door, raised his hand to knock and… immeaditly dropped it to his side. Yep. This was pretty sad. "Do you know how to talk to people?"
What kind of question was that? Of course, she did. Did the ice prince not have many friends or something? "My only… acquaintances were my siblings… then a training mat… then…" Anger shot over the ice prince's face for a split second before returning to his former neutral. "No. Not many. Everyone was weaker than me. Why should I be beside those who barely lift their own weight or with weak quirks?"
Jiro raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. Todoroki blinked a few times before realizing what had said. "…Sorry…" He bowed in apologies. Better, not by much, but better. So why the sudden turn around? He better not say because Midoriya was strong or something. She was going to bop him if that was the case. "I feel a like I "relate" with Midoriya in a way." Huh? Care to elaborate?
"No." Ok then…
"Well, you're not going anywhere just be standing here. Move it!" Jiro lightly pushed Todoroki out of the way and was just about to knock for him. Until she was stopped just before her knuckles hit wood. A voice calling out from down the hall. What now? Both looked over to see Kaminari running over. Great… This idiot…
"Hold on… Hold on… Phew…" The electric blonde collected himself then looked to the two in front of him. "What's going on in this neck of the woods?" Kaminari asked. Just before Jiro was going to say none of his business, Todoroki said he wanted to talk with Midoriya. "Ooooo. About what?" He said the same thing when Jiro asked, he wanted to talk. Not much else. "Not gonna ask the REAL questions?"
Todoroki tilted his head in question. Now having the ice prince's attention, Kaminari continued. "Like… maybe… if he's seen… The Truth?" Todoroki paused and went into deep thought as if he knew exactly what he meant. Jiro face palmed. The ice prince nodded along then asked what else he should ask Midoriya.
He couldn't really be actually thinking this, right? Kaminari then listed off more questions Todoroki could ask the greenette. Each one more ridiculous then the last. Like if he's missing any body parts, or senses, or organs or if he has a philosopher's stone on hand. The two retracted that last one as they might get offed if they asked that one.
Jiro was frankly getting sick of it. "He is NOT an al- whatever you think he is, Kaminari. Drop it." Kaminari wasn't dropping it however and went off that it was entirely possible that Midoriya had a gate of truth of his own. In a bout of frustration, Jiro let out something she didn't think would come out.
"He hasn't seen the truth! If he did, why is he using trans…mu…tation… circles… Shit…" Todoroki's brow went up in surprise while Kaminari's face turned to pure joy that he found another fan. His mouth gapped. "N-Now hold on…"
Kaminari was just about to pull her into a hug before Jiro jabbed him in the side with her jacks, making him back off. "That's it! Midoriya is not some "benevolent being" or a government experiment or an alchemist! He's just some shmo like you or me!" Jiro slammed the door behind her. But instead of hearing a hearty bang, sounded more like a smack.
"AH! Calos dev mater sei!" Jiro quickly turned around to see Midoriya clutching his face where Jiro accidently punched him. Kaminari sucked in air through his teeth, knowing how that felt one to many times before. Todoroki went on to make sure Midoriya was alright.
"Oh shit! Midoriya, I am so sorry! I didn't know you were there!" She didn't know he was in his room? Great excuse, Kyoka. Midoriya dropped his hands to show that his nose wasn't broken thankfully, just a little red and swollen from her fist. The greenette waved the worried ice prince away, which he did back off and returned to the blonde's side.
"It's fine… don't worry about it… ow…" Midoriya rubbed his nose a little bit returning to the three outside his room. "What're you guy's doing here anyway?" Uhhhhhhh… They were… well…
"I wanted to talk to you." Todoroki popped in, destroying the awkward silence that settled not even seconds ago. Midoriya asked about what. He wasn't sure. Just wanted to talk to him about anything really.
After all that… What world did Jiro find herself in. Midoriya just chuckled softly. "Sure, I've got time now. You two want to come along?" Asking the other two with the half quirk prince. Jiro and Kaminari looked at one another before the blonde put an arm around the violet rocker. With a grin and a finger gun, saying yes for the both of them.
"You look a lot better Midoriya! Get that junk off your chest?" The electric blonde asked nonchalantly.
"Y-You could say that. I just needed some time to think and some advice. And a little bit of… friendly competition… Anyway, wait here. I'll be right back." With that, Midoriya closed the door. Leaving the three to their own devices. In particular, were all three going to hang out with Midoriya now?
"Hell yes, we are!" Kaminari exclaimed. "Today marks the creation of the 1-A alchemist fan club!"
"We are not calling ourselves that." Before even a hint of dejection hit the blonde, he pointed out that Jiro said we not you. Jiro stumbled her words. She did say we, didn't she? Well, she was already in this deep, might as well go all the way. "*Sigh* Someone's got to make sure you don't take ice prince over here down the idiot's path."
"I would be offended, but we get to keep the name so I'm cool." Todoroki put his thumb up for the group arrangement, having no objections either. After a bit, Midoriya stepped out all dressed and ready for the day. The group went off to wherever they wanted too.
Guess Midoriya got to talk to his friends overseas seeing how chipper he is now from last night. Now that'll be a conversation starter. What kind of people were they like and if the class could meet them someday. Not going to happen but hey, amuse the thought. Jiro could settle with what they looked like someday.
Another time though. Kaminari was starting to ask the dumb questions. He got another stab with her jacks for that one.
--- Brightmoon Halls, Outside the Princess's room ---
Adora was scratching her head at the weird message she found stapled to her door this morning. Something about a… Princess… Prom? What the heck was a prom? Maybe Glimmer knows something about it. From what she read from the message; it was some sort of invite.
A whole lot of names and terms were being thrown at Adora as she tried to make heads or tails of it, all the while proceeding to the princess's room. Eventually arriving at her friend's doorstep. Giving it a gentle knock, Adora asked through the door what Princess Prom was. Hoping Glimmer was on the other side and awake.
What she didn't expect was for Glimmer to suddenly pop up out of nowhere in front of her, incredibly giddy, grab her, and then teleport the blonde into her room. After the sudden change from outside of the room to the inside, Adora saw that Bow was actually here too and the same message on a nearby table. The archer waved with a big smile at Adora while Glimmer was barely containing herself.
Eventually, leading her to burst and shouting…
"PRINCESS PROM! WOOOO!"
"I got that. But what is it?" After getting over her former giddiness with the event tonight, Glimmer explained to the blonde what princess prom was. It was where princesses, nobles, or denizens of the kingdom held a special party to socialize, make connections with royalty and most importantly, have fun! Every few years or so, a kingdom was chosen from a handful of possible candidates and with permission of the ruler of the chosen kingdom for the party to take place.
This year's party took place in the frozen lands of the Kingdom of Snows. Home to the reclusive princess Frosta. Who has remained neutral for most of the war because of the vastness of the kingdom's arctic tundra and being the furthest from the reach of the Horde.
So, the plan would not only would they enjoy the greatest party to ever grace Etheria but also possibly convince and recruit the princess to the alliance. Adora got the second part of that plan, no problem. It was the first bit that still left her in the dark. Maybe because she never really experienced a party before.
Of any kind. At all. Bow had to explain to her what a birthday was. And man was that an experience.
Anyway, a princess was also allowed to bring a plus one with them should they choose to. Glimmer had apparently always brought Bow with as her plus one since her other choice was either busy at home or busy/asleep back on Earth. Which sounded mean but the archer didn't see it that way at all. He also wished Izuku could've joined the party those previous years.
Having more then one person not familiar with this kind of very important event would've made going a little more comfortable. Just as Glimmer was finishing up saying that, Bow had other plans. "Actually, Perfuma invited me to be her plus one this year." Glimmer stopped, turned around, ran up to Bow and grabbed him by the collar of his outfit.
"What!? WHEN!?" The princess was completely aghast with the sudden change in plans.
"Like…" Bow thought about it, counting with his fingers for a moment. "10 minutes before you grabbed me? I wanted to tell you, but you just seemed really into today. I really didn't want to burst your bubble. Sorry." Glimmer released her friend and took a seat next to the archer. Wondering who would she go with now.
Bow then brought something up she forgot so quickly. "I mean, isn't a certain sorcerer available tonight?" He finished with a good-natured smile to the princess.
"What are yo- OHMYSTARSYOURRIGHTHOLDON." Glimmer disappeared in a flash from the table. A few moments passed with Adora going over her invite and Bow helping her understand a few more of terms did the glittering princess return.
"-w down. What about princess…prom…" With an incredibly confused Izuku. Who looked around his sudden change of space from wherever he was to the princess's room. At that point did he also notice the royal looking message on the table with the other two going over it. Both waved to the sorcerer.
Izuku's face dropped. "Oh no."
"I think you mean oh yes!" Glimmer punched the sorcerer in the arm with both playfulness and annoyance. Izuku flinched and rubbed the spot where her fist connected. "Since Bow made other plans, you are coming with me." The greenette raised his hand in question.
Glimmer immeaditly shot it down. "And don't say your busy with Earth school stuff. Mom and Bow told me you had most of the week off!" Izuku looked back to the archer who just shrugged. "You are going to have. So. Much. Fun. Even it's the last thing you do! Your first princess prom should be and will be the best! Yours too, Adora." She leaned over to see the blonde before going back to the greenette.
Wasn't she supposed to be the one getting the pep talk about tonight? Then again, she was a princess, not a plus one or bodyguard to one. Like she needed one though. With no excuse or way to dissuade the princess, Izuku accepted the invite. Glimmer fist pumped and grabbed his hand.
"Come on! We've got lots to catch up on!"
"R-Right n-now?" Izuku said, a little scared about what was about to happen in the next few seconds.
"Yes, right now." Glimmer finished before turning to the others. "Bye guys!" In a flash, the two vanished from sight to somewhere else in the castle. Adora could have sworn she saw Izuku mouth 'Help me'. But that had to be a trick of the light. There's no way Glimmer was that into tonight. Right?
…Oh, she might be that into tonight. Just before the blonde sword-bearer could think more about what kind of regimes the glittering princess would be putting Izuku through, did she remember that Glimmer was supposed to help her with this whole party thing. Pfft, she could do this. Dancing was easy. She could dance. Dancing was like fighting, right?
"No. No, not at all." Adora banged her head onto the table while Bow chuckled before making sure she didn't have a concussion. "Hey, I'm still here and I think Perfuma is still in the castle. Maybe we can ask her." Adora lifted her head and looked to the archer, thinking how this idea could work.
"Come on. If we're lucky, everyone will be in the practice ballroom." Adora went straight to the ballroom while Bow left to his room to get his things for tonight. Which gave her another thing to worry about.
What the hell was she going to wear!?
--- Meanwhile, In the Fright Zone ---
It's amazing she just had this lying around. Make do with whatever you have.
While this would make anyone else look like some bum butler or like they scrounged through the bin, Catra made this look good.
Real good.
A pale ruby shirt with a nice black tie, undone obviously, fixed together with a pure maroon jacket and pants. The jacket undone as well to show off she was both fashionable and wild. Even leaving a little leeway for her arms, ending just after the elbow. Hell, she even had some rider gloves to complete the look.
Although, the pants didn't come with tail compatibility at first. One quick nick with her claws and that mild inconvenience was solved. She was going to crash the shit out of this party. Even better when Adora shows up. And she will. Until then, just one more piece then find your ride.
Catra pushed back her bangs into her mane and slide on her head piece. Acting as both a very good-looking piece of fashion but also adding that much more damage when she wanted to headbutt someone. Mostly sparkles or anyone else stupid enough to disobey her.
It was good to be in charge. Catra put on her best smug look on and leaned against the mirror with one arm. As if pinning someone to the wall. "Hey, Adora~. Fancy seeing you here."
"…Oh me? Well, you should know I've always got surprises." She leaned closer, as if going to whisper into someone's ear.
"I can show you a few of the good ones. If you want~."
"Are you practicing in the mirror? That. Is. Adorable!" Catra's fur stood on end, tail straight as an arrow, she looked over her shoulder at a breakneck pace. A not to subtle blush of embarrassment on her face. To see the broad form of her fellow force captain standing in the doorway. Her mouth covered by one of her pincers in a show of astonishment caused by "cuteness".
"W-What!? N-No, I'm- The fuck you doing here anyway!? And knock next time!" Catra stammered, her blush slowly fading with her fluster. Scorpia apologized with a snicker, telling the dressed-up force captain why she came. Other then to see how much of a dork Catra really was.
Scorpia turned around to show the undone zipper on the back of her wine-red dress with hints of back in some places. Her hair was swept to the side instead of the usual slicked back or pomp look. She was even wearing makeup. Just some eye liner and dark lipstick to complement her features. "So, I was wondering if you could help a girl out here and… I just… can't seem to… reeeach…"
Scorpia tried her best to reach the zipper, but her claws made getting small things like the zipper very difficult then the average person with fingers. Even a person with fingers would have trouble zipping that up. All of her fluster now subsided, Catra strode over and zipped up the dress's back for the Horde princess without a word. Trying to ignore how good Scorpia's back looked.
The force captain turned around completely and- Oh no.
Swept Catra off her feet and brought her into a big hug. Why? Why did she get the touchy one? "Thanks, Wildcat. Oh! And don't worry. I won't tell anyone what I saw. That'll be our little secret." Scorpia winked and dropped the smaller force captain back down. Catra brushed any crevices out that the sudden hugging made in her suit.
"Whatever…" Catra murmured. She felt the good-natured smile of Scorpia still digging into the side of her skull. "You got the invite?" After a little bit of scrounging, Scorpia unrolled the invite, showed it, then rolled it back up and tied it to the sash around her waist.
"Good." Catra smirked. "Let's show those rebel losers how the Horde party."
--- Hours Later, Kingdom of Snows ---
Izuku felt like his soul was in a constant flux of leaving his body and being thrown back in with the amount of party prep Glimmer had subjected him to. Years worth of dance practice and missed parties crammed into the span of an afternoon. Mumbling dance routines and proper introductions more then his entire ten years of being on Etheria combined.
Sitting across from him in the carriage was Glimmer waving her in front of the sorcerer's eyes to see if he was still functioning. She pinched the bridge of her nose with a groan before doing the one guaranteed way to get Izuku out of any form of mumbling fit or spacing out on her.
She flicked him in the forehead.
"OW!"
"There he is…" Glimmer snickered, laying back into her seat. "Glad you remembered some of what we went over… Just kind of wish you didn't take it like a battle plan." She had decided on a nice backless dress which colour matched everything else she wore. Showing off the small pink wing markings on her.
"I wish you wouldn't do that…" Izuku wiped the red spot Glimmer made then looked out the carriage window. This would be his first time in the Kingdom of Snows. The sky a dark purple and barren of any stars only the eerie lights of the frigid air hanging closely to the far-off snow-capped mountain range and the strange planets or moons above. Gently floating snowflakes falling and being carried away by the slow winds as their transport rode to their destination.
The Glacial Palace. A shining beacon made of pure magic ice that sat atop a once perilous plateau a long time ago. Or at least that's what the stories said. It's spires reflecting beautiful hues of blues from the dim lights of the sky above. It was truly a marvel to see from a distance. And they were going inside to have a party. He would've preferred to have a closer look when there weren't tons of people, but they weren't here to sight see.
For the most part, anyway.
Their mission to was ask the princess to join the rebellion. The plan looked like a few steps hastily tied together. Approach the princess of the frozen kingdom, be good enough guests that Frosta will acknowledge this and request an audience with them and then propose the possibility of joining the reforming alliance. With the other princesses there as well, it should be easy.
Izuku just wished he didn't have to dress like… this.
"Oh, come on, you big suck. You look good!" Glimmer said, being the one who had this outfit made for him for this exact scenario. She must've had his measurements from his previous outfits. Otherwise, there's no way it would fit this comfortably. "Besides, it could've been a lot worse. Your lucky the tailors were so willing to adjust your old suit.
"I look like a jumped out of fantasy aristocrats monthly…" Izuku pulled at the collar of his winter coat to see the well tailored outfit underneath. Glimmer waved him and the comment off and said he looked fine. It was only for this party. He had to look his best; the princess decreed. First impressions and all that. "And this?" The greenette pointed to the well braided rattail on the back of his head, a cloud white ribbon wrapped around it with a tuft of green/black hair popping just at the end.
The princess tapped her chin in thought, as if trying to find the right words to say without sounding like a big jerk. "…Makes you look fancier?" She shrugged. Izuku slumped in a sort of 'are you kidding' way. Of course, that would be her answer. "Hey, If I have to listen to you ramble about 'quirk theory'. The least you can do is dress nice." She emphasized her point by prodding him in the chest.
The sorcerer bowed his head and apologized. He didn't mean to sound ungrateful. This was a well-made suit, no denying that, it just seemed over kill for this kind of party. It seemed more for extremely important meetings, or a high-ranking scholar or something a knight out of their armor would wear. Which in hindsight was exactly what he was the more he thought about it.
"I know this kind of thing isn't your cup of tea." Glimmer sighed, looking out the carriage window to the mountains afar. "For a long time, I've wanted to bring you along to this and with tonight you actually being free…" She sighed again, shaking her head. "I know you'd prefer to stay home and study the 'mystical arcane arts' Aunt Casta would put it or do your… hero… school… thing."
The princess leaned forward and took hold of Izuku's hand. "I just… I'd really appreciate it if you just tried to have fun tonight. I know there's stuff happening back on Earth and it's bothering you. And don't lie because I know how much of a terrible liar you are, especially about what's going on upstairs. But please try. That's all I ask."
Izuku looked to the princess's hand intertwined with his own. "…I've never been to these kinds of parties before. The only exception being Spineralla's and Nettossa's wedding. It's just a change of pace then what I'm used too." Other then that, the only real big parties he's had were the one's where he was invited to Bakugou's birthday on the whim of by the blonde's parents, not because he liked him.
"Well, better make this one of the most important memories we'll have, right?" The princess smiled. "If you get too uncomfortable or some random noble tries to get you in their pocket, we'll stick right back together, alright?" Izuku's eye's looked between the princess and their hands before, at last, agreeing to those terms.
Good timing too. Looks like they finally arrived at the castle. Glimmer released the sorcerer from her grasp, the two stood up and exited the carriage. The frigid air hit the sorcerer a lot quicker than it affected the princess as they stepped out. The two found that Bow and Perfuma had arrived shortly before they did, the archer waving them over. The only person left was Adora. Where was she?
As if on que, Adora, on the back of her flying steed, descended from the sky to the icy ground and dismounted. Giving the noble alicorn a gentle pat on its nose before joining the main group. All the while wearing a simple sleeveless red dress, seemingly unaffected by the cold climate at all. "What?" The blonde asked.
Wasn't she… nevermind. It was probably warmer inside anyway. After having their persons checked for any weapons and making sure they had their invites, were let into the main hall. And much like every palace or castle the greenette had the pleasure of visiting, it was immaculate.
A grand and greatly decorated hall stood before them. Just stepping inside melted the chill around them as they removed their coats. A beautifully crafted crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, perfectly lighting the central dance floor where there were already quite a few guests enjoying themselves. A few tables held a banquet of snacks with an immaculate ice fountain at the grand table's center. Dispensing a drink, he had to assume was wine or something.
Heck, there were even spiral staircases leading to an upper balcony overlooking the hall. It was very much made for this kind of event to say the least. And considering the princess here had full control of ice, able to shape to whatever she wished, it wasn't hard to believe she made it so.
Speaking of. At the opposite end of the hall sat the frozen princess herself. Izuku wasn't sure what he was expecting, but certainly not a little girl roughly… ten…? Eleven…? …Someone far too young to rule over an entire nation. As far he could tell from this distance, she didn't even look bored. A stern expression ever present on the princess's face, welcoming guests before moving on to the next and watching the celebration from afar.
That must be… lonely… Glimmer cut into the sorcerer's thought process as well as grabbing Adora, putting the two right in front of the glittering princess. Bow and Perfuma went off to introduce themselves to Frosta while the other three stayed back for now. "Ok so. Since it's both your first time to something like this, more in Adora's case, let's go over a few ground rules."
Before that however, Adora had a question. "So, uh, are we sure that's Frosta? She looks like she's ten or something-" Before another word left the blonde's mouth, Glimmer placed her hand over it. Silencing her with only one or two head turns there way.
"Rule one. Do NOT bring up that fact. Ok? Nod if you understand." Adora nodded and Glimmer removed her hand. She went on to continue with the rules. "Rule two. You aren't just representing yourself as She-Ra, but as a princess of Brightmoon. So, whatever you do, do not do anything that would get you kicked out, alright? We're here to make a good impression for the rebellion too."
"Rule three. When you go up to introduce yourself, give her your name and where you're from. Nothing more and nothing less. Don't speak unless spoken too and we should be good." Glimmer finished her explanation and grabbed the sorcerer's arm. "Just watch us for example." The two then went towards the frozen princess to introduce themselves next, with Adora just behind them.
"A-Are you sure we should be next?" Izuku whispered, asking his charge.
"Just do exactly how I do it and you'll be fine." Glimmer continued looking forward as the two arrived at the steps of the icy throne. Both bowed and went to introduced themselves. "Princess Glimmer of Brightmoon. Thank you for inviting us." Frosta's gaze turned to Izuku next. Awaiting his name.
"Sorcerer Izuku Midoriya of Brightmoon." He looked back up to the seated princess and finally got a good look. She was definitely the youngest princess he's meet so far. Wearing a thick fur lined parka, gloves, and boots. All of which complemented her aspect with the cold environment that made her home. A dull gold tiara sat on her brow with a dark blue stone placed firmly in the central piece of the princess's crown.
After hearing their introductions and being read their names from a guard beside her with a list, did the young Frosta speak. "A sorcerer? I don't think there's been one of you in these walls for a while now. Brightmoon must certainly have friends in high places." Not a hint emotion was shown as the princess spoke. It sort of reminded him of someone he knew. "Are you from Mysticor by any chance?"
The princess nudged Izuku with her elbow as he was still silent. "Oh! M-My apologies. No, your excellence. Trained purely in Brightmoon. A free sorcerer some may call it. Still learning, actually." Frosta rested her head into her hand as she listened to the greenette's explanation.
"I see. In any case, denizens of Brightmoon, please enjoy yourselves." The princess waved them off. Not before a quiet, annoyed sigh left her. The two then bowed again to the princess and went to the main area. As Adora was introducing herself, Glimmer and Izuku waited for her at a large banqueting table.
A quick moment and seemingly preforming her introduction perfectly, Adora rejoined the three. Looking forward to the rest of tonight with a renewed vigor. Now with introductions out of the way, they could finally enjoy the party, indulge in some snacks and exotic foods, maybe get some more allies for the rebellion. This was party was an oyster just waiting to be pried open for the gleaming pearl inside.
Glimmer then asked if Izuku would be ok on his own for a while since she would be taking Adora around to spread the word that She-Ra was back in action. Like he said in the carriage ride here, this wasn't his first time at a party like this, it was just the scale was so much bigger than those. With one final look back to the sorcerer, Adora at her side, Glimmer left to enjoy herself and show the blonde some of the foods and sights here.
Izuku sighed, finally able to get a breath in without looking like he was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Now with a moment to himself, the greenette had look around of his surroundings and some time to think. Most of the guest were denizens of the kingdom itself. Wearing excellently crafted gowns and suits. A few were even wearing crystal ball masks. Talking and enjoying themselves
The dance floor was still filling with people as the band was currently playing generic ballroom music. As for the other princess's that had come, they were all familiar faces. Perfuma and Bow were joking around with one another at the opposite end of the hall, Mermista for whatever reason had brought Seahawk with as her plus one. Threatening to throw him out herself should he set anything on fire.
The sailor just laughed and continued to complement the sea princess. Who was now developing something of a tinge of red on her cheeks. What a strange relationship they must have. Izuku could've sworn he saw Entrapta crawling in the rafters too. Holding radar equipment with her many hair appendages for what he assumed was some sort of experiment.
Glimmer was showing off the whole hall to Adora from the upper floors, waving down to the sorcerer below. Izuku waved back, before indulging himself to something that wasn't alcoholic. Thankfully the fountain behind him on the table was dispensing fruit punch of all things.
Guess some things never change. Even on entirely different planets.
Grabbing a glass made of ice, keeping the drink cold, yet warm in his grasp, Izuku took a sip. Looking around, there weren't any new faces in the crowd he could point out. Shame too. The sorcerer was looking forward to meeting some new princesses. …And maybe ask them about their powers too. That was until he saw a rather tall woman indulging herself at another table. Why did she look so familiar?
A closer examination revealed that the woman had massive pincers for arms with a scorpion tail swinging ideally. The woman then turned around having noticed the passing server having a tray of exotic bit sized snacks. Izuku had to do a double take of what he saw.
Scorpia!? What was she doing here!? What was in that punch!? Wait… If she was here then-
"Well, well, well. If it isn't mophead. Surprised to see you here."
Izuku snapped his head around, only to see the smug look of Catra staring back at him. How did she- There's no way she got in. Nor was their any proof of her being princess. The force captain nearly threw up in her mouth at the thought. "Fuck no! I'd rather jump into a lake of acid then be a princess. Eugh. No, I got invited as a plus one. Just like you."
What princess in their right mind would take her as their plus one. Catra leaned into the table before pointing to the scorpion woman at another table. Why was she… Then the realization hit Izuku like a freight train. Scorpia was a-
"Princess! Bingo! Gold star for you." Catra mocked. Scorpia was a… princess? How did… When did she… What had happened? "Yep. Princess through and through. Guess your little alliance doesn't like people who aren't "perfect little angels." Or look like them." This was really throwing Izuku for a loop. "Well, doesn't matter now." The beast-kin grabbed a glass of punch, stirring it with her claws.
"So." Catra started a whole new reign of conversation. "How're your ribs?"
"…Fine." The sorcerer responded. "How's your tail?"
A moment of intense silence took the moment and just as Izuku was preparing for a surprise slash to the throat, Catra started to laugh. "Pffft, Ha! That is the closest thing to damage I've taken since I got here. Guess you do have some spine. Colour me impressed." She took a sip of her glass, her mis-matched eyes scanning the entire hall in one motion, clearly getting the whole layout in one go.
"What are you doing here?"
"What? Can't a girl enjoy herself for once? Have a nice conversation with a non-princess? Or am I breaking the princess rules?" Considering every other time they met was her trying to kill him and almost succeeding a few times, he had to say no. Catra shrugged, arms up in a mock surrender fashion. "Alright, you got me. I do want to mess with Adora just a little bit. But don't tell her I said that."
"Sounds like you and Adora go way back." Might as well get some information out of this. Although that would be difficult considering he knew that she knew he was probing for answers.
"…You could say that. What about you, mophead? How far do you and sparkles go?" They go a decade back he said. Not wanting to go too deep with any details or else lose this chance to get something out of this. Also not correcting her with Glimmer's name because of that same reason.
As Izuku was telling the cat, one of his enemies, a story about something the two did growing up, Catra shared a story of her own. She had clawed out the eye of an older force captain growing up. Adora got her the bail with some special privileges and some unseen help from 'Shadow Bitch'. Only because she saw Catra as more of a pet then a person and that Adora would get over her like one.
She never did. And they stuck together for years. Before and after the story.
"Why do you do this then?" Catra was half listening at this point as Izuku was talking. It was just like talking to Bakugo in a fashion. "Adora misses you. The first few days of her being at Brightmoon was just her telling stories of you and her against the odds. What went wrong?"
Catra swigged the entirety of her drink in one go before slamming it on the table. Making Izuku jump slightly. "What went wrong?" The cat imitated the sorcerer's words, spite oozing in her voice. "What went right more like it. She thinks she's this… you know what? Nevermind. All you need to know is that she was Shadow Bitch's "special little girl." And I got the dregs if I was lucky. And I was never lucky."
"Now if you don't mind, I'm about to give one hell of a wake-up call." Catra looked across the hall, seeing the blonde enjoying herself without a care or notice. Until their eyes met. The cat then took in deep breath before walking off. "It was nice talking to ya, mophead. Hope you don't die quick." With that, Catra left the sorcerer with a whole new slew of questions to deal with.
The first one being was how deep was Adora's and Catra's relationship. Were they good friends? No, this level of hate wouldn't go that far. Maybe, adoptive siblings? From the sound of it and the stories Adora told the squad, they grew up together under a single teacher. Was that the case? Ah, there were other things to worry about.
For instance, Scorpia was a princess. A bone-fide princess. If she was one, what was her elemental power? What happened to her kingdom? Was it the first to fall to the Horde hence why she was already a part of the opposing army? Did she have a runestone and if so, why wasn't she able to harness its power? And for that matter what was the runestone's name?
He could've sworn he read about something along those lines in the archive. What was it called? …Black…Ruby? …Crimson Feystone? No… No… Something garnet… The Black Garnet! The runestone belonging to the scorpion kingdom.
A very secluded kingdom, far from the reaches and worries of the world. One of the lost kingdoms next to that of the forbidden fire kingdom. Although the latter was centuries ancient while the former was lost only a few decades-
Ah! Losing track of yourself! Why was Scorpia allied with the Horde? Then another thought came to Izuku. Something along the lines of what Catra said. The alliance didn't care for those who didn't look the part… Was she… ridiculed from the rest of society and thus the only people who would accept her were the Horde? That left… a familiar and very bitter taste in his mouth.
*Sigh* "Guess some things never really change…" He took a swig of the punch as he looked towards the party.
"What's a someone like you doing all by yourself?" A distinct voice cooed.
Izuku turned to the voice to find someone he really didn't recognize. Yellow silted eyes stared into his own. Definitely reptilian in nature. A mouth full of sharp fangs with small slits for nostrils instead of an actual nose. Despite that, their face was humanoid instead of the other larger lizard peoples he's seen. With long lime coloured hair descending down to their back parted by long pointed ears.
Albeit being slender, there was definition of hard work in they're legs and stomach. Wearing a sleeveless body suit with blacks and light greens complementing their pale green skin. Seeming smooth to the touch with no scales what's so ever.
A powerful tail curled around their leg before swishing across the floor. As well as wearing the most extravagant fur coat he's seen this side of old pre-quirk movies. Covering their arms and most of their body from view, save from the front. Which Izuku got a real good look of. The figure smiled as they noticed what Izuku was looking at. "Something catch your eye, darling?"
"O-Oh! I-I am sorry. I just… never seen someone such as yourself." Good save, you nervous wreak.
"My, my. Don't you have a way with words~." The reptilian beast-kin said with a smirk, extending their hand towards the sorcerer. "Might I have name if you'd be so kind?" This must be one of those nobles Glimmer was taking about. Play it cool and you'll be fine, Izuku thought.
Hopefully. Izuku took their hand and kissed it. "I'm Izuku Midoriya, a scholar of Brightmoon." They didn't need to know he was a sorcerer. And he only knew to do that introduction because of the multitude of movies he's seen, and the amount of practice Glimmer put him through.
"An exotic name for such an exotic person." They cooed. Carefully retracting their hand from his own. A slender finger lingering in his grasp before retreating. "And already far above any of the snot nosed nobles here." Keep a general conversation Izuku. At least until Glimmer comes back. Let's start with occupation or what brings them here.
Izuku asked them what brought them to the party. "Oh, I am a simple… appreciator of the arts. Just a simple actor looking for wonderful places of inspiration. And looking for those who could make good use of my special talents." They winked and Izuku felt his blush return slightly. "Unfortunately, everyone here doesn't appreciate the theatre like I do."
"O-Oh. T-That's unfortunate." Ok, that was two birds with one stone. Let's try a na-
Before he could however, the lights dimmed, and the dance floor was starting to fill with the music starting to pick up. The mysterious actor awed before looking into the crowed with a grin and wink before turning back to the sorcerer. What was that about?
"Don't worry about that, darling. Care to join me for a dance?"
"Like hell he is!"
"G-Glimmer?" Izuku saw her charge stomp towards them with a very annoyed look.
--- A few seconds before ---
Well… That could have gone better.
So, Catra was here too. That was a surprise to be sure. Not only that but she was seriously messing with Adora, making the blonde think that she had this extravagant scheme to bring down the entire party and cause chaos. As much as Glimmer did believe that, they couldn't do anything about.
Well, they could but they needed a whole lot of proof and not just word of mouth or speculation. Because if it was just that, they would get kicked out and probably make a mockery of Brightmoon for being paranoid lunatics just because a Horde soldier was enjoying themselves.
Two actually, apparently Scorpia was here too. But that didn't stop Adora from going straight to Frosta and telling her that a Horde soldier was in their midst. In which the frozen princess explained very, very harshly that this was neutral territory and did not care for whatever fickle conflicts were happening outside their borders.
That she should keep these claims to herself.
Adora was given a warning and returned to the other princess. Glimmer wanted to scold her for jumping on the gun too quickly, but her suspicions were justified if Catra was in play here. The best thing to do would be to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary and not immediately jump on a single thing. Gather info and proof then tell Frosta.
Adora didn't like it but that was probably for the best. She then left to go get some space, maybe enjoy herself elsewhere. The glittering princess didn't like her friend being so down during something that should be making her happy. Best to let her get some time to think without someone telling her what to do.
All Glimmer wanted was for her friends to enjoy themselves at one of the greatest parties Etheria had the grace of having despite the war going on. She grabbed a glass and spied across the hall, looking for her friends. Bow was telling jokes and stories to a group of guests, even doing telling the same joke he told every time he went to something like this.
Adora was perusing the many catering tables all the while keeping a keen eye on Catra from a safe distance. The cat was doing the same albeit very purposefully, keeping the blonde's attention at near all times. Glimmer really had to figure what was going on there. Were they a thing? Adora didn't make it sound like it though. More on the lines of being just good friends.
How many times as she heard that reasoning before? Doesn't matter now, she supposed. Catra was the enemy. She made her choice. All they could do was keep fighting for what was right. "Ugh… Wonder what 'zuku is doing…" The lights dimmed and were put more focus onto the dance floor with the music finally moving up a beat.
Finally! She thought this was never going to happen. Maybe he would want to dance wit- Who in the hells is that?
Spying the greenette from across the hall, he was talking to some noble looking piece of- No. Calm down. He's just making general conversation. No reason to put yourself in a twist. He's just doing exactly what you told him to do.
She thought as her glass was starting to crack under the intense pressure she was putting on it.
That was until the figure noticed her looking their way and with the biggest shit-eating grin she's ever seen, winked at her. Wiggling their fingers in a teasing fashion her way before turning back to the greenette.
Glimmer's glass shattered in her grasp.
"Um, psst. Glimmer, your glass." Bow whispered, pointing to the ice shards at the princess's feet...
"What about it, Bow?" Glimmer turned to the archer with an extremely forced smile and a trembling fist.
A bead of sweat dropped from the archer's brow. "Ah… Well… It looks like Seahawk has a… a cool story to tell and I, uh…" Glimmer's eye was starting to twitch. "…I'm- I'm… just gonna go over here now…" Bow quickly escaped from the situation as the glittering princess stomped over to her plus one.
Since everyone was more focused on the dance floor and with the music actually cutting out any other noise, only the two in front of her heard…
"Like hells he is!"
"G-Glimmer?" Judging from his voice, someone was uncomfortable. Probably because of the only other person talking to him. What she didn't know it was more surprise than anything else as she strode and stood between the two. "What are you doing?" He whispered as her gaze was fixed to the slender person before them. Tail idlily swinging side to side. A small smirk on their face to the princess's annoyance.
"Shut up and let me handle this."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I… Interrupting something?" The lizen smugly started with the moment, breaking the intense silence. Did they even know who they were talking too? They boardly looked at their nails. "Frankly, sweetheart, I don't. And I really don't care~" That same smug look reappeared on their face. Glimmer was having none of it.
"C-Can I-"
"NOT now, Izuku." Glimmer lowered her hand from in front of the sorcerer's face, still staring down… whoever they thought they were! "I'm princessGlimmer and who are you supposed to be, huh?" Her anger was getting the better of her, she knew that. But there was something about this person that just grinded her gears.
They gasped and performed an over-dramatic bow. "Oh, your majesty! If only I knew! Please don't… do whatever it is you do- you're really not giving me much to work with, darling." Name. Now. "Of course, of course, how rude of me." They performed a bow more akin to an actor bowing to their audience.
"You can just call me "D.T". I rather not share my full details unless it's with potential clients~." 'D.T' winked towards Izuku again. The sorcerer choked on his drink slightly. Oh, so that's what this was about. D.T was looking for potential idiots to scam out of their money or something even more obscene. Probably was pickpocketing some of the other nobles too.
"Well, "D.T" if that even is your real name. Me and my plus one are going to the dance floor. Now if you'll excuse us." The lizen shrugged but not before 'tripping' on nothing and comically falling. Glimmer would have let them fall but Izuku was quick to catch them before they hit the ground.
Why did he have to be so good at… being just a decent person? "Aren't you a quick catch. Thank you, my hero~." D.T dragged a finger across Izuku's jawline with Glimmer just standing there quite peeved. He was still holding them like he just caught them before Glimmer insisted they go. Izuku released the would-be actor and the two left towards the floor.
"Call me!" He most certainly wouldn't be doing that.
Just as they entered the crowd, Izuku finally spoke up. "W-Wha… W-What just happened?" Thank the stars he was as dense as She-Ra was durable. Otherwise, anyone, even Seahawk, would have known that 'D.T' was flirting with the sorcerer. She didn't say anything about it though and pushed through the crowd with Izuku still close by.
"Don't worry about it". Ugh, WHY are there so many people in the way? What could possibly be taking most of their attention? Finally breaching through the crowd, did Glimmer see what had everyone so transfixed to the center floor.
Adora and Catra were killing it on the dance floor. Flourishing around the other's movements as if they had done it a dozen times already. Bouncing off in a twirl before stepping back towards one another in a beat. Following along to the music near perfectly. It was kind of mesmerizing to be honest. And judging from the looks on both of their faces, only one of them was enjoying it.
In a 'Got ya' sort of way, anyway. Oh, now they were going into a waltz. Their momentum not slowing down in the least. The music was beginning to crescendo as the duo's movements picked up with the music. As if Glimmer was going to let them have all the fun! She grabbed hold of Izuku and jumped into the fray.
"W-W-W-Wait!" The sorcerer stammered as he was pulled in close to the princess. No way she was going to miss the best part of tonight! Nor was she doing it alone! They were both going to have the best night ever. Despite whatever was going to happen. A second spotlight beamed on the two as they started to move.
The other pair were a little surprised at the sudden second duo, but Catra quickly took the attention again from the blonde as they twirled back into the rhythm. Not to be out done by anyone, Glimmer followed suit with a twirl of her own, Izuku was just along for the ride. His brain on auto pilot with the dance.
Nervousness was plastered all over his face. Part of his mind was running rampant on how he couldn't screw up. Not now. He couldn't. Not with all of these people watching. Not with his friends watching and the one who was trying so hard to enjoy herself and trying to make sure everyone had fun too. Izuku couldn't ruin it for her. Don't screw it up, Izuku. A whole kingdom has its eyes on you.
Don't fail… Don't fail…
"Hey." Izuku returned to the moment with the voice that never gave up on him. "Ready to show everyone how Brightmoon does things?" Glimmer said with an all to familiar look in her eye. Everything just vanished for a moment. It was just them in that lone room practising. No one to see him fall over and over again. No one to see him constantly screw up introductions.
Just him and his friend.
All of the nervousness flushed out and was replaced with a determined smile. If All Might can smile through death defying situations, Izuku could smile through a dance off. "Let's show'em!" Both now feeling the music, amped up the momentum of their duet. Both duos now moving across from one another, twirling, and moving to the beat.
The band playing was getting really into it as the crowd couldn't help but watch. Bow and Seahawk cheering on team Brightmoon and Adora while the sailor was trying to throw the cat off with comments about how one of her ears was smaller then the other. It really didn't work.
The double dance feature were both dancing with greater and greater movements trying to one up the other team. Adora had almost forgotten she was dancing with her 'former' friend now enemy and was really trying her best to win now. Izuku and Glimmer with renewed gusto weren't losing either. The gathered guests were even clapping along to the rhythm as it reached its peak.
Each throwing their partners up high before catching them and transitioning into a quick step into a powerful twirl, ending with a flourish. A crowd cheered as the lights returned to normal with team Brightmoon out of breath but still giving the entertained crowd a bow to finish up the night.
"Knew you'd do fine." Glimmer snarked at the sorcerer while Izuku just rolled his eyes, and both returned to a standing position. Adora quickly rejoining them with how fun that actually was. Bow running into the dance team, arms wide, telling them how awesome they were. That was actually pretty fun. Izuku thought he'd trip at least a few times, but it went pretty well.
As the squad was chatting, Catra's ears perked as if hearing something afar. A cruel grin spread across her face, and she slowly backed away from the main floor. Adora was the first to notice Catra trying to sneak away. Just as Adora was approaching her, she laughed. "So, you can have fun still! I'm surprised being a princess didn't sparkle it up or ruin it." She brought one of her fingers to her force captain badge placed on her suit.
"I would have loved to make you look like a bigger idiot then you actually are, but I'm on tight schedule." The blonde went into a sprint towards the cat when she realized what this was leading too. "How about some fireworks?" Catra pressed the badge and explosions rang out across the hall.
The hall shook at the ear shattering explosions as Catra made a break for it in the chaos. The support beams holding most of the hall up melted before exploding into ice shards and fire. Adora was about to give chase until a support beam began to fall towards her. She just threw out her fist in attempt to break it as if she was She-Ra at the moment. The collapsing beam did in fact break apart when her fist came into contact, exploding into dozens of snow particles.
That was… new… Looks like she had little bit of She-Ra's strength outside the powerful form. Unable to get through fleeing crowd to chase after Catra, Adora saw Izuku blink above the chaotic crowd towards the main exit. "I'll go after her! Get everyone to safety!" He yelled as he ran to give chase.
She joined the other princesses to help some of the people out of the building while Frosta rushed to create new supports for the collapsing hall. Glimmer was grabbing and teleporting people out as fast as she could while Bow helping those who managed to get stuck under rubble or had suffered injuries.
Izuku on the other hand was right on Catra's tail as she tried to lose him through the winding halls of the palace. If only he had brought his rune gloves… Would've made catching her so much easier. In theory anyway. After what felt like endless fleeing through endless icy halls, did he finally manage to catch with no escape as they found themselves at outdoor balcony.
Catra looked over the balcony edge to see the only way out was a drop with no visible bottom. Obscured by the frozen haze that surrounded the palace's lower reaches. Izuku raised his arm as a spell was primed to fire. "You've got nowhere to go!" The sorcerer yelled. Catra raised her arms and turned around slowly. That same smirk ever present. "What are you-"
Before another word left him, Izuku felt a quick sting of pain in his lower abdomen. Then everything started getting woozy. The sorcerer struggled to stay on his two feet as his vison was fading fast. He finally collapsed into someone's arms as his body felt like he was wearing pounds upon pounds of weight.
He heard another voice before everything went black.
Scorpia had caught him before he face planted into the floor. "Wow, ok, he went down a lot quicker than they usually do." The other force captain said in utter surprise. Her poison has never worked that quickly. Well, there was this one time when- nevermind. She hefted him over her shoulder as Catra went up towards her.
"Who cares. You get the sword?" Scorpia held the golden blade in one of her pincers, showing it off as she gave it to the other captain. All this trouble… her leaving you… Just because of one stupid sword… It would have been on hell of a get away if they had just the sword. But now they had some leverage. All that was left was to wait for their ride before anyone else showed up.
Catra pinged their ride to pick them up from the second… she looked over the edge again. …Third floor balcony. Or whatever other balcony this stupid castle had that didn't have them on it. Not to long after, their skiff flew right next to the edge. Piloted by Lonnie, who had the most annoyed look on her face.
"What the hell took you so long!" She ranted before noticing the unconscious greenette over Scorpia's shoulder. She raised an eyebrow. "…That isn't a princess, Catra. Shadow Weaver is gonna-"
"Does it look like I give a shit right now? Move." Lonnie rolled her eyes as the two jumped onto the craft. She'd deal with Shadow Bitch later. Right now, they had to go before any of the princesses grow a brain to chase them.
---
The group looked over the entire crowd to make sure everyone had gotten out safely and without major injury. There were a few people with decent scratches and cuts but nothing that wasn't treatable. The sword was still in there too. Adora had to go back in as soon as the hall was safe to enter again. As Glimmer counted all of their troupe, did she notice a head missing.
"Where's Izuku?"
The harsh rumble of a Horde skiff ripped through the air, soaring right above the main group at a breakneck speed. "Catra…!" Adora whistled and jumped onto the back of Swiftwind who was quick to catch her before blasting towards the escaping craft.
As Adora got closer to the retreating craft, the more she noticed another body on the craft besides the pilot and the other two. The person's body limp on the floor of the craft as it tried to lose the blonde in the heavy mist. Not to long then did Catra grab the body by the familiar green hair and hold-
Her sword to his throat. Her eye's widened into shock when she saw her sword so close to the throat of the sorcerer. Him being completely unconscious as Catra held him by the hair with an intimidating stare towards her pursuer. The closer Adora got to the craft, the closer the blade was getting, even touching the neck of her captive.
She couldn't let her get away! Not after what she did! But… if anything happened to Izuku and Glimmer was told… who knows what she'll do. In a frustrated groan and with only one option available to her, Adora ceased her chase. Swiftwind stopping mid flight, flapping their wings to stay aloft as the skiff disappeared into the icy fog.
No longer in sight, Adora turned around and flew back to the palace. Her face full of regret. Glimmer was the first to be beside her when Adora landed back down and dismounted. The princess grabbed hold of the blonde. "What happened?" She demanded, one of her worst scenarios playing in her head.
Adora wasn't sure what to say. A dull ache persisted when she told the princess what happened. "Catra… she has the sword… and they took…" She couldn't even say it. Glimmer's thoughts were running rampant before her eyes gave way of what she was thinking. She released Adora and ran to the cliff's edge, stopping just before and looking out to the frozen haze frantically.
"Izuku! IZUKU!"
Nothing. She cried his name one last time before Bow pulled her into a hug. She cried into the archer's shoulder as the other princess weren't sure what they were going to do now. The Horde had the sword that allowed She-Ra to be here. Their greatest warrior. What was going to happen now?
"I'll tell you what's going to happen." Glimmer said through her tears. All of the princess gathered round as Bow released her from comfort.
"I'm going to the Fright Zone. And I'm going to get them both back."