Princess Prom gone wrong.

                                    

                                          
The morning of princess prom was quiet. Most horde soldiers were out controlling and refining the conquered lands, and only a few who would be accompanying Adora in secret stayed. They would infiltrate the Kingdom of Snow's private guard and be there all day until the evening when the prom would be underway. 
Adora was securing her hair in a ponytail with a silver ribbon when she received a communication summons from Hordak. She finished dressing and paused by the bed where Catra still slept. She had to admit she was mostly excited to see what Catra would wear. She'd hidden her outfit away, teasing Adora about it being the evilest thing ever. She smiled like the dork she was, and walked down the hall to confer with Hordak. She wasn't as tired today. Maybe it was because she was excited for a chance to get out again with Catra, but she felt almost like her old self. 
"Adora," Hordak addressed her as she arrived in his sanctum. "I have a request for this...princess prom." Once more he said the name with disgust.
She stood at attention. "Yes, Lord Hordak. What am I to do?"
His little imp ran around his shoulders and he sighed. "Adora, do you know why I seek first ones tech?"
"No, sir. It was never covered in Force Captain training."
"It wouldn't have been. The reason is a secret I do not share with many. Even Shadow Weaver isn't privy to my true plans."
Not even Shadow Weaver? Adora fidgeted with her dress. She didn't know if she wanted to know that kind of secret.
"I only tell you now, Horde Princess, because your efforts have made progress in ways I'd have never imagined. I don't have friends, I have soldiers and attendants. But in your case I believe I have an ally. So I tell you this so you know what is at stake. And the punishment of failure."
She swallowed, then nodded. "I understand."
"The reason I seek first ones tech is so I may summon someone far more powerful the the weak masses of this planet. Horde Prime."
"Horde Prime?"  She repeated, unable to believe this person even existed. Hordak was enough. What was Horde Prime like?
Hordak tapped his metal finger on his chair. "Yes, my big brother. I've been trying to communicate with him, but all attempts have failed. Until now, I did not have the resources to do so." 
Flashes of destruction. Green light and spaceships. All of Etheria running in terror. Adora couldn't ignore the images burned in her memory, and her stomach twisted, making her feel nauseous. That couldn't be right. Horde Prime couldn't be the cause, because if he was...she was indirectly bringing about the beginning of the end.
"Horde Princess," Hordak said then, his eyes sharp and locked on her. "Did you hear me?" 
She winced. "Forgive me, Lord Hordak. My mind was wondering." 
"Listen well. At Princess Prom you must seek out the one called Entrapta. I believe she has what I need to finish the portal. Do what you will to bring her to me. You're fond of sparing princesses. This is one that will be the most useful. Do so, and I have arranged for a private sector for you and Catra." 
After all this time, those looking outward probably though Adora was a complex and odd character. In reality, just the mention of a destiny with Catra was all the motivation she needed. Sure, she sought her own personal ambition and sought overwhelming strength of her own. But her dream was so close she could reach out and touch it. She lowered her head. 
"Yes, Lord Hordak. It shall be done as you say." 
Dismissed, she left to wake Catra, but her mind was still on what Hordak said. Why would he need a portal? Where was Horde Prime that he couldn't come here quickly? Shaking her head, she decided she'd deal with it when she got back. Because if Horde Prime was the cause of the end of Etheria, she didn't need an order from Hordak to know what to do. Anyone who threatened the existence of the entire planet would be her enemy. Hordak hadn't crossed that line yet. Maybe he just wanted more supplies and enforcements. But her mind was already planning out what she'd do if he did. For the sake of Catra and her future...one life wasn't much. 




                          
Glimmer smoothed out her glittery skirt and adjusted her gloves multiple times. She was clearly nervous, and her mother watched her like a hawk. 
"Glimmer," Queen Angela said. "I want you to be on your best behavior in the Kingdom of Snows. Remember not to engage the Horde Princesses."
Technically, she would only be fighting one. Adora. Scorpia would be there, but reports showed she wasn't much of a threat. Smiling so hard her face hurt, Glimmer threw her arm around Bow who was adjusting his cummerbund. 
"We'll be fine, Mom," Glimmer laughed nervously. "Just going to have a good time, right, Bow?"
Bow looked like he was in pain. Glimmer nudged him and he laughed nervously too. "Yup. Just two friends. Having a good time. The best of time. Not going to fight anyone or hold anyone hostage because that would be crazy."
Queen Angelia blinked. "What?"
"Nothing!" Glimmer gave him a pointed look. "He's just excited. See you later, Mom!"
They quickly left the war room and whirled into the hallway. Bow took a shaky breath and pinched his nose. 
"Okay." He said. "So I'm not good with secrets. But you have to admit your mom is scary sometimes."
Glimmer snorted. "Try being grounded by her five times a month. Anyway, I've been studying this thing Shadow Weaver gave me. It's definitely first ones tech, but it's werid."
"How werid?"
Glimmer shifted uncomfortably. "It feels worse than dark magic. Like it's...corrupted."