The dark sky shimmers with muted shades of purple and smaller planets orbit the planet, Etheria. Beyond the flowery meadows of Etheria, a city rises out of a patch of scorched earth and an outcropping of jagged rocks. Raised roadways and ghoulish robotic structures surround the city landscape. A young woman cinches the belt around her waist and dawns a pair of boots. She pulls her hair back in a ponytail and her armband glows. She boxes a punching bag and brushes her teeth. She salutes the mirror.

Adora was warming up, throwing punches at a punching bag, trying to psych herself up for another day of training. She grunts, pretending the punching bag is a princess, and mimics gunfire with her fists.

She leers at a picture of an evil figure on her punching bag.

Adora: Oh, yeah? You think you're so tough, huh? Hey, princess, you looking at me? [Shouts]

She kicks the bag.

She turns around suddenly, only to bump right into Y/N. The sudden collision throws her off balance. Her eyes widen as she looks up at him, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Adora: [Stammering] Oh! Y/N! I, uh, didn't see you there. [Clears throat, trying to regain her composure but clearly flustered] I mean, I was just...you know...practicing. [Awkward laugh]

Y/N: [Smiling shyly] No worries, Adora. I wasn't exactly paying attention either. You're, uh...really giving that bag a workout.

Adora: [Rubbing the back of her neck, still a little flustered] Yeah, well, gotta stay sharp, right? We never know when they're going to throw us into some new combat simulation.

Y/N nodded.

Y/N: True. But, I think you'd win against just about anything they throw at you.

Adora blushed.

Adora: [Blushing slightly and looking away] You really think so? [Coughs, trying to act tough] I mean, yeah! Of course, I would. I'm Adora, after all. The best soldier in the Horde!

She tried to strike a confident pose, but there's a hint of nervousness in her eyes

There's a brief silence as they both glance at each other, a little bashful. Suddenly, the intercom blares, snapping them out of the moment.

Woman over PA: All squadrons, report to training area immediately for evaluation.

Adora: [Sighs, shaking off her flustered expression] Guess that's our cue. Ready to get evaluated...again?

Y/N nodded.

———

Soon after, they takes their place beside 3 more recruits

Adora: [Whispering] Psst. Anyone seen Catra?

Lonnie: [Mumbling]

Adora: [Scoffs, rolling her eyes] Not again. [Sighs]

Suddenly, the sound of deliberate footsteps echoes through the room, and everyone stiffens. The Revenant strides in, his presence cold and unnerving. Y/N instinctively shivers, muttering under his breath as The Revenant, the one he calls "The Scary Man," moves to the front of the room.

The Revenant: At attention, cadets. Your simulation is about to begin. Here's your scenario. You'll be passing through the treacherous Whispering Woods to reach the heart of the rebel insurgency, Bright Moon.

Kyle whimpers slightly,

The Revenant eyes flicker over to Kyle.

The Revenant: This is no place for cowardice. If fear is all you bring to this mission, then you don't belong here at all.

The Revenant takes a slow, measured step forward, circling the recruits like a predator.

The Revenant: Your mission is to defeat the Queen of the Princesses and liberate Bright Moon in Lord Hordak's name. [Stops, raises an eyebrow] Where's Catra?

Adora: [Standing a bit straighter, her voice firm but anxious] She'll be here. I promise.

The Revenant: [A subtle, dangerous chuckle escapes him, as if entertained by her loyalty] Mm-hmm. A promise is only as strong as the one who makes it.

He narrows his eyes, turning his gaze back to the entire group.

The Revenant: The Whispering Woods is crawling with princesses—vicious, violent instigators who'd rather see you crushed than let you succeed. They are cunning and ruthless. Give them even a sliver of an opportunity, and they will take you down without a second thought. Don't give them the satisfaction.

He straightens, his expression returning to its icy calm.

The Revenant: Good luck, recruits. I'd hate to see any of you fall. But if you do...[shrugs with cold indifference]...then you were never worthy of serving Lord Hordak.

With a dismissive wave, he steps back, watching them with that unnervingly composed expression, clearly relishing in the unease he's created.

Adora: I don't like him.

Y/N, Adora, Kyle, Lonnie, and other recruits enter the simulated battlefield. Overhead, a hovering purple princess robot appears, its eyes glowing ominously.

Adora: [Shouting] Watch out!

Kyle: [Panicking] Oh, no, no, no, no, no!

Laser fire fills the arena as the recruits scramble. Adora throws an explosive towards the oncoming threat, clearing a small path.

Adora: [Urgent] Come on, this way!

[The group rushes forward, dodging attacks. Catra watches from above, her eyes narrowing in concentration.]

Suddenly, Kyle gets hit by a stray shot. He falls to the ground, his suit sizzling, and a red X lights up on his chest plate.]

Kyle: [Screaming] Aw, dang it!

Adora: [Sighing heavily, annoyed] Seriously, Kyle?

Lonnie: [Sarcastic] Bra-vo.

Kyle frowns, frustrated, while three princess-like robots hover menacingly above them, firing downwards.

Lonnie: [Deadpan, still focused on Kyle] Seriously, Kyle?

Y/N: What did he do

Adora: [Shouting again] Run!

The recruits grab their shields, holding them up as the princess robots rain down blasts. Adora sprints ahead, determined to finish the challenge.

Lonnie: [Calling after her, concerned] Adora!

Alarms blare as the floor beneath Adora starts glowing with red hexagons. A robotic orb rises from the floor, morphing into a four-legged combat drone. Without missing a beat, Adora leaps onto its head, her saber slashing at its guns.

Adora: [Grunting as she fights, determined] Hyaa!

With a final smash, the robot collapses into the floor. As she dismounts, she missteps, landing directly on top of Y/N, causing both to crash to the ground in a tangled heap. Their lips accidentally touch in the chaos. Both blushed as they were now kissing. Adora quickly pulled back.

Adora: [Gasping, wide-eyed] Oh—!

Catra, striding past them, glares intensely at the scene, her jealousy barely concealed. With a huff, she pushes the sparking remnants of the destroyed robot deeper into the floor, her irritation clear.

Catra: [Pointing coldly at the glowing red symbol under Adora and Y/N] You might want to watch where you're standing.

Before Adora or Y/N can react, the floor beneath them gives way, and both of them tumble into the hidden pit, falling out of sight.

Adora: [Shouting as they fall] Aaaah!

Y/N: [Startled but blushing furiously] S-Sorry...!

Y/N and Adora are dangling awkwardly in the pit, Y/N clinging tightly to Adora's hips while they try to regain balance. Above them, Catra leans over the edge, smirking.

Catra: [Teasing, with a sly grin] Hey, Adora. Y/N. How's it hanging?

Adora: Catra. Did you really show up late and let us do all the hard parts? That is low, even for you.

Catra: [Laughing lightly, leaning closer] Aw, you know nothing's too low for me. [Eyeing Y/N clinging to Adora with a mischievous smirk] Especially when I get a front-row seat to this.

Y/N blushes furiously, still gripping Adora's hips, trying to avoid eye contact with Catra.

Catra: [Chuckling, clearly enjoying the moment] Aww, poor Y/N. Getting all sweet and comfortable down there, huh? You guys look ridiculous. [Mockingly] Now come on, you look stupid hanging down there.

Adora: [Grumbling, embarrassed but irritated] Ugh, just get us out of here, Catra!

Catra: [Pretending to think] Hmm... should I, though? [Laughs again, enjoying their flustered expressions]

[Y/N shifts awkwardly, trying to find some footing but still holding onto Adora. His face burns with embarrassment.]

Y/N: [Mumbling] I-I didn't mean to...

Adora: [Sighing, exasperated] Seriously, Catra. Stop messing around!

Catra: [Still laughing but finally offering a hand] Fine, fine. But this? [Gestures at them] Hilarious.

With a final teasing glance, Catra pulls them both up, still chuckling as they clamber out of the pit.

———

After their training session, Y/N and Adora are changing, with Catra lounging nearby, still amused by the earlier events. She can't help but bring it up again.

Catra: [Laughing heartily] You should've seen your face, Adora. You were like, "Aah, no! Betrayal!" [Mimicking Adora's voice dramatically, throwing her hands up in mock despair]

[Adora rolls her eyes, shaking her head as she finishes putting on her uniform. Y/N, standing off to the side, tries to keep his focus on his locker, clearly embarrassed.]

Catra: [Noticing Y/N's awkwardness, she leans closer to him, her voice lowering playfully] And you, Y/N... [She smirks, her tone flirtatious] the way you were holding onto Adora. You looked so flustered, so helpless.

Y/N blushes deeply, his face turning bright red as Catra gets closer. She traces a finger lightly along his arm, her teasing growing bolder.

Catra: I never knew you were the clingy type.

Y/N stammers, his embarrassment intensifying, but Catra just laughs, enjoying how easy it is to get under his skin.

Catra: You know, if you ever need someone else to hold onto, I'm always around.

She trails a finger along his arm as she walks by, sending a shiver through Y/N

Catra: [Playfully] Aw, what's wrong? You're not shy, are you? I won't bite... unless you want me to.

Y/N: 😳🫣

Y/N turns an even deeper shade of red, clearly embarrassed and unable to respond. Adora rolls her eyes, stepping in.

Adora: [Scoffing] Come on, Catra. We're senior cadets now. I can't believe you're still pulling this childish, immature—

She suddenly gasps, eyes wide in mock alarm.

Adora: [Pointing behind Catra] Is that a mouse?!

Catra: [Panicking, jumping back] What!? Where!?

[Adora bursts out laughing, holding her stomach.]

Adora: [Still laughing] Are you ever going to not fall for that?

Catra: [Glaring, but trying to hide a smile] I don't know. Are you ever going to let it go? That was one time.

Adora: [Grinning] I know, but for some reason it's always funny.

Shadow Weaver: Adora.

Shadow Weaver arrived

Adora: Shadow Weaver.

Shadow Weaver: You have done well. You've completed your training course in record time.

Adora: Uh, well, that wasn't just me. You know, Catra did, too. So did Y/N.

Shadow Weaver: Ah, yes. Y/N isn't that surprising. But how someone as unmotivated as Catra completed the course in that time, I'll never know.

Catra: Always serving up those pep talks, huh, Shadow Weaver?

Shadow Weaver: Silence. Do not be flippant with me, cadet.

Catra: Sorry Shadow Weaver.

Shadow Weaver: Adora, walk with me.

Adora looks at Catra and she shrugs. Y/N gave a thumbs up.

Shadow Weaver: Adora.

She runs after Shadow Weaver.

————

Shadow Weaver: Lord Hordak has been watching you. He thinks you are a fine candidate for Force Captain.

Adora: Really? Force Captain? Lord Hordak said that about me?

Shadow Weaver: Oh yes. He sees great promise in you. In fact, he has elected you the honor of leading a squadron in the invasion of the rebel Fortress of Thaymor.

Adora: Thaymor? You mean we're finally seeing active duty?

Shadow Weaver: You are seeing active duty.

Adora: But I'll be able to bring my team along, right?

Shadow Weaver: Your team is not ready. They'll only slow you down.

Adora: Shadow Weaver, with respect, they've been training hard for this, too. Y/N has been too. And Catra, all she wants is to get out there and prove herself.

Shadow Weaver: Y/N is ready, just not mentally or emotionally. Catra on the other hand should have worked harder to prove herself to me. This is what I raised you for, Adora. Now is your chance to prove yourself.

Adora takes the Force Captain badge.

Shadow Weaver: I saw talent in you the moment I found you as an orphan child and took you in. Is this not what you've wanted since you were old enough to want anything?

Adora: Yes.

Shadow Weaver: With you at the forefront, we will crush the Bright Moon Rebellion once and for all. Do not disappoint me.

Adora gazes out the window.

————

Meanwhile, a white castle is perched on a mountain beside a blue lake.

Angella: Send her in.

Flight by guards, a young woman enters a royal hall and approaches a woman sitting on a throne. The woman is guarded by three guards who looked like they were in training. She kneels.

Glimmer: Your Majesty.

Angella: I'm told you disobeyed orders and led the Rebellion into a dangerous combat situation after you were ordered to retreat.

Glimmer: I was trying to protect a village from falling into The Horde's grasp.

Angella: You were reckless and put yourself and the other rebels in danger.

Glimmer: Fighting is supposed to be dangerous! How are we going to hold our own against The Horde if we keep retreating? Pretty soon, we won't have anything left to defend.

Angella: I'm growing tired of your back-talking, Commander Glimmer.

Tobias raises an eyebrow, his usual sarcastic smirk starting to form as he leans in closer to Max.

Tobias: [Whispering] Oh, this is gonna be good. She's pushing all the wrong buttons.

Max: [Fidgeting nervously, biting his lip] It's not looking good for her...

Elroy: [Quietly observing, hands clasped behind his back] She's not wrong about the retreat. But this isn't the right time for rebellion within the rebellion.

Glimmer: Why did you even make me a commander if you won't let me fight?

Angella: That's enough! You're grounded!

Glimmer: [Scoffs] Mom!

Angella: You heard me!

Glimmer: You never let me do anything!

Angella: We are not having this discussion tonight. You are embarrassing me in front of my royal court.

Tobias snickers under his breath, drawing a sideways glance from Max, who shakes his head.

Tobias: [Amused] This is priceless. "Embarrassing me in front of my royal court." [He mocks Angella's tone, clearly enjoying the tension in the room.]

Max: [Nudging Tobias] Shh! This is serious.

Elroy: [Watching intently, his eyes focused on Glimmer's frustration] She's just trying to stand up for what she believes. But her timing's awful.

Glimmer: Oh, I'm embarrassing you?

Angella: [Angered] Go to your room!

Glimmer: I'm going!

{Glimmer angrily storms out.}

Angella: [Sighs]

{Angella frowns.}

Tobias: Queenie, I'd give her a 6 out of 10 on that exit. Needs more door slamming.

Max: [Frowning] Tobias...

Elroy: [Softly, watching Angella now] The queen's worried.

————
Ok, I've been doing some thinking

I'm just going to stick with 10 aliens with something I call The Rule of 10:

Y/N is allowed to have a maximum of 10 aliens. This limit helps maintain balance and ensures that each alien is given attention and so Y/N won't be too overpowered.

However, there are three special exceptions to this rule: Alien X, Way Big, and Atomix.

If Y/N gains a new alien, one of the original 10 must be replaced.

I've already decided two aliens who will appear and who they'll replace