I OWN NOTHING

Thanks to a review, I had some ideas for this chapter to make Naruto less angry and give Castaspella some much needed attention.

X-X-X-X-X

"Forest Gale, it's a pleasure to see you in a better condition."

Perfuma couldn't be happier to see Naruto get the required medical attention in the middle of a makeshift camp. Of course, getting stitched didn't really make him all that happy, nor did losing his outfit. Thus, she decided to gift him something she had been meaning to give him for his hard work at the Whispering Woods. On her hands was a small bundled up ball of clothes. Looking at them curiously made the floral princess think of a cute curious fox, eliciting a soft giggle from her.

And then he gasped in pain due to Entrapta's medical care, "Hey, can I put something on already?" he winced, crying small tears as she stapled him. "Ow! Argh... why does that have to sting so much?" he grunted, breathing as the pain passed slowly.

"Sorry, it appears the anesthesia is not enough for you..." the small genius then muttered into a new recorder her findings, "Hmm, it seems subject Naruto must have a high tolerance to drugs and foreign substances which would disable regular soldiers. Possible bloodline quirk? May need a blood sample to-"

Perfuma panicked at the idea... and the massive syringe the engineer pulled out of thin air, "Entrapta, please, I think he's lost enough!"

"Yeah, listen to the flower princess!" Naruto exclaimed, eyes wider than saucers at what could double as a fencing foil.

"Aw, alright..." pouting cutely in disappointment, the pigtailed princess pulled herself on a chair with wheels to a large machine she used to read Naruto's vitals. And off to the side was her second patient, "So... Are you feeling alright? No dizziness from that anti-magic energy? Perhaps you've built a little resistance...?" tapping her fingers together, Entrapta smiled like a little girl in a candy store while observing all of the charts for answers while a pouting, half-naked Glimmer rested behind a curtain on a bed.

"Can I get back to you on that once I get back home to recharge?" she asked as patiently as possible.

It got the expected result, "Oh yes, the data on your magic reloading could prove quite fascinating... Especially if the breeding project is a success to study how it could adapt with Naruto's ability to drain energy from his surroundings and a hearty meal."

Sighing deeply, the pink-haired princess rubbed her face with both hands, "I'm... not even going to bother arguing, you'll just keep pushing that idea, aren't you?"

Beaming childishly, the purple-haired inventor spun around her chair, "Yes, how can I not!? Just think of how many possibilities could be for the future!"

Glimmer was too tired and under-dressed to care, having only a small set of bandages around half-apple sized baps and more in a loincloth which went right between her plump cheeks. Royalty or not, she needed clothing which wouldn't hinder her much in battle. Plus, something which could breathe easily. And, admitted only secretly to herself, garments which didn't restrain her backside too much were preferable. Still, a part of her wished her people had developed better undergarments.

Perfuma had a large tint of pink on her freckled cheeks, "Oh my... Are you, well, comfortable with that idea, Forest Gale?"

"Beg pardon?" that was the most manners he was taught around his time learning how to use a sword.

"If I am completely honest, I would say you have a good chance of marrying a princess." Perfuma started with an increasingly hotter blush, "Adding to that how close you are to her... Well..." she sighed sadly, "I've never seen the aloof, carefree Forest Gale contradict his reputation until… whatever happened to you when she was kidnapped."

"Of course I'd be mad, I-"

"I do understand you care, but… I think she prefers the boy known as Naruto who doesn't worry about what life throws at him." Perfuma smiled brightly, almost teasingly, "I'm willing to take a gander and claim you two push each other in ways I've never thought possible."

Blushing as hotly as her, Naruto looked off to the side, "Oi, Glimmy's my boss. Sure, I do think she's got a good goal and I wanna help her achieve it. But come on, don't push me into..." he started to sweat nervously as he thought on his interactions with other girls, realization slowly sinking in like lead in water, "I mean, I do like girls with some meat on their bones... Although I do have a thing for lean girls... And... Huh, I think I've got plenty of types body-wise." Grunting, he rubbed his face single-handedly, "Ugh, never mind. I'm sticking with Glimmer if only because, well... I think she's grown for the better since I first met her."

"Ah, yes, I can agree on that." Perfuma gained a shy, trembling smile while her blush remained, "So gung-ho and unable to listen to others. She's still like that, but to see her try so hard to be polite to Entrapta now and hearing how she got Mermista to join her... It's as if meeting you has granted her the chance to improve herself."

"Huh, what do you mean?" he questioned, eyebrows knitted.

"Come on, you've pushed her in the right direction, didn't you?" she giggled, "I've seen you two do so when we three fought together. Besides..." smiling brightly as her blush gained a softer if adorable appearance, she placed her hands on her chest, "Never before had I heard of the Forest Gale gaining goals such as being the world's best swordsman and leaving his mark in history. If I may be so bold... perhaps seeing Glimmer chase after her dream gave you a reason to dream again."

"Dream again, huh...?" he asked, ruffling his hair, "It's... true on something. I... kind of didn't care about an old dream of mine after I arrived here. I loved being a hero even if I didn't do much or get into any battle to change the world. I hungered for a title back home I now can't get, but... it didn't feel like a loss because people applaud my accomplishments here." Looking at the curtain where Glimmer and Entrapta kept their little conversation, he sighed, "Once she spoke of her dreams... I felt like I couldn't be left behind. That spark of her reminded me of what I wanted, made me feel that hunger again."

"Hungry for meat?" asked another face.

Anger swelled up in the blonde princess, "Bow!" Entrapta blushed and stomped the ground.

"What?" the archer asked with a large boar leg in one hand after taking a bite off it, "I'm asking if he's hungry."

"Oh, ah, I... uh, I see..." Perfuma blushed harder than before in embarrassment, blinking away the mental images of what piece of Glimmer the Forest Gale could... eat, "I'm so sorry, I had a butt... I mean, had a lot of things to sit on... I mean, think about. You nibble- you startled me." chuckling nervously only made the two boys stare at her in confusion while Bow took another bite off his boar leg.

"So... roast boar?" the archer asked, offering the other boy a bowl.

"Please and thank you." Naruto said and started to dig in.

"Don't rest easy just yet, Naruto." Entrapta beamed as she rolled to him on her chair, hugging its back, "After all, I've discussed this with you and Glimmer. Your next stop after she recharges is Mystacor. If there's a style you must master to fully unleash your potential, it's theirs. Also, I'm coming along!"

Naruto nearly choked on the piece of roasted wild pork he forcefully swallowed, "What!?"

Glimmer's shadow could be seen through the curtain, burying her face in her hands, "We need her help, Naruto. Please, endure it."

Entrapta's smile and giggling were that of a little girl... the fact it was behind her ominous mask and her hair tendrils carried several instruments he had never seen made them out of a nightmare, "Please take care of me and be sure to tell me if there's any major breakthrough in your chakra development."

X-X-X-X-X

Meanwhile, off on the other side of the mountain, Adora was weighing her options with Catra, Scorpia and the munchkin trio – she'd blame Catra for making the name stick. Pacing back and forth, she tried to find a way to assess the situation and control it. However, it didn't help when she had to be real. Everyone sat on a boulder and stared nervously as she spoke, although Catra was curled up into a ball of misery.

"Alright, so... We lost the mines, the advantage over an opposing force, precious resources, countless hours of work, and the sword Lord Hordak entrusted me," she listed with her hands clasped as she turned and practically begged her friends for ideas. "Suggestions are appreciated, but I think it's obvious we should find a solution ASAP."

"Just... let Shadow Weaver tear into me..." Catra groaned, hugging her knees to her chest.

And Scorpia had the sanest, most logical reaction, "Whoa, no! Not that, anything but that!" she fretted and Kyle had to agree.

He was just as calm and reasonable as any person would be at the idea, "She'll skin you alive, re-skin you, and skin you again!"

Again, without hyperbole, the two were being coherent, but Catra just grinned weakly, "Hey, what has she done to me that I won't see coming? I can handle it. If anything, it's made me as tough as I am. Besides, I am the one who messed everything up..."

"On that we agree." Lonnie said.

"Wow, harsh!" Kyle commented.

"It's true." the braided girl said, not caring for Adora's glare, "It's your call, captain. Either use a scapegoat or... we do something stupid to win Hordak over."

Catra's ears perked up, "What?"

Lonnie sighed, taking a deep breath as she rubbed her face, "As much of a pain in the ass as you are, you're one of us. Besides, it's not like you're the only one who screwed up."

"Hiss..." Rogelio agreed with a nod.

"Yeah, and all for one!" Kyle continued for his scaled friend.

"Guys..." Scorpia teared up a bit, "Oh, I knew I'd love being part of this group! I'm getting so warm inside... Sorry, I may need a moment."

As she fished out a handkerchief to wipe off some tears, Adora turned with a grateful smile to Lonnie, "Yes, you're right. We can salvage this if we show Hordak that despite this loss we can fix our own mistakes. If we capture the princess again, retrieve the sword, and bring him the Forest Gale alive, we can at least earn a pardon."

"So..." Lonnie started, cheeks flushing, "Do you have a plan for that? Because that's as far as I got."

"Um, no..." everyone lowered their heads in shame.

"Wait!" until Kyle's eyes lit up, "I heard that tiny princess with the pigtails talk a lot about some project involving the Forest Gale." He got everyone's attention, "She was quite the blabbermouth about it. Even when asleep... It was kinda creepy, she kept talking about experiments involving him, her, and a bed, too... Even the right pillows for-"

"I... do not need the mental image, Kyle," Adora said, feeling herself blush and heat up, as did Catra.

"Lucky bastard, though," the cat girl commented under her breath.

"Um, yeah, sorry..." Kyle replied, chuckling awkwardly.

"Do give me details later, I know a good furniture to recommend that tiny cutie," as usual, Scorpia could be either oblivious or serious, most likely both in a weird way.

Sweating nervously, the blond boy fretted before going back to the topic at hand, "Alright... So, the name Mystacor was brought up a lot. She could be talking about a place or a person."

"Actually..." Catra sat up as her cunning side appeared with a smile. "I recall sneaking into Shadow Weaver's place a couple of times. More often than not, she'd mention or have things related to a place by that one name. She always kept it a secret, maybe has plans for it which she keeps away from Hordak. If anything..." she grinned devilishly at Adora, "Let's use favoritism to our advantage."

"Are you serious...?" Adora asked with no mockery.

Lonnie got to be the voice of reason, "Listen, it's seeing if Shadow Weaver is willing give us a hand and facing her anger... or telling Hordak what just happened."

Everyone else spoke in unison, "We ask Shadow Weaver." Although in Rogelio's case it was a growl.

Adora sighed and took a moment to pinch and rub the bridge of her nose, "She's not going to be happy about it... Let me correct myself, she's going to be itching to kill. Are you sure I'm the best choice? Remember, that guy took Hordak's sword from me."

"Listen, I'm the one who messed up." Catra admitted with a sigh, "Anything Shadow Weaver throws at me will be nothing out of the ordinary. Trust me."

"It doesn't mean I want you hurt." Catra's heartbeat spiked at her blonde friend and not-so-secret crush's words.

"Hey, I'll be fine, besides... everyone's willing to do this for you." Adora felt warm inside when hearing Catra say those words then seeing Lonnie's smile, Kyle's enthusiastic nod, Rogelio's nod, and Scorpia's flexing of her arm. The cat girl continued, "So, what's it gonna be? Do you dare to be on her bad side? Trust me, it's got its perks."

"Looks like I couldn't change your minds if I wanted to." Adora replied with a soft grin.

X-X-X-X-X

Donning a dashing new outfit, Naruto looked at himself in a mirror, "Hey, Bow…" he asked the other male in the tent as they prepared to leave. "Do you think I was too mad when we went rescue Glimmer? And be honest." He turned to the archer with a tired look which said he expected the worst.

So, Bow gave him a straight answer, "Yes, you were…" he sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck upon elaborating. "Your plan was nuts. Not to mention you were really narrowminded when trying to get back the princess. Now, I know we won and you kind of did the right thing, but… Um, I really can't say I'd have gone with such a plan if you hadn't been so scary with how determined you were. And yes, I know I agreed and thought it was good when you first said it, but with how everything went and how personal you took it with the angry cat lady... Yeah, I should've bounced ideas with you."

"Perfuma said something along those lines, but with less detail…" Naruto grumbled and looked at the hippie princess' gift, "Dammit, if I'm going to wear something like this and protect Glimmer, I really ought to get my act together…"

"What brought this all of a sudden?" Bow asked, "Moments ago you and Perfuma were talking like old friends and now you're kicking yourself down."

Inhaling deeply, the blond decided to come clean, "I… I really got worried for Glimmer, even if I wouldn't admit it. Having her back allowed me to cool off, and when Perfuma's words sunk on how much she's tried to do her best because I've been there to help her. I guess I'm taking this being a hero thing all the more seriously. Like now I have to give a damn if someone's really looking up to me that much."

"I knew it!" Bow beamed, "I knew you were a great hero! Sure, kids loved to tell your tales, but a guy who cares that much for others is a hero!"

"Hero, huh?" the blond said as if tasting the word, "It's got a nice ring to it… Guess I really have a long way to go if being the greatest swordsman comes with a title like hero."

"You can do it, trust me." Bow cheered with a genuinely bright grin, "Besides, you care for the princess so much it's obvious you'll succeed."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Naruto asked with no awareness.

Bow snickered, "Oh, well, I guess that's something you owe to yourself to find out on your own."

"Don't be an ass and tell me." Naruto said impatiently.

"Hey, think of it as a challenge to work over your temper." Bow said, getting Naruto to sigh.

"Fine… you have a point there."

"Naruto." Glimmer called out from outside the tent, "We're about to leave. Are you ready? Are you… okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine, sorry for the wait, Glimmy…" and just like that, Naruto returned to his usual cheekiness.

"Don't call me that! Of all things, you…" she went silent once he was out for a second. "You really look the part of a swordsman."

The young swordsman crossed his arms, frowning but not raising his voice, "What do you mean look the part? I've always looked awesome."

Glimmer defended herself with both hands up, "Well, you just look more professional, like the first thing one pictures a warrior wielding a sword." She explained softly.

"Indeed." Perfuma concurred, beaming, "My idea was to make Naruto look more like a swordsman than a – and forgive me for saying so – mercenary."

Perfuma had gifted him an upgrade with her own touch. It consisted of black hakama pants with the legs inside red boots, and a white gi with a dark orange trim, a red sash to keep it closed, and red gauntlets over each arm. Said gauntlets were fingerless and had quite durable steel to block swords with padded palms for catching blades. Lastly, he was given a yellow cape over his right shoulder, kept in place with a red shoulder pad. He looked so much like a fantasy samurai he had trouble believing what he saw in his reflection.

"Was the cape necessary?" he asked, looking at the cloth which seemed to just majestically and heroically sway with his every step, "Don't get me wrong, it looks cool, but why do I need one?"

Perfuma clasped her hands with a cheery grin, "To feel warm and drape it around any princess in need of a hero. I had that idea when thinking of She-Ra."

"Speaking of ideas, where's Entrapta?" Naruto finally asked with a hand over his hip.

"Here!" the engineer exclaimed from a distance, waving at them as she carried a massive yellow backpack stuffed to the brim with gadgets, pastries and bottles of fizzy drinks. Behind her were her cooking staff as well some inhabitants of Etheria watching her fiddle with a small pad, "Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah! Should there be a call regarding the mines for materials for reconstruction, this button should allow me to have conversations with you or anyone in need of diplomatic discussions."

"Are you sure it's alright for her to come with us?" Glimmer asked one of the staff members. Rather than unwilling to have Entrapta with her, she sounded genuinely curious, "I mean, sure, we have princesses aiding our alliance already, but she seems to want to tag on for a long while... Are you absolutely certain you don't need her help for anything?"

Bow arched a brow, "You sound like you want to get rid of her."

Glimmer was honest, "No, I'm just surprised she's doing this so nonchalantly. Although, yes... she is a bit much at times." Entrapta was too energetic.

"Don't worry." Entrapta's butler said, "The princess has always carried all her duties through distant communication with her devices and made running the kingdom pretty much automatic to focus on her research. At least she knows that her people need her guidance from time to time."

"Alright... I now envy her, a lot." Glimmer admitted with amazement.

Entrapta beamed cutely and widely, "Alright, off to adventure!" the tiny inventor pointed forward as her pigtails hoisted up her large backpack which was at least twice her size. She then pulled out a small book before turning to the blond, "So, Naruto, don't you find Glimmer's hair to be amazingly soft to touch?"

And just like that, all envy in the pink princess was replaced with ire as she yanked the book off the pigtailed girl's hands, "Give me that." Opening it, Glimmer read it with narrowed eyes, "Adventures in Romance... Guide for adventurers to find the elusive thing called love with heart-pumping action and to solidify bonds through more than the thrill of danger."

"Wow, she's got the hard-cover special edition!" Bow said in awe.

Entrapta flashed them her biggest grin, bursting seconds later into mad laughter, "Yup, I've got to make love blossom if I am ever going to get my project going! Ahahahahaha!"

Both the swordsman and his princess turned to the scientist's staff, "Are you sure you don't need her?" they pleaded more than asked.

"She's yours, sorry..." the tiny cook girl said with a weak grin, feeling true pity for the two.

X-X-X-X-X

"...and we had to surrender due to our disadvantage," Adora lied to Shadow Weaver at the end.

Even as a hologram the size of a doll, the witch's figure still inspired fear among the soldiers, and yet, "I'm not letting you die for such a mistake, and yet, I must commend this swordsman. Such power like his must be studied. Being able to multiply himself, cut steel with a wooden blade, and hold so much potential yet to be unleashed... Yes, he shall be much more valuable once captured alive."

"Favoritism and her thirst of power saved us..." Catra mumbled to the others as they hid away from the witch's peripheral view. "Can't believe how glad I am for her bad traits."

"What was that, Catra?" Shadow Weaver softly whispered, threateningly.

The cat girl smirked, "We could use your aid in tracking and subduing him seeing as you know more about magic than any of us. Just saying you could get out of that stuffy office."

"Do not worry..." the woman said in a low tone. "I shall send you proper aid to study and apprehend the boy. Who knows? With proper discipline, he could do what you cannot."

"Wow, they sure love each other," Lonnie whispered to her two friends, Rogelio hissing in agreement while Kyle merely nodded with a gulp.

"Forgive the rudeness, Shadow Weaver..." Scorpia interjected. "Any chance you could give us any transportation or-"

"Use your feet and any means as the Forest Gale does," the witch hissed. "Consider it a start for your punishment for the resources lost."

"Wait, you're also punishing Adora!?" Catra asked in shock.

"Do you want discipline from Hordak?" the woman asked with a single raised eyebrow under her mask.

"We can walk," every soldier said in unison with their hands up.

"Good, but don't take too long in chasing the boy, I've had my eye on him and this was the perfect excuse to send my minion after him," Shadow Weaver said.

"What minion? Another captain?" Adora asked.

"You'll see... besides, I think I know where he's headed..." the witch chuckled softly through her nose at that statement.

Meanwhile...

"It's a cliff..." Naruto said as he looked down at a sea of clouds, "We're not lost, are we?"

Glimmer grinned at him, beaming at a chance to have fun, "You'll see, it's actually quite fun."

"What're we waiting for, then!?" Entrapta exclaimed and leapt off.

"What are you-" Naruto yelled only to feel Glimmer hug his arm into her small, developing breasts. "Hey, can I get some answers!?" he yelled as she dragged him, jumping off the cliff… and soon both found a large boulder flying up, "WHOA!" he yelped as landed without any injury, he also saw the princesses excitedly looking up, "Are we actually flying!?"

"That's half the fun, you have to see Mystacor!" Glimmer cheered.

"And learn their style, let's not forget that detail!" Entrapta clapped her hands giddily, smiling at the two. "Also, we should upgrade Glimmer's arsenal. Considering her lineage and the-"

"Whoa, no need!" the pink-haired girl exclaimed with a large blush.

"Alright, I'll bite, what am I missing?" Naruto asked curiously, looking over at the girl he was supposed to protect with, dare he say it, concern.

Seeing no way out, the plump princess sighed and explained, "You know my dad was a great warrior, right? Well, he was also-"

"The greatest sorcerer in Mystacor!" Entrapta burst in enthusiasm, "Second to none with a potential never seen before! He set records, broke limits and pushed himself harder than anyone! It's no wonder he was skilled enough to inherit one of the legendary styles, the Brilliant Sword! A style which uses one's mind to the fullest, giving magic users a crutch for close combat, and allowing those without magic but with a strong mental discipline to fight beyond their limits! Truly a style which requires great fortitude of mind yet to be wielded by anyone!"

Naruto smirked at the narration, "Wow, your dad really makes surpassing him sound like a fun challenge."

"He… does…" Glimmer looked down, which Naruto noted.

"Something wrong?" he asked, "Come on, don't tell me you're down because he's set the bar that high."

"How could I not…?" she asked with a sigh, "I'm nowhere near as good as he was… and I'm more magically attuned than he was."

"Come on, again with that?" Naruto asked, then poked her forehead, getting a confused stare from her, "If you fail and see someone better than you, then push yourself way harder than them." He gave her a hot-blooded grin, "If someone punches perfectly with a single try, then you try ten times. If they master a kick practicing it once, then you throw your legs a hundred in the air. If they learn a spell in a single lesson, then redo it at least a thousand!"

"I've tried, trust me, but-" she was shut up when Naruto put his face inches from hers, giving her a cocky smirk.

"Do you think I'll let you give up?" he asked rhetorically. "I'm bound to protect you, yes, but after that last fight I want to see what more you can do." He pumped up a fist, "If your dad's that great, then you cannot stop until you go beyond him. And once you do, you better believe I want to try my hand at seeing what my sword can do against your greatest magic."

"Wait, but that last battle was a total mess," Glimmer argued, feeling meek and rather flustered at how much trust he was putting in her.

"And yet you escaped on your own…" he admitted, clenching a hand into a fist, "I gotta improve to keep you safe, but if you can fight, I'm pushing you forward."

Entrapta giggled, pulling out a recorder, "Fascinating, it seems Subject Naruto wants to make the princess comfortable while making sure she can fend for herself. Could this be a sign of their bond about to grow? The book says when two lovers push each other forward, that-"

"Entrapta, give me that book so I can burn it," Glimmer groaned out in irritation and a massive blush.

Naruto chortled, putting his hands behind his head, "Well, I do wanna push you, but also see how well the world's greatest swordsman does against the world's greatest sorceress and queen." However, there was a simpler story, "Besides… you do remind me of me."

"Excuse me?" the caped princess asked.

"Alright, there's a difference, unlike a cool dad who loved you, I had to deal with a jerk who was better than everyone without even trying," Naruto sighed as he remembered a bitter past. At least in his new life he wouldn't have to worry about that, "Every time, he'd leave everyone behind. And yet, every time he set a mark, I found ways to get closer to them. Who says we can't surpass them?"

A comfy warmth invaded the pink princess' chest as she found herself smiling, "Then… let's do so and..."

However, as she trailed off, their ride stopped, "We're here!"

Floating cities shouldn't have surprised Naruto at the point he was in. Large buildings, temples and academies with an ancient design stood atop the clouds in a large platform surrounded by green. Flora flourished elegantly while a steady stream of water shimmered and gave life to a beach. All of it was protected by a large, magical barrier which opened for them. And upon their arrival, Naruto couldn't help but whistle.

"Welcome to Mystacor," Glimmer told him, rubbing her hands together. "And prepare yourself to meet my aunt."

"Mind telling me more about her?" Naruto asked soothingly, sensing the uneasiness.

Entrapta was quick to answer him, getting giddier and giddier with every syllable, "Castaspella, High Sorceress of Mystacor and sister of the late King Micah. Also, quite versed in the art she and her brother mastered, the Brilliant Sword of Mystacor! Ahahahahaha! I can't wait to see you master it!"

"And she's also... someone my mom doesn't get along with well..." Glimmer whispered to Naruto and he quickly connected the dots.

"Glimmer!" and then, his petite pink princess was embraced lovingly by a tall woman. Said lady possessed black hair done in a top-knot bun, black painted lips, pale skin, a purple dress, and a gold ring around her head with a star design. On her shoulders were gold plates holding up a regal-looking cape, "My darling little starlight, I missed you so much! How have you been!? Are you unharmed!? I certainly hope you didn't have a bad time coming here with the chaos going around!"

In a quick transition that felt oddly natural, the woman was on her knees, caressing Glimmer's cheeks and then checking her out, then ended it with a quick hug and a kiss to the embarrassed girl's cheek, "I'm fine. Really, I am, auntie. We came here for help, though..." she motioned to her bodyguard, who the woman nodded softly to with a small grin.

"Ah, yes, the Forest Gale," standing to her full height, easily dwarfing Naruto who mentally noted Glimmer would be stacked to the ceiling in her adulthood, she spoke to him. Politely, she bowed her head without once breaking eye contact, "From the deepest part of my heart, thank you for giving your services to my niece. If there's anything you need, make it known to me."

"Actually, we're both here for your help, lady," Naruto said, bluntly as ever. Glimmer wanted to reprimand him, but her aunt didn't seem to mind and the plump princess slowly started to accept he'd be like that to anyone, "Glimmer wants to improve her magic, and I need to learn your swordplay if I want to take down the Horde."

Quickly, faster than a heartbeat, all color drained from Castaspella's face, "You... what!?" Grabbing him by the shoulders, she looked him in the eye with a panicked look, "Child, do you know what you're saying!? I better be getting pranked, because that is no laughing matter you're speaking of! To face Hordak is-"

After she dug her nails into his shoulders, Glimmer stepped in, "No, auntie, he means facing the soldiers, not Hordak!" she cried frantically waving her arms.

"Is that... the truth?" Castaspella took a deep breath and pulled back, some robed sorcerers who had been nearby had given her plenty of space. She adjusted some loose bangs which her outburst knocked loose, a pair of which framed her round face, and exhaled softly, "Pardon my... lack of manners. I believed you'd put yourself in great danger and... worried for Glimmer."

Finally, free from the woman's clutching fingers, Naruto let out his thoughts, "Sheesh, lady, what happened to you!?"

"It's not me, but my brother," she admitted with a somber look on her face. "The day he fell, not only did Hordak take his sword which he made to honor his daughter, but also his sword hand as a way to spite him as a swordsman. Child, I thank you for protecting Glimmer, but..." a rather stern look crossed her face, "...do not let her near such dangers. Angella should have made that clear."

"Yeah, no problem..." he nodded slowly, eyeing a guilty Glimmer.

"Well, please enjoy your stay, and we can talk after you rest and eat..." Castaspella waved for her subordinates to guide them to a dining hall, sighing as she turned away. "If you'll excuse me, I need a moment, just one, to recompose myself. What kind of aunt gets so... flustered with my niece's new friends, right?"

"Flustered is putting it too lightly," Naruto muttered.

At the dining hall, Glimmer looked down miserably, "So, now you know why I don't visit here often or talk too much about my family."

Naruto didn't beat around the bush, "Is she bipolar or some crap? Did I really trigger such a reaction mentioning Hordak?" He narrowed his eyes as an idea hit him, "Did he do... worse than what she said?" getting a nod with an empty set of eyes from the princess was all he needed for his next declaration, "Alright, you had me on board to defeat Hordak. Now it's personal."

Fighting to compose herself, Glimmer shut her eyes, "Aunt Castaspella has the scrolls to learning the style, but mastering it won't be easy..."

"I've gotten used to swordplay, it won't be any-" he was softly interrupted by the pink princess shaking her head.

"It's more than using chakra or magic," Glimmer told him. "It requires a serene state of mind which can find a shining star in the middle of the empty darkness of space. If you lose focus or give in to your emotions like anger or sorrow... You may as well cut yourself. Or so I'm told."

"Anger, huh?" thinking back to his actions at the mines, he crossed his arms, gripping them as he recalled how he lost himself. "That's going to be hard..."

"Hey," and like that, all bitterness vanished once she smiled at him. "Didn't you say you wanted to be better and help me improve while doing so? Let me help you with some basics if you need it."

Grinning back, he felt at ease, "Sounds like a plan. Just remember, I still want to protect you."

Both felt something mushy inside their chests... and then finally noticed something, "Wait, where's Entrapta!?" they asked in unison upon noticing the lack of joy.

"Here she is," said a guard walking in with the tiny engineer dangling from a firm hand holding her overalls. "She was trying to enter one of our main conjuring rooms for... research. Even if she is a guest, she could learn when someplace if off limits."

Pouting adorably, the shortstack princess looked down, dejected, "Aw, but it was radiating energy signatures I've never seen before. Was it where you stored the core for your magic shield? Can I at least get a few books on how it works? Do you think I could touch it?"

"No," the guard said and left her with the others, retreating to get an aspirin.

"Seriously, how did we miss you getting lost?" Naruto asked himself.

"I was following a bizarre energy signature which just seems to have subsided, maybe a disturbance in the balance of their- Are those tiny macaroons!?" like a puppy with ADHD, the pigtailed inventor dashed to the table with pastries ready for them and observed the small, bite-sized treats.

"I hope you enjoy the Thunderbolt Dreams," Castaspella said with a soft smile. "I believe I told you about the recipe, Glimmer. Do you wish to cook some with me?"

"Listen, I'm here to..." the girl started softly, but her bodyguard gave her a reassuring look and a grin.

"It's alright, I can wait for you to catch up with your aunt," he told her calmly. "We've got time to learn and we could use a little rest." He leaned closely to whisper to her, "Besides, I can tell she could use bonding time with you. The sooner she's calmer, the faster we get to learning."

Giving him a nod and mouthing a thank you with a grateful face, the plump princess turned to her aunt, "Alright, lead the way. I'd like to hear again how dad and you came up with the receipe."

"Oh, it was a stroke of luck and inspiration!" Castaspella beamed, "A sweet so strong in flavor in the first bite it was like lightning followed by a creamy softness straight from dreams! The name didn't need much of a debate, although Lightning Fantasy was my favorite, I agreed with your father that making it sound like we used actual lightning magic wouldn't make it appealing."

Once she left, Naruto turned to Entrapta, who was wolfing down macaroons, "So... Your Sword Style is..."

"Muh Ah-Mon- Gulp!" she swallowed, then spoke up, "The Cast-Iron Sword! Yes, a technique focusing on making your body as resilient as a mountain to make parrying and blocking easier in your defense! It's also a marvel for counters! Do you know how much data comes from finding ways around someone's ways around your tactics!? It's like a game of chess, but sweatier!"

Enthusiasm like hers was infectious as Naruto smirked, "Alright, I got time to learn new tricks while Glimmer's busy."

X-X-X-X-X

"Alright, we're in!" Kyle cheered as he and the rest of the small Horde group entered Mystacor, following a large being literally made of shadows. "Hey, uh, Shadow Minion, give us a hand! Hey, come back! Please! I'm afraid of heights!" he called out, clutching on to the toned and broad back of Scorpia.

"Not so loud!" the scorpion woman whispered in exclamation from her ear being near Kyle's mouth.

All six of the Horde members hid under the large rock they saw fly up and were currently climbing up. Catra and Scorpia had their job cut for them. Scorpia had the munchkin trio clutching her back. Mostly Rogelio whose back was occupied by Lonnie and Kyle. To their right was Catra with Adora clutching her back, the cat girl's claws digging into the hard rock. Similarly, Scorpia used her titanic strength to punch into and then grip the rock with just her arms, her feet dangling below her.

"So, this is what Shadow Weaver's love looks like... I must admit it's fuzzier than I imagined," Catra joked as she climbed with her hands and feet digging her sharp nails with every move.

"Just follow the creepy Shadow Minion," Lonnie said, burying her face into Kyle's chest and getting a blush from the skinny boy.

"Sorry for being so heavy," Adora told her friend.

"Don't, this is a good workout," Catra quipped.

"Hiss..." Rogelio turned to Lonnie, who shut her eyes tight.

"I'm terrified of heights as well, so don't say a damn thing!" the girl snapped, not daring to let go of her friends.

"So... what do we do once we get to the top?" Scorpia finally asked. "I mean, we just latched onto a giant flying rock to an even more gigantic floating rock. Do you think Shadow Weaver has a plan for us?" looking to her side, she waited for an answer as Catra climbed at the same speed as the beefiest of their group.

"According to Shadow Weaver, there will be guard who will expect us and plenty of sorcerers to worry about, so we need to lay low," Adora told them. "She also told us to wait for inconspicuous clothing. Whatever that means, it is sure to involve getting into trouble."

Catra grunted as she flexed her arm and leg muscles, feeling Adora's breasts on her back lessened the pain and brought some energy from her deepest reserves, "Trouble's got us this far, may as well learn to get ourselves out of the hole we dug."

"I'm getting that sword back, for starters," Adora said. "That'll put the Forest Gale on his toes, make him doubt his surroundings, and then-"

Kyle was shocked by the plan, for the obvious reasons, "Wait, when did you become Catra?"

Pouting, the blonde captain looked to the side, "I can be petty, you know. Also, he messed a lot with us, so it's time for payback."

"I'm so proud..." they heard Shadow Weaver's voice near the top. "Now, for you to remain hidden, wear this." Reaching the top, everyone rested their chins and arms on the floor to look at an empty meadow and Shadow Weaver's puppet holding a set of clothes.

The colors made the feline warrior's eye twitch, "You're kidding, right? Those outfits look-"

"Awesome!" Scorpia cheered as she grabbed a robe for herself. "And it's my size, too! Wow, you got a good eye for how to match the colors with my arms and tail!"

"They're meant to conceal you," came Shadow Weaver's deadpan response from the Minion. "You shall pass up as guards and trainees and observe the Forest Gale."

"Wait, we're here to kick his ass and-" Catra snarled, but the Shadow Minion's glowing red orb was put in front of her face like a shining eye of stern discipline.

"And you are to obey me if you want to lessen Hordak's punishment for your failure," the witch softly hissed. "Keep that temper in check unless you want to repeat it."

Balling her hands into fists, Catra let out a reluctant answer, "Understood..."

After a quick change behind some bushes and trees, the group looked at themselves in awe or confusion.

Adora sported a red poncho with a hood, a yellow veil and a long white robe underneath, using the veil to cover her mouth and nose, "Not bad, it has a certain exotic charm." She said as she adjusted an orange sash around her waist to keep it together.

"I hate shoes and gloves..." Catra hissed in a red dress with an opened white trench-coat covering most of her frame. Forced onto her were high-heeled red shoes, a pair of matching gauntlets, and a mask covering her face. Said mask was akin to the helmets the guardians at Bright Moon used.

"Oh... I wanted to wear that," Scorpia said in a standard Bright Moon guardian uniform, the only item for someone her size which wouldn't look suspicious.

"I'd trade you, but I kinda like mine," Lonnie said with a green hooded tunic with brown boots, a belt with pouches, and form-fitting white pants. She used a yellow muffler to cover half her face.

"Can I keep this?" Kyle said in a white jacket with a yellow trim, dark blue cargo pants and brown boots and gloves. His jacket had a hood and he also had a red scarf to conceal everything below his eyes.

"Grr..." replied Rogelio in a simple purple sleeveless tunic with gray pants, black boots, and black gloves. Unfortunately for him, to make him look like another person he was forced to paint his scales yellow with a paint can the Shadow Minion handed him. He wanted to complain, but Shadow Weaver had their roles set.

"Adora, you are to pretend to be a new sorceress trainee, the rest of you shall ask for a proper job which may suit your needs. Scorpia will obviously take the role of a new recruit of the guard while I gather any and all information on the Forest Gale. Use this opportunity as a lesson to gather intelligence. Once the time strikes, the Forest Gale shall be ours. Am I understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," the team replied firmly.

"Good, have fun," Shadow Weaver said dully, showing a rare glimpse of her sense of humor.

"Before that, I think we should do something else," Adora awkwardly told the rest. "Once we do this, I don't want to lose any of you. Let us regroup here should anything happen."

"Ah, don't worry, we can... I mean, we will do it," Kyle said bashfully.

"Yup, and when we do, let's see if we can get some of their food, I smell something good!" Scorpia beamed.

Everyone sighed with either embarrassed or amused smiles at the scorpion woman's cheerfulness.

X-X-X-X-X

And that's my rap!

Again, I think the show is beyond flawed and my writing is certainly no prize material. However, I get some odd sense of catharsis watching it ironically like a pretentious idiot. This is all said to balance the fact I'm a sucker for weirdly cute girls like Glimmer, Scorpia, Spinnerella and Netossa, and that my attempts for character development are sloppy at best since I am no professional.

Anyway, hope you all like it and thank you for your patience.

Swordslinger out!