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inscribed-in-asteroids · 4 years

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AN: here’s the first chapter for “the ripple effect”, story by myself (I’m still under anesther on AO3/tumblr) and character designs by @queenofthelanternfish. the pinned post gives the gist of it, and the note on AO3 adds further detail, so make sure to check AO3 more.

Title: The Ripple Effect

Characters: Entrapta, Hordak, Odessa (fanchild)

Pairing: Entrapdak, features other canon couples

Rating: M

Read on AO3.

Return

Entrapta breathes in the air, chest lifting from the inhale, “Wow, I forgot how fresh Etheria smells.”

Hordak looks at Odessa, “How are your olfactory senses?”

Odessa gives a delicate sniff, “Normal functioning. The medicine is working.”

“Good. The last time we arrived, you could not stop sneezing.”

Entrapta sits on her hair, the strands extending out in long strides, keeping up with her family. Readying the map, she gushes, “You had the cutest little sneeze.”

“I hate sneezing,” Odessa frowns. “It’s torture.”

“That’s why Hordak and I made sure you’re well this time! It should last the duration of our stay.”

Odessa nods, still tentative about breathing. Etheria is beautiful, but she could do without the pollen.

Sunlight streams down from the heavens, the sky melting with brilliant colors. Imp’s shadow skirts across their forms as he mimics various sounds, with Emily rolling in front of them.

Birdsong is foreign to her ears, no matter how often they visit; too used to the whirs and clanking of a laboratory and makeshift garage. Fauna and flora tread through their environment, teeming with powerful magic. As they proceed through the woods, she collects a sample of glowing energy, handing it to her mother for future study, to see how well Etheria continues to fare.

She has come here only a few times in her life, at the behest that she visits her parents’ friends and acquaint herself with her Etherian half. She doesn’t mind, but when you’ve traveled beyond stars and suns, Etheria is welcoming as much as she supposes it can.

She does find Bright Moon pretty, at least. Though it could be grungier.

She takes her time as her parents and siblings continue on, being warmly received by the king and queen of Bright Moon. She stares out at the Whispering Woods, crossing the bridge in silence.

“Imp has gotten big!” Bow says, patting the top of his head. Smiling at the happy sound of purring, he addresses Hordak, “We didn’t think he could age.”

Hordak shrugs, “Neither did we, but we’ve been checking his growth spurts for the last year or so.”

Coming into view, Glimmer greets Odessa, “Hey! How have you been?”

She smiles lightly, “I have been well, thank you.”

Bow pats her shoulder, “You’ve gotten tall, too! Last I saw you, you were at my waist.” He grins slyly. “Have your parents been feeding you experimental science food?”

“The occasional amniotic fluid is dropped atop my meals, but I did get this new port inserted into my back,” she replies, grinning wide while turning around to show them.

“Oh my!” Glimmer says, glancing at her parents, then back at her. Clearly perturbed. “Did it hurt?”

“No, my parents are very accurate with surgical tools. Except for that one time…”

Glimmer and Bow exchange worried glances.

Odessa smiles, palms up, “I’m kidding.”

Glimmer and Bow laugh, albeit oddly.

“You don’t think I would endanger my child, do you?” Hordak asks, smirking.

“No, no!” they say together, waving their hands.

Entrapta wraps her arms around their shoulders, shoving them into each other, “It’s actually a very simple procedure! Would you two be interested?”

With an appropriate amount of vehemence, they decline the offer. The group chats about the latest changes in Etherian politics, culture, festivities, and other miscellaneous details. Odessa listens partially, more interested in Imp scaling the walls, letting her thoughts wander.

The halls have been painted differently, and the rest has been decorated with various plants and statues. It’s not as sparse as she saw it before. It lends to a softer appearance, though she doesn’t mind it being empty.

“How has your education been going, Odessa?” Glimmer asks.

“Excellent,” Odessa answers.

Entering a spare room, furnished with soft pastel cushions, a lounge chair, also adorned with pillows, and a futon for laying out, Odessa sits herself on the closest seat by the door. Imp settles beside her, with Emily taking the spot behind and spinning in place.

“What else has been going on with you?” Bow asks. He gestures to the table, where a spread of food and drink has been displayed. “Did you pick up anything new?”

“I have increased my focus on herpetology for the moment,” she says, taking a cup of tea. Sipping it, she bites down distaste, and dumps six sugar cubes in it.

Curious, his eyes light up, “Ohh, what’s that?”

“The study of snakes,” Odessa says. Not caring about the droop in his features, she continues. “And I’ve been increasing my wet specimen collection.”

Glimmer raises a brow, “Is that the hobby you have where you put… things in jars?”

“Yes!” Odessa replies, excited. “I managed to get a good one on the last planet we visited. It’s hard to find a decent fetus.”

“Her collection is fascinating,” Entrapta agrees. “There are so many creatures she has managed to acquire. There’s this giant spider she has in a jar with mandibles the size of your forearm!”

“That is your largest at the moment,” Hordak says to Odessa, propping an arm on his knee.

“I’m hoping to get a bigger specimen soon,” Odessa says. She turns to Glimmer and Bow, grin coming back. “There’s a planet in the nearest sector that has some of the most venomous species you can find. I hope to find one there.”

“Well, I hope you succeed,” Glimmer giggles, nodding despite her stomach churning.

Bow smiles through the pain, but he adds, “My dads have expanded their library to include other subjects aside from First Ones artifacts. You can go there if you want to ask them anything at all.”

“Really? Thanks!” Odessa says. Maybe this trip will be fruitful. She turns to her parents, “Oh, while I’m here, I was wondering when I could—”

“Mama, Papa, are you in here?”

Odessa turns, finding the princess at the door.

“Aurora! There you are. Our guests arrived,” Glimmer says, waving a hand in their direction.

“Oh, hello!” she replies, bowing her head.

Odessa and her family rise in respect, returning the bow.

“I’m glad to see you again,” Aurora says, giving a genteel smile. “Was your trip well?”

“Yes,” Odessa answers.

Entrapta nods vigorously, “We had a great trip!”

“That’s good to hear,” Aurora says. She looks at her parents, “Mama, I was going to ask you if it was all right for me to go out.”

Glimmer grins at her, “You don’t have to ask me to go places!”

She smiles, hands folded in front of her, “I thought I would anyway.”

Bow nods, “Of course you can go out. Are you going to visit people?”

“Yes.”

“Why don’t you take Odessa with you? I’m sure she’d like to see everyone.”

Aurora’s brow gives the barest twitch.

Odessa keeps her face neutral, turning to her own folks, “Would that be fine with you?”

“Sure!” Entrapta says. “Bring back anything interesting!”

Hordak nods his approval, smiling at her.

With that, the two girls exit the room together, going left, where they had all arrived from.

Neither of them speak, minding their own business. Aurora and she are both sixteen, though Odessa is older by almost four months. Their strides even, they walk in silence.

Aurora brushes her hair away. Glancing at the other royal, she asks, “How long will you be here for?”

“No longer than six weeks.”

Satisfied with the answer, they part in opposite directions.

Odessa heads out of the palace, coming to the bridge. Bringing out her tracker pad, the map coming to the screen, she sends a message out to two people. Then she continues out into the woods.

Plumeria is as pollen-ridden as ever. Giving a small sniff, Odessa pushes back large leaves. Coming to the center of it, the Heart-Blossom thrums with magic. It’s risen higher, standing above the rest of the kingdom. Walking through the trees, she is greeted by a few villagers.

Heading further out, she notes the additions of homes with sturdier foundations. Approaching a door she’s knocked on before, she grins when it opens, “Hi!”

Hydrangea shouts, “Odessa!” Wrapping her arms around her friend, squeezing tight, she kisses her cheeks in delight. “Oh my gosh, you’re here sooner than I thought!”

“Helps to have a hyperdrive.”

“Mom! Mom, Odessa’s here!”

There’s a loud crash, followed by apologetic mumblings. Scorpia comes from behind the wall, a wide grin spreading her face, the pink of her gums revealed, “Oooh, Odessa! There you are!”

“Hi, Scorpia,” she says, fully awaiting the crushing blow of her hugs, closing her eyes. She opens an eyelid, “What are you doing?”

Scorpia’s claws touch each other, looking unsure, “Do you want a hug? You’re older now, I’ve heard teenagers hate it.”

“I didn’t travel across the universe to not get a Scorpia Hug,” Odessa says, opening her arms wide. “Bring it in, dang it!”

Obliging, Scorpia crushes her daughter and her friend’s child in her arms. Shaking them to and fro, Scorpia says, “Okay good! Apparently, only you and Gea are into hugs at this stage.”

“I don’t let just anyone hug me,” Odessa explains. “You’re an exception.”

Cooing, tears in her eyes, Scorpia hugs Odessa tighter. Setting her down, she holds her hands in her pincers, “It’s so good to see you again! How have you been?”

“I’ve been alright,” Odessa replies, knowing she’s going to have to answer that several more times during her visit. Small talk is about as entertaining as a needle in your spine. She should know—not a single person she’s done it to liked it. Though, those same people would likely prefer casual conversation to a lumbar puncture. Entering the small home, a hearth holds a fire in its maw, the scent of stew wafting in her nostrils, much more pleasant. Nearby, a table contains herbal teas, a pestle and mortar resting beside dried flowers, fruits and seeds. She catches the smell of sugar, eager, “Are those what I think they are?”

Hydrangea smiles, “You bet! They’re about done. Come here, sit down, get comfy.”

Taking a chair, Odessa leans over the table, making mental records of the items on the table. She looks up at Scorpia, “Were you two busy?”

“Nope! We were tidying up a little so you wouldn’t find a mess when you got here, but you beat us to it.”

“It’s not messy.”

“Oh, good.” Relieved, Scorpia heads into the kitchen, hearing the ding of the oven. “I’ll be back.”

Hydrangea locks her fingers together, scales dappled by light outside. Chin resting on them, she asks, “Have you been here long?”

“No more than an hour or two.”

“I’m glad you’re back. I missed you!”

“I missed you too,” Odessa says, smiling.

Scorpia and her daughter, Hydrangea, are a handful of individuals that she is always thrilled to see. She converses with them through the complex network of telecommunication systems that her parents had installed before they had gone out to explore the universe.

Hydrangea’s bubbly demeanor makes her easy to be around, similar to her mothers. They were different in nearly every aspect of personality and interest, but they were together all the time when she would visit. Scorpia had been ecstatic to see them getting along, and Entrapta had said that the likelihood of their babies being fond of each other was high from the start.

Whether it was true or not, Odessa enjoyed having Hydrangea’s company regardless.

Scorpia returns, holding a plate, “Here you go! Be careful, they’re hot.”

Eyes alight, Odessa takes a peach muffin in her hands. Without a second thought, she takes a large bite. The heat and flavor coat her tongue, sending happy tingles down her back.

“Doesn’t it burn?” Hydrangea asks.

“It’s a good burn,” she says, licking the sugar dust from her fingers.

Scorpia sits across from her, “I’m glad you still like them! Did you not eat?”

“I had tea at Bright Moon,” Odessa replies, polishing off the wrapper of the first. Reaching for another, she says, “But I wanted to come over here. I knew you two would feed me.”

Hydrangea gives her a playful shove, “Des, you’re incorrigible.”

“No, I’m hungry,” she says. Looking around, she raises a brow, “Where’s Perfuma?”

“She had a meeting to go to, but she should be back in the evening.”

“Is she avoiding me?” Odessa smirks, suspicions confirmed.

“What?! No!” Scorpia waves her claws. “She wouldn’t avoid a person.”

Hydrangea places a forefinger to her chin, “Well, maybe a little. You did start a fire last time you were here.”

“I said sorry for that. I repaired the damage,” Odessa says. “How was I supposed to know that the drone was going to blow up? By all accounts, it shouldn’t have.”

“Fair, but you know how Plumerians are. We’re not exaaaactly known for being open to new inventions.”

Odessa keeps from rolling her eyes, “I’ll apologize to her again, if she likes. I brought a peace offering too. And, really, she’s acting like I burned the whole forest when it was just a small fire that erupted from the machine.”

Scorpia shakes her head, patting Odessa on the hand, “I know, little beetle. I think it just bothered her how it happened.”

“I promise I’m not going to do anything this time. I really thought the drone would deposit seeds more efficiently.”

Scorpia and Hydrangea nod, knowing she had good intentions. It was strange, but Perfuma held onto this grudge for a while longer than normal. It wouldn’t come up in conversation, and she appeared to have moved on, but when it was announced that Entrapta’s family would be visiting, Perfuma had been a little cold to the idea. And she left just shortly before Odessa had arrived.

Finishing up, Scorpia gathers the plates, “She is running around doing errands for right now. You can give her your gift when you come back tonight. I’m excited to see your parents!”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Agreeing, belly full, Odessa stands up, looking at Hydrangea. “Ready?”

“Yes! See you later, Mom!” Hydrangea tells Scorpia.

“Bye, girls!”

With that, she and Hydrangea go out of the hut. Trekking through the vast underbrush, the two come to a small portal, meant for planetary travel and nothing else. Rushing over, Odessa types in their coordinates. Hydrangea quietly squeals, palms put together.

They walk into a whirling mass of energy and heat. Stepping out, they inhale briny gusts, seagulls cawing overhead. In front of them stands a young man with arms folded, a cool look on his face.

“Tristan,” Odessa greets, expression equally frigid.

“Odessa,” he replies.

They stare for a moment. Then burst into laughter. He rushes over, grabbing her head in a tight lock, “You’re getting slow!”

“And you still never think!” Odessa yells, reaching around to pinch the nerve at the back of his knee. Flipping him over, she stands over him, giving a toothy grin. “See?”

Laughing, he takes her offered hand, “It’s good to see you! I’ve been so bored.”

“Aw, do you and Gea not hang out?” she asks.

“Of course we do,” Hydrangea says, rising on her toes to give him a friendly kiss on the cheek. “It’s just been a while since the three of us have been together. This is so wonderful!”

“Yeah, let’s go!” Tristan says, breaking into a light jog. “I got my boat ready!”

The trio run toward the docked vessel. Jumping onto the deck, Hydrangea looks at Tristan, “Where to, Captain?”

“Ocean bound for now,” he says, untying it from its post. “That sound good?”

“Yeah!” is the cry from his mates, and the boat is loosened from its position, anchor sliding up from the water. The sails unfurl, and Tristan stands at the helm. The winds pick up, as he predicted, and with his call upon the seas, the ship begins to dart across the water, droplets of seawater splashing them.

Pumping her fist into the air, Odessa whoops, hair whipping past her. Looking over her shoulder at him, she shouts, “Can it go faster?”

Tristan’s mouth spreads into a wide, devilish grin. One hand on the wheel, he reaches forward, lifting up a small, inconspicuous lid near him. He reaches in, pressing something.

In a moment, their surroundings become nothing but ocean and sky. The scent of the sea rushes through her nostrils, her friends cheering along with her. Wild giggles burst from Hydrangea, as Tristan hollers at the top of his lungs.

Odessa’s smile widens, noticing the rocks jutting out from blue waters. Hydrangea and she exchange glances before turning to Tristan. His composure doesn’t falter, narrowing his eyes, daring unforgiving elements to destroy them.

Calling out instructions, the sail is lifted. Readying themselves, Hydrangea climbs to the top of the mainsail, yelling out caution for rocks he cannot see, gripping onto the solid rail. Odessa keeps the rope tight in her hands, in case he needs more wind. Tristan steers through the rocks, seafoam crashing against stone and metal.

The sound of air in her ears drowns out all sound, the vessel cutting through water. Veering sharp turns, sea spray hits them. Rocks pass by in narrow pathways, so close Odessa could reach out to touch them. Then as quickly as they arrived, they propel through into the clear open sea.

Hydrangea comes down from her perch, laughing with Odessa. Tristan wears a contented grin, easing the speed to a more leisurely pace.

Sunlight dazzles upon the water, its light dancing on their forms. Odessa brushes away loose hairs, locking both of them in her arms, happy to see them again.

“That’s cool you went to Pilan,” Tristan says, taking a sip of his drink. “You’d been wanting to be there for a few years.”

Odessa waves at the waiter through the crowd. Her own beverage now refilled, she takes a large bite out of her food. Swallowing, she nods, “I know. I didn’t think we’d be able to get there before coming back to Etheria.”

Hydrangea leans back against the seat. Not bothering with her fork, she picks up a strawberry slice from her salad, “It wasn’t too far from your last stop.”

“Yes, but my father likes to keep a tight schedule, if he can. Mom’s more lenient but you know him.”

Joking, she asks, “Is he still a grumpy cactus?”

“He wouldn’t be my father if he wasn’t,” Odessa replies, affection in her tone.

Tristan pats his chest, releasing a light burp. Relaxing back, he adds, “That’s true. Apples don’t fall far from the tree—I saw you when someone woke you up too early.”

Odessa mimics his motion, giving a belch of her own, “And you never bothered me in the morning again.”

“You two are gross,” Hydrangea tells them, wiping her mouth with a napkin.

“You love us,” Tristan says, waggling his eyebrows.

“Do I?” She shakes her head at them, despite smiling. “It’s hard to tell sometimes.”

“If you didn’t, you’d have left,” Odessa chimes in. Then, looking at Tristan, she raises a brow, leering at him. “Although, she must tolerate you more than I do, because there is no way I would have allowed you to grow that on your face if I was home.”

Crossing his arms, Tristan flushes, “I can do what I want.”

“It looks like a fuzzy caterpillar is above your lip,” Odessa teases. She turns in her spot, grabbing his face to inspect it better. “Seriously, who said it was a good idea to let you grow a moustache.”

“I’ll have you know,” Tristan pushes Odessa away, touching the small hairs with his finger. “That everyone on my dad’s side can grow decent moustaches. Mine’s just taking a little bit…”

“I’ll say. You won’t have one like Seahawk’s until you’re 80.”

Huffing, Tristan sticks his tongue out at her.

Hydrangea waves her left hand, “I’m sure you’ll eventually get it! Although, it has been three months…”

Odessa snorts, cackling, “What? Three months and that’s it?”

Tristan glares at her, “I’m a late bloomer with this!”

“Riiiiiight. And I’m growing one out too, can’t you tell?”

Sinking into his seat, Tristan looks away, annoyed.

Hydrangea tilts her head to try and meet his gaze, “We don’t think it’s stupid.”

“I do,” Odessa says.

At Hydrangea’s disapproving stare, Odessa shrugs.

“You can grow it out if you want to. There’s nothing wrong with growing it out,” Hydrangea assures him.

“If you’re fine looking like that,” Odessa adds. Then she winces, a sharp kick delivered to her leg. Glaring at her friend, who gives an icy stare in turn, she relents, “B-But I more mean, well, I don’t think it suits you, is all.”

Tristan pouts further, bottom lip sticking out.

“Come on, Tris, I’m sorry,” Odessa says, hand to her chest. “I promise it’s not bad.”

He glances at her, “Really?”

“Yeah! It’s just been a while since I’ve been home. It’ll grow in. I couldn’t help teasing you.”

Sitting back up, Tristan keeps his arms folded, “Okay… Are you sure it’s fine?”

“Yep,” Odessa lies.

Pleased with the encouragement, Tristan resumes eating. Odessa almost exhales in relief. She forgets he can be pretty sensitive about his appearances. At his slowly improving mood, Odessa glances at Hydrangea, who takes a sip of her tea with demurely closed lashes. When she looks up, Odessa narrows her eyes.

She’s ignored. Hydrangea changes the topic of conversation, and the feeling of the trio goes back to lighter, informal chit chat. Odessa sighs internally. She knows she can be difficult with her inability to tell even the smallest fib, but damn, she didn’t have to kick that hard.

Meal finished, Tristan goes to pay while Odessa and Hydrangea leave the establishment.

Hydrangea raises a brow, “When are you going to learn to not say rude things?”

“Never,” replies Odessa. She shoves her, a little more roughly than usual. “And you didn’t have to kick.”

“You weren’t getting the hint. I would rather Tristan not break down in tears in public.”

“Ugh, he wouldn’t cry in public. He keeps that bottled in.”

“Until you go too far,” Hydrangea elbows her in the ribs. “Can’t you be supportive?”

“Gea, you know I have a hard time lying! You may as well tell me to hold my breath forever—it can’t be done.”

Sighing, she admits, “I know, I know, you’re not good with lying. But think of it as… omitting information, for right now.”

“Fine, I won’t be mean to him. In public,” she adds.

“Odessa…”

“Fine. I won’t be mean to him about his stupid moustache. Although, I will blame you for letting it happen.”

Hydrangea gives a smile, “Okay, that’s fair. He just looked so excited, I couldn’t talk him out of it.”

“That's why I’m here to convince him otherwise.”

“Ah-bup-bup-bup!” Hydrangea wags her finger. “No. He will learn, on his own time, it’s not a good look.”

Heaving a long, exasperated sigh, Odessa watches Tristan walk over to them. Deciding it’s time to go home, they sail back to Salineas. Once there, they dock the ship, though Tristan doesn’t start heading down the pier.

“What’s up? It’s getting late,” Odessa says.

“I haven’t seen you in forever, I’m not leaving yet. Besides, it’s boring at home,” Tristan tells her.

The three head to the portal. Putting in their destination, they are greeted by Odessa’s family in front of its arch.

Entrapta waves at them enthusiastically, “Hey! There you are.”

“Hi, Mom. Were you waiting?”

“No, we are on the way to Scorpia’s! Hydrangea, Tristan, hi!”

Returning the greeting, Hydrangea is pulled forward by Entrapta’s hair, her recorder in hand, “Tell me, since we’re here, how is the portal functioning?”

“Oh! It’s still in top-notch shape,” she answers, stepping awkwardly forward as she keeps up with the tech princess.

“Hey, Hordak,” Tristan says, coming up to him.

“Hello, Tristan. I trust you have been in good health.”

“Yeah, I have. The additions to my boat have been awesome!”

Hordak smiles, “Good. Is the speed to your liking?”

“Absolutely,” Tristan says. “Odessa can confirm.”

She nods, “It was a really impressive ride. You two made that heap of junk into a new machine.”

Tristan turns back to Hordak, chatting away with him about increasing the boat’s capabilities, while Hydrangea continues to converse with Entrapta.

It makes her think of when they were little. Her friends, she knew, were viewed as an extension of herself, and thus, they were treated accordingly by her parents. But she also was aware of the mutual esteem they had for her friends. Entrapta and Hordak were encouraging in her decisions to expand her social circle, but they also were the sort to be intolerant toward bad friendships. And by ‘they’ she means her father, who is far from willing to watch her be taken advantage of.

Scorpia is waiting in front of the hut, waving a large claw at them. Entrapta and Hordak are squeezed tightly against her chest once they’re in range, “Hi, lovebirds!”

“Hey, Scorpia! What’s new with you?” Entrapta asks, being set down.

“Oh, we’ve been busy! There are lots of new homes here, we’re expanding a little further south.”

Odessa goes to the nearest corner with Hordak, the two settling down on the couch. Tristan and Hydrangea discuss their own plans and time with each other, as Entrapta catches up with Scorpia.

Odessa glances at her father, “How’d it go with the king and queen?”

“Glimmer and Bow were welcoming, as normal. We discussed their latest plans for Etheria, and your mother and I said we would offer our services for anything technology-based.”

She nods, reaching toward the platter of cookies left on the table.

“How long were you with Aurora?”

“No longer than five minutes. Then I went to see Tris and Gea,” she replies. She glances at him, “You don’t mind?”

“Of course not. You are free to befriend who you want,” Hordak says, patting her shoulder.

Smiling at him, she turns in her seat, “Dad, by the way, I had some ideas while we’re here. I wanted to go to the Crimson Waste and get some specimens to dissect.”

“Does it include Etherian corpses?”

“Not corpses, per se. And I’m not grave-robbing. I wanted to find some old bodies to study.”

Hordak nods, “You’ll have more luck in the southern region. Will your friends be accompanying you?”

“I’ll ask them later, but for now, I’m going to assume no.”

“Would you want your mother and I to come?”

“That’d be cool!” she says, eyes bright.

He smiles at her, “We’d be delighted to ‘not grave-rob’ with you.”

Perfuma had sent a message saying she’ll be busy tonight. Despite that, the evening passed without any other event, and they all enjoyed each other’s company.

Odessa turns over a large boulder, “I thought for sure I’d find a body somewhere by now.”

“Your father said that it’s possible it’s changed again since we’ve last been here.”

Odessa knows this is correct. Sometime ago, during another expedition, they had learned that several oases had cropped up within the Crimson Waste. This makes searching for corpses, be it animal or Etherian, harder to acquire; in spite of its still severe temperature and environment, the organisms that called this territory home have been thriving since She-Ra and her parents aided them to harness magic in the sandy dunes.

“I suppose I should call it a day,” Odessa says, touching her chin. She glances at her mother, “But perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to explore for another hour or three.”

Entrapta grins, “Yeah, let’s keep looking!”

Splitting off into opposite directions, Odessa walks further along rocky terrain. She pauses when she finds Hordak gazing down at the dirt. Approaching him, Odessa looks at the Horde helmet beneath his feet, uncovered from years of being buried in sand; timeless and haunting.

Kneeling, Hordak lifts it up to inspect. He sighs.

“Dad, you know you can’t ruminate over it,” Odessa says, touching his shoulder.

“I do,” Hordak replies, wiping the surface, though there’s no sheen left to it. “I have tried to make peace with it, and for the most part, I have managed to move on from my mistakes.”

Odessa’s brow knit together. She’s never liked when he thinks too deeply about his past in the Horde, and the ramifications of it. Staring at the helmet, sharp wings barely visible, she asks, “What was our species like?”

“Pardon?” Hordak asks, turning to her.

“Our species.”

Hordak’s eyes narrow, placing the helmet back down, “We were Horde Prime’s loyal servants and soldiers.”

“But is that it?”

“There’s nothing more that can be explained.”

“Everyone comes from somewhere, however,” Odessa explains, rising to full height as he does. “Do you know anything of our species before Horde Prime decided to conquer other planets?”

Hordak’s expression falters. A scowl lining his features. “No.”

Odessa notes the tension in his shoulders. She asks, quietly, “Was that never a subject that was discussed?”

“Never,” Hordak answers, reaching down. He yanks up a bird corpse, still fairly preserved. Holding it out to her, he awaits her decision.

Satisfied, Odessa places it in a plastic bin. Never…? It’s hard to believe. She looks at him, “I know that Horde Prime could control you through possession via hivemind. But I find it interesting he never gave inkling to times before that. Were you always a colonizing species?”

Hordak stares at his child, “Truthfully, I don’t know.”

“Why?”

He sighs, discomfort settling in his chest. “Information about our kind is not an aspect of ourselves we own. When I was created, I hadn’t been alive as long as the others. For me, there was Horde Prime. And only him. However, there are clones who are on Etheria, or have left to travel the universe, that might have knowledge on the subject.”

Carrying her bin, Odessa and Hordak meet up with her mother, who had found other bodies to dissect, including an Etherian corpse of someone who had similarities to Double Trouble’s structure. A good haul. It may not be the most ethical activity, but she can’t very well open up living people.

Walking beside Entrapta, Odessa turns to her, “Mom, I have a question.”

“Ask away!”

“What do you know of Dad’s species?”

Entrapta’s brow furrows as well, confusion on her features. She sits back on her hair, scuttling along the dirt, “Nothing, aside from what we know involving Horde Prime.”

“Dad said the same thing. But there has to be knowledge from before that.”

“We never uncovered anything about Horde Prime that way. His species competed with the First Ones in expanding their respective sides throughout the universe. But there was never anything to suggest what life was like for your father’s species prior to the Horde. He was always there, as your father puts it.”

“Don’t you ever wonder why though?”

“Sure! All the time!” Entrapta replies.

Odessa smiles at her, “Then wouldn’t it be prudent to figure out what we can? Even a little research is important.”

“Ooh, we could collect fascinating data that way!” Entrapta says. Then she stares at Hordak’s retreating form. “What did your father say to you, when you asked?”

“Same things as you. Except he doesn’t sound as enthusiastic.”

Entrapta frowns a little, unsure.

“If it makes you feel better,” Odessa adds. “He did tell me some of his brothers might know, and to try there first.”

“That sounds like a good start!” Entrapta agrees, not feeling as bad now. She is the sort to pursue new, untapped discoveries, but Hordak’s found his past shameful and a source of great regret, one he still has never recovered from completely. If he gave Odessa the suggestion, then it’s likely he doesn’t mind her asking. She has always wanted to know. But not at his expense.

Grinning at Odessa, she says, “We’ll see who can help us!”

Odessa looks ahead, a cloud passing above them.

“Hey, are you okay?” Hydrangea asks.

Odessa stares out the window, chin resting on the back of her hand. She glances at her, “I’m thinking.”

“You’re always thinking,” Tristan adds. “What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve been thinking about my family. Not the Etherian one. My father’s side.”

“Are your uncles doing alright?” Hydrangea asks. “Do they need help with anything?”

“No, they’re all doing splendid. I mean that I’m curious about them, beyond what I already know.”

Tristan and Hydrangea glance at each other. He steps forward, “What do you want to know?”

“I want to know where we come from. Why we did what we did,” Odessa spins on the ball of her foot, a sharp grin on her features. “And I want you two to help me find out what that is.”

#entrapta #hordak #entrapdak #entrapdak fankid #odessa #spop #shera

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