The fright zone.
Sage seem to be parking a large skiff. The hordes way of transporting things as he unloaded most of the contents on it, along with other hoard soldiers. However not long leader one of the force captains, Grizzlor, is rather a tall, (not taller than Sage) grizzly bear like man. Walking up to him, clip broad in hand.
Grizzlor: report...
Sage look to the rather tall man and jump off the skiff. Landing in front of them and stood to his full height, which he was about a head taller then him.
Sage: We got supplies from the crimson waste, I even established a base there, More join our cause.
Grizzlor: You recruited some out there? You're objective was only to gather supplies. And to return a week later. you were a month late...
Sage: things changed and We were stalled by some of the residents...
Grizzlor: by a month?
The man glared at him, Sage couldn't care less and adjusted his eyewear. Looking at the boxes. His face showing no emotions on How or what he's thinking about.
Sage: We got the supplies and that's it. Mission accomplished. We even got more than we were supposed to get so I would call this a success...
Sage then Looks back at Grizzlor. His eyes glowing red with a intense stare, a cold calculated face making Grizzlor unsure of what he will do next. sweating a little.
Sage: Is there anything else I should know about?
Grizzlor holds his state back eventually backs off, letting out a puff.
Grizzlor: Shadow Weaver would most likely like to hear the report herself.
Sage grunts, his tail smacking the floor once. Before eventually he walks past him.
Sage: So be it, I'll let you take over things here then...
And with that Sage walked off, his long strides stomps against the floor as Grizzlor seem to let out of Sigh of relief once he got far enough and then command the others to unload most of the supplies.
Sage meanwhile made his way through the fright zone, most soldiers getting out of his way and saluting to him, the masks they wear hiding their emotions but their hands seem to slightly shake as they salute. Sage Doesn't pay them any mind and continue making his way to the barracks.
Ducking to get through the doorway, he glances around to see the barracks rather emptied. Taking a look around to see if anyone was here before hearing something in the distance, he tried his best to sneak but with his rather large body made it impossible. And by the time he made his way past the lockers he saw Catra, lightly mumbling to herself, sage tried his best to sneak up but immediately her cat ears shot up, and then looked at him.
Catra: Sage!
She immediately ran over to him and hugged him, surprising Sage as he took a second to register what was happening and hugged her back.
Sage: hey Catra... You don't usually run up to me like this...
Catra: what? I can't hug you?
Sensing something was off, Sage Looks at her bed. Or actually Adora's bed since They always slept together. Catra sneaking in and sleeping at the foot of Adora's feet, He noticed it was teared apart, pillows ripped and the blankets being covered in scratch marks and fluffy, He looked down at her, but she hid her face, looking away but not breaking the hug.
Sage: Catra... What happened?
Catra stays silent.
Sage: Was it shadow weaver?
Nothing... Which was concerning for him, usually she would react physically with her tail being the dead givaway. Who else could have possibly hurt her? He thought.
Sage: Adora? Where is she?
This got a reaction out of her, she visibly flinches, and then breaks the hug and Crosses her arms.
Catra: She left...
What? Left? Adora doesn't leave her side, ever...
Sage: Catra... You have to explain this. What happened?
Catra: Nothing! Adora picked up a sword and Swoosh! A light show later, she's in a Tiara!
Sage blinks... Tiara? Sword? That doesn't make much sense, only telling him that Adora... Might be a princess. Or an ally to them.
Sage: Ok... Tell me in detail-
???: Force captain Sage...
Sage looks over his shoulder to see Shadow weaver. A sorceress that hovers over to them, Sage faces her. Standing Straight and adjusting his glasses, Catra stepping a little behind him, But still has a view of Shadow Weaver. The women glares, and the room seeming to get darker, but Sage continue to have a neutral Expression.
Sage: Shadow weaver... Been a while.
Shadow Weaver: Much longer than expected, Captain... You were meant to return much, much sooner...
Sage: You should know the Crimson waste isn't a friendly place, not like the villages you and your people have been ravaging... The waste has fighters.
Shadow Weaver: Don't get mouthy with me, Captain...
The shadows surround both Sage and Catra. Sage uses his thick tail, and wraps around her ankle, as a means to keep her safe. Catra spooked and looks down, but relaxed when realizing it was him.
Shadow Weaver: You disappear for weeks, return like nothing happened and have the gull to disrespect me?!
Sage: It is simply a fact... You know I am not one to disrespect.
Sage stood his ground, His face showing no emotions other than his usual common calculated look, but his eyes seemed different, he glared at her, As if daring her to make a move.
Shadow Weaver: You are well aware of what you meant... Regardless, I Need to brief Catra here-
She tried to walk past Sage, making eye contact with Catra but Sage blocked her way.
Sage: before I allow it, what happened with Adora...
Shadow Weaver despite having the mask on, glared even more. The shadows around us seeming to become restless.
Shadow Weaver: step. aside.
Sage: Where. is. Adora...
Both parties held their ground, shadow weaver being a ruthless ocean current. As if it can sweep them away, Sage however stood tall, continuing to stare at her as he took off his glasses. Preparing for the worst , but after a few seconds his neutral, unfazed expression annoyed her.
The atmosphere grew more tense, so thick as if you can cut it and serve it to guests, Catra couldn't help but smile as he was probably the only one capable of standing up to shadow Weaver, She wasn't really sure who would win but would be more than happy to help Sage. Catra then notice the cadets coming back, Sage Glancing over to them. His expression softening as he let out a puff air, calming his nerves. Shadow Weaver also picked up the onlookers and stopped herself from lashing out.
Sage: If I see any wounds on her...
Shadow Weaver: unlike before... I do need her to find out what happened to Adora... That is fact, Captain.
Sage grunts, annoyed that she used his own wording against him but looked at Carta one more time. Giving her a barely noticeable, friendly smile before walking past Shadow Weaver. And Back to his cold look.
Sage: fine... But once you get a minute we're both going to have a talk, I need to unpack my stuff anyways...
Walking past the cadets, They saluted him, Kyle looking terrified while Lonnie and Regelio tried to hold their salute without showing much emotions themselves. He however didn't pay them any mind and made his way out.
Shadow Weaver: gone for nearly a month and He doesn't see the consequences for disobeying me for so long...
Catra: heh, He's the closest from taking your spot, second in command.
She had a smirk on her face and crossed her arms, shadow Weaver however did not take well to that comment and seemed to growl at her. The shadows growing more restless again.
Shadow Weaver: silence child! While it is true that he shows his worth, he is nothing compared to Adora! Now where is she!
as Shadow Weaver spoke, she gets a bit handy with Catra, seemingly caressing her chin before for forcefully grabbing it, making her stare into our eyes, catra Looking disgusted and backs off, snarling at her.
Catra: I don't know okay! She left us! For those stupid princesses!
Shadow Weaver: Do not lie to me, cadet. Besides Sage, you're the only one that's sticks to her... And since he was gone for all this time, that leaves only you.
Catra: I don't know all right! She left us! Left me! for some stupid tiara! She isn't the star child that you thought she was!
Shadow Weaver at her limit, explodes, the shadows consuming any lights, destroying the light bulbs and the cadets not wanting to know what happens next leaves.
Shadow Weaver: You will not disrespect me! And seen as to you're not willing to answer to me, you will answer to someone else in power... Lord hordak.
This made her flinch, Lord hordak was the leader of the horde, essentially the big bad evil guy, catcher only running into him a few times but each time it felt like her life was on the line if she said anything remotely bad.
_______________________________________
Meanwhile
Sage continued on his personal room, a courtesy when becoming a force captain. However as he was walking down the halls a familiar voice echo behind him.
???: Sage!
A bit annoyed, He exhaled out of his nostrils and turn to face the cheerful and familiar voice, force captain Scorpia.
She closed the distance and gives him a hug, she tried her best to lift him off the floor but he rolled his eyes at her, barely able to lift him off his feet.
Sage: must you?
Scorpia: Jeez your heavy, But! I managed to get you off the ground this time!
Sage can help but let out a soft chuckle, Scorpia looking surprised for a moment.
Scorpia: woah! You actually laughed! I've never seen you... Well, have anything besides a scowl on your face!
Sage: Can I help you with something...
Scorpia: And you're back to your scowl... But hey! You're back! Anything exciting happened?
Scorpia was one of the few who actually made Sage comfortable. Unlike everyone else it was scared, annoying or just avoiding him, Scorpia seems to be fearless in his presence. But her cheerful and carefree attitude was to everyone.
Sage: We got our supplies, I went out of my way to create a base there. Now we have a constant supply line from the crimson waste to here. It's why I was gone for so long...
Scorpia: neat! It was annoying when I had to go there to wrangle the supplies from there... does that mean we don't have to go there anymore?
Sage: Who knows, I doubt it but knowing the residents there they would probably get angry... Regardless, I... Convince them to join our cause...
Scorpia: really? They're pretty stubborn people. Their motto being the strong rules... Ooooooooh.
The dots connecting, Scorpia now realized how Sage managed to "convince" them.
Sage: And how was Catra and Adora...
Scorpia: they're great! I haven't really checked in on them today but, while you were gone they did their training like usual! I heard that Adora got force captain!
Sage was even more confused by this, she left but got the one thing she was training for all her life? Finally the rank of Captain... This was most illogical.
Sage: hmmm... I see... Anyways, I have to put away my things, I'll see you later.
Scorpia: oh. Okay! I'll see you later then.
He nods to the scorpion girl and continues on his way to his room. Scorpia waving to him "See you later!" Rolling his eyes at her enthusiasm.
Eventually he makes it to his room and it's nothing really special, however it was more fitted for his size considering his height and other appendages. Regardless he looks into the mirror and sees himself.
(You can imagine your own look, I guess if this was a video game this is probably where you would create your character... but here's mine)
He looked like an average human, however his face was rather furry, but not so much it gets in the way, He wore round glasses allowing him to see and instead of hair had very thick horns that shoot forward. As for clothing it's very similar to Adora's, however, The arms had no sleeves and it was more like a tank top with the force captain badge where his heart would be.
(Heavy inspirational, artist is argoniano22. Also, Sage isn't THAT tall.)
(Wait....)
(Whelp I guess it's true. He IS that tall...)
Anyways...
On the mirror itself had several pictures of Catra, Adora and Sage together while they were growing up. I like smile across his face when remembering the days when they were younger, how he was a lot more cheerful and playful. But when you got to the present day, he noticed how much has changed. Besides growing to be a giant, he expressed little to no emotion.
???: force captain Sage... Report to hordak throne room...
Sage lets out a grunt, annoyed that his time to himself was cut so short but. Had a feeling it had to do something with Catra and possibly Adora. Usually he was the one to keep watching them and if anything were to happen, he would somehow ended up being dragged into their mischief. Even if he had nothing to do with it...
But to Hordak? Usually it was Shadow Weaver... Unless she cried to Him for a more... Hordak punishment.
_______________________________________
Time skipped because I'm lazy...
Sage made his way into the throne room, seeing Catra forced to kneel before hordak while Shadow Weaver stood to the side, Hands behind her back and turned to Him.
Shadow weaver: Force Captain Sage, We were just discussing why you were absent for so long, outside of communications range as well...
Sage made us the way up the stairs hordak, Who at the time was getting modifications to his robotic body. Sage stood next to Catra and spoke in his usual deep voice.
Sage: It took longer than expected when the residents put up more of a fight than usual, I took initiative by creating a base and established a communication system not only back to the horde, but also with the residents. By following their terms and religions. I have made it so that they joined our cause...
Hordak had his back turn to them but when hearing Sage's explanation, he turned slightly to face him.
Hordak: Is that so force captain Sage. You do realize that our main mission is to destroy that forest and seize bright moon?
Sage: indeed, however with our constant need of more supplies and technology, the minerals found in the crimson waste take a long time to ship here. I have made it so that we no longer need to take long trips for minimum success...
Hordak fully faces them, shadow weaver bowing and Catra staying How she is, kneeling down, she glances at Sage and at Hordak, unsure what is going to happen, while Shadow Weaver glared at Sage who continued to stand tall.
Shadow Weaver: You will bow in the presence-
Hordak: silence shadow Weaver.
His stern and annoyed tone made shadow Weaver flinch, and backed off. Hordak finished with his augments made his way to the throne, sitting down and continued to look at Sage. Both seemed to have a silent conversation as They stared at each other.
Hordak: If what I hear is true, We can focus more of our troops onto The whispering woods? And have even the might of the crimson waste
Sage: Yes Lord hordak... However they only agreed to gather supplies, and not join the war front...
Hordak: hmmm... Regardless, this pleases me. Shadow Weaver spoke lowly of you, seeing you were disobeying... However, you took initiative to help the horde... I would let your absence slide.
Sage grunts, bowing his head slightly as acknowledging what he meant. Shadow Weaver however couldn't help but speak up.
Shadow Weaver: But my Lord! This force captain has gone out of his way to ignore our direct orders! My direct orders!
Hordak: yet he has shown more promise than you have for quite some time...
Shadow Weaver: But my Lord!
Hordak: silence!
Once again his booming voice echoed through the mechanical room.
Hordak: It is natural for communications to not be established in certain areas, you should know this while in the whispering woods... Regardless, we shall continue normal operations now that Force Captain Sage has returned.
Shadow Weaver: But my Lord! We're still down a force captain. That being Adora!
Hordak: I am aware... But I see one worthy candidate for the job....
The man looked at Catra, The cat girl noticing the silence and looked up to see hordak staring at her, her eyes widen. Realizing he means her.
Shadow Weaver: W-what?! But-
But this time it was Sage who silenced her, immediately staring at her as his eyes seem to glow brighter, an intimidating red stare as to shut her up.
Hordak: Catra has also shown a great record, Just like Adora, and should be compensated as such, rise force captain Catra.
Catra was amazed, not expecting such a promotion as she eagerly rised and approached hordak. Who opened his palm to reveal the same crystal badge that Sage wore. Catra looks at it, an evil smirk creeps up her face.
Hordak: You will continue operations under Shadow Weaver, your senior being Sage. And Shadow weaver...
Shadow Weaver who was still growling at the fact that Catra had gotten force captain, suddenly snapped out of her trance and looked at hordak, Who seemed the glare at the women's distracted behavior.
Hordak: our mission is to destroy the whispering woods... That will be all until further notice, is this clear?
Shadow Weaver: Of course, Lord hordak. My will... Is your will...
She said this through her teeth, doing our best as to not sound disrespectful or angry at the fact of this new promotion.
Hordak: resume operations...
The two women bow while sage put the fist over his heart As a form of a salute as they make their way out. One set of earshot and the mechanical's door closed with a hiss, shadow Weaver can help but let out her frustration.
Shadows weaver: Of all the people to reach Force Captain... It had to be you..
Sage: be lucky we have one at all...
Shadow Weaver: and you... Still disrespectful as ever I see.
Sage: I don't need my glasses to see that Catra is good as, if not more then Adora...
Shadow Weaver: don't... you... Dare...
Sage stares at her, annoyed but conceals it well... catra however smirks behind him. Enjoying Shadow weavers angry. Dispite her being one insult away from "throw a tantrum" Sage sighs.
Sage: it's a fact. Regardless... I need to bring Catra to her new personal room. Your powers seem to be fading while trying to be threatening...
As he says shadows do seem to give away. She took a sharp breath and The sorceress grumbling something.
Shadow Weaver: This isn't over... You are to report to my chambers immedi-
Sage: just brief me with whatever I missed, I'll teach Catra the basics of being a force captain...
Not wanting to talk to her anymore, Sage definitely place a hand catra by the shoulder and both made their way to Force Captain quarters. Catra couldn't help but look back one more time at Shadow Weaver to see her about the say something, but another sharp pain struck her. And she soon retreated to her chambers. Catra couldn't help it and chuckle to herself.
Catra: did you see the look on her face! Me, a force captain! I'll be calling the shots around here!
Sage: Yes. But you know she's going to be much more harsh with you right?
Catra flinches at the mere mention of Shadow Weaver's name. She lets out a sharp breath.
Catra: Don't even think about her, She's a total nightmare, yeah. Always has it out for me. I just don't know what her problem with me is.
Catra complained, leaning a little more against Sage, with a frustrated flick of her tail. Sage raises a eyebrow.
Sage: Well things are definitely changing...
We arrived at her room. It is a bit more spacious than Sage's, making him look around.
Sage: huh... Your room is much more comfortable, Bigger.
Catra: Must mean I'm more important!
Catra also began exploring her own personal room. It being mostly the same, besides it being wider then his.
Sage: Oh yeah, I remember this room now, wasn't this the janitor's closet?
Catra: It is not!
Catra ears pin back and her tail fluffed up a bit. Sage chuckled lightly to himself.
Sage: I know, I'm just teasing. I'm proud of you you know... But anyways what Did happen with Adora?
Catra mood drops, looking annoyed and crossing her arms.
Catra: I! didn't do anything, it was her when she found that stupid sword...
Sage: I know that... But how did you find that sword...
Catra stays quiet. Looking away as if worried for giving out the answer.
Sage: you went with a skiff... again...
Catra: .....Mayyyybe?
Sage shook his head, not approving in that since taking one of those are pretty dangerous. Not for them... But if someone finds out.
Sage: and where did you drive this skiff?
Catra: Just... the whispering woods...
Sage: the enemy territory... Catra...
Sage glares down at her, crossing his arms, Catra looking mote nervous. Acting like a kid being scolded.
Catra: it's not my fault! Adora crashed it, and kept going on about some sword she found there! And when I got to her again... So left me...
Sage glare softens, hearing the sincerity in her voice.
Sage: She wouldn't leave us for an item... Was it... Hmmm... What about the rebellion?
Catra: she found out their were some... Ugh. It's not important!
Sage: it is... She must of found out they are actually good people... bout time...
Catra: *High pitch* What?! Your GLAD this happened?!
Sage: She was going to find out regardless. She always was a pure hearted person...
Catra scoffs and looks away. Knowing her too well and agree with him silently. But doesn't want to admit it, Sage however had an idea.
Sage: we should join her.
Catra if she wasn't surprised now, she definitely is now, she looked back at Sage with wide eyes. Staring at him in disbelief.
CAtra: wha- After I got force captain!? No way!
Sage: Hordak doesn't care what rank you have or who you are... He only cares for his work. It's better if we all joined the rebellion with Adora.
Catra: No! After everything I work for! I finally got the recognition I deserved, I'm not going to throw it away!
Sage: even if it's Adora...
Catra felt like saying something, but held her tongue looking away from him again with a light blush.
Catra: N-No... She's come back...
Sage: I have a feeling that she isn't...
Catra: SHE WILL! *Take a deep breath* I know it... Now shoo... I gotta... Make my room.
Sage didn't believe that for a second. But decided not to push further for now. He walked up behind her and Pat her on the head. She flinched but did not push his hand away.
Sage: Fine... They would be best if we get back together... Either she joins us, or We join her...
Catra: Yeah, whatever...
He let out a frustrated sigh but decided to leave. Crouching to get past the doorway and made his way... anywhere really. Understanding that this might be hard for her.
And silent thought crept into his mind... What of Adora? She was gone now. Or that's what he knows, not captured... But left. And that idiot Catra refuses to leave over a medal...
Sage: Might as well stay... Whisker's going to get herself hurt if left alone...