“Mission in the Kingdom of Snows” PART 2 (Despara Au)

Notes:

You must read the first part here:

Chapter 1 ✨

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In this a Despara story, the events take place shortly after the events of this mini comic: Despara Minicomic

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Scorpia's unease grew as she tried to balance mentally reviewing the plan with keeping an ounce of grace walking in that tight black dress. All the while, she scrutinized her surroundings with distrust, as if anticipating an imminent attack, and voiced all her concerns aloud.

"We'll be crushed as soon as they see us! The princesses have never shown sympathy for my family, and now, with everything that's happening..."

Catra, who appeared imposing in Scorpia's eyes - lacking a word that truly defined what she felt when seeing her in an elegant burgundy suit and jacket - , exhaled with apparent boredom as she looked around.

"Just make sure you play your part of the plan and keep your mouth shut," she whispered patiently as they walked across the ice bridge leading to the majestic ice palace.

Upon reaching the entrance, they were surprised to find more people than they had expected. The kingdoms of Plumeria and Salineas had fallen to the Horde's most recent attack, losing their precious Runestones due to Despara's actions. The princesses and inhabitants had been forced to seek refuge in other kingdoms, yet judging by the number of people crowding the entrance, no one wanted to miss the party.

For Catra and Scorpia, two dangerous members of the Horde, infiltrating this gathering of resentful princesses posed a significant risk. What if Scorpia was right and it was a trap? But even if they were captured, or worse, killed on the mission, it wouldn't provide a strategic advantage for the Rebellion either. Despara no longer cared about anything or anyone, and the loss of a couple of soldiers wouldn't stop her, Catra thought bitterly.

Nevertheless, Catra still wondered why Scorpia had received an invitation to such a significant event in Etheria during these gloomy times. Perhaps it was a mere formality, and they anticipated she would decline the invitation? Or maybe the princesses held hope for a temporary truce, if only for tonight? Catra had to force herself to stop these intrusive thoughts if she wanted to focus on the mission.

"Do you think Lonnie and Kyle are in position? We haven't received their signal in a while..." Scorpia asked, tapping the hidden communicator in her ear.

Lonnie and Kyle played a crucial role in replacing the castle's royal sentinels, thus avoiding weapons inspection (the Rebellion might be stupidly naive sometimes, but not naive enough to keep letting anyone into their realms without prior registration). Meanwhile, Rogelio waited in a hidden skiff behind the glaciers, ready to provide support from the outside.

Almost as if they had tuned into their thoughts, a voice emerged from Catra's discreet earpiece. "Catra, you can proceed now. Kyle and I are in the security control area. Moving on to phase two," Lonnie's voice resonated through the communicator.

A wave of relief washed over Catra upon receiving this confirmation. Knowing that Lonnie and Kyle were in position indicated that the operation was underway, getting closer to its objective.

Catra and Scorpia headed toward where Lonnie and Kyle were waiting, dressed in their respective disguises. Catra could barely contain a laugh as she saw them, comically bulky in their fur coats. Catching Catra's amused gaze, Lonnie grumbled irritably as she superficially scanned them with a deactivated weapons detector, while Kyle did the same with Scorpia.

"You took your time," Catra joked. "Let me guess, Kyle used the stun baton on himself again."

Lonnie snorted loudly, confirming Catra's suspicions. She glanced sideways at Kyle, who was moving oddly, as if his legs had a mind of their own, a side effect of the baton’s electrical attack.

"I had to revive him. Don't ask," Lonnie spat through clenched teeth, while Kyle shrank under his oversized coat. Catra stifled a chuckle and made a gagging gesture. With the registration process complete, they were granted access to the palace.

"Good luck!" Kyle said, trying to offer support despite his trembling. It wasn't clear whether it was the result of the electricity, the cold atmosphere, fear, or all of the above.

"Stars, I don't know how that guy has survived this long," Scorpia marveled as they entered through the grand ice door.

Chapter 3 

Art: Iria Abella

Script: Henar Torinos

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