In the Name of the Moon

Part One

The man stood on the strange plain, looking across the field at the desolation known on this world as the Fright Zone. He smiled to himself. This world was rich with energy, the energy of rebellion. Here he could gather plenty of energy to revive his love. The man waved his hand, and a smattering of flowers appeared. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn’t hear the robot coming up behind him. "Who are you?" it asked.

"I wish to see your leader, the one they call Hordak."

Hordak slumped in his throne, something he usually took pains not to do. It was looking hopeless, and Horde Prime was not pleased. No matter what he sent his forces to do, She-Ra and that band of idiots that called themselves the Great Rebellion thwarted them. He straightened up as the troopers brought the visitor in. "Who is it that wishes to speak with the mighty Hordak?"

"No one of consequence. I merely have a business proposition for you," the stranger replied.

"Oh, really. And what would that be?" Hordak sneered, hand poised over the trapdoor activator.

"You have a problem and so do I. I can solve you problem and you can solve mine. Together we both get what we want."

"And what problem do I have?" Hordak sneered.

"You seem to have, a, shall we say, pest problem. I can take care of your pests. You in return will find me the object I need to take care of theses pests."

"Hmm." He could see that Hordak was intrigued. "What are you not telling me?"

"Nothing, great Hordak."

"Give me some time to think it over."

"You have one hour. I will come back to hear your answer." The man swept out of the room, cape flowing.

"Who are you?" Hordak demanded.

"You may call me Malachite. That is all you need know." He left.

Hordak was dumbfounded. Who was this man who dared to come in and tell him that he had a pest problem, and to talk down to the mighty Hordak? But still, the offer was enticing, if he could deliver.

"Mrrrow, I don’t like him," Catra purred.

"Neither do I. Shadow Weaver, Can you find anything of him?" Hordak demanded.

"He has great magic, magic that I cannot penetrate. I cannot find anything out from him. But he one and we are many, Hordak."

"Yes, this is true. We can easily dispatch him if he proves less than honest."

Malachite smiled to himself, listening in on the conversation through Beryl’s crystal, a useful device. The Horde was easily duped, but they possessed the power to defeat the Sailor Scouts and retrieve the Empyrium Silver Crystal. Malachite could then overpower both sides and claim this small planet as part of the Negaverse. And with the energy of the planet, he could revive Zoycite, and together they would lead the Negaverse to glory.

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