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Chapter Text

Before Prime’s defeat

He didn't remember much after he was released from his pod, everything was hazy. Strange. He couldn't describe it. He was cold and dripping from these strange liquids as hands grabbed him and cleaned his body. Aided in dressing him. He was quiet. Unsure. But he was sure of one thing: he had an undying loyalty to Horde Prime.

~*All are welcomed in Prime’s light* ~

He was their everything, their light, their source of life and they owe everything to their creator. A clone is what he is and he is one of Prime’s perfect creations. As such he allows Prime to do anything he sees fit. Questioning him is forbidden; he knows best after all.

So he did his duties in battle or simply standing at his posts. That was their duty, their very existence to live. Occasionally, if things were urgent or he did something wrong, Prime would use his body as a temporary vessel for whatever needed to be done. He should never question the actions of his creator.

~*Horde Prime knows all*.~

-– — —

A change occurred. Visitors arrived and their lost brother was returned. Though he was very…different. He had no knowledge of a clone that was defective or that a brother could look like that, but he guessed those changes were the cause of the defect so he did not question further. He knew he shouldn't question his creator.

~*No stray thoughts in the hive mind*~

He kept those curious brainwaves to himself and made sure to only keep his mind on one thing: praising Horde Prime in their undying loyalty as it should be. He did not want to be exiled like the lost brother. Prime knows best after all, and none should think anything that wasn't about serving their creator with utmost loyalty.

They learned to welcome a new guest and take in their lost brother again. Things went about as usual.

-– — —

As he went about his duties he noticed their defective brother trying desperately to fit back in. He guessed things changed from when he last served Horde Prime. It made sense. He was still astonished that a clone would even try to take a name. What a strange thing to do. He knows Horde Prime forbids it, yet he chose one anyway? But it seems that the defect regrets his actions and is desperately seeking redemption for his sins. Maybe he can help the defective brother get more acquainted that way it will be easier. After all, Horde Prime mercifully spared the defect; he must still be useful.

~*Horde Prime knows best*~

-– — —

During the time the guest stayed on the Velvet Glove, a situation occured, and now they welcomed their new little sister. They never had a sister or at least one he remembered. Maybe the past generations of clones might have, but they never shared it. So he went on and continued his duties. Though, he still never understood how anyone would not want to bask in the light of their creator. It was perfect. It was peaceful. Why fight it?

-– — —

Horde Prime is angry, enraged even. Apparently their new sister was stolen by this magical being. He resisted the urge to jump when Horde Prime snapped at a few clones, he understands. Horde Prime is upset that these creatures are not understanding that what Horde Prime is doing is to make the universe better, they are a backwater planet after all. Makes sense, even the defect brother couldn't convince this planet to join in Horde Prime’s light. If they did not want to join willingly then Horde Prime will have no choice but to destroy it. Some creatures are just too stubborn.

Why be stubborn? What's so hard to understand that Horde Prime wants to save everyone and help? He helped the little sister? He even spared a defect when he could easily destroy it. Strange. Very strange.

-– — —

He couldn't believe what he saw! The defective brother shot their creator! Why! No clone ever even thought anything negative of their god, let alone shoot their creator in the back and disobey a direct order!? What was this defect thinking? All his other brothers were too shocked to even stop the clone, but when they tried they were ordered to stand down by Horde Prime himself? What's going on? Does he not need help? Of course not because he's their creator he can handle anything!

Right? He can handle anything. He knows what's best.

He apparently was going to make the defect an example and pay for his crimes for disobeying and attacking his god, allowing a lesser being to corrupt him. He did not want to think about it but… he felt bad for the defect. He did not understand but when he saw the defect gaze back at the lesser being he had a certain look. The same look a clone has for Horde Prime. Admiration? Love? Clones love Horde Prime. Every clone does, so why would this clone look at this female the same way he would look at their creator? It was confusing. This love seemed so much stronger than any love he has seen any clone give their creator, what was so special about this being to get that much love? So much love that the defect betrayed their creator? Why? Would he get in trouble for thinking this? Apparently not because Horde Prime took the woman by the hair using the defect’s vessel and left, down to the planet. All he and the brothers could do was watch their creator conquer another planet.

But not this planet. This one appears to fight back. Why fight?

Why…

-– — —

…

What just happened? He did not understand, Horde Prime was gonna destroy the planet but the magical being stopped him.

He is gone.

Horde Prime is gone? No… NO! IT CANNOT BE! Is it a trick? Horde Prime must be planning a secret attack? He must be alive!.

OH NO, IT IS NOT. THE HIVE MIND!!

OUR CREATOR!!-

-– — —

The clone opened his eyes when he felt something massive disconnect him from the hive. He felt like this heavy blanket was lifted, something he didn't even know was weighing him down vanished. And when he looked around he gasped at what he saw.

Other clones look different, each of them had different color eyes? Why? They are all supposed to be the same? Are they all defective now? He did not feel defective? No, he does! He can't hear anyone's thoughts! He can't hear Horde Prime!!

“OUR GOD IS DEAD!!” A clone screamed as he fell to his knees sobbing.

A few clones jumped back and fell on their rears. He joined them. “No!” He did not know he could sound so devastated. He was not supposed to show too much emotion yet he looked so panicked and scared. He did not understand, nobody did. Others panicked with him.

The clone gasped at the sobbing brother, Prime? Gone…

…

The throne room was filled with sobbing clones until a sound was heard and a screen popped up.

“Brothers!! Horde Prime is gone! It's okay!!” A voice came from the speakers.

It was a clone’s voice but the clone did not look familiar? It was a normal clone but their eyes were different and his hair was unkept and messy.

“Everything will be fine! Horde Prime was a bad ruler and his defeat should be celebrated, it's okay brothers. I know it's scary at first but it will be better,” the brother reassured in a cheerful tone through the projecting screen.

“Yes! Wrong Hordak is right, it's gonna be okay everyone! We’ll help you guys get acquainted with Etheria soon! Look at Hordak! If he could do it alone then it's gonna be very easy to help all of you!” Entrapta made her appearance on the screen.

One clone snarled at Entrapta, “DEMON! TRAITOR!”

“THEY TOOK OUR GOD,” another wailed.

The same purple hair female that the defect protected was on the screen, he noticed the two clones with her. The very cheerful one he guessed was the ‘Wrong Hordak’ and the defect who now had his red eyes back appears to have kept his name again. But names were bad?...

“Stay calm! We will help you guys out, please don't throw things at the projector,” Entrapta requested as she shut off the device.

The clone frowned and pinned his ears back as he looked to the floor.

Horde Prime? Bad, but how? He made them. He was their creator? How was he bad? But if he's gone, who is gonna rule them? What is his job? Do they follow the defect? He would suggest the cheerful ‘wrong Hordak' as a leader but he does not seem to qualify while the defect did technically kill Prime? Do they follow him? He does not know, he does not understand if he is allowed to think these thoughts.

“What do we do?” More tears fell.

“This must be a trick!! Horde Prime cannot be defeated! He is all seeing and powerful,” another clone snarls, refusing to accept the truth.

“They are lying to us! Trying to control us! We will not give in!” The clone tried to rally the others but they were still in shock and mourning.

He had no idea what to think. “Why is Horde Prime bad?” His ears pinned down in both confusion and sadness.

He perks up when he hears the screen come to life once more, a few clones snarled at it.

“Hello brothers! We are having technical difficulties! The queen is making a decision with Hordak and Entrapta at the moment! But we returned! We will be there to collect you all soon!”

“You corrupted fools will not take us!!! Horde Prime is merciful and kind!” A clone sneered.

Wrong Hordak frowned.

“He destroyed innocent planets and killed millions, he didn't care about anything but power, that's not a good ruler,” Wrong Hordak explained, though it was a very bad explanation. “He's rude and mean. He is no ruler like the princesses.”

Hordak rolled his eyes and flicked his ears. “What he means to say is, Horde Prime believed that only he and he alone can bring peace to the universe, only he had the power to save everyone when in reality, he wanted to control everyone. Those he cannot control he destroys, he does not like what he cannot control because it is deemed a threat. And those threats might rise against him, so he kills them before they can try.”

That was slightly better to understand, though still confusing for the clone. Was it really that bad? He wanted peace. What is so bad about that? Wait? Control? That is bad.

“You are lying!!” The clone that hissed his eyes was still Prime’s acid green. “What Prime was doing was helping those who cannot see his light,” he narrows his eyes and flexes his claws, “you are too much of a coward to come down here!!”

“I told you some would not fully accept the truth, it is going to take awhile for them to acclimate.” Hordak glanced down at Entrapta, crossing his arms.

“It took Wrong Hordak a minor crying session to accept it,” Entrapta beamed.

“It's true, brother!” Wrong Hordak grinned.

Hordak lets out a defeated sigh of irritation at the clone with a name similar to his own. “Yes, well you and the Archer boy-”

“Bow,” Entrapta lifted a hair strand.

“Yes, him. The both of you scrambled his mind so he is not exactly all there on some things.” Hordak gestures to Wrong Hordak and lowered the tips of his ears.

“Didn't it take you years and the past few weeks to accept Prime is evil?” Wrong Hordak smiled with a slight head tilt in Hordak’s direction.

Hordak pinned his ears and snarled at Wrong Hordak, narrowing his eyes in warning. The screen shot off for the clones.

The clone was so confused with all of what's going on “I… don't understand…” he sat down. He did know their creator had a temper at times and did mistreat some clones by throwing or damaging them but that was understandable? Wasn't it? He had no idea anymore. He felt liquid streaming down his face, something that he never experienced before. He put a clawed hand to touch it and noticed the liquid was leaking out of his eyes. His eyes widened and wiped the floor until he could see his reflection. He gasped.

His once acid green eyes are now a bright lavender. More tears fell as a sob escaped his throat. He curled up and just cried, he didn't understand why he needed to cry but the emotion felt most logical so he abided and folded his arms around his legs, letting the liquid run down his face as a shuttering sound came soon after.

-– — —

The doors opened and a group approached. Some clones lifted their heads at the new company but he still kept low.

“Aww some of them are crying! Maybe we should go up there and comfort them!” A new voice. His ears flicked.

“Ya. Doesn't mean they’re all trustful, some look ready to attack,” another female voice warns, flicking her ears and flexing her claws.

“I… agree with Catra.” He sounded very upset at himself for even saying that. “We must proceed with caution if we go up to the Velvet Glove and collect some of the docile clones.” Hordak crossed his arms.

“Why not all of them?” Adora asks as she looks at the many different ways the clones decided to grieve.

“Because one wrong move and these clones might uprise and attack out of fear.”

“Ya, and they aren't easy to fight off.” Catra whipped her tail.

“I'm sure if we give them a good hug they will calm down!” Scorpia grinned.

“Not everything is solved with a hug, Force Cap- I mean Princess Scorpia, but it can be a start. We need to take this slow.”

As they spoke one clone got to his feet and rushed forward. “TRAITOR!!”

“LIKE THAT!” Catra snarled and was about to attack but Entrapta grabbed him with her hair.

“Oh, he's very unhappy,” she frowned.

“Sorry about this.” Scorpia used her stinger and knocked him out.

The clones screamed in shock.

“Oops…sorry to scare you guys…”

-– — —

With the help of this magical being with what seems to be vines, they put the clones who refuse to back down and believe Prime needs to be avenged in the cells for now until they manage to rehabilitate them. The more docile clones they approached with caution but warmth as they tried to be gentle and let the clones get comfortable first.

“So what is your name, blue eyes?” Perfuma smiled at one clone.

“Clones do not have names,” Hordak reminded her.

“Uhh then how do we tell them apart if they don't have names?”

Adora tilts her head a little. “Maybe we can use numbers maybe?”

“That could work,” Hordak nodded.

“Ohhh that's interesting!!” Entrapta was circling a few clones. “So, your species each have unique eyes to differentiate! That's fascinating. I'm gonna add it to my notes on your species.” Entrapta took out her voice recorder and started talking as she examined a few clones.

The clone with lavender eyes was just watching, confused and a little scared of what to do. Are these people going to lock them up too if they admit that they did not fully understand Prime being bad. If so, what would they do if they were attacked? Fight back? Surrender? Conform to the alien race? They did not know. He does not know.

“Hi there!” Wrong Hordak grinned.

The clone jumped and bared their talons to protect themselves, ears pinned back for a moment; they did not like being snuck up on.

Wrong Hordak backed up, ears lowered in worry before perking up again. “Apologies, I just noticed you were in the corner. Would you like to meet my friends?” He smiled warmly, the clone was unused to this.

The clone was quiet for a moment, studying this ‘wrong Hordak' before shifting their eyes to the group he called his friends. He was hesitant before glancing back at the clone. “Is it safe? They won't throw me to the cells?”

“Unless you attack, no,” he tilted his head.

“I will not.” His ears and arms lowered but he rubbed his claws on his clothes, something he subconsciously did to relax himself.

“Well then, let me introduce you!” Wrong Hordak started to walk towards the group as the clone hesitantly followed along with him.

“Brothers! I want to introduce you to one of my other brothers, I found him in the corner looking a little nervous so I brought him over.”

The clone pinned their ears down and glanced at their feet, uncertain why they were nervous but the sudden eyes on him caused that reaction to further his emotion.

“Hello!” Scorpia grinned, clicking her claws. “Oh! Pretty eyes,” she complimented.

The clone ears flicked up a little at that, that was an odd praise. He never heard of a type of compliment like that before. Horde Prime rarely praised a clone and never praised physical features. At least from what he knew.

“Guess he doesn't know how to say thank you,” Catra muttered to Adora.

“Clones are not used to receiving compliments, Catra. Any compliment a clone gets is from getting a job done, nothing else.” Hordak eyed his ex-Force Captain with a sneer. His ears flicked back.

“Well, anyways,” Adora stepped forward between them as Entrapta placed a comforting strand of hair on his shoulder. “Everything is gonna be okay, I know right now it's scary. Losing someone you idolize and devoted your life to, trust me I know the feeling. I lost someone as well,” Adora sighs but smiled at the clones, “but over time you will understand that it's for the best.”

“How so?” The clone speaks finally. “I do not understand what was so wrong that Horde Prime needed to be destroyed?”

“Gee, maybe killing planets for one,” Mermista deadpanned.

“They don't know any better they were brainwashed, of course they are gonna think he's a… good guy?” Scorpia gently tried to reason.

“Are you the new leader then?” The clone turned to the two clones. He suspected one of them to maybe take leadership if their big brother is absent now, but he wasn't so sure of the Wrong Hordak. Maybe the red eyes defect?

Wrong Hordak looked confused and waved his hands in surrender. “I'm no leader.”

The clone turned to Hordak to see if he would be their leader then.

Hordak's expression was one of shock and slight worry before answering: “No one will be taking Horde Prime’s place. Our main focus is to get all of you to coexist with this planet until you form your own identity and live your own life.”

“Own life?” The clone pondered before looking up at Hordak. “You mentioned you made your own life,” he turned to the purple hair alien, “and you mentioned you made that one your friend.” His eyes flicked as he thought. “Do I need to make a ‘life’ and ‘friend’ too?” His lavender eyes quirk up a bit.

“Well… it's a start.” Hordak was hesitant to answer, in truth he wasn't exactly sure how to answer. He himself still needed to figure some things out.

“I made friends with Brother Bow and Entrapta! Friends are good to have,” Wrong Hordak grinned, clapping his hands.

The clone nodded. He made a mental note. If he was to succeed in this mission to make friends, to ‘live’ a new life, then he will complete his first task. He knelt down to the group and bowed his head. “Very well. I will make it my mission to make a friend.” He thought before looking up at them. “How does one make friends?”

“Uhhh…” Some of the group members were hesitant to answer that question.

“Maybe I can be his first friend?” Bow suggested.

“He seems to want to find one himself?” Glimmer shrugs.

“It would be best to let him complete his mission, or else a clone will feel like a failure if their task is not complete. Clones who fail their mission or have a tick are subjected to be purified in the cleansing pool,” Hordak explained grimly

Catra's fur stood up as her ears flicked down, her tail curled close to her body as she shivered at the mention of it.

Adora took notice of Catra's discomfort. She frowned.

“Isn't that the green pool thing that electrocutes you?” She asks hesitantly as she places a hand on Catra's shoulder, looking to Hordak for an answer to her question.

Hordak gives a slow nod. He glanced at Catra for a moment before averting his gaze.
He remembers vividly how he was cleansed multiple times more than once yet he still somehow could not be rid of his memories.

A few of the group members gasped in horror. “Why would anyone WILLINGLY DO THAT TO THEMSELVES!” Perfuma gasped.

“Because Prime brainwashed the fuck out of them,” Catra narrowed her eyes.

Entrapta wrapped her hair around Hordak's hand as comfort, he gently rubbed her hair with his thumb before turning to the clone. “Remember the task of…making friends is not easy. The basis is to find someone who shares the same interest and similar thinking as yourself, but, since you do not exactly have your own identity, your first mission is to find yourself before you can find a friend.” He uses a tone similar to one commanding a soldier to make it familiar to the clone.

The clone felt at ease to have a job to do and perked his ears up and straightened himself, he then realized: how does one find their own identity? It made no sense. No data In his mind could come up with a similar word to help him understand.

“I think we need a small school or camp for these guys to find their identity first. Oh let's start with names!!” Scorpia grinned.

“Shouldn't they name themselves? Hell Wrong Hordak doesn't have an actual name,” Catra rolled her eyes.

“Oh right. I still need one.” Wrong Hordak giggled at that

“So then that's what we do first: we find them names then we can start with activities and get them to come out their shells.” Adora spoke up with a cheerful tone.

The clone felt a bit better, though very confused. They at least knew they weren't going to get destroyed or imprisoned, but how does one get a name?.

Chapter Text

During the day, the princesses were setting things up to keep the clones contained in the area; they ordered them to stay close.
The clones look like lost puppies seeking guidance, which wasn’t a surprise.

Perfuma smiled at one of them, “I love how they all have beautiful eyes! Ohh, this one has forest green eyes, so pretty!” Perfuma made a flower appear and put it in the clone's hand.

The clone raised an eyebrow and lowered one of his ears as he studied the flower. “What type of organic material is this?” it asked.

“Those are marigolds, they match your eyes so perfectly,” she placed the flower behind their ears and grinned.

The clone was confused, but they liked the flower name. “Marigold?” They repeated the word. “It sounds… interesting”

Perfuma gasped, “Do you wanna name yourself…uh…Mari?” She offered.

The clone smiled a little and nodded. “Mari? Yes. I like that,” he declared.

“Guys, one of the clones found a name!!” She calls out to the group, who was taking time in helping the clones, part of Hordak's and Catra's punishment for their crimes when they wasn't rebuilding they had to used their extra time to help the clones, Catra was very reluctant but Hordak didn't mind and did wanted to help his people in a positive acclimation then what he went through.

The clone with the lavender eyes was still struggling to find a name. He looks at the flowers, but none seem to catch his interest. Did he even have an interest? He had no idea. He just stood there looking confused.

He glanced at other clones having a little easier time finding their names and made a mental list of them.

One clone with yellow eyes was named Iqra, another with these interesting bright cobalt eyes called himself Milo, and one with fuchsia eyes named themselves Keira.

They all found their names relatively easily, but he struggled; he didn't know why. Names seemed to come naturally to them, but he didn't see the plant names or suggestions fitting.

Entrapta watches as each princess takes a group of clones to name, and so far, they have succeeded. However, she noticed a few clones still struggling. She hummed, “Maybe I can create a name generator if it would make it easier on you guys, and if you find a better name, you can change it later?”

“You can change names?” One clone asks

“If you want to,” Entrapta shrugs and rushes off to make the device. “Kadroh, you're in charge of them!!”

“I still cannot believe he changed his name to that.” Hordak rolled his eyes.

“Aww, he really liked being called wrong Hordak and found it very unique.” Entrapta giggled at her lab partner and used her hair to pull him close so he could help her with the device.

“Brothers! Who does not have a name so far? Raise their hand,” Kadroh called out in his usual cheerful tone.

A few clones raised their hands, and lavender eyes hesitantly raised his, looking uncertain.

“That's okay!! We will help you find a name!” He winks at them

A few clones were confused, “Did your face do a facial tick?” one asked.

“No that's called expressing, brother Entrapta showed me how to do it, why don't we try that while they make the name device?” Kadroh encouraged.

Hordak lets out a heavy sigh as he watches Kadroh teach the clones how to wink from afar. He shook his head and handed Entrapta a few tools. “He can be such a fool sometimes, how does winking help with finding a name?” he scoffed.

“Well, it helps them break from Prime’s influence; it's what helped him.” Entrapta smiled, lifting her face mask as she worked.

Hordak couldn't help but watch her work on the device, how her hair acted like extra limbs for spaces she could not reach.

“That makes sense. I guess I am still getting used to…all of this,” the clone glanced at his hair, dyed back to a deep blue, but one hair strand didn't take to the dye and stayed white. He guessed it might still be some aftereffects from Prime's possession; his body was still a bit sore and hurting, not even counting his nightmares. He shut his eyes and clenched his fist.

He felt a hair strand on his shoulder.

“Besides, look how happy they are at trying new things.” One of Entrapta's hair strands gestures to the crowd of clones.

The lavender-eyed clone attempted to wink, struggling since he isn't used to using this much facial expression. He managed to wink and looked to Kadroh to see if he did it right, “like that?”

“Yes! Excellent!! Wasn't this fun, brothers!” Kadroh's grin never left his face as he clapped his hands together.

The lavender-eyed clone couldn't stop a smile spreading to his face; he accomplished something. It felt good to experience praise; he liked it. He winks again, his smile widening.

The other clones kept trying and enjoyed the little winking session as they chatted amongst themselves and the new sensation.

Kadroh turns to entrapta and Hordak and gives them a thumbs up with a wink.

Hordak rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop the small smile that spread on his face. “Is the machine complete?” He glanced down at Entrapta.

“Just a… few more… AHH!! Got it!!” She programmed a search and downloaded from her datapad every known name, except for the ones of the princesses, which would get much too confusing.

“Okay! Since you guys are struggling this tech will help finding a name easier, who wants to try it!” Her hair puffed from excitement.

A few clones stared, but none were brave enough to step forward.

Hordak sighs, “Let me demonstrate how the device works.” he walks up to Entrapta.

“Hello random clone press here!” Her hair strand pointed to a button.

Hordak was confused for a second. “Entrapta, I wasn't gonna pretend I'm a cl- never mind.” he does as she says, presses the button, and steps back, folding his hands behind his back.

The clones watched with intense interest.

The device beeped to life and started to show three dots. After a minute, it came up with a random name on the screen.

“There. I will now be named” Hordak glanced at the screen. “Dylan,” he turned to the clones.

“Hello Dylan!” Kadroh waved to Hordak

“Kadroh, I'm not actually going by that name, it was just an example.” Hordak facepalms but hoped the clones got the memo.
“Now who's next!! Step right up!!” Entrapta bounced on her toes, but a few clones were still hesitant, “Okay, here!” She snatched one clone, making them yelp as they were grabbed by a strand of hair and yanked to the device. “press that button and you will receive a new name!”

The clone hesitantly did as told, watching the screen load until a name popped on screen, “Ka-cie?” The clone spelled out, “It says Kacie.”

“Well, do you like it?” Entrapta asked the clone to ensure they were happy with their choice, “you can always go again?”

The clone thought on it, their golden brown eyes pondered before lighting up a bit, “I like it,” they smiled.

“Hi Kacie!!” The clones cheered.

“Okay now who wants to step up?” Entrapta turned to the group

This time, thankfully, the group walked forward and waited for their names to be picked, excited to see what names they would get.

Many were happy with their choices, while a few went again until they were satisfied with what they got.

When the lavender-eyed clone was up, he pressed the button and waited until a name appeared on the screen.
.
.
.
Aston

“Aston?” The clone says, confused, he didn't have a feel or eye sparkle when the name rolled off his tongue.

“Do you like it?” Entrapta smiled

“It… doesn't feel… right, no,” the clone shakes his head.

“Go ahead and try again.”

So he did, he pressed the button and waited.
.
.
.
Ciaran.

Again, the name on the screen doesn't fit; he can feel it inside him somehow. No sparkle, “May I try again?”

“Sure, go for it,” Entrapta shrugs.

The clone pressed the button and waited.
.
.
.
Kye.

The clone frowns; he didn't like this either. He stepped back. “I don't like the choice.”

Entrapta frowned. “Uhh, it's fine. We can try to find a different way to getcha a name later. Don't worry,” she said, patting his shoulder with a tendril of hair.

The clone lowered his ears in a droopy way and walked to the side for another clone to pick a name.

“Aww, not the droopy ears, that's too cute,” Entrapta mutters, but turns to the other clones and lets them pick their name.

Kadroh walked over. “It's alright. Names are hard, I'm sure you will find yours soon,” he encouraged.

“Are you sure, brother? The choices on the screen didn't feel… right?” He tried to explain his feelings, but wasn't sure how to describe them. When he sees the other clones finding their names, their eyes lit up. He didn't feel that.

“Well… uhh,” Kadroh was struggling to find his words.

Hordak stepped forward to help.“What exactly are you looking for in your name? What kind of name are you searching for? More feminine or masculine? Short or long? Deep meaning or random?”

The clone looks to his defect brother, he wasn't sure but he thinks on it “I'm unsure of the first choice, but maybe something… simple… but meaning, I want it” his ears perk up as he thinks, his hands raised in thought “ i want the name to suit me, to feel like it's part of me. To have a meaning that I know is… me?”

Hordak nodded and thought, “I might be able to tweak the device to help with that,” he noted.

The clone looks at the defect, a little surprised that they were willing to help him so much, since he was a single clone. “Are you sure you wanna waste so many resources on a single clone?”

Something was seen in the defect’s eyes as he turned to the clone, “You are not just a single clone, not anymore.” His tone held so much passion, as if someone had insulted him, “We were stripped of many things, but now we are allowed to have names, a life. We are allowed to make our own choices. You may be a single clone, but we are more than that now.” He placed his hand on the clone's shoulder. “We can choose for ourselves now, and if it means we have to put more effort in, then we will.”

The clone felt touched by that speech; he heard a similar one when the defect declared to Horde Prime his own identity. He said his name with such pride. That's how he wants to feel; he wants to say his name with the same pride. Smiling, the clone winks, “Very well, brother. I am eternally grateful.”

Hordak was confused by the wink, “Uh, yes, of course.” He walked off, but Kadroh ran up to him, grinning, “What an amazing speech, brother!! That was very wise.”

Hordak grumbled at him, “I merely could not let the clone feel so small. This program is to help them become their own person, and if that means working harder for others, then we will do it.” he knew firsthand the feeling of not being good enough; he didn't want his brothers to feel that anymore. Things will change, and he will make sure of it.

“I'm just excited to help so many brothers! Look at so many perked ears!” Kadroh gestured

“Yes, yes,” Hordak walks back over to Entrapta and informs her of tweaking the device to add meaning to the names so it will be easier for the clones to feel more chosen.

Chapter Text

After a day the clones who still didn't have a name formed into a group, there were 3 tables. Each table the princesses was at.

“Okay last night the princesses and I had a meeting and we decided we will try this way, you will go to each table and pick something you feel a connection too.”

He walked over to the first table with Perfuma and Scorpia “this table you will pick a word you like” he went to the second table with Mermista and Frosta “this one is a element or item, same thing, you feel meaning to” he went to the last table with She ra and glimmer “and this one you will find a meaning that suits you” he then walked over to Entrapta who had the machine “you will put all of it into this machine and the machine will pick a name to perfectly match you” he smiled, folding his hands behind his back

A few clones ‘ooh’ curiously

One stepped up “may I be first?” They asked, their golden eyes shined

Hordak nodded and stepped aside

The clone stepped forward to the first table and looked at the cards he picked, one that said ‘joy’ the clone then moved to the other table and grabbed an object, it was a yellow ball, tilting his head.

“It's a sun” Frosta smiled “I couldn't find anything other then that so pretend that's a sun”

The clone was confused but walked over to the last table and read the words, the phrase ‘new beginnings’ caught their interest so the grabbed it and collected the three items and walked to entrapta who scammed the items and watches the machine as it loaded and after a few minutes a name popped up

“Asahi, it a Japanese name that means morning sun or new beginning, if often associated with a fresh start” she smiled “seems fitting for a clone” her hair puffed a little as the clone smiled

“Yes. It fits perfectly!! I like it “ they grinned “I have a name!” They clapped their hands together.

A few other clones got excited and took a go at it as each of them got a name to suit them.

The lavender eyes clone cooed curiously at the new tinkered machine.

“Your turn brother!!” Kadroh gently shoved him forward as the clone stumbled but did as told and went to the first table.

He looked at a few words and picked one word that he felt connected to, passion. Yes that he can see himself being. He was always passionate when he worked and served prime. Yes prime is no more but he always was passionate to do his jobs, maybe he can use that to do new jobs, smiling as he went to the next table and looked around. He noticed a box with liquid in it. He grabbed it and moved it around

“It's supposed to be the ocean” Mermista in her bored tone tells him

“I see? Is it actually ocean water?” The clone asked

“Uhh ya” Mermista rolled her eyes

The clone was a little confused but went on his way and went to the last table and looked at a few words, he didn't really feel connected with some until his eyes locked in one. He picked it up and read it
“Shadow of god? What does that mean?” He asks

“Uhhh” Glimmer glanced at Adora who equally looked as confused “imma be real we didn't really pick these” adora rubbed the back of her neck

“It means to give protection.” Hordak helps to give meaning to the phrase

“Oh… that makes sense,” the clone agreed. He collected the items he picked and goes to the machine he was slightly hesitant when it was scammed and started loading a name, his ears lowered only to perk up when a name popped up

“ Zael is a gender neutral name, meaning shadow of god, it signifies protection, guidance and strength. It could also mean one who has strength of the sea” Entrapta smiled “that's interesting, she glanced at The clone “do you agree with the name”

The clone eyes lit up, it makes a lot of sense, he may not serve his creator anymore but in a way it fits him, he loved it “yes! Yes I love it!!”

“YAY YOU FINALLY FOUND A NAME!!” Kadroh snatched the clone in a hug

The clone hugged him back “I have a name!! I have a name!!”

The princesses smiled, they were feeling better at helping these clones find themselves.

Chapter Text

The week was a big day for everyone, the princesses had to figure out exactly what to do with the clones.

Zael listened in as the Princesses and the defect agreed, groups seemed to work faster to get these clones to learn about themselves better and maybe make some friends.

“Okay so we will admit we have no idea what to feed you guys so we brought snacks while we set up the stuff okay” Adora hands out a box of fruit.

Asahi takes out a banana and looks at it
“Is it edible?” He hesitantly took a bite. Clones only had amniotic fluid given to them by prime, they do not know anything about real food.

“Oh no!! You're supposed to peel it first” Glimmer winces when the clone spat it out. Thinking the banana was bad.

“Here look” Perfuma carefully peels it and the orange so they understand “now it's safe to eat” she smiles

“Is it deadly if we don't?” One asks hesitantly, fearing it by the other clones reaction

“No… it just won't taste good” Perfuma smiled with a slight eye twitch.

The clones were hesitant but tried the fruits and found they really liked it.

Some even started to share some fruit with each other while others didn't want to share, which makes sense. The clones had their own personalities and were allowed to express it freely.

Kadroh offered Glimmer a strawberry, who thanked him and took a bite.

Zael was chewing happily on his strawberry but noticed one fruit and studied it “what's this called?”

“That's a dragon fruit” Perfuma explained “it's mildly sweet but really good” she cuts one and gives him a small piece

Zael takes it and nibbles it only for his eyes to light up, grinning he asks for the whole fruit and starts to happily eat it “this is very good! I like it, a lot” he chirps

Perfuma giggled “well there's other fruit on the table for you to try” she offered the selection

He smiled “thank you Princess Perfuma” . He walked over to try other fruits, they were also tasty but he preferred strawberries and the dragon fruit as his favorite. He made a mental note about it. And walks around, seeing what the other clones were doing, he attempted to share with a few.

Scorpia was watching the clones and grinned “they are doing so good! They seem to really love the fruits more than the meats or dairy, some even have preferences” she gestured to the group of clones who have various fruits, some prefer lettuce while others liked mangoes or bananas and some preferred only strawberries, it was very interesting.

Kadroh had a peach in hand, he mixed strawberry and peaches, he happily chirped “fruits are so delicious” he had juice falling down his face.

“Uh Kadroh, you got something on your face,” Bow snickered. Pointing to the juice dripping down the clone's chin.

The clone tilted his head but felt the juice “oh” he used his sleeve to wipe it away.

Hordak was more civil and had a plate and a napkin as he plucked a few strawberries and ate it, handing a few to imp who was perched on his shoulders.

A purple hair snatched one strawberry making an imp screech in annoyance.

“~Day 7th log 20, the clones seem to have preferences of different fruits. It appears they are slowly growing individually, even going into groups, some are still staying alone, it appears with further testing we can help them better to acclimate into etherian society~” Entrapta talked to her recorder as she took a bite of the strawberry she stole.

Zael sat alone. He didn't exactly find friends yet, but he stuck close to a group of clones. He wasn't part of the group but he was close to them for comfort.

“Okay so we know what to feed them and now they have names, now what?” Mermista was leaning back in a chair.

“Ya what else do we gotta do” Catra was eating a banana. Her tail flicked.

Scorpia, tapping her chin suddenly gets an idea “hobbies!! Let's get them some hobbies! Everyone has one, let's have them learn hobbies and if they have similar hobbies they have friends” she clapped her claws together excitedly.

Catra groaned “man, how long is this gonna take, I'm tired of this, let's just leave them be and get on with a real community service” she huffed, she was told to go as extra community service but she preferred to just work on buildings.

“Catra! These poor clones ARE people! They were stripped of so much stuff we were allowed, at least you had a name, and somewhat of a childhood and friends, they have nothing!!” Adora snapped

“Oh ya sure, being terrorized by shadow Weaver was a life worth living” Catra snarled

“They had NOTHING!! There had to be some happy moments in your life?” Adora shot back at her friend

Catra growled. Pinning her ears back and whipped her tail, looking down, she had Adora. That was it. But it was still something.

“They were grown in a tube, then when they were ripe they got released and sent to war or jobs that Prime put them on, right Hordak?” Entrapta added, she witness it herself when her and bow was looking around the ship, she was mainly looking for Hordak

Hordak nodded “a clone gets programmed into believing Prime to be all powerful and as our God we take orders and fallow, nothing else was taught to us, no social skills other than military and the clones that decided to go farther and win his affection, they would be appointed higher status”

“Oh so if you kiss ass then you get a high status, makes perfect sense” Catra rolled her eyes, she hated this damn community service she wanted to just leave.

“Horde prime was practically our God, some believed if we win over his good favor we will feel special, we will be an equal. To be more than another clone” Hordak tried to make it sound like any clone thinks, but there were feelings hiding under it.

“The main thing is, these clones need to learn to find themselves and be their own person. They don't need to be a clone of Prime and to be themselves. This is why we are doing this, so unless you wanna rot in jail then go for it. But if you wanna finish this community service soon then do as I say as your new Queen” Glimmer put her foot down. She didn't really care for the clones herself but this needed to be done.

Catra lowered her ears and looked down “fine, but I don't wanna help these damn clones, just ship me to fix the damn water princess home” she narrowed her eyes.

“What are hobbies?” Zael asks, tilting his head. He decided to move closer to the group.

“Hobbies are fun activities!!” Kadroh chirped “you can have as many as you like! Uhhh like…” he tried thinking of some.

“Meditating” Perfuma offered

“Or drawing” Scorpia took out pen and paper

“Or bot making” Entrapta added, showing multiple blueprints of tiny bots with her hair tendrils.

“Pretty much an activity that isn't really useful but it's something to do on your pass time” Glimmer crossed her arms.

“And you can have multiple?” Zael eyes widen in curiosity.

“Yes, some people even write as a hobby, OHH I JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING!!” Perfuma bounced on her toes “let's give them all journals and let them write whatever they want, they can write how they feel and so that way they can develop more of a personality!”

“That's… not a bad idea, let's try it” Glimmer agreed and teleported off.

“Where did she go?” Zael looked around confused and a bit worried

“Oh she'll be back, she always does that” Bow reassured him

Glimmer reappeared with a few boxes filled with journals “here!!” She starts handing them to the clones “do what you like with them, they are your personal m jurnal you can write and do whatever and decorate it however”

A few looked at it and got confused “we clones have perfect memories we don't need this?” One states.

“This feels interesting” one clone was rubbing the leather cover, fascinated

Zael was looking at his own, he opens it and noticed it was asking for the book owner name
Name? He has a name now! He held the pencil glimmer gave him and wrote his name, grinning proudly, he now understood the defect, having a name and accepting it is very inspiring, he turned the page and read it

Bio
—------

Age

Nickname

Hobbies

Likes

Dislikes

Favorite color

Favorite food

Facts about me

Zael was confused about the questions so he did his best to answer them all

Age? He's not sure, he was born mature “brother, what does this question mean?” He asks Kadroh

Kadroh looks “oh it's asking your age!”

“We clones don't have age?”

“Umm, right” Kadroh was confused himself

“considering you're a younger generation, say in your 20s” Hordak suggested, he himself was an older generation in his late 30s.

Zael nodded “thank you brothers” he smiled and continued writing in his journal, sitting crossed legged

“Fascinating! How did you tell?” Entrapta popped up behind Hordak

“Clones can be noticed by their age by their skin, the older they get the darker their skin is. Some clones even show age in height and our ears get sharper and longer. There's many ways to tell, I noticed Zael is lighter, his ears slightly smaller and his height especially. He's a younger generation” Hordak described.

“Fascinating!” Entrapta shut the recorder off when Hordak finished talking “this will really help my research now that I got more info on your species and help me better help them!” She grinned

Zael smiled and went back to his journal.

Where was he? Oh yes! He was now on the nickname.. he needs help again.

Apologies my brother's but I need assistance again.

Hordak sighs but walks over

“What's a nickname”

“Oh I know that one!” Entrapta bounced over “it's an informal name used to replace a formal one, often giving rise to familiar or humorous terms.” Entrapta explained “like for you your nickname could be Zae” she offered

He smiled, he likes his name as it is but he wouldn't mind the nickname “that sounds nice” he agreed, he was getting used to this.

He wrote down the nicknames.

“I still do not have a hobby?”

“We are gonna work on that today, we can do groups and see which activity you like”

Catra groaned but gets up to get to her selected group

Glimmer made an announcement
“Okay you all have names and journals, we are working as best as we can to help all of you” she sees a few clones mumbled to themselves, some didn't care for the journal while others held to to their chest, Zael was one of those who held his close to his chest, he only had it for a minute and was already attached to it.

“Okay we are doing this camp style, everyone is gonna go to a selected area of hobby and after an hour we will rotate, if you feel connected to the hobby write it down or something, let's hope this works” glimmer started to assign the groups and get them put in their selected areas

“This is working out better then expect” Entrapta bounced on her toes

“I agree this was a better idea” Hordak nodded

Zael was put in the meditation hobby with Perfuma, he set his journal down but kept it close to him as he did as told and tried to meditate.. he wasn't good at it, he closed his eyes and breathed but he didn't what happens now? He didn't feel different.

A few clones were as confused but some found it peaceful by now neutral, their ears settled.

“What's the point of this hobby?” A clone finally spoke up

‘Least he didn't have to’ Zael thought as he opened his eyes to look at his brother

“To relax yourself and just let nature surround you” Perfuma smiled

“I do not get this” the clone shrugs, ears pinned back a little in slight annoyance

“Well meditation isn't for everyone, here tea usually helps to calm yourself” she pours some small cups of tea

The clone tried it but yelped when his mouth got burned, pouncing to his feet

The others doing the same as a natural reaction to protect another

,”SORRY!! I'm sorry I forgot to say it's hot!!”

“You harmed me!!!” He hissed, his ears pinned back all the way, fangs bared a reddish orange

“No I didn't uhh” she quickly looked at the name tag they gave after the clone got their name “Lucero, I didn't mean to harm you, I just forgot to tell you to blow on the tea, im sorry” she calmed the fearful clone down

Lucero snarled but he got out of his defense stance, the others doing the same.

Zael relaxed but he still was in heavy alert inside, he didn't really care for this activity

“Okay here try again” she offered the tea

Lucero hissed at it but this time he blew on the tea and tried It again hesitantly, it wasn't as hot but he didn't enjoy it, he sets it down with a small scowl on his face

“Okay so not your thing” Perfuma muttered “glimmer times up yet?”

“Ya think so” glimmer had the group go to a different area.

Tech?

Interestingly he walked over, only to gasp when he nearly forgot his journal he rushed over and snatched it, brushing dirt off it and followed after the group, he saw brother Hordak and Entrapta, he smiled. He trusted them, he walked over to see their activity.

“Okay we are doing something very simple, making a tiny bot!!” Entrapta had scrap metal scattered for everyone

“You just put these pieces together, weld it and add this adorable little chip inside and THERE YOU GO!! YOUR OWN LITTLE BUDDY!!” she held her new baby.

Zael was confused but he went to try it. He attempted to remember the steps but he did best with clear instructions, she wasn't really good with her instructions. He end up messing up and the bot wasn't perfect like hers “mines imperfect” he frowned

“That's okay! Imperfects are perfectly fine, they are just unique” Entrapta smiled and as she said that her hair wrapped around Hordak wrist and pulled him close.

He grunted but smiled down at Entrapta, his facial expression softened instantly.

Zael tilts his head and looks down at the bottom, it barely could stand, but it beeped at him. He shrugs and puts it on his shoulder, it fell, he quickly catches it “tech may not be for me” he admits

“That's okay!! This is all for fun” Entrapta grinned

He nodded and grabbed his journal, he noticed his brothers were still building theirs and he still had time so he just opened his journal to his first page and stared at his name, smiling as he drew some lines around his name. Curling the lines and making it look nice, he wrote his name a few times in different ways, without even knowing it he was purring quietly, it wasn't a cat's purr it was deep and low but still audible.

Hordak noticed, but said nothing, he watched the brothers make their first bots. Some did it perfectly while others couldn't finish in fear of the blow torch

“Fire!!” One screeched waving their hand on pain

“Easy, here” Entrapta takes out a first aid kit “I had it happen all the time” she puts ointment and wraps up the burn, adding a sticker “better?”

The clone tilts his head and poked the sticker “the pain is still there… but it does feel less painful”

“The ointment will help numb it, you'll be fine” she reassured, patting his shoulder with her hair

“You okay brother?” Zael asked, lifting his head from his jurnal he was doodling in

“I am, it just hurt” he frowned “I do not like this hobby” he pushed the metal away

Entrap snatched it and made another robot and let them be buddies.

“It's not for me either” Zael shrugs

“What are you doing brother?” The clone got curious and looks over at his journal “you can do that?”

Zael shrugs “Queen Glimmer says the journal is ours and we can do what we like, correct?”

Hordak nodded “you can do as you wish to it”

Zael smiled “I like my name so I keep writing in it and these things?” He pointed

“You seem to like to draw” Hordak pointed out

“That's drawing? I didn't know” he looks down “it is enjoyable” he smiled

“Okay switch” Glimmer announced

The injured clone cooed curiously, ears flicked but perks up and grabbed his own and goes to switch to the other hobby area

Zael followed after, he wanted to stick close to that clone since they shared an interest or at least one dislike of a hobby.

Thankfully it was something he found out he liked, drawing.

“Okay so this is arts and crafts!” Scropia grinned “ there's many types of art, painting. Drawing, cutting papers, anything!!” She explained

“I was told I drew, does that count?” Zael shows his journal.

“Ohh you already started drawing!! Alright!!” Scorpia clapped her claws together “okay so this should be easy for you, here let's do a simple thing! Draw yourself, should be easy” she chuckled

Zael smiled, he was very familiar with the clone anatomy, he started drawing but when he created it, it looked like a brother, but princess Scorpia said to draw himself? He looked like every clone. But. If they were to be unique then he had to make it how… he wants to be, who does he want to be?” He thinks about it, he looks down at the drawing. He placed it aside and grabbed another paper, this time he grabbed a colored pencil, he colored his eyes purple, he looked at the hair, he erased it and stared at it. He was confused now. He glanced at his brother's hair. They was all slicked back, some were a bit messy but they all looked the same. He glanced back at the tech table, he saw brother Hordak hair was slicked back but he had a strand poking out, but his hair was blue and had a white streak in it. That's unique?.

He felt his own hair, it was slicked back.

He turned to Kadroh whose hair was messy and a light pink color.

He frowned and felt his hair again, glancing at Scorpia, looking at her hair, it had a swirl. He liked that, smiling he messed up his hair and tried to copy the swirl

The clone with the injured arm glanced over but gasped “you messed your hair!”

“I want… to look different” Zael admits he smiled a little and drew on the paper. His picture now has messy swirl hair. It wasn't exactly how he felt but close enough. Now to add color… what color, there were so many to choose from.

“You can do that?” The clone was curious.

“I believe so, look at brothers Hordak and Kadroh. Their hairs aren't like ours” he gets used to the two clones that broke away from the hive mind “they are different. I… I want to be like that” he admits. “The assignment is to create your own personality and make a friend, a personality that isn't the same, isn't perfect.” He explained what he knew so far “if I'm to complete my assessment then I need to find my own identity” he smiled “and I always found my hair slicked back a little hard to keep, i don't mind it a bit messy” he admits.

“This is gonna be harder than I thought” the clone sighed, his mint green eyes narrowed in thought. Combing his hands through his hair but instantly fixing it before stopping. He was tempted to leave it how it is. But he likes his hair kept. He finally slicked it back but left the end a little messy.

“Slow steps brother” Zael smiled. “Now I need to figure out colors,” he wondered. Staring at the many colorful pencils.

“ I can help with that," Scorpia walked over. “Do you want random colors or matching?”

He thought about it, he glanced around, that seemed to help give him ideas. He glanced at flowers and remembered one flower caught his eye, he walked over and plucked one up and walked back over “I like these colors. My eyes are lavender but the blue is lovely, not as dark as brother Hordaks hair but a nice blue shades”

Scorpia nodded and plucked the colors and hands it to him “go crazy, see what you can come up with” she winks

He grinned and winked back before grabbing the colors and starting coloring the hair, no plan in mind just coloring what felt right.

“What do you think?” He shows Scorpia

“OHHHH that's so cute!! After the whole hobby thing we should buy some hair dye and give you guys makeovers!!” She giggled excitedly.

“Hair dye?” Zael tilted his head

“You know the stuff to change your hair color. Hordak and Kadroh use it. It took a whole day for Kadroh to decide which color he wanted” she snickered at the memory of the poor clone struggling with choosing what color so he decided he will change it however he feels.

“Oh! That's how they change their looks, I didn't think of that” Zael lowered his ears in slight embarrassment.

“Hey, you're fine. You guys will get the hang of it” she smiled “your guys are doing great so far. I can't wait to see how you guys become your own person”

Zael smiled, his ears perked. It was natural for a clone to seek approval and he was one that always sought it to make sure he wasn't a burden.

After the day passed everyone was tired and went to call it a night. Zael went to his shared tent, he took his uniform off and laid down on his cot and cuddled his jurnal to his chest. He was successful today. He was excited about that. He was growing.

Chapter Text

The clone was very scared, and Prime was upset at them. A mess was caused in the hallway where the intruders escaped and caused a big hole.

“How could you let them get away!! All of you will clean this up and report back to me or so help me. I will dispose of all of you!!” Prime snarls at the clones.

The clones resisted the urge to wince. Except one who pinned their ears down slightly. Prime was always intimidating when he was upset. He usually wasn't upset but when he was every clone was on alert.

Prime walks off, shoving a clone out his way as he stumbles forward. Nearly falling. Prime could care less.

The clones looked at another before getting to work on cleaning up the mess

‘Why is Lord Prime so scary?’ the clone thought ‘what did we do to be under his wrath?’ he flinched ‘no he shouldn't think this! Prime is all knowing! He must know best! We might not be trying hard enough! They'll be better! He'll be better! He doesn't wanna be disposed of like the last clone turned defect!! He doesn't want to be torn from the hive mind, forgive me prime for my thoughts!!’ The clone flattens his ears and tears up. Quickly wiping his tears he got to work.

‘Are they good enough?’

‘he’ll make sure to do better to make Lord Prime happy’

He closed his eyes but green was flooding his vision. He felt like he couldn't breath before a painful shock ran through his body. All he could do was scream until a bright light appeared in his vision.

Zael gasped awake and flung himself up, he checked himself. He wasn't in the purification pool. Was it only a dream, or a memory? He whimpers and folded his arms around his sides and curls up, it was a bad memory. The more he took the princesses' words about prime not being good the more he realized that Prime wasn't really kind to them. The clones always were on edge when prime was around, they loved him right? Or .. was that just fear masked as love. He wasn't sure anymore. He felt for his journal but didn't feel it, his eyes widened and he threw the blankets off and searched for his journal, he saw it on the floor and snatched it, holding it close to his chest.

“Everything okay brother?” One clone asks, yawning.

“Yes. It is now” Zael sighs. He rubbed the cover of it, frowning. He checked the time “it's early”

“It's the normal time we usually awake. I just miss my pod” the clone gets up and grabs their clothes.

Zael yawns “then why do I feel so tired” he mumbled, grabbing a small coloring packet princess Scorpia gifted everyone to have and doodled on the cover of his journal

“You seem very attached to yours. I haven't opened mine yet” the clone combed his hair back like they always have it. Neat and combed back, no mess.

“It was gifted to me by queen Glimmer and. I like it, I love expressing my” what did princess Scorpia say? “Artistic side” he found the words.

“I have no idea about the craft table. It was confusing” he grumbled “but the cooking table was pleasing”

Zael colored his journal a pretty purple and just made many swirls. He opened his journal and noticed his picture he drew. He grabbed it and goes to a mirror
“Pardon me brother.” He looked at the picture then at his morning hair and started stylizing it.

“What are you doing?” The clone raised an eyebrow, moving to the side to give Zael some room to do his hair.

“Fixing my hair. I grow tired of it always being combed back. I want to express myself. I always liked mine a little messy, I wanna try something” he focuses on trying to get his front strands to curl but it was a struggle, he grabbed the cream they used to keep it slicked back and instead used it to keep his curls in place”

“Have you gone mad?” The clone was baffled at what he saw.

“I'm just doing as the princess is teaching us” he sighs “I had a bad dream. It was about Lord Prime. I usually loved dreams with Lord Prime but this one… it scared me. I felt like any moment I was gonna be banished. I felt fear. It was scary. I don't wanna live like that anymore. I like it here. I like drawing. I like the new fruit we are trying” he perks his ears, narrows his eyes, keeps his journal close".I want to move on.”

The clone listened as he spoke before sighing “ Lord Prime… had his moments, but he had reasons. His temper can be scary but sometimes things happen” the clone lowered his ears

“But should we always be in fear? The more I think about it , the more I feel scared!” Zael lowers his ears more and frowned “I couldn't take it anymore”

“Brother has a point I used to shake when Lord Prime was upset” another clone with light green eyes joined in on the conversation, the clones always used to sleep together so the princess gave them large tents where they could group together.

“He said it might be a defect for me to always shake and I had to be purified a few times when he noticed, I couldn't help it” the clone lowered his ears “it was so scary when he yelled!”

“Can you all lower your voices!!” The last clone groaned “I wanna get some extra sleep in”

“We should be awake anyways get up Brother” the clone who has his hair kept frowned, shoving at the still in bed clone

Zael sighs and collected his journal after fixing his hair “let's meet up with everyone for breakfast”

The clone growls at his brother but gets out of bed, not caring to fix his hair “I call the oranges”

“There's plenty for everyone”

“But they're my favorite!!”

“There's plenty brother calm down” Zael checked his name tag “oh Lucero, you were in Perfuma meditation!”

“Yes and I disliked it, the tea tasted odd I don't want to do it again” he huffed and got dressed real quick “will we get new clothes?”

Zael shrugs, he would like to change his clothes.

“What's so bad about wearing our uniform?” The clone was confused

“Uhh well” Zael looked for the clone name tag but noticed he didn't have one “where's your name tag?”

“I never took one,” the clone frowned, Crossing his arms.

“Why not? We were supposed to?”

“I don't want a name? I… it's not what Lord Prime approves of, yes he may be questionable but… I'm not ready to take a name” the clone lowered their ears but was firm about their choice.

Zael sighs and just left the clone be “what was your name again?” He asks the last clone who left the tent

“I chose the name Yara!” The clone smiled, though their ears were always folded down submissively.

Zael held his journal but noticed a few clones looking at his new hairstyle, he felt self conscious but didn't feel ashamed of it. He wanted to make his own choices. He goes to where they have meetings with the princess.

Glimmer yawned “it's to early for this…” she had coffee in her hand as she rubbed her face, seeing the clones gather

“How so? What's the agenda today?” Kadroh smiled

“I have no idea” glimmer admitted

“Maybe we can let them. Have a free day, just relax and do what they like” Entrapta offered.

“Socializing is good, our kind naturally sticks together so socializing would help with them being more acquainted and comfortable,” Hordak agreed with Entrapta.

“Exactly!! Ohh I love to talk to my brother's and see how far they came” Kadroh eyes sparkled excitedly

Hordak groaned at his brother enthusiasm, it was a bit to early for that energy at the moment

“Look at that, some change their hair styles” bow pointed out, a few clones either kept their hair messy or tried different styles “they really are learning to be different” he grinned

Glimmer waited till they all gathered before walking forward “okay so since we are all kinda tired of setting things up for 2 weeks. You guys can have a free day until we think of something. So do whatever you want, do your new hobbies. Anything” she announced to the clones

“If that's so I'm going to get oranges” Lucero made his way to the fruit table, a few clones followed.

Zael shrugs and sits down crisscrossed and opens his journal to fill out the page he was working on. He found out he can add stuff to his journal like a flower, Princess Scorpia called it scrapbooking and he enjoyed it.

Yara sat next to him and opened his own journal, he glanced at Zael's hair and decided to brush his hair in his face.

Zael glanced over but smiled at what he saw “that's what you prefer?”

“It's more comfortable” Yara nodded “it helps me feel more… secure?”

“Understandable” Zael glanced back at his journal, tapping the pencil a bit in thought

“How do you draw?”

“Unsure… I just connected the pencil to the paper and think of images and just copy it to the paper”

“I tried it but it didn't come out how I pictured it? Maybe it's not for me” Yara frowned

“Tech wasn't for me” Zael smiled “it's okay if some things aren't for you”

“I loved tech, sadly I left my bot on my bed. Shall I go back and retrieve it?”

“Go for it” Zael smiled

“Will you come with brother?” Yara asks hesitantly

Zael smiled and gets up to fallow as they went back to their tent “I'll bring mine while I'm at it”

“I wonder if I can ask princess Entrapta to teach me more about tech” Yara thought as they walked

“I'm sure she wouldn't mind, she seems… very enthusiastic about it” Zael entered and looked where he kept his small bought and grabbed it

Yara walks over and cupped his robot, smiling his ears perked up for a second before lowering back how he had it

Zael always kept his ears perked up.

Yara walked back to Zael side “ready brother”

Zael smiled “are we allowed to give our bots names too?” He wondered

“Oh that would be great! But I don't know what to name mine” Yara frowned, he struggled finding a name for himself let alone naming something else.

“Me neither, maybe we can ask princess Entrapta for advice on that too” Zael shrugged “wanna get something fruit?”

“Sure, I want a banana” Yara licked his lips

Zael smiled “I'm getting strawberries and dragon fruit”

“What's a dragon fruit?”

“It's a slight bitter fruit but it's very tasty” Zael explained as they made their way to the food table and started to pick what they wanted.

Some clones got a bit possessive of the food and didn't want to share

“No, there's only one pineapple left, it's mine!!”

“No mine!!”

“I saw it first!!”

“I grabbed it first, it's mine!!”

“Brothers! Brothers! You are allowed to share” Kadroh walks over “no need to fight”

“Back off, it's mine!!” The clone hissed

Kadroh frowned and went to separate the two clones but nearly got clawed in the face, he jumped back and lowered his ears, he didn't get upset much but when he did he got a bit aggressive “fighting doesn't solve anything!!! Enough of this nonsense!!”

“I saw it first, it's mine!!” The clone persists

Yara lowered his ears more and ducked behind Zael, the yelling was scaring him, it was making Zara uneasy too. He started to rub his fingers together while they hung near his side.

Zael frowned but watched until he noticed someone brushed past him, jumping he noticed it was a clone. Not just any clone, it was brother Hordak.

“Separate. Now.” Hordak commanded authority.

The clones automatically stopped and looked at the defect.

Hordak didn't want to get involved but someone needed to command some respect and Kadroh didn't have the experience of leading an army “we have more Fruit. All you had to do was let us know and we would restock, both of you put the pineapple back and step back” his eyes narrowed. His fangs bared.

“B-But I had it first!” The clone whined a little

“I said NOW!!”Hordak snarls, his ears pinned back and eyes glowed to prove a point.

The clones obeyed immediately and did as told “yes brother Hordak” they said in unison.

Hordak didn't like that too much, it reminded him of how they addressed Prime. He shakes it off for a second, someone needs to show them some discipline if they act foolish “I will inform Princess perfuma to get more fruit. There shall be no more fighting, is that understood?”

“Yes brother Hordak” they said again in unison.

“Stay put, Kadroh with me” Hordak turned to walk back

Kadroh sighs and walks over “I was handling it”

“Poorly” Hordak scoffed over his shoulder.

“Do you not have faith in me brother?” Kadroh asks quietly, lowering his ears. He rubbed one of his arms

Hordak stopped before sighing “you just need to be more assertive. To make a point known you gotta be loud and make a presence. Those will not respect you unless you earn their respect”

“I see..” Kadroh mumbled “but I didn't want to be loud and intimidating, I was trying to be their friend”

“Sometimes you need to be loud and aggressive. I don't like it either but when they respect you is when you can be friendly how you like” Hordak folded his arms behind his back, walking back where he was before.

Zael shakes himself a bit, he knows the defect deserves respect, he was the one to take part in Primes defeat after all.

“Why must our brothers yell at another?” Yara asks after things calmed down

“I'm not sure. It was pointless, Zael agreed

The clones who were fighting were quiet but looked at one another “I'm sorry brother..” he handed him another pineapple.

“We can share,” the clone decided. The two clones agreed and sat down to share it.

Zael made his way over to where Entrapta “princess Entrapta are we allowed to practice tech?”

Entrapta perks up, a grin on her face “of course!!”

“I'm asking for my brother Yara, he likes tech. If it's okay, may I sit here and draw?”

“Oh of course I don't mind” Entrapta smiled as she searched for the clone and snatched him with her hair. “what do you want to learn!”

Yara got nervous and lowered his ears more, fixing his hair to cover his eyes “I… ummm…” he lowered his head “I'm not sure.”

“Well… we can teach the basics. You learned how to build a robot with ease, let's try it!” she got out a datapad and searched for what she can teach him “ohh we can work on wiring!!” She pulled out a box “we can install it” she opened it to show all the wires

Yara cooed curiously and watched intently as she showed him what to do. He tried it himself, he frowned when he was struggling but kept trying

Zael was drawing as they did tech, he got bored and started to draw Entrapta out of pure boredom.

“That's impressive, though Entrapta got a small scar on her nose and cheek. It's very faint but it's there” Hordak pointed

Zael jolted when his brother spoke all of a sudden “AH! Oh.. apologies brother I didn't realize you was there..” he glanced at his drawing then at Entrapta “she does? I don't see it?”

“You gotta look closely.. but that's fine” Hordak glanced to the side but had a light blush on his face

“Oh..” he didn't ask anymore questions and added the details “like that?”

“That works, yes,” Hordak nodded.

Zael smiled, he was happy he was doing better with his drawings. He glanced at Hordak's hair and glanced at his drawing of himself “brother Hordak may I ask a question.”

“You may” Hordak nods, gesturing to him to ask his question.

“How … how do you change your look, you are different from the rest of us clones physically, you have the black stuff and your hair color is different” Zael leans forward

Hordak raised an eyebrow before understanding

“It's eyeliner and I dyed my hair” Hordak explained, he was shocked the clone asked that

“May you show me how please” he nearly begged “I.. I don't wanna look the same, I wanna express myself!” He admits “it's why I changed my hair this morning, these past weeks are rough but I wanna change”

Hordak listens “I've .. never shown anyone, I was taught by someone then self taught myself, I may not be the best teacher to show you.” He was hesitant “but I will do my best”

“Thank you brother!! Thank you!!” Zael grinned and clapped his hands together.

“Look brothers! I did it” Yara grinned ears perked as he showed his finished tech but lowered when he was being to loud “apologies for interrupting”

“It's alright Yara you did not interrupt, I was just discussing with brother Zael” Hordak reassured

“Oh what were you guys talking about?” Entrapta asked, curiosity in her voice.

“Zael just wanted me to teach him how to dye his hair and use eyeliner, for some reason Scorpia got me different color eyeliner when I only use black” he rolled his eyes

Zael eyes widen “you can … do other colors besides black!! Ohh prime, that's amazing!!” Zael gushed

“Wait, we are allowed to dye our hair?” Yara finally asked

“Yes!! I wanna dye mine! I even have a reference!!” Zael snatched his drawing, shoving it in Hordak's face.

Hordak grunted but looks at it “that's… something” he agreed

“Oh can you draw me one so I can have a reference of what I want?” Yara asks hesitantly

“Of course!!” Zael smiled

Entrapta was watching the interactions, grinning “eeee!! They are socializing!!” She quickly takes out her recorder “log 38, the clones Zael and Yara from tent C are coming out of their little metaphorical shells and are taking a big step in being different and unique! How amazing!!!” Entrapta squeals

“What are you doing?” Zael tilted his head

“Oh I'm recording for information on you clones later” she smiled

“It's harmless no worries” Hordak reassured

“Oh?... That's interesting” Zael smiled

“Do you record us all the time?” Yara lowered his ears more

“Oh all the time! I gather data so we can have a better way of helping all of you”

“Oh, that doesn't sound to bad” Zael sighs in relief

“It's not! But this is so fascinating I must tell Glimmer we might need to buy a shipment of hair dye!!” She gets up and rushed off to the Queen of bright Moon

Hordak sighed but smiled after her as he calmly followed her.

Zael looks down at his drawing, this was it. He was gonna finally pull away from prime. He won't be scared anymore, won't feel the need to always do better to make a person who never treated them well, he didn't need to prove himself. He can be happy. But they still had a long way to go.

Chapter Text

“Okay try not to stab your eye next time” Hordak huffed as his ears flicked in annoyance at the clone nearly jabbing the eyeliner in his eye.

“Apologies brother…” Zael sighs and tried again, whipping away the eyeliner he created and starring in the mirror, very carefully he held the dark purple and started to try again. Doing one similar to Hordak eyeliner but not as aggressive looking.

Hordak nodded “better. You got the hang of it, now do the other one” he crossed his arms

Zael took a breath and made sure to keep his hands steady as he did the other eye the same way. He looks himself over before grinning “ohh prime! It's amazing!!” He accidentally grabbed Hordak and shook him before jumping back when Hordak snarled in warning to give him space

“I'm so sorry brother!!” Zael shoved his arms down and rubbed his fingers together, his ears pinned back.

Hordak sighs and calmed his annoyance “it's alright, i'm not use to others hugging me”

“But princess Entrapta hugs you all the time?” Zael was confused but respectful

“She's the only exception” he muttered, not meeting the clone gaze “I will have Scorpia give you some different color eyeliner since you seem to enjoy it, you can have the other colors she gave me for some reason as well. I'll never use it”

Zael perks up and grinned when he grabbed 3 different colors and started to draw swirls on his face.

Hordak raised an eyebrow at the clone drawing on his face. He found it confusing but didn't say anything else and let the clone be.

“Brother Yara want to try!! Pick any color” Zael grinned as he stared at his new look. All he needed now was to dye his hair and he will be feeling much better.

Yara cooed curiously and grabbed a purple eyeliner and was hesitant on what to draw but he messed up the first time so Zael helped him and did a simple long lash of purple “how's that brother” he shows him

Yara looked at himself, fixing his hair but he grinned. His ears perked up “I love it!!” He gushed

“This is very fun, can we do this more” Yara turned to Zael

“Of course, it's gonna be so much fun” Zael agreed

“I'll add Yara to the list of clones getting eyeliner. Is there anyone else who might want some?” Hordak made a list

“I'm unsure, maybe we should make an announcement!” Zael took Yara hand whose ears went back to their lower position and goes out to follow their brother to meet the others

Yara and Zael went back to their tent to show the other two brothers who were each in their bed. The unnamed close was relaxing while Lucero was eating some oranges on his bed

“Brothers, what is on your face?” The unnamed close raised an eyebrow

“Brother Hordak taught us how to use eyeliner, do you like it” Zael asks

“It's… something” the unnamed clone frowned “it looks a little messy but if you like it then I'm not one to control”

“How do you do that?” Lucero finished his snacks and walks over to look at them, gently grabbing Yara face to look at it “looks good on you”

Yara smiled, blushing a little “it's quite nice to feel unique” Yara lowered his ears but was happy his brother's approved.

“Brother you should try” Zael encourages to the unnamed clone “maybe you will feel confident enough to name yourself”

The clone sighs “I thought we discussed this. I'm not ready to accept a name. I would prefer if you respect that” he narrowed his eyes

Zael frowned “why?”

“Because… I'm still unsure with all of this, I only accepted to go through all of this because I didn't want to be locked up like the other small group of brothers who refused to change” the clone admits.

Zael eyes widen, he totally forgot about his brothers who refused to eat go of primes influence, it makes sense not everyone will accept what they believed for years “I… forgot about that”

“I didn't… one of those brothers, I was close to. But if I start anything I will be tossed in the cells with them” he scoffed

“You don't know that! Maybe they will help them too”

“If they did then they would bring them with us” the clone countered

“Our brothers tried to attack them, they chose anger to hide their sadness. I'm sure if we confront them and show it isn't so bad maybe they will calm down” Zael suggested

“Nobody can just easily forget what they was taught all their existence” the clone scoffed

“I know…” Zael lowered his ears, he had a few nightmares. Or do they count as nightmares? he's been writing them down in his journal so he can ask the princesses later.

An announcement was called.

Yara perked up “queen Glimmer is making an announcement”

Lucero stretches “let's see what it's about”

The unnamed clone got up and combed his hair back and brushed his clothes down so it looked kept.

Zael puts his journal under his arm as the four make their way out the tent and go to stand to hear the announcement.

“Good afternoon everyone, so Hordak told me two clones have asked him to show how to use eyeliner and to dye their hair, would anyone else want to try that as well?”

One clone raised a hand “are you gonna kill our hair?” He lowered his ears

“Oh no. A dye isn't Die it's a paint like liquid to change your hair color” Glimmer tried explaining to the confused clone

“Ohh I see. Thank you for the explanation” the clone grinned “I wanna try!”

“Okay well start making a few groups so it be easier to get you guys done faster” Glimmer instructed

One clone raised a hand, it was the unnamed clone “what if we do not wish to have our hair dyed” he asked

“Uhh if you don't want your hair dyed then stand by the fruits? And do some hobbies or socialize or… sleep?” Glimmer chuckled a little.

The clone nodded as a few joined him near the food

Zael was bouncing on his toes, he already knew how he wants his head to look as he did as told and got on line as asked.

Yara was with him “brother this is so exciting! I'm not sure how I want my hair to look, should I get yellow? Or green!!’ he thinks

“I always loved the look of a flame. When I blasted one building with my canon it made this impressive explosion, I always loved the color of them flames” Lucero smirks

“I loved the colors of the ocean, the beautiful blues are pretty” Zael smiled

“Hmm I liked this planets sky, the purple and pink is nice” Yara smiled

“That be interesting” Lucero nodded

The clones got in line as the princess each had boxes of dye and started coloring the clones hair how they asked, they were allowed to go crazy with whatever color they wanted, some went a simple color. Some went natural. Another went a complete rainbow. They were having fun.

The unnamed clone watches as he takes a bite of his banana, shaking his head. He didn't understand why they were so excited to leave Lord Prime, he… had Moods, he had days where he was very upset but that was fine. He just was having a hard day. Did he deserve to die?’The clone sighs, he missed his friend. They always were put together on missions and they got close but the clone chose to stay in Prime's belief and fought the princesses, nearly clawing the frost princess in half. They got put in cells and he didn't see them again after that.

After a few hours of each clone getting their hair dyed they all were chatting and eating fruit “look how my hair turned out I love it!! It's so me” Zael gushed as he couldn't stop looking at himself in the mirror his hair was a mix of different shades of cyan and cobalt blues to mirror the ocean, his front tips was sticking out as one was curled, he still wore his uniform but he was planning to change clothes soon

“I'm gonna wait till my hair gets a bit longer, but for now this is nice” Yara smiled, brushing his pink hair that faded to a lavender at the tips, he stretched and whipped his eyeliner off before bed.

Zael whipped his own off as well and placed it under his bed.

Lucero got flame colored hair, his hair was a bit spiked up and messy how he liked it “I look… What's the word the frost princess used? Badass?” He grinned

“Oh badass? That's a new word” Zael jokes

“Well it's the right word” Lucero at down yawning “I'm calling it a night

“I'm gonna stay up and write in my journal, maybe doodle” Zael sat cross legged and did as he said and started drawing.

Yara grabbed a book on tech and started reading It

The unarmed clone sighed and shook his head, he laid down and went to bed.

Yara was reading, purring to himself before he put it down and went to bed.

Zael chuckled and doodled some designs he wanted to try with his new eyeliner, yawning as he put his journal on the table, laying down. His ears relax as he grabs his pillow and lets sleep drift him.

_ _ _ _

‘You clumsy fool!!’ the clone flinched when prime snatched him by the neck “what's your malfunction!!” Prime bares his fangs in the clone's face. He was pissed.

“M-my arm suddenly gave out and I broke the glass, my dearest apologies Lord Prime, let me make it up to you. My deepest apologies” the clone begged as he tried to not let the quiver in his voice show.

Horde Prime narrowed his four eyes and growled “you will fix what you broke and you will go to the purification pool understand!” He squeezed his claws around the clone's neck, drawing blood, his eyes glowed white as he raised up his hair in warning “if you break any more of my collection. I will have your head is that clear!”

“Yes Lord Prime” the clone agreed, his ears pinned back submissively.

Horde prime Dropped him, turning a heel to leave “I mean it, no more breaking things” he looked back at the clone, eyes narrowed in warning before he made his way to the purification room.

The clone got up and held his neck, it was bleeding. It usually happened when a clone was grabbed by Prime like that. Wincing he tried to ignore the pain as he cleaned up the broken collection he broke while attempting to clean it.

Why was Prime so scary sometimes? He didn't mean to, it was slippery, he didn't mean to drop it.

*When your done you will join to be purified, is that understood*

The clone flinched but closed his eyes to calm himself *yes Lord Prime, I understand*

*Very good* Prime sounded more calm like normal.

So confusing. He was very angry one moment then calm next.

When he was finished cleaning up he made his way to the purification room, already seeing his brothers lined up, he tried not to lower his ears as he made his way to the pool

Prime was standing by it, waiting.

The clone clenched his shaking fist and made his way to the pool, sinking into it. Bracing himself before letting out a scream of pain

“CAST OUT THE SHADOWS!”

“CAST OUT THE SHADOWS!”

Pain. All he felt was pain, excruciating pain.

“All beings must suffer to become pure” Prime smirks as he watches his clone scream in pain

The clone scream got louder before his eyes turned white, he felt nothing. Everything went blank for a second

"All beings must suffer to become pure…”

Zael shoots up from his bed and falls off.

Lucero groaned “you having another nightmare?” he grumbled, half asleep still, he woke up to his brothers scream.

Zael untangles himself from his blanket and curls up “y-yes.. sorry to wake you…” he grabbed his journal and headed out the tent. He said nothing more, shivering at the nightly cold.

Lucero yawned and went back to sleep.

The none named clone heard him, getting up to check on Zael

Zael was pacing, writing in his journal about what his nightmare was about.

“What are you doing brother?”

“I had a nightmare… Perfuma says writing down my nightmares might help” Zael ears was pinned back to his skull, his eyes wide with fear still.

“What in the dream caused this reaction?” The clone raised an eyebrow.

Zael stopped writing and closed his journal, his hands were shaking from the memory of it all, he couldn't place the word he was feeling at the moment. His heart was racing and his chest felt cold and tight, like something was trying to pop out his chest. His hands and legs shook with adrenaline but he wasn't going anywhere.

“I… I had a memory. Prime he…” Zael closed his eyes and gulped “He was upset I accidentally broke one of his collections and he grabbed me, he was so scary. But he told me I must be purified to be forgiven so I went in the pool and the pain. It hurts, it hurts so badly. I woke up after that…” Zael shivered, not from the cold.

The clone didn't exactly see what's so… wrong with that? It was natural to go in the pool if you made a mistake “was that all? No monsters?”

“No monsters? Brother. Prime was unkind to us!! Don't you see he was mean and he hurt us!! He took pleasure in hurting us!!” Zael snapped, his eyes narrowed and his fangs bared

The clone got defensive and glared back, his fangs also bared “You said it yourself! You made a mistake and you were rightfully punished for it!”

“Rightfuly!l? It was a vase! Being grabbed and choked then electricuted in a pool was rightfully punished for a small deed? Brother do you hear yourself? Can't you see Prime wasn't a good creator!! Why do you defend his actions?!” Zael hissed

“Why did you turn your back on him so easily!! Yes he… he may not be perfect in how he reacted but… he” the clone tried to find the words, tried to explain the reasons why he was defending his creator but he was falling short. His heart raced and he raised his hand to clutch his chest but he stopped himself “it's just how things were! It may be aggressive methods to these Etherians but… that's just how it is- was…” the clone lowered his ears and looked away

“ But that does not justify his actions brother! You must see that??” Zael tried to get through to his stubborn brother.

The clone narrows his eyes and snarls “I'm going back to bed! I had enough of this nonsense” he scoffed and turned a heel back to the tent.

Zael lowered his ears more and cursed in their language before stomping off, he didn't know where he just needed a breather.

Sadly their argument woke up a few clones. Hordak and Kadroh.

“What's all the yelling?” Kadroh yawned but saw the distressed brother and walked over “are you alright?”

“No, how can he not see that Prime judgment for punishment is cruel!! The pain does not make me pure!! It makes me HURT!!” Zael growled

“Oh.” Kadroh thinks of what to say “yes Prime is cruel, he hurts others. It wasn't good”

“But he doesn't see that!! He keeps making excuses for Prime actions!! If Prime was so good then why I'm I waking up from my dreams screaming in fear? Nightmares should not come from someone who cares about me! Someone who cares about me should not hurt me!!” Zael hissed

“Okay Zael if your gonna yell let's take this conversation away from camp so we don't wake the others” Hordak stepped in and leads the angered clone out to the forest “I understand what you are feeling, I know all to well of the feeling of Prime questionable love for his clones”

“If he truly loves us he would help us understand not hurt us! We only been here for a few weeks and already the princesses treated us much better then Prime ever did and yet he doesn't see it that way”

“Who?”

“The clone who didn't choose a name! He didn't dye his hair so the only description I have to single him out is his mint green eyes! Him!! He keeps defending Prime, saying he had reason to harm us!! Why!! Why defend that!!”

“Okay, okay” Hordak really didn't feel like dealing with this but someone had to “I understand both sides cause I was both sides. For the clones you speak of. The feeling is very complicated. But Prime. He is very …” Hordak was finding his words “manipulative in how he treats certain clones, if you do as he asks and even go above to earn his approval he will be more tolerant, you get more praise. But if you make a mistake… or… are defective then no matter what you do or show how much you prove you are worthy to be in his light. He doesn't care, he doesn't love you.” Hordak lets out a heavy sigh

“Oh you're talking about your experience right Brother?” Kadroh asks, tilting his head.

Hordak nodded

“But to the clones he doesn't need to discipline as often they don't fully see what he does as wrong, those who cause no issues. Do not see his bad side, so they are not familiar with it. If he showers them with praises and affection they will not see the side of his cruelty.”

“But how is that fair? He wants things to be equal yet he shows favoritism? That isn't right.” Zael sighs and brushes his fingers through his hair “I. I thought I was becoming defective, maybe I am. For some reason whenever he's upset or yelling, not even at me but I just get this weird feeling, my body runs cold and I start shaking. My chest feels like my heart wants to burst out and I just… I wanna cry!! I wanna go and hide and cry. But I can't, he wants us to stand perfectly still as he yells at us and when we are not he purifies us. When he caught me one time crying he got very upset and purified me but I still and this… defect I don't know. But I can't control the feeling” Zael had tears in his eyes as he tried not to cry

“Didn't princess Perfuma say something about reactions?” Kadroh turned to Hordak

“I'm not sure. But we will find out tomorrow, I think I know what's going on but I need further tests” Hordak frowned. “For now get some rest and we will deal with this tomorrow” Hordak placed a hand on the clone's shoulder as reassurance.

Zael didn't exactly believe he would fall back asleep but he felt bad for disturbing his brothers “very well. I'm sorry to wake you Brother Hordak. I will return to my tent..” he got up and grabbed his journal and went to head back but stopped “can… can we also see how the others who didn't want to join are doing?”

Hordak was shocked about that question.

“The aggressive brothers?” Kadroh asked

“They aren't fully aggressive just confused but yes I can see if we can check to see if they are ready to join the rest of you to be helped”

“Thank you brother” Zael nodded and went back to the tent.

Hordak went back to his own tent thinking what's going on with his brother, it was definitely not the defect he has. It seems more… psychological then physical that's for sure. But he knew one symptom all clones share even if they don't want to admit it… they all share some form of PTSD because of Prime,if the others acted aggressive then maybe they should have checked more on how each clone is handling all of this better. Sighing he went back to his tent to get a nap in before starting the day.

Zael came back to the tent, glaring a little at the nameless clone before laying down on his bed. He was upset at his brother so he turned to his side to try to get some sleep. He was exhausted but not tired. Just drained.

Chapter Text

Zael woke up exhausted, he had slight bags and his eyes were dulled. He didn't have the best sleep, he kept having small nightmares.

“You okay brother?” Yara asked, grabbing his hairbrush and fixing his morning hair, he already had his clothes on.

“No…” Zael rubbed his face and pulled his knees closer to his chest, his ears low.

“Well your lack of sleep is giving us a lack of sleep so mind fixing this tick or yours” Lucero yawned, stretching as he got dressed.

“It's not like I enjoy it, Lucero! It's uncontrollably, it comes in my dreams when I least expect it” Zael huffed “and it's not a tick.. at least I believe it's not” he looked away. Ears lowering even more.

“Whatever it is, it's giving us problems” the unnamed clone muttered

Zael gritted his teeth and glared at the unnamed clone “You! Don't get to speak for me after last night” he hissed “so it would be best if we avoid each other for the day because I can't handle you right now!” He gets up and quickly gets ready, rushing his eyeliner which made the lines crooked, hissing at the messiness he shrugged it off and just left the tent

The unnamed clone scoffed, his ears lowering “emotional fool…” he muttered

Yara lowered his ears at Zael outburst and went to follow after him “coming Lucero?”

“Sure” Lucero grabbed some oranges and followed after them.

Yara trotted after Zael who was practically speed walking to Purfuma tent “everything okay brother?” He asks wary

“No.. I just need to talk to princess Perfuma” Zael narrows his eyes. Trying not to snap at his shy brother.

“Want me to get you some fruit?” Yara asked, tilting one ear.

“Not hungry” Zael snipped, he made his way to the tent, since there was no physical door he announced his presence and made his way inside.

“Oh hello Zael!” Purfuma smiled, she was sitting on the floor with her legs crossed and her arms in a strange position “I got a uhh.. email I believe it's called from Entrapta saying Hordak and Kadroh talked to you last night and something happened? You're struggling with sleeping” she placed her arms in her lap

Zael was staring at how she was sitting before copying “yes. I keep.. having nightmares, these memories of when we was still with horde prime, it was not how I remember it before” he sighs “before I took it as Prime doing what he did for a reason but after being torn from the hivemind and thinking for myself, those memories now only give me nothing but fear” he lowered his ears down to his neck as he spoke

“I see..” Perfuma placed her hands in her lap, deep in thought “Zael, do you maybe think, the more you open up and discover yourself, you are also opening up a trauma you buried down? It's not uncommon for people to bury down their trauma until it resurfaces again.” She explained

“How do I get rid of it!!” Zael lowered his ears, his voice desperately seeking advice, a source of answer.

Perfuma sighs “you can't. It's part of you. All you can do is manage it, you have to learn to accept it and cope. There is no cure to any trauma, only healthy copings”

Zael's ears dropped more, that was something he didn't want to hear. So he truly is a defect? But… Do other brothers have the same nightmares? He never asked?? He should.

He gets up “thank you Princess perfuma… I will, see what I can do, thank you”

“But for your sleep I can send lavenders to your room, lavenders help calm your mind and relaxes you” she assist

“Yes. That would be helpful thank you” he smiled, though it was a small one and made his way out

“What did she say?” Yara was waiting outside

“It's incurable, my defect is incurable…” Zael sighed “I truly am defective. How… How can this be? I managed it all this time, now it's resurfaced and worse than ever!!” He panics a bit

“Umm.. I heard brother Hordak is gonna make an announcement today. Maybe that might give you some answers?” Yara offered

“I doubt it but what else can I lose…” Zael sighs and walks over to the center of the camp looking up as Hordak was in the middle of the camp where Glimmer usually makes announcements.

Clones started to gather out of curiosity of what their brother might have to say.

Hordak wait until he sees all the clones gathered before letting out a heavy sigh “it has come to my attention that last night there was a disagreement between two brethren, about if Prime’s actions should be justified, his actions on us”

“But prime is a fair leader, he loves us” one clone spoke up

“He does not! The feline said he was cruel and deserved to die; he hurt others!” another countered the clone

“They were intruders who didn't see the light of Horde Prime, he's a fair ruler!!” the clone snarled

“He's a liar is what he is, a liar who hurts others” zael scoffed, crossing his arms.

“Enough!!! I didn't make this announcement for you all to argue. But it appears we all have a different persona of Horde Prime. So let me give you my perspective. I've been through it, I supported him in many battles, and destroyed many planets for him. Yet he never cared for me.” Hordak sighs

“So with this new knowledge, May I speak my side of things?” Hordak looked at all the clones, his red eyes held a soft gaze.

A few clones muttered but agreed. Wanting to hear what he had to say and his experience.

Hordak was quiet for a long moment, he let out a heavy sigh.

Entrapta placed her hair strand on his shoulder to reassure him that what he was going to do is right.

Hordak nodded a thanks to entrapta encouragement he looks at the clones
“I once believed Horde prime cared about his creations, I believed he loved all of us. Cared for us. And was a good leader. It is why I pushed myself to be closer, to gain more of his affection. To seek his love, so I worked hard, harder than other clones, to conquer many planets in his name, to make him proud of me. And I was succeeding, I was made into his general, a right hand to him. I was so high on love and affection. I didn't know Horde prime was so foolish to be so. *Careless* when making our coding. He was so in his mind that he was a perfect and all powerful leader. He made a mistake in my coding, and other times. When my defect showed itself. All that love and affection. Vanish

He closed his eyes and clenched his fist hard. He struggled but he continued

“Horde Prime found out about my defect after I was injured on a mission. I survived but I was severely punished for my weakness. He publicly humiliated me, stripped me of my rank and the hive mind.”

Hordak's hands hovered near the cloth he wore under his armor, sighing as he pulled it down to reveal horrific scars of prime abuse. A clear physical evidence of prime cruel actions.

Zael's eyes widened, Hordak had the same scars as him, he rubbed the collar of his uniform and pulled it down. His ears lowered.

He wasn't the only one Horde Prime strangled and purposely scarred.

A few clones gasped in horror while others checked themselves only to reveal the same scars. Some even had marks on their wrist or arms or even chest, Yara being one of them. His ears were low but relieved he wasn't alone.

“I thought I was mistaken!! The only one!” One clone gripped their arms, tears falling.

“No I too have the same!!! I thought I was a broken clone!!” Another cried.

“He wouldn't!! It might be a mistake, he mustn't know his own strength to do that!!” A clone tried to reason.

The nameless clone eyes widened, he stayed silent. Quietly looking down, his ears lowered, there must be a reason for this, clones were punished but, he thought Horde Prime just lectured, but .. physically that bad… his eyes widened more.

“You must be very flawed if Horde Prime went to those lengths!!” One clone declared.

“So I'm flawed over something I have no control over? Something Horde prime failed to monitor? Is it my fault for it?” Hordak calmly questioned, pulling the cloth back to rehide his scars.

Ignoring the horrific faces of the princesses.

“Horde Prime uses cruel methods to keep us all under his control, the purification pool is a great example, what use is electrifying a clone over a flaw? Over a name? We allowed prime to do this and call it mercy. Call it the glory of light, we allowed him to use and abuse us. He manipulated us all. Let us believe what he was doing was right. We aren't wrong for this, do not blame yourselves, we had no control, we all step out of our pods already glorifying Horde prime, worshiping him and his cause, believing he's doing this to make a better life.” Hordak spoke from experience

“It is not our faults to doubt our life time of manipulation, it's rooted in all of us” he sighs
“I still believe in horde prime love, even after the banishment I was given. I was supposed to die in a glorious death, serving horde prime, die for his name. But I survived, I was sent to this planet, and I thought I was a disgrace for not doing what horde prime wished, I was so misguided I believed if I concur this planet I will be back in his good grace once more, to be a general once more” he shook his head

“I was foolish in that thought. I targeted a planet that did not deserve it, I do regret my choices. I realize how I made a mistake, but I cannot stop the past. All I can do is fix it, because of my choices the majority of this planet despises me and rightfully so. I saw the damage I caused, the lives I took. The deaths that took place in a war that should have never happened, I do not expect forgiveness, I do not deserve it. But I wish to right my wrong. It is why I'm doing this and helping to rebuild the damaged”

“Prime influence is strong in all of us, he made sure we will always obey him.” Hordak tells them gently, making sure they don't blame themselves like he's done.

Zael flattened his ears “is… is that why I'm smaller than the other clones” Zael spoke up “is that why I have a defect as well” Zael had tears in his eyes, he was a few inches smaller than the other clones, he was 6’11 while other clones where 7’2

“Nobody is truly defective, we just aren't created equal like prime wanted us to believe” Hordak reassured

“I was always in trouble for being different! For learning differently!! I had to go to the damn pool multiple times because clones kept reporting me for not learning like the rest of them! For being different!! That's not fair!!! How is that fair! Why would he allow it!! He grinned and allowed it and yet others still praised his name!!! I was hurt and abused and they praised him!!! Saying I deserved it because I wasn't perfect!! That's not fair!!” Zael fell to his knees and started breaking down crying, everything now made sense, he thought he was to blame every day for not being perfect but it makes sense now.

Kadroh felt bad and walked over and knelt down near the weeping clone and consoles him “prime is a cruel ruler, he is being punished for eternity by being forgotten”

“DAMN HIM!!!!” Zael screamed in anger and sorrow as he clung to Kadroh

Hordak understood the feeling and walked over and rubbed Zael’s back “remember do not blame yourself, but I do hope you all now share a new light on others realization” he looked to the rest of the clones

The other clones were shocked, even the heavy believers was stunned into silence before a few others went to tears.

“I-i was beaten and prime allowed it because I spoke up to him…” one clone admitted “I remember now!! I was heavily purified until I didn't act up!! I spoke up because I didn't like being yelled at! I wanted self respect and prime punished me for it!!” one clone stepped forward to speak his trauma

A few other clones gasped “you spoke up!!”

“Yes… I never did again but I was recently cloned, it was unright of him” the clone tears up.

“I was publicly humiliated because I accidentally miscalculated and got a squad injured! It wasn't my fault the ship wasn't ready to be used and he dismissed it and the lives of soldiers cost because of his poor judgment!!” Another spoke their part

As the clones stepped forward and spoke their abuse and trauma all the others could do was listen and attempt to comfort another.

“Prime… can't be that cruel!” A few were hesitant to believe their beloved prime would be so… vial, but as others spoke up the truth was more apparent.

Hordak sighs “everyone, calm yourselves, I know this is… a lot to take in, it took me years until it finally hit me but I and others are here to make it much easier for you” Hordak calmed the scared and crying clones

Zael whipped his tears and looked up at the experienced clone. He listened to his words “how… how can we heal from this?” He asks

“That cannot be easily said, you can never fully heal. It's like a scar. It heals. But it's still there even if it fades over time, the memory of it remains… but the pain will fade and you will live with it but it won't control you, unless you allow it”

“I'm done having prime control over me, even in death and the past!. He controls me no more! I will find a way for these nightmares to stop and the pain to fade, I'm done being primes little toy he can play and break!” Zael growled in determination.

Hordak couldn't control a small smile, it was barely seen but it's there“that's a big step in the right direction”

Other clones nodded in agreement as they chatted amongst themselves and tried to help each other by talking of their experience.

Yara sat with zael as he explained his experience and why he was so scarred up, he was a tech clone but was caught in an accidental explosion, the clones who caused the explosion was severely punished he died during the punishment and was disposed of, Yara saw it all but was forced to just move on like nothing happened.

Zael sighs “that's cruel of Prime, all for an accident? One that could be solved by voice instead of violence” he huffed while Yara looks down, his ears even lower then they naturally are.

“Clone Zael, I'm…”

Zael turned to the voice and sees the unnamed clone

He lowered his ears “I'm sorry to disturb you both but… I just wanna say I'm sorry, I never knew prime could be so… cruel, I thought because I never experienced it myself it never happened and I was heavily mistaken, I'm sorry… I guess I was never one to accuse you last night” he sighs

“I… had a friend, a clone I was close to. We were close but he chose to be too violent and he was now locked up with the other violent, I miss him… I would like to see him again. And if it means I could and I could help him see the wrongs of prime, I would like to do so” he requested

Zael was surprised the clone apologized “I forgive you. I'm still upset from your words… but I will forgive you, just never say it again please it was very hurtful to me” he asks

“I understand, I'll do my best to make sure to not say it again” the clone agreed

“Thank you” Zael sighed, rubbing his face. He needs to redo his mascara since it's leaking on his face from his tears.

“Okay everyone, I'm giving you all a free day, I think this emotional rollercoaster affected all of us so do whatever you like, hobbies, cook, sleep in..eat, anything. Then tomorrow we will do some learning and communication skills” Glimmer spoke up

Lucero nodded “if so I'm heading back to the tent to relax” he stretches

“Clone Lucero, why are you always so… lazy recently?” Yara asks

“I've been working my rear off serving prime, now that I'm free I want to relax” Lucero huffed

“Okay, I was just curious,” Yara nodded.

“What will you do?” Yara asked Zael and the unnamed clone.

Zael was hesitant, he glanced at the two before looking to Hordak “I might ask Hordak for some advice, he seems… he seems to know what I'm going through, I'll ask him”

“I might, eat then relax as well” the unnamed clone decided

“I see, I will tinker with my tech I've been working on” Yara smiled

“Alright then, I'll meet back up with you guys soon” Zael got up and whipped his eyes, he looked down at his uniform and narrowed his eyes, he hoped they would get new clothes soon, he hated this damn uniform.

“Hordak… may I talk with you?” He asks

Hordak turned to see the clone, he nodded “very well, whats on your Mind Zael”

Zael was hesitant before sighing “if… if you know of this, why. Why did you go back to prime? After all the cruelty he's done to you?”

Hordak stayed quiet, he looked down. Sighing”I was blinded by the false light of prime, I believed… I had to go back, to prove I was still worthy of his love and affection” Hordak clenched his fist and lowered his ears “I was… mistaken”

“But, if I didn't return, none of you would have been freed. So it seems one must suffer for all to be free “ he suddenly realized

Zael never put it like that before, it is true. If Hordak never returned, they would still be under prime cruel control. Continuously trapped, Prime's mindless slaves…

“I see.. well… thank you “ Zael looked up to the clone in many ways.

Hordak was surprised to hear that “do not thank me, I caused a lot of suffering on this planet because of my blind worship” he sighed

“But you undo the damage and you freed us.. well you and the princesses but. That's a start, a start to be better, correct?” Zael smiled “so, still for me..thank you”

Hordak couldn't help but smile “well… I only hope to move forward and I must say, you all are improving very quickly, soon you will be able to live in a society and choose your own life”

“And I cannot wait for it”

Chapter Text

A few clones grumbled, some looked like they didn't sleep, it's been a few days after the realization of their creators true character and Many clones did not take it well.

But as the days passed and many, many, MANY, comforting the poor clones until they settled on the biggest news of their life. Some still are sniffling here and there but they managed to push their emotion down to move forward while others just silently cried during the teaching.

Everyone took the truth differently.

Today they were learning the history of Etheria. They spend all day learning the beginnings, the royals, the runestones and how Etheria came to be.

Zael yawns as he stares at the pictures as Glimmer and Adora talk. He was falling asleep because he couldn't pay attention.

What he did instead was doodle some castles they showed and some interesting creatures.

He was so distracted with his doodles Glimmer teleported to him

“Hey pay attention” glimmer suddenly teleported behind him

“AHH!!” He yelped and flattened his ears submissively “Apologies Queen Glimmer” he lowered his head and tried to write down notes but was struggling

“Are you not understanding the lesson?” Glimmer asks in a calmer town

“I… I cannot focus, I try to take notes but I'm not sure how… and others won't help me” he sighs

“Huh, I didn't take into account that some clones might learn differently, okay well here is what helps me take notes” she walked over to see what he had so far. He drew a lot of the buildings but he wrote down pretty much everything she was showing on the screen. And doodled with the sticky notes.

He's definitely… struggling that's for sure.

“Okay well here let me put it this way” she smiled and used her powers to teleport back to the screen

She shows the rune stones “Okay these are very important okay, highlight it”

A few clones got confused why they are back on this topic but did as told.

Zael grabbed different color pens and and wrote down each runestone doing a small doodle before highlighting it

Glimmer changed the slide “and this is the heart of Etheria”

Zael took his notes that made sense to him

“I have a question!!” One clone raised their hand.

“Yes uhhh…” she looked at his name tag “pepper” she smiled

“Why not destroy the rune stones if it's such a weakness that can be exploited?” He asks

“Umm because that's dangerous and we could lose our powers” Glimmer reminded

“Really?”

“That's a stupid question” one clone muttered

“Queen Glimmer said it's rude to say mean words!!” Pepper hisses at the clone

“Alright everyone calm down!! Glimmer made a blast to calm the clones

Zael winced at the bright light “I hate when others argue” he grumbled

“Same” Kadroh sighed.

Zael was surprised to hear Kadroh but he turned back.

“Okay..any more questions?” Glimmer looks around

One clone raised a hand

“Yes pickles”

“Why does Adora turn into she ra?” He asks

Adora smiled “because I'm a first ones and originally I used my sword to turn into she ra” she explained

“What about now?” He blinked curiously

“I can turn into she ra because the power is within me”

“Ohh interesting” he smiled

“Can we see it!!” Another grinned

Adora was hesitant but she turned into she ra.

Zael got curious and quickly sketches she ra just out of fun.

A few clones were so fascinated.

Glimmer snickered

“Anyways, any more questions?” she asks

“I got one, why doesn't princess Entrapta or princess Spinnerellla and Netossa not have runestones?” Zael asked

Glimmer looked very hesitant”
ummm well… that's a complicated question..” she fiddled with her staff

“How so?” He tilted his head

“For one… it's not my right to say… your gonna have to ask them but let's just say some princesses just don't have a runestone” she sighs

“Oh…” he deemed confused but noticed it was a touchy subject so he backed off from it.

“Okay… any more questions?” She asks

One hesitantly raised an hand

“Yes Jeffy” Glimmer asks

“Why does the mammal with wings who eats apples talk? No other creature like it talks” one clone asked

Swiftwind huffed and turned his head “I'm not a creature im Adora's best friend” he stomped his hoof

“How can it talk?”

“Magic” Swiftwind smirks

“Seems a lot of this planet has magic things” the clones wondered “rarely any technology”

Zael was busy drawing swiftwind to listen.

Kadroh leans over his shoulder “what are you doing” he suddenly speaks

Zael jolted and huffed “back up, please don't do that”he requested before answering
“ 'm drawing that… uhh…” he turned to his notes and flipped a few pages “horse” he closed his notes and kept doodling “does that look accurate?” He shows Kadroh

Kadroh tilts his head to look at it, blinking his light blue eyes before grinning “this is great!!” He grabbed the drawing “Swiftwind look! It's you!”

“DONT SHOW IT!!” Zael says fearfully, his ears pinned down in embarrassment at having his drawings shown like this. He loved showing his art but not like this being yelled out.

The magical horse trotted over to see and neighed happily at the drawing “that's awesome!! Can I have it!!” He flapped his colorful wings

“Uhh… sure..” Zael ripped the drawing out of his journal and handed it to swiftwind

The horde took the drawing in his mouth and flew over to Adora to show her.

Adora chuckled and gives him a thumbs up “we can hang it in your stall room”

Swiftwind neighed happily.

Zael smiled and sat back down as he shifted a few pages

“You draw a lot?” Kadroh looks at his other drawings curiously

“Yes… please dont showcase it like that again but I like drawing” he smiled

“Oh sorry, I won't do it again without your permission” Kadroh lowered his ears before perking them,

“Zael!! Zael look!!” Yara rushed over and showed him “I made my first robot!! It's a pyramid shape and it's pink!! I named it Pinkie!” Yara chirps with excitement, his ears twitched and flicked happily.

Zael chuckled “that's so cute! Awesome job” he touched the little robot “did you build it with Princess Entrapta?”

“yes! She helped me and I was tinkering more with it today and it came to life” Yara giggled

Zael smiled “I'm glad to hear” he yawns tiredly, they've been learning all day.

“I've been getting some better sleep at least, princess Perfuma gave me some.. herbs to help with my defect apparently and it's called a Passion flower, it helps a bit but I still have nightmares and get overwhelmed” he admits

“That's good, at least you're getting better sleep” Yara smiled and placed his hand on Zael's shoulder.

“Thank you Yara, I appreciate it” Zael then turned to Kadroh

“May I ask a question Kadroh, why do you act like you're always happy?”

“Well I try to look at the bright side of things, so many are negative, like Hordak He can be so negative sometimes and I know he's trying to be better but old habits die hard” Kadroh smiled

“But… don't you also suffer from the same trauma as all of us? Yet you never show it?” Zael asks Curiously.

“Well… I'm fine really. I was recently out of my tube but after I was shocked by one of Bow’s arrows I've been having headaches, some are mild but others are so extreme I need to lay down. But that's fine I understand, I was under the hivemind influence, it's not their fault for being cautious and attacking me. I attacked first” he smiled but soon it slowly fell “and like you I sometimes have nightmare's of Horde Prime but it's just his influence and I can't remember things, I can't remember my new friends… I just see his glowing green eyes and twisted smile… I see.” Kadroh's ears lowered and he looked down, he went quiet and felt some tears swelling up.

“Every time I get upset my head hurts and sometimes I forget things but… that's normal and to be expected… right?” Kadroh asked, a tear threatened to fall.

“Uhh…” Zael was surprised, he thought the clone was just always cheerful he didn't expect this “hey, easy there, I don't believe that's normal since it looks like you're hiding their feelings by not thinking about it. But… I'm sure it's okay to not be okay, that's why we are here, to cope and be better enough to live on this new planet.” He placed a hand on Kadroh shoulder.

Kadroh sniffed but he smiled at the Zael “thank you brother. I have been ignoring my fears and pains, I just don't want to think about them anymore. They always cause such headaches”

“I get that… I hate talking about my problems too but hey, I have to because if I don't It will just come back to haunt my nightmares, that's why I write them in my journal” he smiled.

“Hm, I never thought of that, but writing takes so long for me… maybe I can try a voice recorder like Entrapta?” He wondered.

“That too,” Zael agreed.

“Let me find her and see if she can make me one, thank you for the advice Zael” he smiled and hugged him before leaving.

Zael grunted, he didn't care much for hugs but didn't say it this time. He leaned against his chair and just looked around, he noticed Lucero talking with the ice princess, he forgot her name.

Frosta had her ice armor as he chatted with Lucero “how did you get those scars?”

“Well on the planet I was conquering, the aliens were non verbal so we had to use force, they had claw tongues and one wrapped it's tongue around me and cut me up, so I kept them hidden with my uniform” Lucero shrugged as he peels his orange.

“Ohhh cool!! Can you show me some of your fighting moves!” She grinned.

“Maybe tomorrow” Lucero sighs”

“Aww man why? And why are you always tired?” She asks

“Because I've been fighting my whole life. Now that I'm free I would like to relax” Lucero explained." When we are out of our cloning tubes we train as soldiers or techs, I was a soldier and that's what I always was. Now that I'm no longer a soldier I would prefer to rest”

“Oh…” Frosta didn't think of it that way. It makes sense really, of course prime wouldn't care if he over exhausted them he had more clones to take their place. “I'm sorry if I bugged you” she looks down.

Lucero looks at her before handing her a slice of orange “it's quite alright I don't mind your company” he smiled.

That perked Frosta up as she showed him her fighting moves instead and he watched with interest.

Zael smiled, it seems some clones were better adjusted then others.

He went back to drawing in his sketchbook.

After a while the clones were dismissed to do anything they wanted and most just ate or chatted.

He noted how Kadroh was talking with Perfuma, he could barely make out what they were talking about but she gave him some tea he guessed was for his headaches.

Zael yawned and grabbed his journal, he needed to get some rest himself. He made his way to their shared cabin tent and laid down on his best, Lucero was already snoring quietly.

Zael smiled at that, he was glad everyone was feeling better.

Yara was staying up talking to his new bot friend, the unnamed clone was reading a book on his bed.

Zael relaxed and let the dreams take him.

But as always it wasn't a pleasant dream, it was another memory of his past.

He was on Horde Prime ship, cleaning Horde Prime throne as he sat down talking with a captured king of a planet he recently was conquering, the king tried to bargain.

“What makes you think I'll surrender to you!! You killed hundreds of my people!” The king narrows his eyes and thrashes his lizard tail.

Horde Prime simply smiles “but it will save the other lives that are left. If you aren't so prideful you could save them, I'll give you and the others a better life. Wouldn't you agree?”

“Never! All you're gonna do is treat us like cattle and take our resources and leave us for dead! You're a twisted bastard!! You're lucky I'm chained or I'll kick your ass” he glared at one clone. As if deciding if he can't hurt Horde Prime he will hurt a clone instead it is a copy of Prime, it feels nothing.

Horde Prime took notice and smirks “oh? Are you that angry? Upset?. My if so then why not take it out on one of my own, go right ahead” he smiled, raising his hand up and snapped his fingers, the clone stood at attention.

The king was confused “are you serious? You're joking?” he didn't believe Horde Prime

Horde Prime sat up and grabbed two clones by their chins.

One of the clones was Zael but he was only referred to as a clone like everyone else but even still. He flinched at Prime’s touch but forced his expression to be neutral.

The other clones had a different reaction and lowered its ears submissively and blushed happily at Horde Prime’s touch.

“These vessels are nothing more than disposable, to be tossed out when they no longer are of use. I always have the resources to make more so go ahead. Let your anger out on one of my own. I don't mind, I'm actually quite curious to see how much damage you do. So go right ahead and express your anger, show your fangs and strength, your majesty” Prime smirks and releases the two clones he was holding.

Zael felt uncomfortable but went back to cleaning Horde Prime’s throne.

The clones uncuffed the king as he was hesitant but turned to the clone he set his target on

Prime smiles and leans back to watch the show

*Don't fight back*

Every clone heard that from the hive mind but it was directed at the one clone.

The clone held still and went on defense as the king waited a moment glaring at Horde prime before turning to the clone and grinned “if you say so” he chuckled and rushed the clone, using his spike tail to whip the clones, cutting his clothes and skin. Causing the clones to grunt in pain but it was clear he wanted to scream but forced himself not to. He can't show too much emotion.

The king grinned and took full advantage as he beat the clone senselessly, using his thumb spikes to slash the clone's face.

“You all are just useless bodies, it definitely makes this more fun” he pictured he was attacking prime and went loose on the clone, not holding back, uncaring of the clone stopped fighting back and took all the hits the king threw at him.

The clone fell down struggling to get up but the king pinned the clone down and jabbed his claws into the clone neck port causing the clone to finally scream in pain, the scream was blood curdling, every clone knows how sensitive the neck port was and how painful it feels when its damaged.

The king chuckled and pinned the clone down “ya thats right scream, you useless beast. You're just a little useless puppet to this bastard. You're nothing!” he grinned as he leaned down on the brutally pinned down and beaten clone. His face was bloody and bruised. He had cuts all over his body and shredded clothes, humiliated but stayed silent.

Zael's eyes widened in shock and fear but he tried not to show too much emotion as he watched his brethren get beaten and hurt so badly. All while Horde Prime watches with a grin on his face.

*Prime knew best .. he knows they are disposable so it's fine… it's fine…* he thought to himself but was still nervous

The king chuckled and stood above the beaten clone, he looked up at Horde Prime “you know, that did felt good, so good in fact that i think ill let myself get more loose on you!” he whipped his tail and was ready to pounce on Horde Prime.

Horde Prime simply smirks “is that so?” he tilted his head.

Before the king could pounce a sound of a cannon activated and a blast was heard.

The king gasped and glanced down, a hole was seen in his stomach, blood leaked, he choked and gasped for air but it was too late, he fell to his knees before falling down and went limp, blood leaked on the floor like a river of blood.

“Such foolish creatures, so easy to get riled up and fool.” horde Prime softly chuckled to himself

“Clean up the mess” he waved his hand as clones walked to the lifeless body of the king and grabbed and dragged his body away.

A few clones looked down at the beaten and damaged brethren.

Horde Prime looked down at him as well “hm, he's too damaged for resources to be wanted, dispose of him” Horde Prime sounded almost bored at the thought of the clone.

Zael lowered his ears at what he heard, he looked down at the clone, he still functioned, he just needed medical treatment, he's worth saving.

The sound of a cannon charging up was heard once more.

Zael’s eyes Widened and he heard the blast.

Zael gasped awake as sweat beaded down the side of his face, he looked over at the others, thankfully he didn't wake them up from his nightmare this time. He tears up and sighs. He felt awful for the clone that dar, he pulled his knees to his chest and let a few tears fall.

“You will be honored my brethren” Zael whispered in their native tongue before getting up to get fresh air. He walked until he plucked a pink flower and went to a near field, he knelt down and placed it on the ground. He bows his head and for the first time allows himself to fully mourn the fallen brothers.

— — —

Morning came as Zael looked for Hordak, he spotted the older clone and walked over to Hordak not knowing the older clone was busy.

“Hey Hordak can we discuss something import-” suddenly he felt so funny, his stomach flipped and everything shifted, pink sparkles were seen as Zael groaned and held his stomach.

“ZAEL?!?!” Glimmer gasped

Hordak whipped his head to see the clone “what are you doing here?”

“I grabbed your arm to ask you something then things felt strange and sick.” he looks around, wait he knows these walls. He knows these cells

They were at the Velvet Glove’s prison cells.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9 Velvet glove

Zael lowered his ears and looked around, why were they back on Horde Prime ship? It makes no sense? .

“Why are we here?” Zael questions fear in his tone as he stands close to Hordak.

Glimmer was a little annoyed that he's joining them but Adora offered reason “hey maybe they will give themselves a second chance if they see him?” Adora offered

“Adora is correct, seeing another brethren change and adapt might be easier for them to come to terms.” Hordak agreed
“And to answer your question Zael we are here to try to reform the aggressive clones.”

Zael perked up “really?” He was at least a little excited to meet them. He stayed close to Hordak as they walked, the ship wasn't as kept as before. There was dirt and some glass.

He pinned his ears and practically leaned on Hordak.

Hordak took notice of the clones' clinginess but allowed it, which was a surprise to others.

“Aw, you're being so nice letting him cling to you” Adora smiled.

“Ya, never took you for the cuddler Hordak” Glimmer smirks teasingly.

Hordak narrowed his eyes as he walked “the velvet glove could be a trigger for him, it's natural for him to seek comfort in one similar to himself” Hordak retorted back.

“Still can't take a joke” Glimmer muttered

“I can Glimmer, but that wasn't a Joke it was sarcasm, I can tell the difference,” Hordak responded back.

“Oh sorry” Zael backed up,feeling like he was to much in Hordak space, he held his arms around his sides and lowered his ears, I didn't mean to be up in your space im sorry”

“It's fine” Hordak glanced down at Zael, he was quite curious how this clone was slightly smaller than him by a few inches, Zael seemed smaller than most clones.

Zael looked up at Hordak, his lavender eyes widened a bit. He couldn't stop a small smile forming on his lips as he walked with the group down the halls, that reassurance helped ease his anxiety a bit. He was still nervous being back on prime ship but he felt better knowing he had a brethren best to aid him.

Adora took notice and smiled, she was glad Hordak was getting better with others and seeing the clone become calmer, they truly were working on being better. That's what she wanted to see.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

As the group made it to the prison rooms Glimmer herself got nervous and had to stick close to Adora, she remembered her days on prime ship. She kept quiet and tried to hide her own fear the whole time but it went full force being near the prison rooms again.

Adora rubbed her back “hey, it's okay.” She reassured her friend.

Glimmer nodded and held onto the bright Moon staff. She faced the imprisoned clones, there was a good amount of them, filling the cells each held 5 clones.

One clone who had acid green eyes exactly like horde prime glared at the group, he curled his lip in a snarl and bared his bright green fangs

“What you want!”

“We are here to talk, listen we don't like holding you guys in a cell but you attacked us, we had no choices but we offer you an option. Either stay in the cell or you can join the others, you refused our offer for almost 4 month now. So I thought it would help to bring 2 clones with us to help you guys” Glimmer said calmly but with authority.

“Like I care!” The clone hissed glaring at Adora “you murdered Horde prime!!” He growled

“We had no choice, he isn't as good as you believe. He used you guys and hurt you” Adora tried to reason

“It was necessary!!”

“It was in fact cruel. Abuse isn't necessary” Hordak narrows his eyes “I know it's hard to confront the truth but it's the truth brother, Prime is not merciful like he proclaims”

“You don't know him, defect!! You don't know Horde Prime” the clone snarled, he hated Hordak for killing Prime. He wanted to strangle the defect.

Hordak narrows his eyes further and snarls at being called a defect, clenching his fist.

Adora got In-between then

“Okay let's start this over-”

“I have nothing to say to you!!” The clone snapped.

“What about the others or do you let him do the speaking for you all?” Glimmer raised an eyebrow.

The others perked up, they had various different color eyes, one even had blue and yellow.

“Hey your eyes kinda look like Catra's” Adora pointed out. The clone with Heterochromia eyes.

The clone tilted his head “the little sister?” He asks.

“Uhh.. ya?” Adora was confused

The clone like the sound of that “I would like to meet her again, she was unique amongst us all” the clone saw her as a sister because of prime influence.

Zael perked up and peeks over Hordak shoulder

“Hey that's cool I wouldn't mind having two colored eyes” Zael spoke up

The clones gasped when they saw Zael. He was a clone but looked so different, more different then Hordak. He still had the horde uniform because Glimmer was waiting on the clothes to be made so they could have new clothes.

The clone with green eyes glared at zael “oh another abomination”

Zael lowered his ears “hey that's not nice!” He growls, defending himself

“Zael calm down” Glimmer side eyed him.

Zael huffed and looked away “he started it…”

The other clones looked at Zael changed look, he had different shades of blue hair, marks on his face? And was so different

“What is on your face brother?” One pipes up with pink eyes

“And you have a name? Names are forbidden?” Another reminded them.

“Primes gone so I can have a name it's Zael” he smiled “ And to answer your question it's called eyeliner, Hordak taught me how to use it” he smirks.

The others got curious now. “Can we try” one asks

“If you are nice and don't try to attack us again then yes you can have a name and eyeliner” Glimmer nodded

A few got excited and agreed, the others in the 3 other cells also requested freedom for different hair color or new things like names.

Zael smiled “can we let them out” he asks

Glimmer nodded and opened the cells to the others but was hesitant to open the one with the green eyed clone being held.

“You aren't gonna attack are you?” She asks, the clones weren't facing her.

The clone snarled, like he would ever join these backwater killers. Why should he? They took everything from him. And he will make them pay if he could.

But how? He's trapped unless he conforms?.

an idea struck him. He smirked and turned around “no” he crossed his arms, leaning on the wall casually, He was very confident.

“It's been crowded in this cell. If it means… changing myself then so be it.” He huffed

Hordak kept an eye on that clone. Something wasn't right in why he changed so quickly but they shall see. Maybe fear of loneliness was more scary than facing his captors

Glimmer opened the cell and let them out.

Zael greeted everyone and explained everything he's experienced so far. Even showing them his journal, he grinned happily.

The clones cooed curiously and looked at it.

“I want one!”

“I wanna try kiwis!”

Glimmer chuckled “well at least we solved that problem… now what are we gonna fully do with them, these guys need socializing and teachings but the others?”

“I can put them on my team to rebuild a few towns. I need extra hands anyways” Hordak announced

“I can help!” Zael offered.

“Very well, you. Lucero, and a few others will aid me” Hordak nodded

Zael grinned excitedly, he was happy to have something to do.

As Adora looked around she noticed a few clones were still mortified and was leaning to another. They must be struggling to come to acceptance with the demise of horde prime.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

The others made it back to the base camp where they had the Clones stationed.

“Here you go, welcome to your temporary place until you're comfortable enough to be on your own,” Glimmer announced.

The clones cooed curiously while others huddled closer to another

“I know it's scary at first, but. Maybe you can find friends in your changed brothers” Glimmer smiled.

A few clones who were wondering walked over to check out the rest of their brothers to converse as they examined another.

Hordak watched as they grew comfortable with another, there were a few growls and hisses at the unfamiliar changed clones. That was expected.

He made sure none fought though.

Yara perks up “hey look! They finally came back to the colony.

The unnamed clone eyes widened when he saw one clone. He walked over and smiled “your okay”

The clone turned “well we had no choice but to adapt, at least you didn't change like the rest of them” he huffed

“Change was very hard, I did not feel comfortable getting a name or changing my looks” he confessed

The clone smiled and placed his hand onto the one's shoulder “I'm glad to hear that” he gazed into the other's eyes.

The unnamed clone smiled back, a faint blush was seen on his cheek.

“Alright everyone” Glimmer called out.

“Since we have newcomers you guys might need to share a few rooms. But are you willing to take a name or not yet?”

A few of the new clones nodded while others didn't want to.

The green eyed clone smirks “I request a name”

“Oh you already thought of one?” Adora thought curiously

“Indeed” he smirks “I would prefer to be called Zed”

His green eyes shun, oh he already had the name picked out. He wanted one because it's gonna be something they will remember.

Chapter Text

After a few weeks of the new clones adjusting to new clones entering their little colony they were getting used to another.
Zael had an uneasy feeling of the clone name Zed. He was pretty aggressive and quite rude.

Zael yelped and waved his hand when he burnt it.

“I told you to hold still” Lucero huffed, turning the blow torch off

“You did not, you said hold it, so I did. You didn't say you was gonna burn me with your flame gun”

“It's a welding gun” Lucero rolled his deep purple eyes “I didn't purposely burn you,but held it wrong causing yourself to burn”

Zael huffed and rubbed his hand but was thankful he can heal quickly at least, he noticed the bags under Lucero eyes, why must this clone have a habit of not resting.

“How much sleep did you get this night!” Zael asked

“Enough…”

“Not the right answer,” Zael crossed his arms.

Lucero pinned his ears back with an annoyed flick “two, are you satisfied” he narrowed his eyes.

Zael could tell by his tone he was upset, Zael didn't mean to be disrespectful he was just worried.
sighing he lowers his ears “my apologies Lucero I did not mean to make you upset… I… I just feel uncomfortable with the new clones.”

Lucero tilted his head “why?” he sets his blow torch down to listen.

“For one, mint eyes” *Zael's dubbed name for the unnamed clone*
“Has been spending so much time with that one clone, one would think they are a bonded pair like Hordak and princess Entrapta”

“I'm not one to uhh…” Lucero thinks on the word “gossip so I'm unsure” he shrugged

Zael frowned, letting out a low huffed “but we spent months working with another to be friends and he barely opened up but to this clone he's chatting like I've never seen. I worry. The clone he spends time with is very rude. He snapped at Princess Frosta and argued with Queen Glimmer, calling them backwater fools constantly” Zael list off, practically gesturing with his hands.

“I'm sure he will adjust eventually” Lucero shrugged “not everyone can open up easily, it took me a week to get used to you and your unexpected nightmares and open mind. It's an adjustment, everyone is still trying to survive”

“I know and I understand that but. I guess. I guess I feel a little jealous, I thought we were finally becoming friends but he's refusing to hang out with us anymore. He's hanging out with those clones, I just feel he's abandoned us” Zael lowered his ears.

“Maybe talk to him and tell him how you feel, the princess seem to promote that” Lucero suggested grabbing his blue torch once more and worked on welding his little project

“I'll try that, I do hope it will work,” he frowned. He held the little sign Lucero was welding until he was finished and placed it on cold water to cool down.

“Thank you for your assistance Zael you may go about your day” Lucero sat down as he waited.

“Of course Lucero, get me if you need anything” he smiled and walks off

Zael took the time to go for a walk around the camp.

Not all the princesses were here today, only princess Entrapta and Perfuma.

Perfuma was helping the clones by teaching them to regulate their emotions and not get so upset or *need Purification* if they mess up or feel they aren't living up to their potential.

“But I forgot my given name! I have a tick in my mind I must be purified”

“Uhh.. no it's okay to forget some things, you're still getting used to it all. Your not broken” Perfuma attempted to sound reassuring but was struggling at it.

Kadroh patted the clones back “we all make mistakes brother it's fine”

“But I'm not perfect…” the clones pinned his ears back.

“And that's okay,” Kadroh smiled.

The clone sighed and sat back down, he decided to go to the garden to think.

Zael smiled a little, Kadroh was always very gentle with the clones. It helped some but not most. He continued to walk.

He looked around noticing others chattering and discussing, but his ears twitched and flicked when he heard commotion and turned his head to see.

He looked over to see Hordak and Zed discussing. Or more like arguing.

Zael sneaks over to listen, keeping distance.

“Zed, I understand you're still learning and coming to terms with the reality of things but stirring up conflict isn't the way we solve situations, you may discuss with myself or one of the princesses if you have a problem” Hordak had his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed.

Zad chuckled “oh? And this comes from the defect. Ya I'm sure asking some princesses why a lower rank can back talk doesn't deserve a slash to the face” he rolled his eyes.

“We are in a different society now Zed, ranks are no more now. We are a society of an extinct species that is cloned from another. We are all what is left.” Hordak attempted to reason.

“Ya… because you murdered Horde Prime!” Zed clenched his fist as he bristled. Baring his acid green fangs in hurt and anger.

Hordak sighs “I understand you hold resentment. But it was necessary” he says calmly.

“Oh really? Or was it personal vengeance? I saw it. You were upset he was gonna harm your backwater Mate so you killed him. Your personal feelings cost a leader and now we are stuck on a planet that doesn't know ANYTHING about our species!” Zed throws his hands up as he challenges Hordak.

“Doing these pointless exercises! They do not care for our people! If it was up to them they would leave us to fend for ourselves, they are no different from prime or any other royal”

Hordak narrowed his eyes but Zed had a point on one thing.

The princesses didn't know what they were doing but it was still something.

Hordak stood his ground “I admit my actions were caused by personal feelings, But Horde prime harmed many of us in a lot of ways, whether we are victims of his abuse physically or not. He had us dependent on him. You yourself do not realize it but you know it to be true”

Zed scoffed “i'm no victim, I took great honor servicing prime” he then smirks
“Besides. I took your place as his number one. His favorite clone” he chuckled
“The bastard general turned out to be a defect, ohh how the mighty have fallen. And fallen he has! He yields his title and bows to princesses, pathetic! You should have pleaded for Horde prime to put you out of your Misery like a rabid dog”

Zed wanted to add more insult to injury.

“Is that why you're sour? you were deranked when you returned because why would he want a defect like you back in his ranks” Zed got in Hordak's face.

Zael had enough “that's not right! You can't insult him like that” he made his way over, his ears pinned and his lavender fangs bared “apologize this instant! Hordak has helped all of us! Taking his time and patients, Horde prime is a cruel monster who harmed us!”

“Mind your business *RUNT!*” Zed scoffed turning his gaze to the younger clone “unless you also want a claw to the face”

Zael gasped, he was taken aback by that. He was never called that before by anyone
“What did you call me?!” His eyes glowed as he flexed his claws.

Zed smirked, noticing Zael flexing his claws “you heard me *runt* look at you. Small… weak. You're a runt.” He crossed his arms, his glowing green eyes early similar to Horde Prime

“You left the pod too early. Now look at you, your smaller than the rest of us”

Zael lowered his ears and clenched his fist “I may have been released too early but I'm not runt! I'm a soldier like the rest of us!” He countered.

Zed smirks “but you never were one of us were you? You're so different. Prime hated it. But he kept you around because why not? It served as good reminders for others to know their place” he got closer, forcing Zael to back up.

“I'm as perfect as I can be. You two defects are just that, defects” he simply walked off “as you excuse me I will mingle with the perfect clones” Zed smirks over his shoulder.

Zael's eyes watered as he forcefully whipped it away, those words hurt a lot. He knew Horde prime disliked him, he was different. Horde Prime didn't like it.

“Bastard” Zael growls under his breath.

He flinched when he felt Hordak place a hand on his shoulder.

“Don't mind the insults. I know it can be… strenuous to dismiss insults and compose yourself but Zed is merely testing boundaries, testing who he can push and shove. Just ignore his taunts and it would be easier. He will learn he isn't gonna get his way” Hordak spoke gently.

Zael lowered his ears as he looked up at Hordak “I'll try … I use to be able to keep my emotions in check but now that I'm allowed to express, it's hard to keep them in check once more”

Hordak nodded “I'm not asking you to hide your emotions,but let them out sparingly, especially your negative emotions. You are free to express how you like but to avoid others negatively you must not give what they want”

He sighs “I myself struggle with my negative emotions, I use to yell and scream… I still sometimes do” Hordak chuckled a little

“it's a struggle. I'm working on my temper. I try to calm myself before I snap. I know the struggle. It's very challenging but I'm sure you can do it”

Zael tilted his head and smiled “I heard you snapped a few times. Mostly at Mermista” he chuckled in return.

Hordak smiled “Mermista is a very… Righteous indignation person, I do not agree when she goes overboard but I understand her anger, what I done was horrendous and cannot be forgiven by a simple sorry”

“You mean destroying her kingdom and placing horde flags around? hurting and even killing some of her people?” Zael tilted his head with a raised eyebrow.

Hordak sighs “yes, that. Her anger is very much justified..” He knew that was truly wrong. A lot of lives and homes were lost and he was responsible for it, the horde was under his command. He may have been persuaded by Catra to go all out in the war, to be fully part of it once more and get his hands dirty, but he is their leader. He's responsible. He accepts that.

“I did a lot of wrong, and I do not expect forgiveness but. I'm doing my best to rebuild what I destroyed”

Zael smiled “that's all we can do right?... I know a few citizens who walk here give me glares, it's not my fault we were under Horde Prime's control. But they have the right to hate … it just hurts”

Hordak nodded “agreed. The looks and hated glared are a hard pill to swallow but its a must that we live with”

Zael felt comforted by Hordak's words of wisdom, he appreciated it. He was glad he had the older clone to aid him “thank you Hordak. Can I still call you my brother?” He hesitantly asked.

Hordak nodded “you may”

Zael perked up, he was happy that one clone understood him and knows what he's going through. It helped a lot.

“Thank you… brother” Zael perked his ears

Hordak smiled before leaving to go on his way.

Zael watched him leave, he was happy. He had a brother now.

_ _ _ _

As the days went on Zed was not adapting and was becoming a bit of a problem, he did dye his hair to a pale green but his attitude did not change, he argued with the princesses. Calling them weak and useless.

Glimmer was about to lose it with this disrespectful clones attitude “listen here buddy! If you don't like how things are done your fully welcome to go back in the cells so act CIVIL” she snapped

Zed chuckled “ah yes, threatening. How very royal like”

“Can you fools get it in your heads! Prime is dead. Get. Over. It!” Hordak snapped as he stepped in, he had enough of this disrespect.

“Horde prime was a great leader!” One of the newer clones countered, standing at Zed side

“Horde prime was a dictator. He used you guys! So get over it and move on!” Mermista snapped and clenched her fist, she had enough of these annoying clones.

“DON'T DISRESPECT THE GREAT HORDE PRIME!” The clone was about to lunge but Kadroh held him back As he attempted to slash Mermista.

“See! Some of them are still dangerous!” Mermista scoffed.

Zed watches his brother struggle but says nothing.

“Brother please… it's easier if you come to terms, horde prime was not a good leader” Kadroh said gently. Grunting in effort to hold the clone back.

“YOU DO NOT KNOW HORDE PRIME HES ALL GREAT AND KNOWING!! UNLIKE YOU PRINCESSES!!” the clone continues to be difficult and struggle

“Please do think-”

“I WILL NOT BE SILENCED AND BRAINWASHED TO THESE LIES, I WILL NOT TURN MY BACK ON MY PRIME!” The clone snapped, Their ruby eyes narrowed

“Then go back to the cells” Hordak narrows his eyes. His tone was cold.

“Hordak, that is not nice,” Kadroh frowned. “They are confused and scared, don't threaten to put them back in a cell” he huffed.

“Kadroh not everything is sunshine and rainbows, some just can't handle change” Hordak turned to Kadroh, he swears this clone was so annoying, he's hanging out with the princesses so much he doesn't understand the reality sometimes

“I know that but you don't need to threaten compliance” Kadroh frowned. “Maybe talk things out-” Hordak interrupted him

“Kadroh! How many times do I have to say this, some clones just can't handle the new society”

“But being rude isn't helping!”

“It's not being rude, it's a hard truth”

“Does it always have to be that?”

Zed quickly smirks as he watches the exchange go on. He crossed his arms.

“Kadroh!” Hordak snapped “by prime's sake” he pinched the bridge of his nose “stop arguing with something you do not know! I'm generations older than you. I know more so enough arguing over this, if the clone cannot handle it it's best if he self isolates and makes his choice” Hordak made the final word.

Kadroh frowned and lowered his ears “you can be a brute sometimes brother, I know you have experience but… you can be more gentle as well, I just wish you would see that”

Hordak shook his head “and you need to learn that not everyone is gonna change because you say so.”

The guards grabbed the clone and cuffed him as they led him to the cells.

“A day or two and we will talk with him to see what he chooses” Hordak instructs, using his lord tone.

“We do not take orders from you!” One guard scoffed and walked off

Hordak lowered his ears and clinched his fist, he clenched harder and harder before letting out a heavy sigh.

Reminded of his situation yet again.

He wasn't a Lord anymore.

Chapter Text

Zael was pacing by the tent as he waited. He was thinking of what to say to ‘mint eyes’ when he came back.
‘They just be friends? They have to be? Right? After these past months they finally understood that they must be friends so why hasn't he expressed himself the way he does with Zed?.’

*Maybe they are mates?*

Zael frowned and shook his head, he worried for his friend.

His ears flicked when he heard footsteps approaching and he turned to look to see who it was. He spotted ‘mint eyes'

“Hello, how was your day” he struggled to not say ‘brother’ anymore so that's the best he got.

‘mint eyes’ tilted his head at Zael “fine” he replied shortly and was about to walk in but Zael stopped him

“Wait br- mint- ugh it's hard cause you have no name!” Zael muttered mostly to himself, shaking his head
“Wait, can we talk? I… I need to talk with you please” Zael looked at ‘mint eyes’

‘mint eyes’ sighed irritably but listened “what do you need?”

Zael can tell by his tone he was annoyed “why do you give me such an attitude?” He frowned “I'm taking advice from the princesses and expressing my feelings, I feel like you are ignoring us, ever since the new clones and especially Zed have shown up. You've been hanging out with them and I understand you haven't seen them in awhile so you wanna hang out with them and I understand that. But I feel like you're ignoring us on purpose. We have spent months trying to be close to friends but you've been out with them, we used to chat in the tent. Talk while eating. Now your gone and I feel like you're trying to replace us cause you got them now…” Zael had his ears low and his head down, he struggled to make eye contact as he shoved the knot in his throat down.

‘mint eyes’ frowned before sighing, punching the bridge of his nose “I understand you've been getting more emotional now that things change but. Being with them helps having what we used to, to being on the velvet glove again. Not this new planet. But back when things were… better.”

“Better??” Zael was confused and a bit horrified “what was better when living with Horde Prime!”

‘mint eyes’ narrows his eyes at Zael “listen you may have been injured but I was not! So I do not have those negative feelings. Horde Prime wasn't cruel to me!”

Mint eyes couldn't stop himself before he replied.

“Maybe you deserved it if you weren't careful with prime's collections”

Zael's eyes widened when he heard that, his eyes teared up and he held back a sob. That hurt.

“Y-you know that hurts me, why would you ever say that.” Zael looked away as a few tears fell. “It sounds like something that bastard would say… maybe it is best if you stay with them. You forgot all the hard work you did for yourself.” Zael turned to walk away. Wiping his tears. The memory was still fresh, he still had nightmares of that incident. Why would he bring it up? Not only that but blaming HIM for being the reason for Horde Prime's unstable anger?!.

‘mint eyes' lowered his ears, he didn't mean to snap like that. He tried to apologize but stopped himself, huffing he followed Zael.

“Don't be so sensitive, we have survived much worse but words are what gets you! Don't you see the princesses are making us weak!”

“No!” Zael whipped around “it's YOU who refuses to see the absolute Hell Horde Prime put all of us through! Didn't you remember what Hordak went through! Or Sunny! Or Ariat! Horde Prime HURT us!! Just because it didn't happen to you doesn't mean it didn't exist! But you don't understand that cause you're hanging out with that rude brute who acts like Horde Prime himself!”

“Well maybe I don't mind if he acts like Horde Prime because it's the last thing we have as a remembrance!” ‘Mint eyes’ snarled

"Yes because remembering an... an abuser is..
Is so comforting-”Zael narrows his eyes and bared his fangs as ‘mint eyes’ did the same.

“HE NEVER CAUSED ME PAIN!”

“BUT HE DID TO OTHERS DONT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT??”

“WELL MAYBE I DON'T CARE ALRIGHT!”

“DONT CARE?!! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY THAT HEARTLESS YOU COLD-BLOODED BASTARD!!!”

Both clones got into each other’s faces and was about to get into a fight when Kadroh rushed over.

“Brothers please! Don't fight!!” Kadroh rushed over to get in between them, he placed a hand on ‘mint eyes chest’
“Fighting doesn't help!”

“You all are so soft now! All of you have lost your site! We used to be soldiers, but now we are lost vessels!” ‘Mint eyes’ scoffed.

“I AM NO ONES VESSEL!! NEVER AGAIN!!” Zael screamed out and was about to lunge at ‘mint eyes’ but was suddenly grabbed by the shoulder from Hordak.

“What is going on here?”

Zael whipped around to face the one he now sees as a brother “this *BASTARD* is so delusional he actually WISHES TO BE BACK WITH HORDE PRIME!”

“Brother no need to yell” Kadroh tries to calm him down

“Oh please none of you are my brother's!” ‘Mint eyes’ snarls

“I NEVER WANNA BE BROTHERS WITH YOU EITHER YOU MULISH!” Zael yelled

“ENOUGH BOTH OF YOU OR SO HELP ME I WILL MAKE YOU REGRET IT!!!” Hordak snapped, his ears low and his red eyes flashed, making sure he was louder to get their attention to quiet down.

Zael snarls at Mint eyes but relents and backs down.
“But he-”

“We will hear it later,” Hordak interrupted. “I do not wish for infighting amongst others, is that clear?”

Mint eyes scoffed “I do not take orders from you defect, thanks to you our ranks are destroyed now the only ones who hold rank are the princ-”

*A scream interrupted all of them*

The clones whipped their heads to the sound and saw Adora comforting Glimmer as she shook in shock.

The young queen was clinging to the warrior like they never saw. She was sobbing and shaking.

Adora was holding her close as she rubbed her shoulders and whispered words of comfort.

“What happened!” Hordak made his way over

“H-hes dead…” glimmer eyes were wide

“Who?”

“T-they clone we put in the cells. He slit his wrists and neck with his claws, s-so much blood” she buried her face in Adora's chest.

They been in war yes but nobody ever saw a suicide like that. It was so gruesome.

Hordak's eyes widened, he was stunned into silence, struggling to process what Glimmer just said.

Zael covered his mouth with a shuttered gasp
‘no.. why? How… why?’

“What….” Mint eyes pinned his ears back, the anger completely gone.

The yelling caused others to venture over.

Zed walked over “what? Who died?” he heard an annoying scream and was curious to see what was going on, other clones gathered over out of curiosity.

“The clone in the cell… he… he committed suicide. He believed taking his life was a way to honor Horde Prime” Kadroh says quietly

Many clones gasped and some even cried as they got frantic.

Zed's eyes widened and he lowered his ears. Clenching his fist he glared at the ground, forcing back tears. One of his brothers killed himself…. Because of them!

Zed whipped around to the princesses “this is your fault! You forced us to conform to your planet's rules and made us forget our true Lord! Never! This is your fault! His death is on YOUR hands!!! And I will NOT ALLOW IT TO GO UNPUNISHED YOU WILL REGRET THIS!!!” Zed sneered and stormed off before anyone could stop him

“Zed wait!!” Kadroh tries to stop him.

“Let him be Kadroh” Hordak sighs

“But this is unfair! He needs to be helped”

“We can't help him”

“But-”

“He needs time alone to process what just happened" Hordak interrupted Kadroh.

Kadroh frowned “but he needs comfort, he needs someone to talk to and told it's alri-”

Hordak couldn't help but snap, he was so done with Kadroh little childish thinking.

“DAMMIT KADROH LISTEN! NOT EVERY CLONE CAN BE HELPED! THE ONE IN THE CELL IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE! YOU CANT SOLVE EVERYTHING ALL YOU CAN DO IS JUST MOVE ON AND LOOK FORWARD!” Hordak glared at Kadroh

Kadroh glared back “No!! Nobody should be alone! That isn't fair! He needs to understand we are there for him and not wanting to make him forget but help him realize he is hurt” Kadroh defended

“NOT EVERYONE CAN BE HELPED! NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO CHANGE! STOP LIVING IN A FAIRYTALE!” Hordak got in Kadroh's face “you've been with the princess for so long you have gotten so childish! It's time you wake up Kadroh, a clone has been killed because he cannot be helped, Zed might do the same cause we cannot help those who refuse to want help. That's reality. Live with it” Hordak growls, narrowing his eyes. It hurts. He knew his words hurt but he was trying to process things and this idiots blabbing wasn't helping.

“Your such a fool it's honestly a shock you survive this long”

Kadroh eyes widened and he tears up, clenching his fist he looks down as small sobs are heard.

He pinned his ears back and shook his head “y-you preach you are nothing like prime, you are different … Y-you may not be bad like Prime, but sometimes you sound just like him.” Kadroh turned to walk away. Going to princess Scorpia as she offered him a hug of comfort.

Zael's eyes widened a bit, staying quiet… he can't lie, that was something Horde Prime would say.

Hordak's hard gaze softened a bit when he heard that. He stood there, pondering everything. His heart was racing.

He was overworking himself with this stress, he clutched his chest a bit. Shutting his eyes.

“Okay. Everyone go back to your tents we will get this solved, no more infighting please” Adora asks everyone as she comforts Glimmer

The clones hesitated as they all were trying to process everything but the princess ushered them to their tents as they talked amongst themselves

“How could my brother do that?”

“It's the princess's fault!”

“No it's brother's fault for being weak!”

“Brother wasn't weak!”

They continued to argue a bit as Perfuma tried to calm them down, everyone took the news so differently. Others blamed the princesses. Some blamed the clone as a few just cried and grieved.

Adora took Glimmer inside a spare tent Hordak and Entrapta followed.

“W-we need to clean it up. But what do we do with the body?” Glimmer asks.

“We will make a memorial, no clone deserves to be forgotten.” Hordak stared at the ground.

Entrapta went to reach for his hand but he clenched it “Kadroh is foolish, he doesn't understand…”

“Hordak. Maybe you need to work on your temper more. You… what you said was uncalled for and actually means” Entrapta says softly

“How? It's the truth”

“But maybe the truth could be said in a different tone, the tone you used was harsh. You can be right but wrong in your tone.” Entrapta lowered her mask “I'm just saying.”

“But how dare he call me similar to Hor- to HIM! That he has no right!” Hordak growled.

“Maybe not Horde Prime but you sounded like your old Lord self. Demanding respect without care of the words you used to hurt others so they stop talking. That was rude. I understand you believe you're in the right but you should apologize” Adora suggested.

Hordak scoffed “apologize for the truth … you cannot be serious?”

“Hordak, come on, don't be stubborn. Calling someone a fool and pretty much saying they would be dead without guidance is rude” Adora narrows her eyes “I hate to do this but this whole redemption or being better is that, to change your old ways and be reborn as new. To be better than before. If you don't want to be your old self then reflect and take into consideration the words you use can hurt others even if you don't mean it to or not.” Adora put authority in her tone. “I understand and in a way you are right but you should apologize for how you said it, you could have worded it differently and get the point across without insulting him the way you did.

Hordak narrows his eyes at the princess, glaring at her … but his eyes darted to Entrapta and sees her fiddling with her hair, she was anxious.

He lowered his ears and sighs “I will… I will do my best to fix my tone. To do better my princess…” he replied stiffly. He doesn't want to do it but if he was to be better he has to.

That and he doesn't wanna do more community service then he has to.

“You may go, Glimmer and I will handle this” Adora nodded.

Hordak nodded “Entrapta” he announced and she looked up.

He held out his hand as an offering if she wanted to take it “if you like we can head to our room”

Entrapta hesitated for a moment before taking his hand.

He silently exhales in relief. He was happy she wasn't fully upset with him.

“Maybe we can work on a small project,” she offered.

“I would like that.” Hordak agreed as they walked to their room.

As the two walked away Glimmer looks at Adora “what if more clones commit suicide? What if we are doing something wrong? We have never done this before? Hell, what we are doing isn't actually helping them… what are we gonna do?” She held her head as her eyes darted to the ground, fresh tears welding up.

Adora carefully took her hands “hey. We do what we always do” she smiled “we wing it. Yes this isn't perfect but I'm sure it's still something, we are still helping them. It's not perfect but we are trying and im sure they see that too” she rubbed her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

“Everything will be okay. We will get through it”

Glimmer rests her head on Adora's chest “I hope so…”

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Zed was by the forest. He tore a few trees. Tears kept dropping on the ground.

He snarls “damn this place! Damn those princesses.” He clenched his fist “damn that defect! All of them… they defy Prime's will and image…”

He hated them, all of them how dare they… he will make them regret it.

“Zed?” A group of clones walk forward, Mint eyes with them “is everything alright?” They ask.

“Absolutely not! One of our brothers died because of them! They tried to brainwash all of us and now a life was taken! They tried to make us conform but we will refuse!” He paced.

The clones smirk “why not overthrow them, shouldn't be hard.”

“We don't have access to our cannons and they have powers” another rolled their eyes.

Zed's eyes widened before grinning “that's exactly what we will do.” He turned to his group “we will break into the velvet glove and get what we need. We will prove who's in charge and who's stronger.”

Mint eyes widened in shock “what! Brother have you gone mad? That's absurd! We cannot go to Horde prime's old ship” he tried to reason but the clones suddenly grabbed him by the shoulders as Zed walked over, his acid green eyes glared down at ‘mint eyes’

“And are you gonna stop us brother? Are you gonna tell the princesses our plan?” He got in his face

“Or are you gonna be a good brother and stay quiet?”

‘mint eyes’ widened, he gulped and looked down “I wont get in the way…” he looked to the side as the others released him.

“That's a good Brother” Zed smirks and places his hand on his shoulder and gives a gentle squeeze.

“Now let's go back home shall we?” He chuckled

The others nodded in agreement.

Mint's eyes stayed quiet, his ears still pinned down but he was scared but couldn't stand up, they got the numbers on him and… he couldn't.

Zed led the way through the forest, his eyes allowing him to see in the dark while he listened in on it anyone was tracking them.

He made his way through the first, slashing any branch in his way. He looked around until he saw it. The ship. Grinning, he made his way over but a clone stopped him.

“What!!” he whispered

“Guards,” the clones pointed.

Zed looked over and rolled his eyes “nothing I cannot handle, observe!” He jumped out and kicked the guard at a tree, the others were so stunned they didn't stop his attack when he slashed their stomachs and necks.

He grinned when he saw blood dripping down and the guards fell.

“Pathetic. These Etherians are no match for the clones of the great Horde Prime” Zed pops his neck and shoulders before making his way inside the ship.

The others followed suit but mint eyes looked at the dead guards, he frowned. He knew one of them. They were nice… they didn't deserve that.

He was pushed a bit to move forward so he walked inside the ship.

They walked inside, it was dark and lifeless, no machine was on, no glow. The ship was dusty and unkept.

Zed frowned “look how they disgrace the ship of horde prime” he gestured with his hands “they made a mockery of Horde prime's legacy! His life works. Dust and rubble. Well that will not be so anymore…”

He looked around for a certain room, slashing the code scanner and entered the room.

“Who's room is this?” One asks

“Do you not know?” Zed grinned and looked at the cozy bed “it's horde primes private quarters. The most honorable place… good thing the princesses didn't muck it up” he looked inside the drawers.

“Brother what exactly are you looking for here … isn't messing with Horde Prime's possessions also mucking it up?” One clone asks hesitantly.

“No brother. What I'm doing is keeping Horde Primes legacy alive” he grinned when he sees Horde primes clothes and grabbed it and grabbed the claw caps

“By doing so. Someone needs to become the new Prime. And I” he turned to the clones, a wicked grin on his face.

“Am that clone.”

“Zed Prime”.

Chapter Text

Entrapta trudged through the thick underbrush, eyes glued to her datapad, tracking the strange signal.
“Hmm... definitely Horde frequency,” she muttered, brushing tangled hair from her face with a mechanical strand. “Maybe a crashed scout ship? Oh, this is exciting—”

She gasped as she suddenly bumped into something solid. Or rather—someone.

“Ack—what?”She looked up and blinked. A clone stood in her path.

“Oh! Hi there, Clone 4317! Sorry, I didn’t see you,” she chirped, already trying to step around him.But the clone moved to block her.

“It's quite alright Princess Entrapta, I actually have a request, would you mind helping me on a tech related problem?” He asks, folding his arms behind his back.

Entrapta's eyes lit up as she lifted herself with her hair “of course!” She brightly grinned “what do you need help with” she gripped her data pad excitedly.

He smiled and let out a chuckle “oh, I would love to know more about the first one's tech, mind telling me?” he started to walk deeper into the whispering woods as Entrapta followed close behind.

“OH! You wanna know of the first one's tech? I WOULD GLADLY TELL! I'M SO HAPPY YOU ASK THAT QUESTION!” Entrapta lit up like a beam as she talked so fast her words blurred together.

“ There is so much to explore that I haven't gotten my hands on yet! HA, I was given limited access to Beast Island,but only if I had super vision of course, I myself am on a small community service” she waved her hair and went back to talking
‘but having to study all the untouch data! be amazing to learn! Oh all the possibilities!!” She lets out a chaotic laugh.

The clone pinned his ears back at her loud laugh, wincing in irritation but faked a smile “yes, fascinating, but what about the crystal on She ra’s sword and the defect’s armor… what of that?” He smiled calmly.

“Defect? Oh you mean Hordak? I advise you do not call him defect please but yes I can answer those” she walked alongside him as she tapped on her data pad and shows him a moving diagram

“On She ra's sword, at least the new one.
she has, is still very powerful, it got infected twice (her old one) but the crystal is destroyed so she or any first one’s tech can't be infected anymore but it's a very powerful crystal that's part of her I believe I haven't had time to study it, while Hordak's crystal is nowhere near the level of power but it's enough to power his suit as a medical aid since the princesses don't allow any other. But without it his condition would be much worse and leave him barely able to move. It's why it's very important to not be tampered with” she explained but felt protective at the idea of nobody touching Hordak's crystal again.

The clone grinned at the new knowledge “fascinating, so… the infected crystal is no more? Shame. I would have loved to have seen it” he frowned

“It was too troubling, we knew it was too dangerous but thankfully it's now destroyed ” Entrapta frowned for a moment “but that's okay, I'm sure it's for the better anyways” she smiled.

The clone flicked his ears “I do question, if the crystal isn't advised to be taken out does that mean it's permanently there so you cannot take it out?”

“Well unless you use a special EMP and destroy the armor around it to dig it out then no” Entrapta shrugged but the more they walked and discussed, something wasn't right.

She stopped “why are you so curious?”

The clone casually stopped “well I do wanna know more of my friends? Or well, the ones who were the purpose of bride prime defeat”

Entrapta smile fell “it was necessary, horde prime was hurting others and you clones, he needed to be stopped”

The clone narrows his eyes, ears flattened to his skull “he was our Creator! They took him!” He snapped but composed himself as he brushed his hand through his hair and collected himself
“How useful... To learn that the defect and the warrior both carry vulnerabilities. Such knowledge will serve us well.” he flashed his fangs in a haunting grin

Before she could react, something crackled in the air—sharp, cold, electric—then agony surged through her spine. Her vision flickered. And then...

nothing.

.

.

The day was a calm sunny day, the clones were out in their groups chatting while others were doing a few activities they dubbed their ‘hobby’.

Zael watches them as he walks over to Hordak's and Entrapta's tent, he has a question to ask the older clone, He stopped when he saw Hordak outside of his tent with a classic frown on his face as he paced upsettingly.

Hordak was pacing non-stop, so consumed by his thoughts, his hair in his face.

‘He didn't want to. He refused to. He will not apologize, why should he? Why give in to the fool who is so childish and immature, he has no idea what it's like to have everything you've worked for taken and having to build an empire only for that to be taken as well.’

‘Hordak's life was always a downward spiral, never anything went his way, the war lasted way too long. Prime abandoned him once then humiliated him the next and nearly forced him to kill his mate. He's been through hell and back and currently is serving his mistakes and is still dealing with his defect as an added bonus. Kadroh is simply a clone that got dislodged from the hive mind, he doesn't know anything! He has no idea what struggle truly is. He's just a foolish clone.’

Hordak narrows his eyes, letting out an annoying growl, grabbing a random item and throwing it in a random direction.

A yelp was heard then the sound of a crash.

He turned to see Zael, who ducked in time to not get hit by the metal.

The clone had his ears pinned back before speaking.

“Brother?... You're making a dent in the ground” Zael's voice was hesitant as he pointed to the ground.

Hordak looked down to see he made a small trench. Wonderful.

“So I have…” he muttered, looking back up to face Zael “what do you need” he grumbled and crossed his arms.

“Umm… c- can I borrow your eyeliner, mine somehow dried up, I don't care to use black but” he hesitated before speaking
“I would like to have some form of eyeliner please?” He asks

Hordak raised an eyebrow, he found it odd but guess the clone saw that the eyeliner added to his individuality?
“Very well” He led the clones to his personal tent and opened a drawer to hand him the pen.

Zael perked up happily and grabbed the pen
“Thank you brother” Zael smiled, he went to the mirror “so what were you doing pacing?” He questioned as he applied his eyeliner in the mirror, concentrating on the swirls specifically, adding a few dots as well.

“Thinking mostly… pondering about yesterday’s mess.” He sighed

“We buried the clone, but I was told to apologize to Kadroh.” He frowned at the thought and shook his head
“I feel as if I do not need to, but the princesses are asking it of me… “he narrowed his eyes and snarled a little.

Zael frowned “may I speak?” He turned to look at Hordak.

“Of course, no need to ask for permission” Hordak looked at Zael, his tone reassuring.

“Right. Sorry.” Zael lowered his ears “I must admit you were very harsh, it even scared me and I wasn't the target. Kadroh he's” Zael tried to think of the right word.

“He's… not fully there after what happened. From what I heard he suffered a brain injury. But maybe it might help to just acknowledge what you said. It doesn't have to be a full apology, but knowing that words can hurt too?” He offered

Hordak frowned. “I will admit I haven't fully looked into his condition, I just assumed he got disconnected and that's that…” he slowly started to understand where he assumed instead of checking.

Zael also caught on to that “Hm, maybe it's best to not assume. I mean look at me, I'm a small clone who apparently is different as well. But none knows or asks” he shrugged to make a point. “At least not the princesses, but they don't know much of our species do they?” he shrugged.

Hordak gazed at the smaller clone

‘Yes. That's right, he was taken out too early. He remembered hearing of a leak in a pod but he soon left the hive when it happened.’

‘But he sees now, the lighter grey blue skin, the shorter height, he's technically a runt. One that should have been disposed of, makes him wonder why Horde Prime kept him?... He's still useful?’ Hordak pondered

“I see. I will put more thought into it then” he muttered.

Zael smiled “want to join me for breakfast? I was gonna get some oranges for Lucero, he's been having trouble sleeping. I heard it's called insomnia.” Zael walked out the tent with his now black swirled eyeliner.

Hordak tilted his head “Lucero? Which clone is that” he pulled out his data pad to type the name, he made files for each clone.

“Lucero is an older clone in your generation, maybe older. He refers to himself as a retired soldier. He's got many scars on his arms and a chipped talon” zael informs as he walks and collects the fruit.

Hordak hummed “I see, I will look into seeing if there's a way to aid him”

“Perfuma has been giving him special tea, but hasn't been working much. He has nightmares like me but not as… loud.” He frowned.

Hordak understood that “I understand.” He turned to Zael “speaking of, how has your sleep been?” he remembered the one night the clone ran out of the tent terrified and shaking.

Zael froze and hesitantly set the fruits down “not well, I barely sleep as well, it's hard not to see his eyes” Zael frowned, pinning his ears back as he gently grabbed his side.

Hordak frowned, he knew the feeling too well.

Zael stared at a green apple, the green was eerily similar to **his** eyes
“The way those eyes glared at me, his angered tone and his hair tendrils” Zael shut his eyes
“I-I don't ever want to live like that, the constant fear.” he shook as he struggled to speak, a knot already forming in his throat as he tightened his arms around his sides, tears falling.

Hordak noticed the anxious signs in the clone and hesitantly placed a hand on the clone shoulder “You don't have to speak anymore if your not ready”

Zael nodded and whipped his tears, he still struggled talking about his trauma, what he went through and realizing how awful it was. It hurts so much to remember.

“Thank you” he said quietly, a few tears pricked in his eyes as he quickly wiped them away.

Hordak helped carry the fruit to the shared tent.

Inside he saw Lucero was reading a book on his bed, Yara was training his tiny robot on his own bed. They seemed peaceful.

Zael tried to hide his emotional state “brought fruit guys” he lifted the basket to show.

Lucero glanced up “hello Sir” he greeted Hordak then turned to Zael “did you remember to get the oranges?” He asks Zael when he turns to look at him.

“No I forgot them” Zael smirks playfully. He placed the fruit basket down and tossed the oranges at Lucero who easily caught them.

He used his claws to slice the peels and started eating

“Oh! Hordak sir,I need to talk to Princess Entrapta, I need her advice” Yara looked up to Hordak.

Hordak nodded “of course, I'll contact her immediately, she's left early this morning cause she had an idea” he went on his data pad to contact her. When she immediately didn't respond he raised an eyebrow.

“Strange?” He muttered.

He sent another message.

No response

“This is unlike her?” He wondered

“Maybe she's busy?” Zael offered

“Entrapta always replies even when busy” Hordak corrected.

Zael was about to respond when a message finally popped up.

Hordak immediately read it and all he got was

*-sorry, got caught up in something-*

Hordak found it strange but when he saw a video call coming he clicked it.

He regrets even doing so because what he saw on the other side of the screen was Entrapta tied up, a gag on her mouth and surrounded by a few clones who aimed cannons at her head she had some bruises on her, she looked scared but determined to stay strong.

Hordak narrowed his eyes and clenched the data pad so hard he nearly snapped it in half “What's the meaning of this!”

“Simply putting these princesses in their place defect” Zed stepped into view, the clone’s look changed, he wore a dark grey tabard with white robe, he seemed to have the horde insignia as a large necklace and some of primes enhancements attached to him, claw caps on his talons.

He looked so much like Horde Prime.

“Zed, Unless you want to keep living I highly suggest you release Entrapta. Now.” Hordak snarled.

“That's Zed **PRIME** to you, defect. You don't give the orders here” he grabbed Entrapta by the face as she glared at the clone, showing clear defiance but she couldn't fight back.

“But I'm feeling generous at the moment and will keep her alive” he released her and turned to Hordak
“I want you and the princesses to meet me in the velvet glove. I have a surprise for all of you, especially you and that warrior. Do hurry. Your little mate is counting on it” Zed grinned and cut the video off.

Hordak was breathing heavily in rage, he broke the tablet and threw it outside, his fist clenched.

“That fool made a grave mistake…”

Zael’s eyes widened in horror, he looked to Hordak “can I come! I wanna help”

“No. He said only the princesses and myself, "I will not risk Entrapta's safety because you want to aid” he turned to leave. He knew the others aren't here and it will take time for them to even get here, the only princesses here are Glimmer, Adora and the plant princess, but she left early today. She won't get here in time. He growled in frustration at the thought and walked off to inform the others.

Zael lowered his ears and pondered, no. He can't sit by, he wants to help, he WILL help even if it's unwelcomed. These princesses, especially Entrapta, were nice and aided them. He will return the favor.

Lucero could see the look in his eyes “you're going aren't you?”

“Yes I am, are you gonna stop me?” Zael raised an eyebrow

“No, but I wouldn't go alone if I was you” Lucero gets up

Zael lowered his ears “are you sure? You don't want to fight anymore?”

“I don't, but if they are in danger I will aid.” He joined Zael side as they made their way out.

The princesses and Hordak were already gone thanks to glimmer teleportation.

Kadroh looks at the others “what's going on brothers?”

“Entrapta was kidnapped by rogue clones, we are going to help” Zael announced.

Kadroh frowned “I wanna come too”

“Oh me too!’ Yara and his little bot walked over

Zael nodded “alright then let's go” he was determined and the four made their way to the velvet glove.

— — — — — —

Hordak fist was clenched so much he nearly cut his palm he was allowed his fully armored suit, his crystal glowing as he made his way to the velvet glove that was now crashed landed on Etheria.

“Hey, easy there. We will get her back. We faced Horde Prime, I'm sure we can face this one clone” Adora reassured him, knowing he was already blaming himself for Entrapta's kidnapping.

“Don't underestimate this one clone. He may be one but he has the clones by his side. They have the same beliefs as he, it will not be easy Adora. Especially since he knows how we operate.” He narrows his eyes.

“Okay, you got a point there but we can't rush in. We need a plan”

Hordak nodded “I agree. We can use the flower princess-”

“Um, my name is Perfuma.” Perfuma interjected

“We will use her in the back, Zed most likely wants Adora and I. He will be expecting Glimmer to come but not Perfuma so in the right time I want you to get Entrapta but I repeat, Do. Not. Leash. Her” he warned.

“How am I to grab her???” Perfuma argued.

“Grab her wrist like a normal being! If you need to use your vined to get her away from the others fine but don't drag her around on a leash like she's a mindless pet” he hissed.

“Okay. I won't” Perfuma raised up her hands.

“When Entrapta is out of the Cross fire we need to use everything we got, they are quick and will not stop until you are down, prime may not be controlling them but they still have the strength of a warrior” he explained

“Ya…. This isn't our first rodeo facing the clones Hordak, no offense” Glimmer muttered as they made their way.

“That was them being controlled in the hive mind, these are clones who are set in vengeance and won't hesitate to kill, horde prime only wanted you defeated and wounded. They want you dead.” Hordak narrows his eyes.

Glimmer eyes widened “are you saying all that fight was just…”

“Their cannons were set on stun. Only when Horde Prime decided to die with the planet was when they went on to kill” Hordak informs.

“That… makes more sense why the battle felt hopeless” , Glimmer frowned.

Adora placed a hand on her shoulder “we will get through this.”

They walked to the ship and entered as they made their way to the main hall.

Glimmer frowned as she looked around the ship. She felt uncomfortable but swallowed her fear and kept moving.

Hordak took the lead with Adora by his side as the two made their way to the throne room where Zed was sitting on Horde prime's old throne, it was still cracked and half destroyed with the glass shattered from Hordak destroying it.

Zed smirks “hello princesses… and the defect”

“where is Entrapta?” Hordak clenched his fist, his cannon humming, he wasn't in the mood for chatting

“Ahhh losing your temper as always *Brother*” Zed chuckled

“I don't have time for this Zed, WHERE IS SHE!” Hordak's voice boomed through the room.

“Calm you're you will see her very soon ” he smirks

He was in new clothes. A makeshift white and light grey tabard with armored legs and wrists, a horde symbol necklace around his neck with some tech on his head to mimic horde prime mechanic tendrils.

Zed snapped his armored fingers “bring the little princess, brothers”

Hordak scoffed “you try so hard to be the real thing, but you are just a cheap copy, not even I was that pathetic to copy him to that extent” Hordak sneered in disgust.

Zed pinned his ears back and snarled “I wouldn't suggest insulting me when I have your mate in my grasp defect!”

Entrapta was shoved onto her knees with a cannon to her head..

“Now. This is how things will go, I will release this princess and you and the warrior can choose” Zed grinned.

“Choose?” Adora tilted her head suspiciously

“Both of you are gonna die of course but you can choose who goes first”

Adora frowned and was about to speak up but Hordak stepped forward “fine. You want a public execution… chose me” he narrowed his eyes and gazed up at the clone.

“What! Hordak no! Let me! You have Entrapta, she needs you!” Adora objected.

“And the universe needs you Adora, I, I love Entrapta enough to keep her safe no matter the cost” he sighs.

Entrapta tried to scream no but the gag in her mouth made it hard to do so but the determination in her eyes was clear she didn't agree with it.

“No! Don't do this! There is another way!” Adora pleads but Hordak turns to the clones and steps forward to surrender.

Adora can't let this happen, she can't lose another person, she turned and glared at the clones “FOR THE HONOR OF-”

“I wouldn't do that warrior!” Zed grinned as the clone shot a warning fire near Entrapta head causing her to flinch

“No!!” Hordak rushed forward but the clones grabbed him as he wrestled them off but they held strong and pinned his wrists behind him.

Glimmer teleported behind the clone and hit them in the head but another clone grabbed her hair and tossed her away. “Predictable!” One scoffed and used a stun baton to whack her behind the head “it's not fun being targeted in the back of your neck” one laughed

Glimmer cried out and fell, her vision instantly blurred for a moment but it was enough for the clones to grab her and hold her down.

Zed grinned and stepped off the throne and held a blinking green crystal
“Thanks to this tech princess here, we made our own virus crystal. One that would make you uncontainable, destructive. A monster” he flicked the gem in hand “so I suggest you stay in your little form warrior” he chuckled darkly.

Adora's eyes widened, she hated that feeling, not being in control and hurting her friends. She can't do it again.

“Why are you doing this, don't you understand Horde prime-”

“OUR GOD WAS PERFECT! YOU ARE THE FLAWED BEINGS WHO DON'T DESERVE VICTORY WHILE YOU MURDERED HIM!” Zed slapped Adora hard and grabbed her hair, shoving the crystal in her face.

Adora cried out and screamed as she felt the toxic crystal almost drain her strength.

Zed shoved her to the clones as they successfully captured them all and forced them on their knees.

“This planet belongs to us. You no longer are the rulers but our slaves. You will serve us, you will pledge to Horde Prime will not perish. Now let me show an example to those who go against horde prime and enact the worst sin” he snapped his fingers.

Hordak grunted when he was forced to step forward as Zed grinned sadistically, he reached out and grabbed Hordak roughly by his chin. Looking at the scars “the ex-follower who did the worst sin by killing our Creator.” He tightened his grip, causing a few cuts to Hordak's skin
“Our God. Horde prime wished for greatness, but the devil took his life. Now he shall pay the cost with his own blood”

Hordak narrows his eyes “I did what I must to protect my own” he sneered

‘Zed narrowed his eyes and slashed Hordak's chest. Ripping the cloth. As Hordak released a pained scream when the metal claws sliced open his skin.’

“So what, you're ‘redeemed’ now? You see yourself above Horde Prime? He created you! AND THIS IS HOW YOU THANK HIM!” He sank his claws deeper as they ripped down Hordak's chest, causing the defect to cry out more in pain as he thrashed around but couldn't free himself.

“You will pay for your sins with your very life” Zed released his blooded covered claws and grabbed a cannon from a nearby clone.

The cannon hummed to life when it was pointed to Hordak's chest, the heat was felt on his freshly opened skin.
“Any last words defect?” He grinned.

Hordak narrows his eyes, ready for the end,
but suddenly a blurry was seen as a pole nearly hits Zed.

Zed moved out of the way in time
“What the-”

He glared at the entrance where 4 clones stood at the entrance

Zael and the others were there ready to protect their friends.
Zael had some makeshift armor while Lucero had his talons out and ready, his deep purple eyes hardened, ready to strike.

Yara smiled and pulled out a data pad
“Hello Princess Entrapta, I was hoping to show you my bots!” he grinned as he programmed a small army of bots to attack

The rouge clones aimed their cannons and shot at the small group of clones which distracted them long enough for the others to struggle free while Perfuma used her vines to gently grab Entrapta and pull her to safety.

Kadroh was making sure Entrapta was safe.

Entrapta grabbed the gag out of her mouth and laughed “a small army of robot's! That's so smart I'm so proud of you Yara!” She grinned

But then she remembered they weren't fully out of danger yet

“Hordak!” She turned to check on him

Zed snarls and out of anger he twisted around and swung his claws, aiming for Hordak's neck.

Hordak still held down, widened his eyes only to shut them as he waited for the pain to come.

But instead he felt himself get shoved down and a slice was heard instead.
.
.

“NOOOOOO!!!” Screams were heard.

(To be continued)

Chapter Text

Everyone stopped cold.

The battlefield stilled in an instant

Zed took a step back, staring at what he’d done.
The other clones stopped mid-strike.

Zael halted mid-breath.

Then silence—
like the world itself had stopped to watch him bleed.

Kadroh’s weight hit Hordak before he even understood what he was seeing. One moment, Kadroh was standing in front of him—alive—and the next, his knees buckled and blood poured down the front of Hordak’s armor.

“No—no, stay with me,” Hordak choked out, pulling him close. “Look at me, Kadroh. That’s an order.” He snapped even though his hands were shaking, he felt liquid fall down his cheek as his vision blurred but he focused on Kadroh with everything he had.

Kadroh’s eyes fluttered. He made a sound, wet and broken, like he was trying to speak but the words drowned in his throat.

Footsteps skidded across metal.

“Move!” Adora shouted, dropping to her knees beside them. “I need to see the wound—Hordak, let go, I can’t help him if—”

A voice cut through the alarms.

“How touching,” Zed said. “A defective mourning another defective.” he snarled in disgust

He raised his cannon.

He wouldn't miss a second time.

Hordak didn’t have time to stand—

But someone did.

Zael was already moving.

Before he could pull the trigger, a feral scream tore through the air—
and something slammed into him before he even knew what happened.

Claws. Fists. Teeth.

“Don’t you touch him!” Zael howled, voice cracking as he drove Zed back. “Don’t—just—stop—”

Hordak could only watch, Kadroh bleeding in his arms, while the chaos exploded around them.

Hordak pulled his gaze away and looked at Kadroh, he was pale. He was losing too much blood.

Adora raised her sword “for the honor of grayskull!” She shouted as she transformed.

She placed her hands on Kadroh’s throat as she used every ounce of power to heal the wound.

Hordak watched in anticipation, his red eyes flicking to the fight.

It was bloody

Zed was on the offense , using his size and strength against the smaller clone, snarling like a feral animal. But Zael wasn't gonna go down easy, he dodged the slashes and managed to twist behind Zed and jump on top of him. Wrapping his legs around his waist and grabbed the cannon, tugging it out of Zed's grip.

Zed struggled to throw Zael off, roaring in frustration.

He tore Zael free and hurled him over his shoulder. “DAMN RUNT!”

Zael hit the floor hard—but he still had the cannon. With a desperate shove, he flung it across the room.

It skidded to a stop at the feet of a clone.

Mint eyes.

Time seemed to hold him in place as he stared at it.

At the weapon that had been used to control them. At the choice sitting right in front of him.

Zed didn’t even notice.

Still blind with rage, he slammed Zael against the wall—unaware he was unarmed.

“Horde Prime should have exterminated you a long time ago. But don't worry, I will finish what he started!” Zed's grin spread wider as he dug his claws into Zael's scarred neck. Reopening the wounds.

Zael cried out in pain, gripping Zed’s wrist as he struggled to free himself.

Zed raised his arm but it was too light.

His eyes widened as he looked and saw the cannon was missing.

He narrowed his acid green and threw Zael to the floor “YOU SNEAKY LITTLE WRETCH!” he scanned the room and spotted ‘Mint eyes’

He snarled “Hand it over fool! NOW!”

‘mint eyes’ lowered his ears and looked to the cannon then back at Zed.

‘Mint Eyes’ stared at the cannon like it was a live creature. He could still hear Kadroh’s scream-

horde prime words-

*Clones are meant to obey. Not think*

But then there was Zael, crumpled on the floor, gasping and bleeding, and something in Mint Eyes’ chest twisted.

Zed took one heavy step toward him. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Mint Eyes flinched, clutching the cannon to his chest like a shield.
He wasn’t supposed to think. He wasn’t supposed to choose.

But Kadroh chose. Zael chose. They all did.

And me?
He swallowed. What if I choose wrong?

He met Zed’s eyes. “No.”
He tossed the weapon—and it skittered across the floor.

All eyes were on it.

Both reached for the gun.

Fingers and claws collided on the metal. Zael snarled, yanking the cannon toward himself as Zed staggered back a step.

Mint Eyes stood stiff and trembling… ears pinned down, heart hammering in his chest. He had made his choice. He had acted. That was enough—for now.

Zael twisted, slamming into Zed with everything he had. Metal scraped. Sparks flew.

The cannon slid across the floor again—this time out of Zed’s reach.

Zed roared in frustration, swinging blindly at Zael, teeth bared. But Zael was ready, ducking and twisting, striking back with feral precision.

Mint Eyes clutched the side of his armor, watching, shaking—but safe. He had done what he could. He had chosen.

And for the first time, he realized… that alone felt like victory.

Zed had enough, he managed to catch Zael off guard, slashing the left side of his face.

Zael cried out as he stumbled back. Momentarily stunned by the pain.

Zed took that opportunity and lunged for the cannon, aiming to finish this once and for all.

Zael rubbed his face but his eyes widened as he saw Zed “No!”

He rushed forward as he grabbed the cannon, both gripping it. Zed trying to find the trigger. Zael trying to keep it away.

“YOU WON'T STOP THIS! I WILL AVENGE HORDE PRIME. I DON’T CARE IF I HAVE TO KILL ANYONE WHO STANDS IN MY WAY! STARTING WITH YOU!”

Zael grunted “I won't let you hurt anyone I care about!”

Zed snarled. He finally reached the trigger “then perish!” He grinned.

*He fired*

Zael flinched… but darkness didn't come for him. He opened one lavender eye and looked down, no wound. No pain, he looked to Zed, the sight hitting him like a physical blow.

Zed coughed, releasing the cannon as his gaze slowly shifted down.

A sizzling hole had been carved clean through his torso. The flesh around it was blackened and curling, still smoking. No blood, just steam… and the sickening smell of burnt tissue.

Zael didn’t move.

For a moment, nobody did.

Zed stared at the wound as if it couldn’t possibly be real. His breath faltered…but he lifted his head, eyes unfocused, pupils blown wide with disbelief.

“…I was chosen… to avenge him…”

The words came out thin. Not furious—lost.

He swayed.

His knees buckled.

He hit the floor with a dull, heavy thud.

Zael didn’t even flinch.

He stood there frozen, claws shaking, lungs refusing to work. His mind couldn’t keep up. One second they were fighting—screaming, struggling over the weapon—and now…

Now there was a hole in Zed’s chest where his heart should be.

Mint Eyes let out a broken sound behind him, but Zael didn’t react. He didn’t look away. He couldn’t.

His brain simply shut down and stared.

The cannon lay on the floor, still warm, still smoking.

Zael’s hands were empty.

And for a long, terrible moment—

there was only silence.

It was like his mind slammed shut; everything else became a blur.

Screams echoed around him, distant and hollow. Shadows moved—but he couldn’t focus. His claws shook. His lungs refused to work. He stared at the floor, at the red, at the horror.

Blood leaking… red… Red River.

He felt hands grab him as a muffled voice ordered him to move. He was dragged off as they left the throne room.

He stared blankly at nothing as he was dragged away, his mind still fresh on what he just saw

The sizzling.

The shot.

*Bang*

.

~*BANG*~

.

~*BANG!!*~

.

Zael gasped as he finally realized they were outside. He didn't remember walking, or running or anything in between

Hordak and the princesses were arguing.

Why?

What happened?

“We need to fight! If we go there they'll follow!” Mermista as argued.

“We are defenseless! Adora is exhausted, glimmer is injured, we need to regroup!” Hordak snapped back.

In his arms was a limp figure.

Zael raised an eyebrow, why was Kadroh unconscious?

He looks down at his hands.

The red.

Blood.

Stained.

Death.

Kadroh.

Zed..

The cannon…

He killed-

Zael's eyes suddenly widened as he let out a scream of horror and grief.

He killed Zed

He killed another clone.

His own kin.

He's a murderer.

All eyes fell to Zael.

Lucero frowned, pulling Zael close to his chest. “Shh… easy there, easy.”

Zael clutched at him, shaking, pressing his face into Lucero’s shoulder. “I killed him! I killed my own! I’m… I’m horrible!”

Lucero didn’t answer. He just held him, letting the young clone release what he couldn’t yet process.

The others decided they needed to keep moving but it was clear. They aren't ready for another fight.

– – –

“How's he holding up?” Hordak rubbed his face in exhaustion. He had a slinch for his sprained arm. Bandaged chest.

Perfuma frowned. “He’s stable. I have lavender flowers to help him rest. Adora performed a miracle bringing him back.”

The eyes gazed down at Kadroh's unconscious form.

The bandage on his neck, his ruined shirt. The way he frowned in his sleep, it was nothing like the bubbly clone he knew. This didn't need to happen. He didn't deserve it…

“Notify me when he wakes…” Hordak turned to leave.

Hordak stepped out into Bright Moon’s garden, eyes scanning the scene.

There, sitting on the ground, curled into himself, was Zael.

Lucero still knelt beside him, steadying him, holding him through quiet sobs.

Hordak’s chest tightened. They had all been through so much… and Zael was still carrying the weight of it all.

He stepped forward, careful, patient.

As he got closer he saw Zael's face, the left side was patched up. His neck bandaged. But he was still quietly sobbing in the clone's arms.

Hordak lets out a heavy sigh.

He placed a hand on Zael's shoulder “you had no choice, he wouldn't have stopped”

Zael sniffed and clutched his hand “I killed another clone… I'm no better then horde prime”

Zael looked miserable, his eyeliner smeared, his hair messy and dirty. His shirt ripped and dirty.

Hordak knew all too well the feeling. The self loathing. He won't let Zael fall like he did.

He gestured for Lucero to release Zael, then gently took Zael’s shoulders. “Look at me.”

Zael hesitated before lifting his head up, tears swelling up as tears kept falling “but i-”

“You did what any would, Zed death is NOT your fault. It was an accident. It's. Not. Your. Fault” Hordak gaze soften “Zael I know it's hard to understand, the fear that blood is on your hands” he frowned “the nightmares, the dread that you wish you could change the outcome” he sighs

“But you can't change the past. All you can do is go forward and be at peace”

Zael sniffed “H-How… I can't. I keep seeing his eyes..” Zael wrapped his arms around his shoulder and curled up.

Hordak pulled Zael close “I understand, this will not be an easy journey. It won't go away overnight, it's a heavy trial. You don't have to forget but you can heal” Zael sighs “how do you cope”

Hordak sighed. “I dissociate. I focus on other projects… on helping all of you. It’s a rough thing to think about.”
He frowned. “Horde Prime harmed us. I wanted to stop him, but I never wanted to kill him.”
He shut his eyes…

“I felt like I betrayed him. I felt like I was a monster. I too had nightmares. Of his death, of him using me to hurt the ones I love. Some nights I can't sleep, other nights Entrapta holds me as I cry on her shoulder.” He spoke calmly but soft tears ran down his cheek, smearing his mascara as a black streak ran down his cheek.

Zael frowned as he sniffed while listening to Hordak's words. He was shocked at hearing the raw emotion from the normally stoic clone. Hordak was a clone who kept his personal problems to himself but it seems to be opening up more.

Zael hugged Hordak tightly. “I don't know how to heal yet… but I wanna try, he deserves to rest in peace.”

Hordak nodded “I understand, when we get the rest of the rebellion clones we will allow him a final rest.” He held Zael close.

Zael lowered his ears and squeezed Hordak in a hug.

“Thank you big brother”

Hordak smiled softly “of course… little brother”

Lucero smiled, he was thankful the ex general stepped in to assist the young clone “we will get through it. We always do”

Zael gives a soft smile and leans on the two clones “if we survived Horde prime death… maybe” he sighs “but it's gonna be very hard”

He knows he has a long way to go, the trauma he endured will not go away overnight. But he can do better. He can move on but not forget, Zed was in the wrong but he was misguided. He doesn't deserve to rot and decay. He should be buried and given peace. He sighs but looks down and looks onto the field.

He knew this road won't be easy, there's many bumps but he will get through it” he glanced at his side, Hordak and Lucero standing next to him, he saw Yara walking over and mint eyes with him.

He's not alone anymore.