One Perfect Year at Stevenson High

Chapter 13

When it came to sporting events at Stevenson High, the stands were always packed. This was true no matter what the sport, or how well or poorly the team was playing. The truth was, people came to watch the Valkyries. The game—whatever it may be—was just a bonus.

The annual homecoming rally was the Cheer Force's first public performance of the year, which always guaranteed a big turn-out. People showed up hours in advance just to make sure they had a good seat to watch the award-winning, nationally acclaimed squad kick off the year. It may not have been a championship production, but that didn't make it any less important in the eyes of the squad's fans.

As they waited in the tunnel below the stands, Adora took one deep breath after another, feeling the rumble of the crowd rattle her heart in her chest. Normally she found the fanfare thrilling — like a shot of adrenaline right when she needed it most. But this was her first homecoming rally as Force Captain, and her reputation—not to mention Coach Weaver's willingness to accept her secret dual life—hinged on this night going perfectly.

Not that she was going to let the rest of the squad know she was nervous. As far as they knew, she was as cool and collected as ever.

"What's the matter?" Catra's voice cut through the mental pep talk Adora was giving herself. Adora jolted with a gasp and turned to find Catra hovering at her side and watching her closely.

"Don't sneak up on me like that!" Adora hissed. She shook out her pom poms to give her anxious energy something to do.

Catra raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Uh oh. You're not nervous, are you?"

"What? No!" Adora puffed her chest and scowled, then quickly glanced around to see if the rest of the squad was listening in before lowering her voice to a whisper. "Why, do I look nervous?"

With a snort of laughter, Catra draped an arm over her shoulder. "You're a pretty terrible actor, Adora. But don't worry, I doubt the others have noticed."

Adora forced a weak smile. "Just you, huh?"

"Uh, duh. Like you can keep anything from me."

"I just... Tonight really needs to go well."

"It will." Catra tipped her head so that her face took up the entirety of Adora's view, blocking out the rest of the world. "You've run us through these routines a million times. We're perfect, and you made us this way. So just chill and try to have fun for a change."

"Yeah, you're right," Adora said, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. "Thanks Catra, I needed that."

Catra smiled and gave Adora a playful shove. "Whatever. Rally the troops, Captain. I think it's almost game time."

Taking one last deep breath, Adora squared her shoulders and called the Valkyries into position. Her squad leapt to formation with precision.

"Alright, Valkyries!" she cried, her voice echoing off the tunnel's concrete walls. "It's time to give these guys a show. Are you ready?"

The squad let out a cheer so loud that it drowned out the roar of the crowd above. Out on the field, music blared to life over the loudspeakers, overlaid by the announcer who was officially kicking off the rally. Adora waved her squad to the mouth of the tunnel and smiled back at them over her shoulder. Catra was right: they really were perfect. Each of her friends' faces were bright with excitement and determination — valiant warriors waiting for their general to lead them into battle.

A fire erupted in Adora's stomach, burning away the anxiety and doubt. Over the PA, the announcer called their name.

"Let's hear it for your Stevenson High Valkyries Cheer Force!"