A/N: I do not own He-Man or it's characters. This is my own work using the He-Man universe.

I haven't read the comics in many years - I found out about Skeletor's defeat on the internet and thought I'd give this story a go, but I realise there are stories set after this.

I would like to thank my Beta, JadeKitty for her help.

Please RR and enjoy.

He-Man Shadows Fall

Chapter 1

Evil Returns

I Adam, King of Eternia, have defended Eternia and Castle Grayskull for over 40 years. I have defended the people of this world from the evil forces of Skeletor as my alter-ego He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, along with my friends Man-At-Arms, Orko, The Sorceress Teela and my ever-faithful feline Cringer.

Since Skeletor's defeat and the scattering of his forces nearly 20 years ago at the gates of Castle Grayskull there has been peace in Eternia. He-Man has become a symbol of that peace and has rarely been seen since. He has become a legend of the dark times, told in stories to the children of this world.

In the dark remains of Snake Mountain, in an underground room the wicked Evil Lyn knelt near a fire almost defying time itself, her age and looks had hardly changed. Her staff glowing as she chants an ancient ritual. The flames flicker and jump as the ritual continues, her staff glows bright as the flames get more intense; the room darkens as the flames change to a purple shadow, chasing around the walls and the ceiling. An evil laugh emanates as if it's coming from the fire itself - the laugh of Skeletor! The fire goes out and the room is plunged into darkness. In the smoke of the fire a glowing light illuminates it and a figure is stood where the fire was. Skeletor is resurrected and as he stands in the ashes spikes of bone grow from his shoulders his shattered jaw turns to metal; his greatest weakness rebuilt and strengthened. In his hand the Havoc staff materialized anew.

"Master"

The Laughter stops "Evil Lyn my trusted sorceress. How long have I been gone?"

Evil Lyn uses her staff to light some sconces on the walls

"Nearly 20 years Master" she finally replied.

Skeletor steps out of the ashes and raises Evil Lyn to her feet.

"I have spent years researching the ritual to bring you back Master" She continues.

"You have done well" Skeletor responded.

Raising his Havoc staff high above his head a burning light explodes from the end "FORCES OF EVIL I HAVE RETURNED!"

In the City of Eternos at the Palace of Eternia King Adam, Queen Helaena, Prince Arthur and Princess Jayla are celebrating Prince Arthur's 18th Birthday. The Great Hall full of drinking and feasting with their many friends in attendance.

"To my son Prince Arthur" King Adam said, standing and raising his goblet. The long table of guests echoed his actions toasting the prince's 'coming of age'. Everyone cheered and clapped and the music started.

"I am so proud of our son, Adam" the queen said leaning towards his ear "He will be a great man" she continued. With a smile and a nod Adam replied, "So do I".

Adam turns to Duncan, the Royal Advisor "Duncan, my old friend, how are you enjoying your New Role?"

"Very well Your Grace, it's a lot more relaxing than being Man-at Arms".

"For the last time Duncan, you are one of my oldest and most trusted friends, you have earnt the right to call me Adam".

"Yes…. My King" he said with a grin "and please, less of the 'old'!"

Adam rolls his eyes "Ok ok, anyway how is Deklan doing as the new Man-at-Arms? Is he up to your expectations?"

"He is a good man…just not as proficient as I was" Duncan laughs. Adam stands up laughing and gives his friend a pat on the back.

"Good. I take it my daughter Jayla is doing well? And my son?" Adam asks.

"Very well, she is one of the most natural archers I have ever worked with and her staff skills are coming along very well. She will make a good Captain of the Guard soon. Your son is VERY much like you, good with a sword."

"Right I think that's enough business talk, lets enjoy the party".

Adam made his way through the guests towards where Arthur, Jayla and Orko were laughing and joking amongst themselves. Arthur with his long blond hair tied into a plait and wearing the royal red waist coat, white shirt, leather vambraces and belt looked a lot like a young Adam but was taller than his father and of slimmer build. Many of his friends and allies were over protective of him due to his stature and his role as Prince of Eternia; if there ever was trouble they would send him with his cat Krainger out of the way for his safety, even though he had been given weapons training by Man-at-Arms from an early age. Even the younger Princess Jayla watched out for him; her skill with a bow revered. Jayla had long brown hair tied up in a bun wearing her green and red high collared bustier and leggings, black boots and leather vambraces and greaves. She always wore the golden cross braces that would carry her bow, arrows and staff on her back that made her always look quite fierce.

"Arthur, Jayla, Orko are you enjoying yourselves?" Adam asks the three of them as he puts his arms around the shoulders of his children.

"Yes Father, thank you. But I do wish you would tell Cringer to stop play fighting with Krainger" Arthur replies with a chuckle whilst indicating to the corner where the two cats were rolling around.

Krainger was a Liger - half Lion-half Tiger, making him bigger than Cringer, but that didn't stop the pair of them playing all the time. His size, small black mane and the black fur with red stripes made him look ferocious, unfortunately he didn't know it; all he was interested in was playing and sleeping!

"Cringer no" Adam said. Both cats froze and looked at him with big guilty eyes and lay down next to each other. The four of them laughed.

Whilst talking to them, Adam noticed out of corner of his eye an orange and white hawk land on the window ledge nearest him; it was the Sorceress "Adam we must talk" she connects to his mind using her telepathy then flies off to his private chambers. A little bit puzzled as to why she did not speak here Adam goes over to where Duncan is talking to The Queen. "Duncan can I borrow you? If you would come with me please." He smiles at his wife in thanks as he leads him away to his private chambers. "The Sorceress is here" Adam tells Duncan. "Teela?!" Duncan responds in surprise. Since Teela became the Sorceress all those years ago she hadn't visited much.

"Teela" Duncan exclaimed and went and hugged her. The Sorceress was now in her Human form with her orange and white feathered hawk like headdress, blue and white robes and white feathered wing like cape. She held her Magical golden staff and smiled a sad smile.

"Father, King Adam, I come bearing grave news"

Adam and Duncan exchanged worried glances.

"What's wrong Teela?" Asks her Father Duncan

"The Southern hemisphere has once again falling into darkness evil has returned, Skeletor has risen. Eternia must once again turn to He-Man"