Author's Note: The characters and concepts in this fanfic are not the property of the writers, but Mattel. The story, on the other hand, is the property of the writers.

Furthermore, this story is the sequel to "The Shroud of the Horde." I highly recommend you read it. Both fanfics are the are part of a larger series consisting of "Preludes and Beginnings," "He-Man: Year One," "The Elfsong of Eternia," "The Day That Nothing Happened," "The Crossroads of Destiny," "Prophecy & Change," "Just Another Day," "Liberty and Valor," "Manifest Destiny," "Roots," "Deus Ex Machina," "My Blue Reflection," "The Last Battle," "Return to Eternia," "A Winter's Heart," "The Shroud of the Horde," "Across All Worlds," and "Endings and Epilogues." Whew!

This is also a co-op fanfic, featuring various writers – including PrincessAdora, Jagwarknight, Fusion Blaster, Classic Cowboy, General Stingrad, and myself.

"Granddaughter"

By PrincessAdora and thew40

This story takes place between the events of the "World of Darkness" and "The Treaty."

"Etheria, with the exception of the Whispering Woods and Doom Tower, has gone completely dark." Man-At-Arms concluded his report he received earlier that morning from Etheria.

Randor sighed and shook his head as Man-At-Arms read off the report. By his side, Marlena was bundle of nerves. Having one child off in another galaxy fighting a war was one thing. Now the other's home has been covered in strange darkness? It was enough to break them. But Marlena - and Randor - were stronger than that.

"Any idea as to what it is?"

"The Sorceress and I both believe it is some sort of concentrated mystical energy, but besides that . . . nothing," Man-At-Arms reported.

"What about sending someone over there?" asked Teela.

"That's a good idea but its going to be tricky. The Sorceress can't open any portals for some reason," Man-At-Arms answered with a frustrated sign

"What about the Cosmic Key?" wondered Randor.

"The darkness - whatever it is - is generating distorting energy fields that is making it hard to lock in for a portal," Gwildor answered.

"Is it possible, Gwildor?" questioned Marlena, voice harsh and hard. Randor had never seen her like this.

"I . . . maybe," Gwildor forced himself to say. "But the portal would only be large enough for one person. And it may end up being a one-way trip."

"Then I'll go," came a voice that surprised all in the throne room. King Miro entered. "I know the Whispering Woods. I am willing to take the risk."

"Father! You can't!"

Miro smiled. "Why? Too old?"

"No, it's . . . the risk is too great. You don't know Etheria as well as someone like He-Man or Adam for that matter. If they were here right now they would go. She's my daughter. I'll go"

Miro shook his head. " No, the risk is too great if you go. You are the king, Randor. I maintain my title out of honor. I want to go. I need to go. If He-Man or your son were here they would agree with me.

Randor wouldn't have it. "Father, no, you mustn't."

"Randor," Marlena cut in. "He's right. If your father chooses to go, then it is right to. He has more experience with Etheria than we do. And it is his family too Adora is his Granddaughter."

Miro's smile grew wider. "You're out-voted, Randor."

Randor groaned and then slowly nodded. "Prepare the portal, Gwildor."

Adora sat on a cliff over looking the valley below. What was left of the whispering woods was packed and soon they would have to find a more permanent place. At times like this Adora wished her brother was still here. With his help she would be able to figure out how she was going to get through this. But no, he wasn't here, and despite she missed him, she knew he had his reasons for leaving. But now she couldn't think about the past. It was time to focus on the present and figure out what to do. Without her sword, she wasn't able to change to She-Ra. But even with the great powers Grayskull had given her, even her alter ego couldn't do anything about the tar which had now covered almost 70 of her planet that she was chosen to protect.

She wasn't in a train of thought for more then a few seconds when a noise caught her attention,

"Halt rebel." A Troopers metallic voice cried aiming his stun ray at her. She wondered faintly as to just how a Horde Trooper made it into the Whispering Woods, but realized that since Hordak had gained hold of the Sword of Deception, the Whispering Woods weren't as strong as they once were. Surely, this Horde Trooper was a scout for Hordak.

Groaning slightly, Adora sighed. Good old Hordak never gives up, Adora thought to herself but before she was able to respond proper, the Trooper was about to push her into the river of tar. Suddenly, she was pushed out of the way.

"What on Eternia?" Adora asked herself as she saw the familiar robe belonging to her beloved Grandfather. "NO!" Adora cried and raced to the edge of the ravine trying with all her might to reach him.

Miro stumbled along the side of the ravine, but Adora moved fast enough. Her fingers wrapped around his and she heaved him onto much more stable ground. Miro spilled onto her, allowing the Horde Trooper to move forward.

Adora was back on her feet in an instant. Her left leg sprang out, knocking the laser blaster out of the Horde Trooper's hand before he could act. Miro then slammed his sword – one of the few things he brought with him – into the Horde Trooper's face. The Horde Troopers crashed onto the ground in a heap of scrap metal.

Adora turned to her grandfather, smiling and stunned.

"Grandfather, what are you doing here?"

"Is a grandfather not allowed to rescue his granddaughter?"

"I never said that. I just didn't expect you to be here. You may know the whispering woods but it is very dangerous here."

King Miro smiled. "I appreciate the concern but your parents were worried so I thought I'd better check on you. I'm the only one in the family beside your brother that actually has been here, but this isn't exactly the way I remember it."

Adora smiled. "Yes the last time you were here we may have had a problem on our hands but this time it's even worse."

Before Adora was able to continue a few Troopers approached them and before either grandfather or granddaughter was able to react the trooper shot a freeze ray at Adora.

With his well time grandfather concerned Miro pushed Adora out of the way causing him to fall into the tar never to be seen again or so Adora thought.