Post Rise of the Snake Men II and Pre Of Machines and Men. I figured the end of Rise of the Snake Men they could pretty much be considered dead. So the Snake Men are all dead and Skeletor never freed himself from Snake Mountain like he did at the end of the episode. So if everyone plays along with that then this should flow pretty good.
Disclaimer: I'd make a freakin' amazing He-Man and She-Ra movie if I did own em', but I don't so blah!
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Ordained Pathways
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Prince Adam found himself settled into an entire week of the mindlessness luxury of nothing. He had spent the greater part of the week doing the one thing he enjoyed ever since childhood and since then, had yet to spend much time enjoying the hobby, fishing.
With a favorite hobby came a favorite place to spend that pastime in. His favorite spot had offered him plenty of time to sleep, bonus, seeing as the fish weren't taking to his bait, which they never did. That impart meant a relaxing pastime and might have some reason for his choice of this specific spot, but wasn't the only reason.
He and Teela had found this lake when they were children and had come here often throughout their childhood. As fun diminished from Teela's schedule, she spent less and less time here.
Though Adam still came every now and then, since the rein of Skeletor entered their world he had been denied much of his free time with his duties as He-Man.
Ever since the defeat of King Hiss and his Snakemen, with Skeletor and his lackeys over thrown by King Hiss, Eternia had returned to its' peaceful state, with no battles between good and evil. His father King Randor agreed after their recent major clash with the Snakemen the Masters and Royal Guard all deserved some R&R, Adam didn't object.
He knew in no time he'd return to his duties as Prince and as He-Man, but for now he simply wanted to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He had urged Teela to come but those pleads fell upon a stubborn redhead. She'd insisted upon not getting too settled into the quiet life.
So Adam had left her back at the palace where she had been meditating, becoming more conscious of her mind and body. Adam snorted at the thought of the endless training she endured. Teela had always played the workhorse, never allowing leisure time for herself.
'Suits her,' he thought, mind returning to his present state. Beside him, Cringer sighed in his sleep. 'Another day, another nap,' was his last thought before he fell asleep.Hordak knew today would bring bad news he didn't know just how bad. He received a message from Horde Prime, the most powerful ruler in over a dozen galaxies and his superior.
It seemed that his old pupil, Skeletor had gotten himself trapped, again, but unlike last time when he was banished behind the Great Wall. This time he was defeated by an ancient evil which makes his defeat a little more acceptable.
Rather than leave Skeletor trapped, for who knows how long, Hordak was to return to Eternia and assist Skeletor in his escape.
By the Horde how Hordak hated Eternia. From the 'Triad' spell that was suppose to separate the planet to a light and dark hemisphere to the great battle between the Horde and Eternians, nothing ever seemed to go his way on that damned planet and he loathed it even more because he was ordered to return there now.
Especially since his pupil, Skeletor was incapable of conquering the planet on his own. It made him, Hordak, Horde Prime's best and greatest ruler and conqueror, seem less impressive to have someone he had taken under his wing fail at a task that should have been easily accomplished.
"Shadow Weaver," he called through the communicator.
A few seconds passed before a raspy voice answered, "yes Mighty One"
"Assemble my personal warriors. I insist upon a meeting in the throne room in five minutes," he ordered.
"It shall be done, Great One"
With that Hordak headed to his throne room to prepare for this mission. "Skeletor will pay for his incompetence," he muttered.
He waited, perched on his throne. The enormous room started to fill with the warriors, his personal warriors. Hordak looked up and down the row of the nine, a cruel smiled played before his face.
These were his finest warriors. It had taken him years to assemble a team of this status. Though he was favorable towards Shadow Weaver, General Sunder and Force Captain Adora, the other six were still all exceptional.
They had been chosen as his personal warriors because of their unique skills and in Adora's case, her background. During his final battle with the Eternians that had forced him from that dreaded planet, he had won the war by kidnapping the King's only daughter. His original plan was to steal both of the twins, but that was spoiled thanks to Man-At-Arms, the then Captain of the Guards. Not to mention Skeletor's betrayal of where his secret base was that nearly spoiled his escape plans.
Leaving the boy, he was able to abduct one child, which made her allegiance and rank all the more satisfying. Using his enemy's daughter to fight on his side and for his cause was such a sweet victory.
Though there was no doubt he had grown attached to the child and treated her as if she was one of his own. At least the closet thing to a child he would ever have.
"I have been summoned by Horde Prime. He has informed me of the current situation between Skeletor and his new troubles on Eternia." Hordak paused for a moment.
"Wasn't Skeletor trapped for fifteen years in the dark lands by a barrier?" General Sunder asked.
"Yes. Horde Prime thought Skeletor's time spent trapped was punishment enough. This time though it was an Ancient Evil of Eternia that has confined Skeletor and his troops.
That same evil nearly conquered the entire planet in incredibly less time than the Horde did. With a bit of fortune on their side He-Man and the Masters defeated the Ancient Evil. We have been ordered to return to Eternia, aid Skeletor and do a little damage to the planet while we're there"
"What about Etheria? Are we to leave what is left of the Rebellion alone when we are so near the conquering of it?" Adora asked.
"Ah yes, those damned Rebels. I believe they are pushed back far enough for me to leave a small band here on Etheria while the rest come with me to Eternia. General Sunder, I will be leaving Grizzlor and Scorpia in your command, along with the Horde Troopers," Hordak ordered.
"Yes Hordak," General Sunder confirmed.
"As for the rest, we shall leave for Eternia at sun up. I trust I do not have to specify the importance of this mission since I am confident all of you will fulfill it successfully.
Otherwise, you will be demoted to Horde stablemen. Dismissed," Hordak said, waving them off.
The warriors departed the throne room, only Shadow Weaver stayed behind. Hordak looked down at her, "what is it, Shadow Weaver"
The witch approached Hordak. "We need to talk," she insisted.
"So talk"
Shadow Weaver floated up the stairs, once next to Hordak she spoke, keeping her voice down. "You do remember who Adora really is?" "Yes, of course," he said, irritable.
"Do you think it's safe to take her back to Eternia?" backing off a bit.
Hordak smirked "She knows nothing else but the Horde, this is where her loyalties lie," he smiled, "besides, no one has yet to match Adora one on one. Next to you and General Sunder, none of my warriors even compare and even that difference is quickly diminishing." Hordak stood, moving down the stairs, Shadow Weaver followed. "She will join the ranks, as originally planned"
"Yes, Mighty One. Though I am curious, does it have something to do with her presence inflicting a sort of 'impact' on Randor and his command?" Hordak laughed. "A well considered thought, Shadow Weaver. What better weapon to have against your enemy than their own flesh and blood. This was why I stole her in the first place, to strike straight into Randor's heart. Imagine the anger to know that your only daughter was raised by and fought for your mortal enemy. Who knew she'd turn out to become such a remarkable part of my warriors"
"All I'm saying is that we need to be careful. My magic tells me that the past will come forth and darken the future"
"Bah! Your magic always speaks of trouble arising. Did it ever occur to you that in this line of work there are always going to be some sort of 'dark' consequences? I have been cautious with Adora all this time, what with keeping her on perimeter details and otherwise having General Sunder escort her whenever she left any Horde base. She'll be fine. I hold you accountable for that"
"Why, Mighty Hordak, I'm honored with this duty you bestow on me," she said, dryly.
"I'm picking up on your sarcasm, Shadow Weaver"
"Oh, well I was simply making light of the situation. That's a marvelous idea you've come up with, having a guardian of the Horde at her side on Eternia"
"Yes, of course. Now, I'm going to prove Adora's loyalty. Come with me." The pair left the throne room to find Adora. Hordak knew exactly where she would be, the training room.Adora and Catra exited the throne room simultaneously. In the front, Adora started towards the training room, planning on a solo workout. Arriving at the empty room she quickly warmed up. Stretched, she wandered over to the weapon rack.
Scanning through all the weapons she decided on her favorite, the sword. Like the well-skilled swordswoman she was with ease and grace she had gone through the form (routine) General Sunder had taught her a couple of months ago. Since then, she had spent many days and nights working on this form and now she executed every move perfectly.
Behind her Catra watched, jealously beaming off her face at how well the young blond handled the sword. Catra could never compare with her, though she had tried.
For years now they had competed against each other for the position of Force Captain and their own personal rivalry but in the end, Adora with her amazing physical skill and strategic abilities, not to mention her relationship with Hordak, Adora easily obtained the rank.
Though they were both well matched their reasons for being warriors of the horde were completely different. Catra had only one reason for working as hard as she did which was power.
She wanted to be Force Captain, in power over the rest of Hordak's warriors and the only person that could have ruined her plan of power did. By the Horde, how she hated that girl.
Adora on the other hand had one rather simple reason for being a warrior; it was all she had, the Horde. This was her home, her life, her job.
Catra smiled, knowing she was too vain to have that sort of honor. Catra was from another planet. Instructed by Hordak himself, Catra wanted to acquire all she could from Hordak, then one day dispatch from the Horde and restore her home planet to the way it was before the Horde came and conquered it. Then she would be in control.
Power over honor, one day that would be true, but until then Catra had to deal with her position, in her own way of course.
Looking for a suitable weapon throughout the rack, she found another sword. With a weapon in hand she approached her 'superior.'
"What kept you?" Adora asked, still keeping in sync with her form.
"What do you mean?" Catra asked, a little surprised by her presence being known.
"You've been watching me ever since I started my workout. I assumed you'd of jumped in and challenged me, like you always do"
"With an invitation like that, how can I resist?" Catra asked, advancing.
Adora smiled and turned to face her challenger. They circled each other, eyes staring the other pair down, the cold stare showing the duos 'appreciation' for the other.
"How do you think you'll manage on this mission without your babysitter, General Sunder, there to protect you?" Catra asked, striking her sword at Adora.
Adora easily dodged, answering, "I suppose my rank and superior skills will have to manage. What I do wonder is how will you be able to handle yourself without me around to keep you out of trouble." Referring to the times when Catra's temper had gotten out of hand, nearly causing her the missions she had been on. Fortunately for her Adora was there to bail her out of the jam.
"I'm not a child like you. I do not need someone to look after me. Besides, you have no special horde advancements, like me." Another attack advanced Adora's way.
Another parry, "yeah, I suppose that's what's sad," following in with an assault of her own.
Catra dodged, "what's sad"
"I don't have any horde advancements and I'm four years younger than you are. It must really be frustrating to know that I am the third highest ranked general of the horde. That in fact makes me better than you despite my 'disadvantages'" "I'll show you better, Adora"
Catra lunged at Adora who, again, easily parried her strike.Hordak watched his two most prominent female warriors spar against each other. Though they might have seemed well matched, Hordak knew better. Adora was an all around better fighter.
There was no doubt about Catra's own unique skills but compared to Adora, only the warriors raged and ego allowed her to remain a competitive opponent for Adora.
Yes, Adora, the ex-Eternian, was such a magnificent addition to the horde, not only her physical aspect but her intelligence as well. Strategically there was only one who outranked her and that was General Sunder, who had served the horde as a general for fifteen years.
Then, to Hordak's pleasure, Adora slew footed Catra. Catra landed roughly, making a cat like hiss.
Adora smiled in brief triumph, "I thought cat's always landed on their feet"
"I'll land on my feet, child, then you'll land on the point of my sword," Catra threatened.
Getting up she started towards Adora, sword pointed for a fatal blow when she stopped short of her target. She realized her master and commander was watching them. 'The damn girl set me up!' she thought, outraged.
She dropped her sword at Adora's feet. Clapping his approval Hordak stepped between the two, gazing down at the sword he smiled, eyeing each warrior.
"You see, Catra, how easily Adora used your emotions against you knowing your efforts would never prevail. I do applaud your efforts, Catra, but you see strategy works best in battle. It would do you some good to remember that"
"Yes Hordak," Catra said, bowing, anger seizing her emotions.
"Good. You're excused," Hordak dismissed, waving her out.
Catra left, but not without eyeing Adora, whose eyes sparkled in mockery. The young woman left, storming off to find someone to take her anger out on.
Adora was about to return to her training when Hordak called her attention.
"Adora, I need to speak with you." The girl stopped, standing in formation out of respect for her commander and godfather. Hordak held up his hand. "Come now Adora, after all these years you still consider me as if I'm just your commander? You do remember what you're parents said to me?" Adora blinked back an emotion towards a subject that all her life had been so distant to her, yet clung so deeply to her heart. "They said that you were to raise me, take care of me if anything ever happened to them," Adora answered, giving Hordak a thankful smile.
"Yes, their unfortunate deaths while in battle for the Horde came shortly after you were born. I have kept my word and raised you as my own, which is why the question I ask you is somewhat inappropriate yet so imperative that I hear you answer it for me. The question I ask is how do you feel about the Horde"
Surprised, Adora instinctively thought of what she had done and said lately that would have caused this sudden question of loyalty. Nothing came to mind. Adora had always been loyal and every Horde and Etherian knew that.
It was one of the reasons for her rank and was the grounds for the respect she received from everyone, even her enemies. "I…I don't understand. I thought my feelings and honor towards the Horde was obvious"
"I don't mean to disrespect you, but it's just that I nearly conquered Eternia long ago and one of my personal warriors betrayed me, which shifted the final battle for the Eternians. They won and I was forced to leave the planet. Horde Prime then sent me here as punishment since no other generals of Horde Prime had been abele to conquer this planet, but as you can see I overcame Horde Prime's challenge"
"Why was Eternia so difficult to conquer"
"I suppose it was because the Eternians never gave up, kind of like these rebels.
Fortunately, I have someone more determined then they are on my side." He gave Adora a knowing look.
Adora nodded. "I was born and raised a Horde. It is apart of me. Like a loyal part of the family, I would die for the Horde"
Hordak smiled. "That is what sets you apart from the rest of my warriors; there is no personal gain for your allegiance to the Horde"
He stepped forward; his hand touched her cheek, "your reasons are pure and unselfish, I couldn't ask for more from anyone." He ruffled her hair, "continue your training, my dear. I will stop bothering you." They shared a quick smile amongst each other and they parted.
Adora watched Hordak and Shadow Weaver leave, eyebrows frowning at his concern.
Hordak and Shadow Weaver walked through the halls of the Fright Zone, once they were a good distance from the training room, in the direction of Hordak's throne room, Hordak spoke,
"So Shadow Weaver, do you still fear of the girls' betrayal"
"It's not so much her that I'm worried about; it's the Eternians and her family that worry me. Her past will be forced upon her; she will question her loyalties, her honor. It will be enough to shake her duties to the Horde. Hordak, I implore you, don't bring Adora to Eternian. If you do, she will not return, not as a Horde." "You sense so much, it's a shame your magic can't sense something useful, like how or when her past will come forth," Hordak mocked.
Shadow Weaver looked away from Hordak, feeling her magic darken, like always she knew when she was outmatched.
Hordak was much more powerful than she was and if she ever wanted to challenge him it'd have to be when the cards were in her favor. Now was not that time. Her magic dissolved.
"Knowing the result of a problem helps to fix the source of it"
"I resolved that with you as her guardian. I have no more concerns of Adora leaving the horde. Now, I expect no more talk of this since the problem is fixed. I just need to be prepared to return to that blasted planet and I can't do that with you here. So go now and remember we leave at sunup. Be prepared for this mission and your personal mission, otherwise I will banish you to the Valley of the Lost"
"Yes Mighty One. I will not fail you or Adora"
"Good, dismissed"
Shadow Weaver left as quickly as she could. She wanted to search through her books to find a spell that would end Hordak's rule. That was her mission, her goal. Yes, she would prepare for this mission as well.
…………………….
About to return to her training Adora stopped, her curiosity had gotten the better of her. What elevated the curiosity was her insides screaming at her that something wasn't quite right about this mission and she wasn't sure what it was.
Throughout her years growing up questions and answers of her past kept coming up that made her question all that she had known, the Horde. She'd always turned the other way, after all it was the horde that raised her and taught her all she knew. How would they benefit from lying to her?
There was Hordak, despite being raised by Chakra whom she loved dearly once she was eight, old enough to be taught the arts of war and trained to become part of the horde military, Hordak became a mentor to her, the closest thing to a father she'd ever come to know. She'd question him about her past but he'd always been consistent with an answer, vague. Too many times had the topic of her past come up and she'd always dreamt of a place she'd never been to, people she'd never recalled seeing before and a name of someone she somehow felt connected to yet had never uttered the name, 'Adam'.
She had never hid anything from Hordak before but she wasn't sure how to handle this; her dreams. Only a year ago had she started having the same dream over and over again, though it seemed more like a memory. It was so real that she'd wake up startled, confused as to where she was. Then the fog would clear and she'd be back to normal. Back on Etheria and back with the Horde.
In her dream she was a mere infant around her she could sense her family, from where she truly originated. Beside her in her crib another infant lay sleeping, her brother. Above her she saw a woman, her mother. In the crib with her brother and her mother singing them to sleep she felt safe, she felt whole, but that ended, seemingly, as soon as it started. Something came and took her away. She was scared but she didn't cry, she never cried much it was her twin, her brother, he was the one that used to cry. She would stay strong for her family, she would see them again one day. Then it was over. Everything about it seemed so real. Like it was a memory from her past, but how could she remember so far back? Why after all of these years had her family not looked for her?
It had never made sense, not until now. Now that same feeling arose from when she first had that dream to when Hordak spoke of Eternia and had questioned her loyalities. Something wasn't right and that's all she knew.
…...
Okay let me know what you thought so far. I'm working on a bunch of stories right now and this one needs inspiration so come on readers and reviews help inspire me to finish it!