Man E Faces was in the marketplace for a walk, enjoying the day. He had passed Teela on the way down, who told him Orko was in the square, but so far he hadn't seen the little wizard. He was about to leave when out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone run out of an alley. Curious, he walked towards the alley the man had exited and looked in. The last thing he expected to see was his little friend lying motionless on the ground. "Orko!" he rushed over and picked him up gently, greatly relieved when he moaned a little. He used his communicator as he ran for the Palace, "Man At Arms! Meet me in the hospital wing! It's Orko, I found him unconscious in the square! I think he's been beaten."
It was a solemn scene outside the infirmary as everyone waited for news. The King, Queen, Man E, and Teela and Adam. Duncan was helping with Orko. Teela was horribly shaken, " I can't believe this. I was just with him there. Who would want to attack Orko? Sweet , harmless little Orko? If only I'd stayed with him, I could have protected him." Adam put a hand on her shoulder, "Don't blame yourself, you had no way of knowing there was danger anywhere near." Teela stood and bowed her head in misery, " Yes I did Adam! Right before Orko met me I felt like someone was watching me, following me. If I had listened to my instincts, Orko would have been safe." Adam opened his mouth to respond, but just then, Duncan entered the room and all focus was on him. "He'll be fine, just bruised and sore." The King asked, "Does Orko know who attacked him, Duncan?" He shook his head in frustration, "I'm afraid not sire, it happened so fast he didn't get a chance to look. Apparently, all he said was 'She's mine" whatever that means." Teela gasped and looked as though she'd be sick, "I think I know father."
Adam watched as Teela told every one of her feelings off being watched from the beginning and he watched Duncan look more and more grim. " I think it's fairly obvious you are being stalked." He frowned in anger and worry, "I'll triple the guard around the Palace, and you are to be accompanied at all times, I'll contact HeMan as well." Teela started to protest but Adam reasoned with her. "Teela, we know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself, but this person is obviously dangerous. This is way different that dealing with Skeletor, at least he is reasonably predictable. Whoever this guy is, someone who would beat up Orko for a simple act of affection can't be sane. Please Teela, we need to keep you safe. At the pleading look in his eyes she quietly nodded. Adam stood up and told his father, "I'll inform the tower guards and those stationed around the edges of the palace to be on the lookout for anyone suspicious." "Good Son, if we all work together, we'll find this fiend." Adam looked again at Teela and gave her shoulder one more comforting squeeze before he left, determination in his eyes.
If his friend ever truly needed HeMan, it was now.
After informing all the guards, Adam transformed and headed for the infirmary and found Teela exactly where he knew she'd be; at Orko's bedside. At the moment the two were immersed in a trollan board game. They laughed and talked cheerfully enough but even from the doorway, he could see the lines of strain and the shadow of worry and guilt in her eyes. By the Ancients it pained him to see her like this. At that moment, Orko noticed his presence, "HeMan!" "How are you feeling little buddy?" Orko puffed himself up and waved his hand dismissively, "Oh, I'm fine. I've done worse than that to myself with a backfiring spell. Besides, being here gave me an excuse to not have to clean my room." He was going out of his way to make his injuries look like nothing, and he knew it was for Teela's benefit. HeMan wondered just how many times she'd apologized to Orko for what happened to him. At this thought he locked his gaze to Teela's and felt a sharp tug at his heart as she gazed at him. "Hello Teela, can I speak to you outside?" She nodded and rose to her feet, "Of course. Orko you get some sleep and I'll have supper with you later." He turned slightly and let her out the door past him, and before he turned to follow, he shared a knowing gaze with his little friend.
He followed her out onto a nearby balcony where she stood gripping the railing. She spoke first, not turning to face him yet. " I guess Adam or father told you what happened today." It was a statement not a question. "Yes. He also said something about you blaming yourself and I hope that isn't true." She spun to face him, tears of frustration tracked her cheeks, "Of course it's my fault! I knew I was being watched but I didn't take it seriously and Orko got hurt by some madman for nothing! It should have been me in that alley… maybe I should just give myself to this person before he hurts someone else I care about." The last statement was so quiet and made with such finality that HeMan was terrified she actually meant it. In a desperate need to bring her to her senses he grabbed her shoulders in a firm, yet, gentle grip. "Teela, stop this and listen to me! You are in no way responsible for this man's actions or obsession, do you hear me?" Shaking her head she sobbed, "Why me? What does he see that makes him want me so bad? I'm nothing special." "There I have to argue. You are very special, Teela. Beautiful inside and out." She stood there staring in amazement and he found himself marveling how soft the skin on her upper arms was. Then he watched her bottom lip tremble slightly and he watched it, wondering what her lips would taste like and without thinking he closed the distance and gently touched his mouth to hers. Teela nearly gasped at the explosion of sensation. Her first real kiss and it was coming from HeMan. The strongest man in the Universe and his touch was so gentle and loving it stole her breath. After a few moments he stepped back and took a shuddering breath, "I'm sorry Teela." "What for?" "It was wrong of me to kiss you like that." "Then why did it feel so right?" He swallowed hard before responding, "It did for me too. But right now I need to concentrate on keeping you safe. Anything else will have to wait."
Not so far away, the mad glint in the man's eyes darkened and he literally shook with rage. How dare he! How dare that bastard lay his filthy hands on what was his! He would pay for that insult, and for sullying his perfect angel. He would drive him from her mind, one way or the other.
