A/N: I do not own He-Man or its characters. This is my own work using the He-Man universe.
I would like to thank my Beta,JadeKitty for her help (and for also Beta-ing Chapter 1!).
Please RR and enjoy!
Chapter 2
The Impossible Choice
Adam and Duncan stood in disbelief; Skeletor had been defeated and his forces vanished soon after, even the darkness that once covered the southern hemisphere had faded somewhat.
"By the Ancients, how can that be Teela?" asked Duncan "we defeated him, almost 20 years ago, the day you lost your mother; when you became the Sorceress. He-Man smashed his jaw and sent him into the pit between Castle Grayskull and the Evergreen Forest….He went to the afterworld he can't be back, its impossible" he continued, somewhere between a question and a statement.
"There are Ancient and very powerful spells and rituals, many of them have been lost to the ages. It was believed that there was a ritual that could bring people back, Evil-Lyn must have somehow uncovered this spell. Though we have not heard or seen her since that day, her magic has always been strong" The Sorceress informed them "and I sense Skeletor is unmistakably back and I fear more powerful than ever. Adam my Friend, I know this will be hard but you must be vigilant, He-Man will be needed again soon. For now, I must return to Castle Grayskull." With that she gave them both a sad smile and transformed before their eyes back into a hawk and flew out of the window leaving Adam and Duncan to take in what had just occurred.
After a long silence in which all that could be heard was the muffled talking and laughter of the ongoing party, Duncan turned to Adam "we must inform the Royal Guard and the council of Skeletor's return". Adam looked worried and thoughtful in response "Yes we must….. but, for now, let's just enjoy the party if we can. Nothing will happen tonight, I'm sure".
"Your Grace" Duncan started hesitantly "My King…..Adam, we need to discuss something privately in the morning "he continued after a slight pause "but for now as you say let's try and enjoy the rest of the evening". Adam and Duncan left the room and re-joined the festivities with heavy thoughts and slightly forced smiles.
The next morning Duncan informed the council and Sora the Captain of the Guard of the information the Sorceress had given them last night, then went and met Orko at the door to King Adam's private study. "Councillor Duncan, how are you?" Orko the Magician said greeting him". "Orko my friend I'm glad you could make it, I am troubled by the news Teela gave us last night. I think we need to talk to the King about He-Man". Orko made a small noise of puzzlement as Duncan knocked on the door, "Enter" came the voice of Adam from inside.
Adam was sat at the table with some glasses and a jug of drink. The fire was burning, giving off a nice warmth on this cold morning – Cringer fast asleep in front of it - as Duncan and Orko entered the room. Adam beckoned them to sit and poured a drink for Duncan and himself. "So, what can I do for you?" Adam asked as he sat down opposite them. "My King, with the news of Skeletor's return I feel that we have some important decisions to make about the roles that will be taken up in the upcoming time" Duncan said. Adam looked a little puzzled at this statement "I believe that everyone is doing a fine job Duncan. Sora is a strong Captain and I'm told Jayla is making a good impression as her as 2nd in command. Deklan is doing a fine job as Man-at-Arms, and as far as I have been told all our forces are well trained and disciplined" he stated in slightly confused way. "Orko do you have any concerns?". He looked to Orko as he noticed Duncan shifting awkwardly in his chair. "None at all Adam!" Orko replied being the only person to still call him Adam in private. Adam looked at Duncan with his eyebrows raised, he knew he wanted to say something but he wasn't sure how. "Duncan, if you have concerns with anyone please just say". "Well My King since you have become King after your Father's death all those years ago, you have become a loved and just ruler and very powerful. Everyone respects you and Queen Helaena." Duncan took a drink as his mouth started going dry and he continued "the thing is…." he started, struggling to find the words to continue "Eternia has been at peace for all of your reign. He-Man has not been needed for that time." Starting to wonder where this was going Adam put his drink down and placed his elbow on the table putting his chin on his hand "Go on" he ordered to Duncan. "Well it's just that…eeeerm…that He-Man is the most powerful man in the universe and very important to the people. But the issue is that The King is the most powerful man in Eternia, maybe in a different way to He-Man, but powerful none the less. And the King is more important to the people than He-Man. Also, the King is with us all the time." Duncan took a deep Breath and continued, finally voicing his concern "My worry is….. can you be BOTH?".
Adam sighed and leaned back in his chair. Orko was hovering next to Duncan in shock at what had just been said. After what had seemed an age to Duncan, Adam spoke "I understand your concerns Duncan. But I fear nothing could be done even if this was the case". "I believe there may be something we can do" Orko finally spoke up. They both looked at Orko with questioning looks as if urging him to continue. "A long time ago, not long after you became He-Man, I was talking to the Sorceress Teela Na about the magic behind your sword. As you Know you were not born with the magic to change, she had told me it was given by herself as the Sorceress and by the powers of Grayskull. I suppose that as this power was given to yourself it may be possible to give that power to someone else". A stunned silence followed.
What had just been said? Adam had never thought about 'not being He-Man' even if had been a long time since he was needed as He-Man. He just was. Whilst somewhere in his heart he was never really convinced about Skeletor actually being gone forever, he had never considered what would happen on his return. As Duncan had said he was now King, an important role. He was also getting old; at 56 was he too old to fight and defend. But who would he ask even if it was somehow possible to 'transfer power'.
"Ok" Adam finally said "IF it is possible to hand over power and IF I decide this is what should be done for the best of everyone; who should be chosen? It has been hard leading 2 very different lives with so few knowing". Duncan took another drink and cleared his throat "What about Arthur?" he said to everyone's surprise "he has a big heart and strong morality, I think he would be a good choice". Adam was now stood up staring out of the window "Arthur?" he muttered to himself. Of course, it would be an ideal choice, he was kind and generous, smart, trustworthy and good with weapons. Even if he was on the slim side it wouldn't matter. But he was his son. Adam turned to Duncan and Orko "please leave, I have much to contemplate". Could he really choose his son?
"Sorceress, I need to speak with you" Adam thought hoping she would hear. "Adam. I sense you are in great turmoil" a reply came into his thoughts from the Sorceress. "I understand what Duncan and Orko have said to you" The Sorceress always seemed to understand what was happening even though she wasn't there to witness it. "It is the right thing to do Adam, he is the right choice, Arthur can and must become He-Man".