okay so I broke my New years resolution to update more often. In my defense 2010 was a really shitty year for me and my family. I wont bore you with details here's the new chapter
CHAPTER FOUR
Night had fallen over Eternos. Prince Adam was taking a post-dinner stroll around the palace accompanied by Glimmer. Although this was his home, she seemed to be leading him as though she knew where she was going. Glimmer was also doing most of the talking, in her usual, youthful, high energy way. Adam let her lead, only half paying attention, not out of anything against her, but simply because his thoughts were on other things. Both his mother and Duncan had been strangely quiet at dinner. Marlena would occasionally glance his way with a look that suggested she wanted to tell him something, but couldn't bring herself to do so.
"Did you hear me?" Glimmer asked, snapping him back to the present.
"Sorry," Adam said, "I guess my mind was elsewhere."
"Well, I can understand that," Glimmer nodded. "With your birthday so close and everyone making a fuss over you."
"Well, I am the prince," he smirked. "Plus, with Skeletor and all, we didn't really get to hold a big celebration last year. So I think everyone's trying to make up for it."
"You sure it's okay for me to attend?" Glimmer asked. "I mean I've only been on Eternia a short while. Though I'd like to think we're becoming friends, I don't really know you that well. I don't want to intrude. That and I don't have any money to get you a gift."
Adam laughed. "Don't worry about that. And you won't be intruding. Considering how you helped us turn back the Horde, I'd say that makes you an automatic friend of all Eternia. If you want it official then here, as Prince of Eternia, I cordially invite you to attend my birthday celebration."
"Well since you insist," Glimmer giggled. "I wanted to ask you though, I heard talk that He-Man wouldn't be attending. I would think he would be on the top of the guest list."
Adam hesitated slightly then said, "Well, it's not that He-Man isn't invited to attend, it's that he's unable to. You have to remember He-Man doesn't actually live in Eternos, and his duty as defender of Eternia keeps him busy. If he decided to drop in he'd be more than welcome, but I wouldn't count on seeing him unless there's trouble."
"He does seem to have a knack for showing up right when he's needed," Glimmer noted. "I was kinda hoping to get to see him on a more friendly basis though."
"What, are you looking for a date to the party?" Adam teased.
"No, it's not like that," Glimmer said giving him a playful shove. "I just wanted a chance to talk and get to know him better when there wasn't a battle going on."
"Well, you're not alone on that," Adam admitted.
"Anyway," she added. "I'm kinda already in a relationship back on Etheria."
"I didn't know that," Adam said. "What do you mean kinda?"
"Well, Romeo and I don't get to see each other that often, and when we do we try to keep it secret. I'm not so sure my mother would approve if she knew."
"Why not?"
"It's... complicated," Glimmer said. "Let's just say because of where he comes from and what his job is, she has reason not to trust him like I do."
"Sounds like what Man-E-Faces would call a 'star-crossed lovers' plot."
"Glimmer shrugged. "Maybe, but sometimes two people are just meant for each other." At this moment they rounded a corner and nearly ran straight into Teela. "Oops, sorry, I didn't know you were there," Glimmer said, though the expression on her face suggested otherwise.
"I was just doing some security checks," Teela said. "Making sure everything will be in place for the party."
"Oh, that reminds me," Glimmer stuttered quickly, "I.. uh.. promised Orko I'd help him with some decorations after dinner. Excuse me please. Teela, you don't mind keeping Adam company do you? Okay, see you later." Before either of them could say anything, Glimmer ran off leaving them alone together.
Stifling a mischievous chuckle Glimmer ducked around the corner then stopped and tilted her head to try and listen back as well as she could without being seen. She was so focused on this task that she nearly jumped through the roof when Orko floated up and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Subtle as a plasma grenade," he tisked.
"What do you mean," she asked innocently.
"Come on," Orko sighed. "It's pretty obvious you're trying to play matchmaker for Adam and Teela."
"You don't really mind do you?" Glimmer asked, not bothering to deny it.
"No," Orko admitted. "Because you're right, those two belong together. I mean if you can see it after only knowing them this short while, then of course I can tell. However, if you're serious about getting them to admit it to themselves then you're going to need my help."
"Oh really?" Glimmer teased. "And how long did it take you to admit your feelings to Dree Elle?"
"That's not fair," Orko whined, "we were in separate dimensions!"
"Relax, I'm just ribbing you," Glimmer said. "Honestly, I would appreciate a partner in this endeavor."
"Well the first thing to do is determine just how far along they've gotten by themselves," Orko said. With that he reared back to cast a spell, but Glimmer stopped him.
"Uh, Orko... wand?"
"Oh right," Orko sighed with an embarrassed tone. He reached up the sleeve of his magic robe and drew out his wand. More specifically it was actually the wand that had belonged to The Oracle, but now had been bequeathed to him. Orko's own wand had been eaten by a swamp hopper years ago and was thus lost forever. Thankfully, since The Oracle had been a fellow Trollan, his wand worked well for Orko helping to control his magic after years of it being unpredictable. Unfortunately, it only helped when Orko actually used the wand to cast the spell, and since he had only owned it less than a month he still occasionally forgot about it.
Once Orko had managed to cast the spell correctly both he and Glimmer were suddenly able to see and hear Adam and Teela speaking as though they were right next to them.
"...and there will be double the normal guards around the main hall itself," Teela was saying. "If Skeletor or the Horde try anything we'll have more than enough early warning."
"Looks like you've got everything thought of," Adam nodded. "Hopefully though you'll be able to relax a little and join the party."
"I've been so busy with security preparations that I haven't given much thought to your actual birthday itself," Teela said brushing her hair back somewhat sheepishly.
"What?" Adam chuckled. "Are you saying you haven't even gotten me a present yet?
Teela gave him what was supposed to be a friendly punch in the arm, though it came out a little harder than she intended. "What do you get someone who's already the spoiled prince, and is too laid back to care about what he doesn't have already?"
Here, as he rubbed his now tender arm, Adam's voice took on a more somber tone. "I would have thought, if anyone, you would know. You always used to when we were younger."
"That's true," Teela sighed. "You always knew just what to get me too. We knew each other so well it was easy."
"We were so close growing up," Adam sighed, "What happened?"
"That's just it," Teela said. "We grew up. Or at least I did. While you were still goofing around I was working my way up to Captain. When we were kids we were free to play and spent more time together."
"We need to make the time," Adam declared. "I know things are different now, with so many dangers to the kingdom lurking out there. But that's no reason to let our friendship drift apart."
Teela stared at Adam a moment then moved forward and embraced him in a tight hug. Adam returned the gesture while meanwhile Glimmer and Orko grinned as they watched. Perhaps they didn't have as much work to do as they thought.
"I must admit I have missed the fun we used to have," Teela said softly. "Maybe that's why I'm so quick to forgive your faults. Though, you have gotten a little more serious and responsible lately."
"Well how about this," Adam said holding her slightly away so he could look at her face, "I'll try to get a little more serious, you try to lighten up a bit and somewhere in the middle..."
Teela nodded lightly, "Somewhere in the middle... we'll connect."
Their faces were inches apart and slowly moving closer. At the same time both closed their eyes and scarcely breathed. Their lips were just about to touch...
...and at that exact moment a huge explosion erupted from the courtyard.
"What in Eternia?" Teela shouted, instantly snapping back to her warrior mode. The answer didn't take long as a voice ran out over her communicator.
"Captain Teela, attack on the palace. It appears to be Hordesmen!"
"I'll be there as soon as I've secured the prince!" Teela responded. Grabbing Adam's arm she dragged him off towards the inner chambers of the palace.
"Talk about a mood killer," Glimmer moaned.
"I still think the outside attack is a mistake," Adora grumbled as she peeked around a corner to make sure no one was coming her way. "After all, you just teleported us in here without detection, why raise the alarm?"
"Two reasons young one," Shadow Weaver said in an uncharacteristically pleasant tone. "First, while we got in undetected, we want you to remain so. By forcing them to turn their focus elsewhere we run less chance of someone stumbling on to you before you complete your mission. Remember I only got you in, You need to get out on your own."
"All the more reason to have left everything quiet," Adora snapped. "Your second reason better be a lot more convincing."
"By raising the alarm we make them play into our hands," Shadow Weaver said. "They will place the prince in his safe quarters, which is right down this hall," she added. "So you see, rather then you having to hunt for him, they will bring him to you! In the fools attempt to secure him they will actually be sending him to his death."
"Very well," Adora nodded. "But how do you know this is the right place?"
"I... have been here before," Shadow Weaver said. "It was years ago, but everything seems to be where I remember it. Now take this," she said handing her a sword, "It's not your special one Hordak's having Spikor make, but I assure you it has just what is needed for the good of the Horde. One good strike is all it takes."
Adora hesitated, giving Weaver a suspicious glance, but finally took the sword and made her way down the hall to wait for her target.
Yes, Shadow Weaver thought as she allowed herself a sinister chuckle, One good strike. Goodbye Adora, if all goes well we will not meet again. With that she vanished in a flash of smoke.
From the point of view of the Eternians there was no focus to the Horde attack. A small group of troopers fought against the guards while Modulok hovered slightly behind and above them in the Roton that Spikor had "agreed" to let them borrow. He would chip in to the attack a bit, firing the ship's lasers and ramming the spinning blades into pillars and statues, but wasn't taking any joy in it.
"Remind me again why I'm doing this," He snarled at Leech who was beside him in the cockpit.
"We're drawing their attention so they focus on us and Adora can slip in unnoticed," Leech answered.
"I know that," Modulok sighed. "What I meant was, remind me why I'm doing this!"
"Hordak's orders," Leech sneered. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have some fun while I can." With that he jumped down and began a furious assault on anyone he could get his hands on. Sucking them dry with his absorption powers and laughing a their futile attempts to harm him. Laser fire was unable to penetrate his thick hide and those foolish enough to try a physical attack became his victims, which in turn made him stronger.
"This is too easy!" Leech laughed. "Bring me a challenge! Bring me a real opponent!" He paused then an evil smile crossed his misshapen lips. "Bring me He-Man!"
He-Man, or rather Adam, would have obliged had he been there. At the moment he was being dragged by Teela away from the battle. A part of him found it ironic that she was forcing him to hide when other times she had chastised him for avoiding the fight. He was tempted to mention this, but she had already said along the way that given the circumstances, it was her duty to ensure he stayed safe.
Adam decided not to argue, figuring he'd simply go along with her and then switch to He-Man as soon as she was gone. He only hoped she did as she had initially said she would and left to join the battle. If she decided instead to stay with him it would complicate matters.
Thankfully, once she reached Adam's room she simply thrust him inside and turned to go. "Lock the door and stay here!" she shouted. "I'm not having you assassinated right before your birthday!"
"Be careful," Adam called after her. "I don't want you getting killed either." Teela turned and smiled back but kept going without a word. Once she was gone Adam quickly glanced back and forth down the hall then slipped in and shut the door. He didn't bother locking it though as he wouldn't be staying long.
"Cringer, are you here?" Adam called while looking around and peeking under the bed. There was no sign of the cowardly tiger however, it seemed he was completely alone. Adam shrugged. He would have liked to have Battle Cat with him, but he would have to make do without. Adam drew his sword.
"By the Power of Grayskull. I have the power!" Where there was Prince Adam there now stood He-Man. Just as he was about to leave the room to join the battle however he was shocked still by something he had not expected; a voice from above him.
"Unbelievable!"
Glancing up quickly He-Man was shocked to see a young woman hiding in the rafters high above him. Because of the shock of seeing anyone it took him a moment to realize who it was. The mysterious fighter! What was her name... Adora! Yes, that was it. She was Hordak's apprentice... and she had just witnessed his transformation!
Realizing she'd been spotted, Adora drew the sword Shadow Weaver had given her and jumped down to attack He-Man head on. He-Man quickly blocked her blow with his sword and she leaped back readying herself for another strike.
"I never would have suspected this," Adora said. "but it changes little. Hordak wanted both you and the prince dead. This will simply safe us time. Prepare to meet your end, heir of Grayskull!"
As confident as she seemed, He-Man noticed that her hands seemed to be trembling. A moment later though, he realized it was not because of fear. Adora's blade was shaking violently and she had noticed it too with confusion. Suddenly the sword cracked and burst apart leaving the young warrior unarmed.
"Damn you Weaver, I'll get you for this!" Adora snarled. He-Man took a step towards her, not really sure what he should do. He didn't want to harm her, but she knew his secret now. He could not afford to let her get away. Plus the fact that she clearly had every intention of harming him.
Adora wasn't the kind to stand around at let herself get captured though, quickly she scrambled to the side heading towards the window. He-Man moved faster and blocked her path. Adora's eyes darted about looking for something to defend herself with. Then she saw it. A laser pistol sat on Adam's nightstand. With speed He-Man did not expect she dove towards the gun scooped it up and turned it towards him. Though she had no experience with firearms, Adora had seen them in use enough to understand the basics. She fired but, just as fast, he deflected the shot back at her. The beam hit Adora square in the chest and she was thrown back against the wall where she collapsed unconscious.
Careful in case it was a trick, He-Man checked on her. She was alive and relatively unhurt. Apparently she had not known what she grabbed was merely a stun ray Adam used in combat training. Picking up a communicator He-Man called Man-At-Arms and told him to come to Adam's quarters immediately. Duncan arrived shortly, and thankfully alone. He didn't have time to ask what was wrong before he saw Adora.
"What happened?" he asked quickly checking on her.
"She was hiding in here," He-Man explained. "I think she was sent to kill Adam. I didn't notice her at first. I thought I was alone... and..." he paused Duncan turned to face him. His expression clearly said that he had guessed what was coming next but hoped he was wrong.
"Duncan, she saw me transform!"
"This could be trouble," Duncan said as he gently picked up Adora and laid her down on Adam's bed. I was hoping to take this whole thing slower."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll explain later," Duncan said. "Right now you need to get out to the courtyard. Leech is out there and you're the only one powerful enough to stop him. We'll deal with this when you get back."
"Okay," He-Man said. "I trust you can handle her if she wakes up?"
"I'll give her a sedative to keep her under for now," Duncan said. "Come back as soon as you can though. Oh, and come back as Adam."
"Huh?"
"Just trust me on this," Duncan said. "Oh but before you go, I need something." Here Duncan pulled out a small instrument and stuck him with it. He-Man felt a slight pinch as though he'd been given a shot and noticed a speck of blood on his arm. Duncan then did the same thing to Adora's arm with the other end of the device. Apparently he had taken a blood sample from both.
"What are you doing?" He-Man asked.
"Making sure."
"Of what?" He-Man demanded.
"There's no time!" Duncan barked. "Go deal with the Horde outside!"
He-Man was more confused than he had ever been, but he knew Duncan was right and he had to deal with the problem outside first. Rushing off he told himself to make sure to deal with it as quickly as possible because he had far more interest in the problems in here.
"Is that a Roton?" Marlena asked staring down from high above the courtyard. "Where did the Horde get one of those?"
"I'm not sure My Queen," the young lieutenant next to her said, "but that's definitely Modulok at the controls."
"Any sign of Shadow Weaver?" she asked.
"No your Majesty," he said, slightly confused by her interest. "Please, we need to get you inside to safety."
"Very well," Marlena said turning to leave. Suddenly something caught her attention. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a burst of flame near the Roton below. Looking down she saw a red figure had suddenly appeared.
"It appears you spoke to soon," she said. "I think that's Shadow Weaver now."
The guard glanced through his macro-oculars and nodded. "Yes that's her alright. All the more reason you need to leave now My Queen."
"Give me your rifle."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I said give me your rifle, Lieutenant," Marlena said sternly. "That is an order."
Unsure of anything anymore the young guard did as he was told. Marlena took the gun and staring intently through the targeting scope, took careful aim at Shadow Weaver below.
"Time for you to pay witch," she snarled and pulled the trigger.
Shadow Weaver materialized in the courtyard and looked around. It pleased her greatly to see the destruction being wrought, made all the more pleasant by the knowledge that it was nothing compared to the emotional damage about to unfold. With any luck Adora had been finished off by the fools by now. If she was really lucky than Adora's one good strike had hit it's target and the prince was dead as well.
Floating up to the Roton's cockpit she grumbled to Modulok, "We've all done our part. You could try to do something."
"If you're trying to make me hate you more than I already do, than you're on the right track," Modulok growled. "This whole ordeal is a waste of my time and of my talents. I should be back at the sanctuary working on our new soldiers, or developing new weapons. Not acting as a decoy."
"Your overinflated ego is of little relevance to me," Shadow Weaver said. "Soon enough Hordak will grow weary of you and realize magic is far superior to technology. After that you should feel lucky to be used as a decoy."
"That does it!" Modulok shouted and dove to attack Weaver. What happened next was so fast it took everyone by surprise. Weaver backed up to avoid Modulok's assault. As she did a large laser blast came hurling through where she had been and where Modulok now was so that he was the one struck instead of her. In a spray of flesh and blood Modulok's side burst open leaving a gaping hole.
Screaming in agony Modulok collapsed and concentrated. Forcing himself to work through the pain he quickly used his powers to rearrange his form sealing up his body before he bled to death. Through it all he was actually more annoyed by the fact that, smart as he was, he realized the shot had been meant for Shadow Weaver and, had he not lunged at her, she would have been struck instead and most likely killed. A poetic justice since it would have been technology that finished her.
Shadow Weaver too realized she had narrowly avoided death and, deciding her work here was done, teleported away. Up above Queen Marlena cursed the rotten luck and vowed to do better next time. Modulok decided enough was enough and called for a withdrawal.
"Leech, we're leaving!"
"You go on," Leech snickered. "I'll catch up later."
"Suit yourself," Modulok shrugged gunning the Roton away, "but don't blame me if you don't make it back."
"Bah," Leech scoffed. "The only one who could stop me is He-Man and he seems to have chosen not to show his face."
"Spoke too soon lizard-lips!" Turning around Leech saw He-Man there in the courtyard his sword drawn ready for action.
"Ahh, I was hoping you'd show up," Leech smiled. "Why don't you put that away. We both know you don't plan to really use it and even if you were, it wouldn't be able to cut me."
"Don't be so sure," He-Man said. "You saw what this did to your boss. It's no ordinary sword. Still, if you'd rather settle this hand to hand. I don't mind. Though really the best thing would be for you to just surrender right now."
"Surrender?" Leech laughed. "I don't know the meaning of the word."
"It means give up and accept imprisonment," He-Man said with a smirk that drew an annoyed look from Leech. "Normally I'd offer you a chance to retreat, but you're too dangerous to allow to go free."
"I'm going to enjoy draining you dry," Leech snarled and charged forward.
He-Man let him come. Holding his ground he drew back ready to strike. His snarky comments was not simple banter but had been intended to anger Leech into making a mistake and it seemed to have worked. As soon as Leech had closed enough distance He-Man threw an uppercut designed to send him flying.
However, taking him by surprise, Leech caught He-Man's fist in mid swing and slammed his head with a right hook that knocked the hero to the ground. Leech then attempted to bury his bizarre hand tongue appendage into He-Man's hand, but he was able to twist his fingers enough to grip it and swung the brute down. Quickly getting to his feet, He-Man grabbed Leech and swung him across the courtyard into a tall pillar.
Shaking his head Leech turned back to his opponent and leapt into the air. Aiming towards He-Man he curled his body as though doing a cannonball jump into a swimming pool. There was no water here though and He-Man was forced to dodge as Leech landed creating a small impact crater and sending out debris that slammed into He-Man's side.
He-Man turned to face Leech but the behemoth moved faster. Grabbing him with both arms Leech began sucking away draining the hero's strength into him. He-Man retaliated by punching Leech square in the jaw but he did not let go. He-Man continued to throw punch after punch into Leech's face but, even after Leech's mouth began to spew blood, he refused to give in and ended it on his terms, slamming He-Man into the ground.
Leech paused breathing hard. Though he had taken a good bit of He-Man's power he was worn down from the fight. He-Man too was exhausted and barely able to pull himself up as Leech finally grabbed the back of his head and prepared to latch is suction hand straight on to the heroic warrior's face.
But then, surprising both of them, a laser shot came down from above hitting Leech in the arm. Though it was not enough to cause any real damage, it was enough to make him stop and look up to see who had fired. This momentary distraction was all He-Man needed. Prying free of Leech's grip he grabbed the evil warrior, slammed him back and forth over his head into the ground several times, then spun him around and threw him into a column. Wasting no time, and hoping his father would forgive him for the deliberate damage he was about to do, He-Man then pushed the column over so that it collapsed on top of Leech. That was enough. When the dust settled it was clear Leech had been rendered unconscious.
He-Man quickly called for the guards to bring several restraints and get Leech shipped to the Eternian prison before he woke up. Only then did he glance up to see who had fired the shot that won the fight for him. It was quite a shock to see his own mother Queen Marlena standing there waving with one hand, a laser rifle in her other. He-Man finally waved back then, remembering the other issue he had to deal with, excused himself saying he was going to go out and make sure the Horde wasn't coming back.
Slipping around a corner, and making doubly sure he was alone, He-Man changed back to Adam and headed back to Duncan, trying his best to hide his fatigue and hoping no injuries were showing. He had learned from experience that serious wounds he received as He-Man did not disappear when he turned back into Adam. Tri-Klops had once stabbed him in the leg and it was very difficult to come up with an excuse for Adam's wound.
Of course it may be a moot point now, he realized. With Adora having witnessed his transformation, it may only be a short matter of time before the charade was over. He hoped there was a way out of this. Perhaps the Sorceress could magically remove the knowledge. But that would likely involve having to take Hordak's own apprentice into Castle Grayskull. Adam shook his head and tried to assure himself Duncan would have a solution.
Arriving back in his room, Adam was slightly distressed to see Teela had joined Man-At-Arms. Thankfully Adora was still out cold, but now he wouldn't be able to talk freely to Duncan. Plus he dreaded having to explain to Teela where he had been. Fortunately, and surprisingly, she didn't ask but instead came over and embraced him.
"Are you sure you're okay?" she said.
"I'm fine," Adam said. "A little shook up, and very confused, but fine."
"I never should have left you alone," Teela said. "If He-Man hadn't shown up when he did..."
"Forget about it," Duncan said. "No one's blaming you for anything. The important thing is neither Adam nor Adora were hurt."
"You're worried about her?" Teela asked in shock. "She tried to assassinate Adam!"
"And thank the Elders she didn't," Duncan said. "For both their sakes. I'm willing to wager she doesn't know the truth and Hordak put her up to this as a cruel irony."
"What are you talking about?" Adam shouted. "Will you please tell me what's going on? You act as if you know this girl."
"I do," Duncan sighed. "And if things had been different you would have too. I suspected it from the start but the blood test I did proves it beyond a doubt. It really is her."
"Who?" Adam demanded.
Duncan swallowed hard and finally spoke, "Adam, meet Princess Adora... your twin sister."
quick note about Orko here. First the reference to Dree Elle- well I have a story in development that brings Dree Elle into the 20XX continuity. It's set between Wrath of the Horde and Shadows and Secrets. I'll put it up later. It has little to nothing to do with the Horde story arc. Second Orko's wand- if you read the 20XX comic then you recall the final issue had Orko get his wand back but ended before we saw how well it worked. Also while the wand in the comic looked like the one that came with the figure the wand Orko has and looses in the cartoon does not. Plus no explanation was given as to how Orko's wand was recovered when it was eaten years earlier, so I took some creative liberties. It's the Oracle's wand (and no Orko and Oracle are not the same person) it helps stabilize Orko's magic but only when he actually uses it.