Well here it is.  Apologies in advance for any grammar problems and such!  Also please keep on reviewing!  And thanks for the reviews you gave so far!  Especially the one about it being good enough to be a novel.J

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With a fierce cry the griffin swooped down and landed on the platform.  Skeletor dismounted with ease and stretched his blue muscular body.

"Lord Skeletor welcome back to Snake Mountain," said Lockjaw as he nervously bowed.  Skeletor resisted the urge to blast him right then and there with his Havoc staff.  It was easy to read Lockjaw's body language to tell whether he succeeded or failed at a task.  The way he refused to look at him and kept his head bowed told Skeletor that he hadn't captured Teela yet.

Skeletor didn't bother to respond to his greeting.  Instead he looked around to study his fighters.  It had been a long time since they had all been in one place.  If Skeletor was a bit more sentimental he might have actually found it touching that they were all together again.  There was Evil-Lyn looking bored as she leaned on her staff.  Tri-clops pressing buttons on his wristband.  Beastman who sent the griffins away with a snap of his whip.  Clawful and Whiplash giving each other pats on the back and greetings.  The only one missing was that traitorous Merman. 

Skeletor could feel the rage within him burning as he thought about that fish man.  He helped a huge number of prisoners that Skeletor was going to have executed escape the city.  How dare he think that he could defy the new king of Eternia.  He wasn't a real threat of course, but it made Skeletor grind his teeth to think that even now there were those who would dare go against him.  If he ever got his hands on Merman then he would enjoy slowly torturing him.

"Have you captured Teela yet Lockjaw?" asked Skeletor even though he knew the answer.  He just simply enjoyed watching Lockjaw squirm.

"I.. um.. no Skeletor, but Skeletroids patrol every passage of Snake Mountain.  I'm sure they'll find her soon," stuttered Lockjaw.  He took a step back with fear in his yellow eyes.

"Master Lockjaw I have an important report for you."

Everyone turned to see that a Skeletroid had just walked onto the platform.  Lockjaw's eyes lit up as he saw the Skeletroid approach.

"You found the female?" asked Lockjaw eagerly.

"Negative, I came to report that the four Skeletroids that were guarding He-Man had been destroyed," said the Skeletroid.  Lockjaw took another step back away from Skeletor as he turned to see his response.  Skeletor rubbed his bony forehead.  He was beginning to remember why he didn't depend on these idiots anymore for his tasks.

"Looks like Teela just helped He-Man escape right under your nose Lockjaw," said Evil-Lyn with a wicked smile.

"It isn't my fault!  Its these stupid tin cans that are at fault!" growled Lockjaw before punching the Skeletroid in the face.  Other than to take a step back, it didn't respond.

"Don't blame my creation for your mess ups," said Tri-clops as he drew his sword out.

"Enough!"

Everyone became deathly silent.  Skeletor's eyes glowed red as he glared at each and every one of them.

"I suppose we can now assume that He-Man is free.  Teela also freed Many-faces and Duncan back at the city.  That, including Merman, means that there are now five of them.  Most likely they'll try to find a way to escape Snake Mountain now that they freed He-Man.  Lockjaw have the Skeletroids guard every exit including the water hole they had come from.  Tri-clops I assume you brought your Doomseekers?" asked Skeletor.  The inventor always had those floating robots nearby.

"Yes Skeletor," said Tri-clops and with a press of a button he had four Doomseekers floating behind him.

"Good!  Have the Doomseekers go through every corridor and room to find those five.  We shall wait in the torture chamber until your Doomseekers find them," said Skeletor.  The others followed as he walked down the stairs off the platform.  Every month he came here to insult He-Man and encourage him to let those children be crushed to death.  He himself specifically designed that sick, twisted trap.  When Evil-Lyn brought him He-Man asleep, Skeletor had almost decided to kill him.  But then decided that death would be too merciful.  He had wanted He-Man to suffer a much worst fate for fouling all of his attempts of getting into Grayskull.  And it was then he realized that he would get his revenge by turning He-Man into the one thing he loathed.  A murderer…  A murderer of children to be more exact.  Now though it wasn't possible.

"I suppose I'll just have to kill him," muttered Skeletor with a sigh as he entered Snake Mountain.

"So did you come here all by yourself to rescue me?" asked He-Man while giving her a friendly smile.  Teela returned the smile, but he could read the uneasiness in her eyes.  He couldn't really blame her.  He was practically raving when he started calling her Evil-Lyn.  A part of him wanted to tell her all of it.  How Evil-Lyn used an illusion of her to seduce him.  How it wasn't due to a battle that he was beaten, but his own lust that caused him to lose.  He wanted to tell her a lot of things.

But another part of him imagined how disgusted she could be to find out what he did with Evil-Lyn no matter what the reason.  He wouldn't blame her for condemning him for doing such a thing.  He condemned himself everyday since he was captured.

"Actually she had help He-Man."

The two turned to see Duncan, Many-faces, and Merman at the doorway.  It was the sight of Merman that caused He-Man to raise his sword in a defensive position.  Even though it had been years since he handled the sword, it still felt like second nature to wield it.

"Merman turned against Skeletor.  He's our ally now He-Man," said Teela hastily as she stepped in front of him.  He-Man moved his gaze from Teela to Merman.  The dark green man swallowed and gave a shaky wave.

"If you say so Teela," said He-Man before sheathing his sword.  It was going to take some work, but he was determined to win her trust again.  And if that meant calling Merman an ally then so be it.  Teela gave a sigh of relief before turning to the others.

"I'm glad to see you found both He-Man and the Sword of Power.  Not to mention saved those children," said Duncan.  He smiled as he glanced over at the children.  They didn't say a word, but silently watched the exchange.  He-Man noticed the lens eye, but decided to not comment on it.  Duncan had an energy rifle slung over his shoulder that he had taken from one of the Skeletroids they destroyed.

"I found the sword with the children under the boulder.  I found that kind of strange," said Teela.

"It was Skeletor's way of taunting me.  He wanted to show how even with my weapon so nearby, it couldn't do me any good," said He-Man.  Skeletor had quite an imagination when it came to ridiculing him.

"So why didn't you show up?" asked Many-faces.  There was no need to elaborate on what he was asking.  He-Man could read the accusation in his crimson eyes.  Duncan frowned, but didn't say anything.  Merman took a step back away from Many-faces.  It was Teela's gaze that made him decide to answer.  She appeared purely curious.  There was no hate or accusation in her emerald eyes.  But if he didn't answer then there could be.

"Evil-Lyn used an illusion to make herself appear as Teela.  I let my guard down and she was able to take me by complete surprise.  I didn't have a chance of defending myself before it was too late," said He-Man with bitterness.  It was the truth if not a very detailed truth.  Hopefully they would never find out more than that.

"That's why you were calling me Evil-Lyn wasn't it?  You thought I was her trying to deceive you again," said Teela.  Her voice was filled with relief as things began to make more sense to her.   

"Yes, I'm sorry I shouted at you and for threatening to… let that boulder fall.  It was just too much for me that she would try to trick me again.  Teela please forgive me," said He-Man as he placed his large hands onto her slim shoulders.  He could hear Many-faces growling, but ignored the sound.  He kept his gaze firmly onto Teela.  Teela smiled again, this time a genuine smile.

"There's nothing to forgive.  After everything you've been through, I can't blame you for acting that way," said Teela.  He-Man fought the impulse to pull her closer.  Instead he gave her shoulders a squeeze before removing his hands.

"I think its time we exit this place before anymore trouble comes along," said Duncan as he stepped forward.  No one raised an objection.

"Teela you stay here and watch the children.  The rest of us will split up and try to find a safe exit out of here," said Duncan.

"You expect me to baby-sit?" asked Teela with a raised eyebrow.  The irritation in her voice made it evident that she wasn't pleased.  Silently He-Man supported Man-at-arms decision.  It would be much less dangerous for her to stay here then to come with them.

"Teela I think out of all of us you would be best to watch them.  Our appearances are a bit more intimidating," said Duncan with a gesture.  Admittedly cyborgs and fish men would probably not put the children at ease.  But Teela wasn't ready to give up just yet.

"Oh and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm the only woman here," said Teela as she crossed her arms.

"Well if you must know I do think they'd be more calm with someone that they could see as a mother figure," said Duncan.  It wasn't the best response to give.  Teela's eyes flashed with anger.  Denial would probably have been the better choice.

"Father I am not going to stay here just because you think women should be the ones to watch children!" exclaimed Teela outraged.  He-Man almost grinned as he watched her temper rise.  He had missed watching her have those temper tantrums.

"Fine, we'll be fair about this and put it to a vote.  Everyone who votes for Teela to stay here raise his hand," said Duncan as he raised his hand.  He-Man, Merman, and Many-faces raised their hands as well after a second.  Teela gave them all a scornful glare.

"Fine!  And I hope the Skeletroids kick your butts," said Teela with a huff.  Then she turned her back to them and walked towards the children.

It was unfair.  It was beyond unfair it was disgusting.  What right did her father and the others have to stick her with watching the kids?  She didn't even know how to handle kids.

Teela paced back and forth muttering curses about the male species.  The children thankfully didn't make too much trouble and just continued whispering among themselves.  While she would admit that they did look adorable that didn't mean she wanted to be the one left behind.

Her thoughts suddenly turned to He-Man.  Hearing about how Evil-Lyn tricked him with an illusion of her made her blood boil.  But at the same time it brought about another wave of relief.  He-Man hadn't gone insane like she first suspected.  He had just mistaken her for Evil-Lyn with an illusion.  And after all his been through, of course he would explode like that.  It was understandable that he had insulted her.  It was understandable that he threatened to break those chains.  Just because he threatened to do so didn't mean he really would have though.

But what if it was more than just a threat?  What if he was really going to break those chains if you hadn't punched him….?

"Of course he wasn't going to," muttered Teela as she continued to pace.  She wasn't going to insult him by asking if he would either.  People said all sorts of crazy things under stress.  He-Man was as good a person now as he was five years ago.  And she wasn't going to let herself think otherwise.

"Miss Teela?  I think I'm in trouble."

Teela turned and her green eyes widened.  One of the young boys had a Doomseeker floating right above his head.  It had floated down quickly from the ceiling before anyone could cry out a warning.  The other children backed away fearfully.  Silently Teela cursed herself as she slowly reached for her pistol.  She had been so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice the Doomseeker sneak into the room.

"I wouldn't do that my dear."

The voice that came from the Doomseeker sent a shiver through Teela's body.  It had been years since she had heard Skeletor's voice.  That snide, acting superior voice that haunted Teela's worst memories.

"Even if you were able to shoot this Doomseeker before it harmed the child, the explosion from its destruction would still kill this boy."

Teela stopped reaching for her pistol while giving a nod.  He was right no matter how much she didn't want to admit it.  If she hit the Doomseeker it could very well explode and it was only inches from the boy below it.  The boy himself had stood completely still while looking so scared that it appeared he might wet himself soon.

"What do you want Skeletor?" asked Teela as she slowly took a few steps forward.  If she could get close enough, she could give the Doomseeker a flying kick to send it away from the boy.

"Not another step my dear or this boy's head will be blasted away."

The boy whimpered with fright while Teela stopped moving.  It seemed he wasn't going to take any chances with her.

"Very good my dear.  Now I want you to listen very carefully.  I'm going to give you directions to get to me.  And if I'm kept waiting then I may become upset and hurt this poor boy."

"Just have your Doomseeker lead me to where you want to go," said Teela.  Her gaze never left the flying robot.

"And lose such a nice hostage?"

"Its been a while Skeletor, but I still remember your charming personality.  You'll fry this kid as soon as I leave just for fun.  Besides I think I'll be the only hostage you need," said Teela.  She knew that negotiating was dangerous, but she couldn't let Skeletor keep this Doomseeker here.  One reason was he might very well kill the boy when she left.  Another reason was that he could hold the children hostage when He-Man and the others came back.  At least this way they only had her as a captive.  Laughter could be heard from the Doomseeker.

"Oh its nice to see that you haven't forgotten me Teela.  But how do I know you won't try to escape if I leave the boy be?"

"I give my word that I'll follow your Doomseeker to where ever you have it lead me.  I won't try to escape and get help," said Teela as sincerely as she could.  There was a minute of silence.

"Very well Teela.  I'll expect you to keep your word."

Teela gave the children a reassuring smile before following the Doomseeker that flew out of the room.  She kept her word and followed the Doomseeker without making any attempt at running away.  Maybe she wasn't a Defender anymore who fought for principles of truth and justice.  But she was still a woman who kept her word.

"We found the north gate guarded by a dozen Skeletroids.  Any luck on your side?" asked Duncan.  The four of them met in the corridor.  They had split up into two teams.  He-Man and Merman had explored the south exit.  While Man-at-arms and Many-faces explored the north exit.

"The south gate had at least a dozen Skeletroids guarding it as well.  I could defeat them though," said He-Man as he gripped the hilt of his sword.  Many-faces snorted, but didn't say anything.  He-Man could still see the anger in his crimson eyes when he glanced at him.  He still blamed He-Man for failing to protect Eternia it seemed.  He deserved Many-faces's distrust and anger though for his failure.  Perhaps one day though he will earn his forgiveness.

That was probably the reason he was partnered with Merman.  Him and Merman had spied out the south gate without any trouble.  It was actually funny in a way.  Merman, his former enemy, wasn't the least bit bothered working with him.  While Many-faces could barely stand to be in the same room as him.

"I'm sure you could take on the Skeletroids He-Man, but I don't think we could destroy them before they called in reinforcements.  And we can't have a long battle when trying to escape.  It has to be quick so we can get the children out without them being harmed," said Duncan.  He-Man had to admit that he had a point, but still he felt a strong urge to go slice those Skeletroids to pieces.  Perhaps it was because their skull heads reminded him of Skeletor.

"Lets see how Teela is doing," said Duncan.  The others followed him as he entered the room where Teela was supposed to watch the children.  The children sat against the wall appearing extremely frightened.  He-Man's hands clenched into fists when he saw no sign of Teela.

"Where is she!" growled Many-faces as he approached the children.  A few of them screamed at seeing the man with monstrous features approach them.

"Many quit it!  You're only scaring them!" shouted Duncan.  Many-faces stopped and seemed to finally realize that he was snarling at children.  He mumbled an apology while backing away.  There was a painful expression on his face as he watched the children stare at him in terror.  He-Man looked them over trying to decide whom to ask what happened.  He spent years with these children and knew not only their names, but their traits and personalities as well.  Finally his eyes rested onto a brown haired boy named Carl.  Out of all the children Carl was the most levelheaded.

Whenever Lockjaw had a fit of rage he'd shout and scream at the children.  He'd never hit them since Skeletor wanted them unhurt, but he would scare them to such a degree that their bodies began shaking.  Carl was the only one he had seen who was not affected by Lockjaw's fierce shouting.  While the others would occasional show fear for one reason or another, Carl was always absolutely calm.  He had never shed a tear or screamed in fright during all the years He-Man had been there.

"Carl can you please tell me what happened?" asked He-Man.  He slowly approached the boy and knelt down beside him.  Carl stared at him looking far more serious than a thirteen year old should be.

"A small flying robot came down from the ceiling and floated over Jeremy's head.  I think Teela was afraid it would fire some laser or something at Jeremy.  A voice came from the robot and from what Teela said it belonged to a guy named Skeletor.  Skeletor wanted to give her directions to get to him, but Teela insisted for him to have the robot lead her to him.  She gave her word that she wouldn't try to escape if he had the robot stop floating over Jeremy's head," said Carl.  He pointed to Jeremy, a red headed boy, who looked very pale.  He-Man gave both Carl and Jeremy a pat on the back before getting up.

His here…  Skeletor is right here…

"Merman you know this place best.  Where would Skeletor take Teela?" asked Duncan.  The amphibious man rubbed his scaly chin.

"Yesss, I would say the torture chamber.  That's where Skeletor brought prisoners when he wanted to question them," said Merman.

"Well let's hurry!  They could be hurting Teela right now," said Many-faces impatiently.

"Just a second."

Duncan, Many-faces, and Merman turned to He-Man.  He walked over between Many-faces and Duncan.  Before either could say a word, He-Man grabbed their heads and slammed them together.

Thump!

It was a move He-Man had done at least a dozen times, just grabbing two heads and slamming them together to knock out both guys.  He could recall it working very well against Whiplash and Clawful.  And it worked just as well on Duncan and Many-faces who were now unconscious on the ground.

Merman quickly drew out his trident and pointed it towards He-Man.  The fear in his eyes showed that he really didn't think he could win a fight against He-Man.  He-Man had to admire him for not running though.

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you.  I need to take care of Skeletor… alone.  You lead me the torture chamber and I'll rescue Teela," said He-Man.  Merman stared at him for a minute obviously unsure whether to trust him.

"Why do you not want them to come along?" asked Merman.  He pointed his trident towards the two former Defenders lying on the ground.

"Like I said before I need to fight Skeletor alone.  I don't want them to interfere in anyway.  They might not understand that I need to stop Skeletor for good.  I need to make sure he doesn't hurt Teela or anyone else ever again," said He-Man as his blue eyes turned cold.  Merman cocked his head to one side before responding.

"You mean you're going to-"

"Just get me to Skeletor and I'll take care of the rest Merman," said He-Man as he drew his sword.