A/N: You guys have been so great! Despite my best efforts, life continues to get in the way, and for that I deeply apologize. At the moment the rest of my story is written out on paper in what barely passes for my handwriting. It is finished, I just have to decipher my shorthand and bring it into the 21st Century. In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy this latest installment.

Despite the Sorceress' admonition to get some rest, Teela found she couldn't quiet her mind. She mulled over everything she'd learned as she looked out the window of her room. The sunrise was off to her left and obscured by the Evergreen Forest, but it was nice to watch as the sky moved through the colors of the dawn.

Adam was He-Man. Adam, whom she'd always loved as a dear friend (and was admittedly a little attracted to), was the same man whom she'd had no small crush on from the moment he'd first saved her life. She could see the glaring similarities now that she knew the truth and spent several minutes berating herself for being so dense. Had she not made note of their similar fighting styles the day before she was so grievously injured? And what about his strength? That led her to think about just how much she'd admired He-Man's rippling muscles and toned abs over the years. Adam sure hides a lot under that shirt and pink tunic! Teela thought with blush.

She recalled when he'd asked her as both Adam and He-Man which of them she'd preferred and how she'd said she wanted a little bit of both in one package. And lo and behold, that was exactly what he was! Whoa, slow down, girl, she thought, best not to go there right now. It would be way too easy to lose her head as well as her heart to her fanciful musings. Things were just too awkward between them as friends to even begin contemplate something more serious. Besides, despite He-Man's flirtatious actions in the past, Adam had never demonstrated the same interest in her. He'd always remained a solid friend, even during what she was quickly coming to term as the 'Bad Years'.

"You will need rest in order to learn magic, Teela," the Sorceress said as she entered the room.

Teela turned from the window at the voice. She gave a deep sigh and returned to her view before she replied. "I know. Despite the fact that I have been awake for more than a day, I still find myself restless."

The Sorceress carefully made her way over to her daughter, stopping a few paces behind and gazing out the window as well. "I am surprised that you are not angrier with me," she said after awhile.

"I am too, truth be told," Teela replied. "I've been rather focused on something else at the moment."

"Adam's true identity," the Sorceress answered without hesitation. Teela nodded slowly, still refusing to turn and meet the other woman's eye. "What do you think about it?"

"I thought you knew what I was thinking while in Grayskull."

"I do. But I thought you might like to talk about it yourself rather than have me tell you how you feel."

Teela turned and leaned against the window's sill, crossing her arms in front of her. "It's just that Adam and He-Man have been two different people to me since the beginning and I have a hard time reconciling them into one person. I want to be mad even though I understand that the reasons for the secrecy. I feel glad to know that Adam can defend himself, but sad and frustrated to know that I wasted so much time and energy training him for nothing."

"I can tell you that Adam never felt that way. He looked forward to the times you would train together. He once told Duncan and I that it was one of the few times he could pretend he still had the same relationship you had in your youth."

"Ancients!" Teela exploded angrily, "I've been so horrible to him! I hate how things have become between us and I hate myself for being so stupid! He was my best friend and I was an absolute shrew towards him! How can he not be disgusted with me?"

The Sorceress waited until she calmed slightly before answering. It took several moments for Teela to once more regain control of her temper. "Don't you see, Teela? Adam's amazing capacity for forgiveness and compassion is why he was selected as Grayskull's champion in the first place. Only someone with a heart as pure as his could handle the powers of his position. Hearts less worthy than his have been corrupted in the past to the detriment of all of Eternia. Do not misunderstand me, my child; Adam has been tested on many occasions, but he has continued to pass and retain his right to hold Grayskull's power. Furthermore, he will continue to be tested. Now that you are aware of his true identity, you are in a position to help him pass those future tests."

Teela's eyes widened at this revelation. "Me? How in the world would I be able to help him with something like that!"

"I cannot say, but you will know when the time comes. Now, then, what of your other feelings concerning Adam?"

Teela colored slightly at the Sorceress' suggestive tone and suddenly found the top of her boots rather fascinating. "I'm not sure I know what you mean." The Sorceress said nothing. Finally, Teela glanced at the older woman and asked, "Would you be referring to my...um...crush on He-Man?"

"Among other things."

Teela turned to the window once more. The sun was just clearing the forest and was blindingly brilliant in the clear morning air. "I'm not sure I am ready to talk about those thoughts and feelings right now," she said softly.

"I understand, Teela," the Sorceress replied. "Try to rest. You will need energy and a clear head in order to study the art of magic. I will return in a few hours."

Teela was grateful the Sorceress did not push the subject further and turned to thank her, but found the room empty. Way to make an exit, she thought with a smirk. The emotional revelations of the past few days were finally catching up with her and Teela wearily made her way to the bed in the room. She lay down and began breathing deeply to calm her body and mind. It took longer than usual, but the tactic worked as her body finally succumbed to the rest it so desperately needed.