A/N: It's been a month since my last update to this story and my apologies to all. I'm writing three stories at once while working for an airline so during the holidays it gets pretty hectic. Thanks for your patience. I'm posting a duplicate update due to the extended absence, especially as this story continues to wind down. Please honor me with your reviews. I thank you much.

Chapter 29

-One Week Later-

Greyskull, the inner Chambers of King D'Vann…

The four of them congregated deep within the ancient castle's stone walls surrounded by portraits and various family heirlooms collected by the Warrior King from ages past. Marlena had just shared the bittersweet emotions at seeing but not being able to embrace her loved ones through The Bridge's mirror portal and as a result, they discussed the possibility of creating a controlled wormhole to Eternia to allow the Queen's family to cross over from its sister planet Earth.

xx

"I am glad you two have come," the Sorceress stated with a smile after the lull in conversation.

With Man-At-Arms standing watchfully by the doors, the King and Queen held hands as they reclined on the couch across from their ethereal in-law. "Thank you for the invitation," Randor replied then asked perceptively, "But what is the real reason you sent for us, Teela'na?"

She inclined her head. "As you know, with the birth of our granddaughter I will retire as Guardian of this Castle and Prince Adam and Princess Teela will take up residence within these walls."

Although happy that the Sorceress may now enjoy a normal life after all these lonely years, the monarchs nodded, saddened at losing the time with their granddaughter.

"For how long?" Marlena asked.

"We do not anticipate an extended duration," Teela'Na replied, "It is my understanding they will serve as defenders of Eternia until all evil has been vanquished."

"Beastman," Randor stated.

The Sorceress' gaze shifted to the King. "That is correct," she replied with a nod. "However, the Minions from the second dimension remain at large as well. And of course, my nemesis stands trial once Evil-Lyn completes the process. My ancient enemy could very well prove cunning and dangerous. Do not underestimate her," she warned, a chill in her emerald gaze.

They lifted a brow. "Ancient...enemy?" Marlena echoed.

Teela'Na met Marlena's inquisitive gaze. "Yes, Queen Marlena. Vanessa; known then as Vaneesia Powers. Our history goes back many hundreds of years."

Randor's hazel eyes widened. "Hundreds?"

She shifted her gaze to him. "I am five-hundred sixteen years of age, born in the village of T'Allarma during the reign of His Majesty, King D'Vann Greyskull."

Randor and Marlena's jaws dropped as the corner of Duncan's mouth curled up in amusement.

"Five hundred years old?" the King asked incredulously.

"Yea, good King. In the year Five Hundred, just before Gamaiian's treachery and knowing her husband's death drew near, at sixteen years old I was one of the first recipients to receive the transfer of power from Queen Veena herself.

"Vaneesia's father Nikolas had just been betrayed by the Gar sorcerer and abolished into eternal phantomry. Her father's wealth and status wiped out and bitter at losing her rank among the King's council, she honed her sorcerous skills to take back what she had now been deprived of, intent on walking the dark path Gamaiian had taken.

"Knowing her fiery disposition and penchant for evil her mother Yesuvia, also a sorceress, sought to quash her aspirations. The two fought with Vaneesia eventually killing her mother. Seeing this, Queen Veena commissioned me to confront her."

Her steady gaze scanning the room, she continued. "We battled, inadvertently destroying parts of the countryside surrounding us as we crossed powers. I finally prevailed presenting her in chains to Castle Greyskull for sentencing. Queen Veena exiled her to the distant planet of Amagden. As I have now discovered, she apparently escaped and targeted—"

"Earth," Marlena stated in shock.

Teela'Na directed her hawk-like gaze to the Queen. "Yes, Queen Marlena. I only obtained knowledge of Vaneesia…or rather Vanessa's escape after the Prince's return."

"Extraordinary," Randor whispered in awe. He looked at Duncan. "You knew this, my friend?"

Duncan nodded. "Yes, Sire. But of course, my memory was wiped for years and I only now regained what was lost," he stated sheepishly.

"Amanda confessed upon her return that Vanessa is her older half-sister," Marlena stated. "Is that true?"

"Yes." Teela'Na then proceeded to relate the story of Amanda and her mother during a rare point in history of Nikolas' physical manifestation.

"Amanda remains in love with Adam, I'm afraid," Randor stated blankly. "She inadvertently…killed our son in an attempt to murder your daughter, Teela'Na," he stated, his voice filled with emotion. Turning to Man-At-Arms he added, "Your daughter as well, Duncan."

The two warriors nodded sadly.

"How do we promote and build trust with Amanda?" Randor followed up in all sincerity.

"Regrettably, the responsibility lies with Time to ultimately reveal her loyalties," the Sorceress replied. "The Omniscient One has chosen not to reveal her future to me."

The room settled into pensive silence.

After a beat, the Sorceress continued, "It is understandable why Evil-Lyn is in love with your son," she mused aloud. Her emerald gaze going distant fixing itself on a portrait across the room, she suddenly smiled. "The Prince not only bears a strong resemblance to King D'Vann in appearance, but also in temperament."

All eyes shot back to her as she added, "Not only is he beautiful in form, but he is kind-hearted, fair, and fiercely loyal."

Confused, Randor asked, "Adam?"

She shifted her wistful gaze to him. "King Greyskull," she stated amused. "Do you now comprehend the near identical resemblance?" she asked.

"But you made that statement using the present tense verb," Marlena pointed out, also confused.

Teela'Na smiled. "Indeed, I did."

Duncan, Randor, and Marlena's eyes all went round as a universal thought occurred to them. Stunned they stared blankly as she effortlessly changed the subject. "I will depart for Mount Eternia once the newborn has reached one month in age."

Regrouping, Marlena asked, "Mount Eternia? All alone?"

Teela'Na opened her mouth to reply when Duncan interjected, "She will live with me."

Teela'Na gaped as the King and Queen shifted their gazes to their dear friend. "That's an excellent idea," the King agreed, "You both must stay with us, at the Palace."

Duncan approached taking a seat next to his wife. "If you approve, Sire, I would eventually seek retirement as well and live peacefully with my wife, on my estate at Broadmoor," he explained. "My brothers are there along with many nieces and nephews. I of course would not step down from my post at the Palace for several more years, God and you willing of course. But I feel it's time, time to account for the years Lana and I have lost at the hand of duty."

Shocked, Randor's jaw fell open as Marlena gasped, her hand going to her mouth. Blinking, the King finally regained the ability to reply, "The children are going to have a hard time with you gone," he looked at Teela'Na, "With both of you gone. Not to mention of course Marlena and me bereft of your presence."

Duncan nodded sadly. "Yes, Sire."

Randor sighed, his thoughts drifting to the inevitable when he would one day step down himself and allow his son to ascend the throne. His mind roiling over the future and its uncertainty, he replied, "Time must of course advance. Your daily presence will be dearly missed, my friend."

Again, his dear friend nodded, his countenance saddened as the King added, "Who have you identified as your replacement?"

"Sire, a young man who has quite dramatically risen in the ranks from Private to formidable Commander of his own regiment. He displays proven courage and impeccable character. Although he began his career a so-called, diamond in the rough so to speak he has grown considerably in maturity and wisdom."

"His name?"

"Commander Tobin, Sire."

Randor's eyes registered disbelief. "Asher Tobin?" he echoed loudly. "But Adam hates him!"

Remembering Adam and Asher's run-in, Marlena hid a smile behind her hand. "Oh, that's too perfect," she muttered sarcastically.

Duncan glanced at the Queen then back at Randor. "Indeed Sire but he is a different man now, in part due to the Prince's reprimand at my daughter's graduation. His father then died a year later which caused him to take stock of his life and worldview. Those experiences served as catalysts in changing his behavior for the better, Your Majesty."

Suspicious, Randor acquiesced, "We'll see. Your judgment is of course legendary my friend so I will place your recommendation under serious consideration."

Duncan inclined his head, "Sire."

Teela'Na glanced at her husband then back at the royal couple. "With what is to be revealed in a court of law in the coming months, indeed the winds of change blow swiftly, do they not?"

The room again fell into a heavy silence.


-Three Days Later-

In a gilded carriage and surrounded by the Queen's security detail, Marlena made her way through the hills of Eternos, the sleepy sun's fiery rays peeking over the horizon in what promised to be another beautiful late spring early summer morning. Her mind preoccupied with the purpose of her predawn cross country trek, she failed to notice the beautiful and bejeweled vistas looming ahead of her.

Having discussed her intentions with her reticent and slightly unnerved husband the night before, she pled her case as to why she must make this journey alone. He finally acquiesced advising her to take caution.

It was the eve of the great trial and Eternos Prison loomed in the distance, her hazel-blue eyes narrowing angrily in anticipation of who she would find there.

xxx

"My Queen," Warden Teague stated with a deep bow upon her arrival, her Detail of Royal Guard members surrounding her. "I am deeply honored yet somewhat surprised at your unannounced visit," he stated, his gaze anxious. "What can I do for you, Your Majesty?"

Inclining her head in acknowledgement she answered, "Forgive my surprise visit Warden but I must speak with one of your inmates."

He sent her a confused look. "At this early hour, Your Majesty?"

Marlena glared at him. "I do not need to explain myself to you, Warden Teague."

Ruffled, he nervously cleared his throat. "Of course, Madame. Who is it you wish to see?"

xxx

Her Guard in tow, she followed him to Lower Level 7, Teague anxiously babbling on extoling the security and impenetrability of Eternos Prison and his accomplishments in championing its enhancements.

"…and you can see here, my Queen that this section is the only one of its kind in all of Eternia," he continued. "After the inimitable He-Man delivered the prisoners, we worked with Man-At-Arms and the powerful Sorceress of Castle Greyskull to construct these cells. It suppresses any and all sorcerous aggression rendering the occupants completely helpless."

The self-aggrandizing eager to please Warden reminding her of a used car salesman on her home planet, Marlena, refraining from rolling her eyes nodded politely, her gaze focused forward.

"Beyond that door –"

"Yes yes yes," she interjected with a wave of her hand, her patience at its limit. "I know what's behind this door Warden. Now I must speak with the prisoner alone," she insisted exasperated.

Teague's eyes widened nervously. "I…I'm afraid I cannot allow that, Your Majesty. If something happened, the King—"

Marlena's eyes narrowed irritatingly. "But Sir, you just completed a long and quite boastful dissertation on the security and indestructability of these walls," she mocked. "What could possibly go wrong?"

Swallowing hard, he shifted his gaze to the lead guard who stood stock still, his arms cradling his weapon. The guard peered back at him through his helmet finally ending with a slow nod. The Warden's gaze returned to the Queen.

"Alright. As you wish, my Queen," he agreed while inserting the key into the multiple locks and pulling the six inch thick steel doors wide. After bowing, he stood at attention. "Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you."

Marlena studied him. "I'll tap when I'm ready. Thank you, Warden," she replied before crossing the threshold, her gown in her hand.

Teague bowed and slowly shut the door behind her as the Guard took up their vigil watching intently through the double-paned laser proof glass.

xxx

Marlena approached, her boots the only sound echoing off of the hard and glossy cement floors. Her pace slowed as she arrived at Cell 66. She stopped and stepped to the bars. Her gaze studying the pitiful and prostrate form before her she greeted, "Hello, Vanessa."

With her back to the Queen and lounging on the bare metal framed bed Vanessa, her now long, Zalesian, snowy white tresses draping her back stiffened at the sound of Marlena's voice. She slowly rose from the twin bed and turned, her wide brown gaze settling on the Queen's hazel-blue ones.

"Marly?"

At the term of endearment, Marlena simply quirked an offended brow.

Vanessa climbed out of bed and quickly approached the bars, her hands wrapping tightly around the steel. "It is you! Oh my God! I'm so relieved to see you my friend…," she trailed off.

The Queen narrowed her gaze. "Friend?"

The other woman nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. How many years has it been? Over twenty…"

"That's correct. Thanks to you, of course."

Vanessa sent her a look of confusion. "What do you mean?"

Her eyes narrowed, Marlena snapped, "Don't play dumb with me, Vanessa. I know what you did." The woman simply shook her head in response as Marlena continued.

"You sabotaged my ship causing the navigational systems to shut down once I reached the Gravaton Asteroid fields. Due to massive instrument failure, I was sucked into a wormhole I could not anticipate," she cocked her head in amusement. "Were you that insecure that you had to be number one? Couldn't get over the fact that they chose me instead of you to pilot the first Milky Way Mission?" she questioned incredulous.

Vanessa's blank chocolate brown gaze suddenly turned furious. "How dare you accuse me of—"

"The Memory Projector."

Confused, she furrowed her brow. "The what?"

"On Earth, my son had his suspicions. When he returned with you Duncan fitted you with an MP headband while you were unconscious. We sifted through your memories. I saw everything."

The witch's eyes widened then narrowed in anger. "Well that's not very constitutional, Marlena!" she spat. "What happened to my rights? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?" she derided.

Marlena smirked. "This isn't America, Vee. Goodness this isn't even Earth. You know better than that being from ancient Eternia yourself so I discovered. Different customs, different laws, jurisdictions and protocol," she folded her arms, "And my husband happens to be King so that pretty much settles it, my dear. I'm quite sure you'll be put away for a very…very long time."

Furious, Vanessa growled lunging at the bars, her hand outstretched, her fingers bent clawing at the Queen who glanced at the Guard. They made a movement toward the door but stopped at the Queen's outstretched palm.

Marlena stood still, her gaze shifting back to the woman. Shaking her head she stated, "I'm also very disappointed in how you deceived my family. My father trusted you, Vee, and you betrayed that trust."

Marlena took a few steps forward, her former friend and rival now panting and flushed with anger.

She went on. "Had you simply asked, I would have let you take my place, Vanessa," she stated softly, her voice lined with sadness. "Had I known being the first woman to pilot the Milky Way Exploration was so important to you, I would have gladly stepped aside and awaited my turn," she cocked her head to the side. "However there was a silver lining to all of this sabotage and deception," she mused, "I would have never made it to Eternia, married the love of my life, and given birth to my beautiful son. And…now I am a grandmother," she glanced at the floor and smiled. Her gaze again met Vanessa's. "Life definitely has a way of working out for the best, I believe."

"I'll return," Vanessa threatened, her gaze icy. "I am a Zalesian," she warned. "Wherever they send me, I'll escape and hunt you down. When you're long dead, I'll come after your descendants," she sneered, "That's a fact."

Marlena leaned forward, her hazel-blue eyes hard. "Try it," she taunted, "I doubt you'll succeed," she straightened. "Do not underestimate my family, Vee."

She quirked a brow. "What does that mean?"

The Queen shook her head. "No. You will not syphon any information from me," she retorted, "Just consider yourself forewarned, that's all." She turned to walk away.

"Marlena? Marlena!" Vanessa shrieked angrily at her rival's retreating back, "Come back here you BITCH! I swear I'll kill Teela'Na En Fathem then find your son," she rambled desperately. "I'll force him into sexual slavery raping his gorgeous body over and over until I kill him slowly inflicting maximum pain and suffering! He won't—"

Marlena slammed the door cutting off the threatening and insane taunts of this fiendish witch she once called friend.

Catching the tail end of the threats, Teague's eyes widened in horror as the guards glanced at one another. They then shifted their gazes to the Queen, marveling at her calm exterior. Her solid gaze met theirs as she blew a puff of breath.

"Shall we go?"