The study of the Goblin King felt very confining, and it wasn't because of the room itself.

"She can't be allowed to continue with this, Jareth!" A beautiful woman with auburn hair paced in front of the large desk.

"I know, Veena. Please keep your voice down. My daughter's asleep on the sofa."

Unknown to him, the tiny princess had awoken and was watching the scene as best she could, while pretending to be asleep.

The woman frowned. "Sorry. That woman needs to be dealt with."

Her father stood up and walked around his desk. "I'm doing what I can, but I have to be careful."

Veena sighed. "I know." She wiped a tear off her cheek. "I still can't believe she aided him."

"I'm truly sorry. If I could do more you know I would."

Slowly, she turned towards him. "I have a request, but Sarah might not agree to it."

"I'll hear you out, and bring it up to her."

The woman nodded. "You might not agree either, but what I propose is..."

The tiny princess dosed off again. She never did learn what the woman, who shared her name, had asked of her father.

Chapter 35

Standing in front of the massive crystal, her fractured reflection looking back at Veena. What did the Sorceress mean by she had made a promise to never touch this crystal? Were the powers held within too powerful for one person to hold?

The crystal before her crackled with what seemed to be electricity. This still didn't sound like a good idea. Why was the Sorceress so determined for her to do this?

Slowly Veena raised her hand and began reaching towards the crystal. Could she accept the consequences of doing this? She pulled her outstretched hand back.

"What is it?"

Veena turned to face the Sorceress. "Why are you so adamant about me being the one to fortify the shield?"

The Sorceress hung her head for a moment before looking back at the Goblin Princess. "Because the powers held within that crystal are not mine to use."

"Then why can I use them?"

The Sorceress moved closer to her. "The powers within in that particular crystal are yours. I cannot take them nor use them. I have only been protecting them along with the Powers of Castle Greyskull."

"What do you mean my powers?"

The Sorceress sighed. "Veena, have I given you any reason not to trust me?"

"No, but I've been through a lot in the last few hours."

"I know, and there are things we have yet to tell you. But I promise I wish you no ill will. I am only finishing my ancestor's wishes."

Veena frowned. "What aren't you telling me?"

The Sorceress sighed. "Your father's in danger. If you don't claim your power..."

"Why is he so weak? I don't understand."

"The same reason the Labyrinth is falling to ruin."

She knew the reason behind that. The reason behind everything.

"Even I don't stand a chance against her, do I?"

"I do not know. What I do know is you are meant to be a great queen, and a great queen needs powers wherever she can get it."

Veena frowned. "Sorceress, how is this power meant for me?"

"Because Queen Veena left them to you. I cannot reveal her reasons now."

"But who is she?"

"Prince Adam's ancestor. The one who made the treaty with your father. I assume she had hoped you would have married her son."

Veena frowned. "That only leads to more questions."

"I am afraid I can say no more. She left these powers as a gift to you. I do not know what they may be."

Slowly Veena turned back to the crystal. Powers held in a crystal. Protected for centuries at least, to be given to her. Nothing the Sorceress said explained why. Of course, it wasn't like Queen Veena could tell the Sorceress her reasons. She no doubt had been gone for a very long time.

Sighing, she raised her hand towards the crystal once more. Why exactly would her father ally himself with the Rulers of Greyskull?

XOXOXOXOXOX

He wasn't going to last much longer. She had taken so much from him, and now he barely had enough to hold her off.

A new spell formed in her hand. "This is not what I expected from you, Jareth."

Jareth grinned slightly as the spell came at him. He had nothing left to deflect it.

Suddenly the Prince on that tiger jumped in front of him. Holding his sword in front of him, He-man reflected the spell back to her.

Slowly Jareth stood straight. "Took you long enough."

He-man looked over his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

Mizumi sneered slightly at him. "Who are you?"

Slowly He-man lowered his sword. "The Protector of this world."

Mizumi frowned as she looked at the sword in his hands. "I know that sword."

Sheathing the sword, He-man glanced back at Jareth.

Damn. She would remember that sword. He had hoped she had forgotten it or at least had never gotten a good look at it.

"It belongs to me. Return it at once." The Queen of Cups held her hands out.

"Sorry, I'm afraid it belongs to me." He-man dismounted, still keeping himself between her and Jareth.

Anger boiled in Mizumi's eyes. "How dare you speak to me like that?"

"You're the invader here. I'll speak to you as I see fit."

Mizumi glared at him, tilting her head slightly. "You are nothing. I could rid this world of you with a wave of my hand."

He-man smirked. "Stronger than you have tired."

In a way the Prince was right. Hordak was more powerful but not as cunning.

"Who are you? You will answer me?"

Suddenly, the ground began to shake beneath their feet. Jareth had to grab hold of the massive tiger's armor to keep standing up.

"Who's doing that?" Mizumi actually sounded worried.

Then a bright light slowly began to surround Castle Greyskull. Once the Castle was completely surrounded, the light began to spread outward. It seemed to pick up speed as it moved over the land.

As it neared He-man, Jareth and the Queen of Cups, Mizumi began to scream.

"What is this?" She took a step back. Her hands began to turn bright red.

Jareth smirked. "Looks like Veena received her gift." Breathing heavily, he placed his hand on his chest.

He-man turned slightly towards the Goblin King, frowned. "Huh?"

"You'll learn soon."

Mizumi sneered as her skin began to peel on her hands. "She gave her powers to HER!"

The light began to fade as quickly as it had past. He-man tossed his head back towards the King while having eye contact with Battle-cat. The massive cat moved in front of the King.

Mizumi's hands slowly began to heal. "Why would she give her power to that undeserving child? I am her sister."

"Did you truly think after your ally caused her husband's death, Veena would give you anything?"

Mizumi sneered. "This is far from over, Jareth. Not even your precious princess is as safe as you think." She raised her hands. With clasp of thunder and a flash of lightning, she disappeared leaving He-man, Jareth, and Battle-cat standing in the field outside Castle Greyskull.

This thing is almost finished. I'm working on the Epilogue now. I may wait a bit before starting on the Second book. Still working on the title. I may try to have the prologue for it up this year. I'll have to wait and see.

Thanks for reviews, follows, and favorites.

CL