A/N: Thanks again for reviewing. I love reading you guys' thoughts! And I'm happy to provide quicker updates :D. Blame it on the muse and time off work in being able to finally transcribe my chicken-scratch notes.
Chapter 54
"Your family's kind of nuts, aren't they?"
"Bow!"
Adam smirked at him.
"How did your uncle become…your enemy?" Hawk wanted to know, his brow knit.
The Prince sighed, Frosta examining him. "My father and uncle are half-brothers; same father different mothers. With Father the eldest and the more responsible of the two, he was crowned King. Keldor had a problem with it—"
"Keldor is your uncle?" Glimmer asked.
"Yes."
"What's your father's name?" Casta questioned, curious.
Adam looked at her. "Randor."
"Is he as gorgeous as you?" she asked, the corner of her mouth curling delectably. Glimmer rolled her eyes.
His eyebrows flew up. "Umm—"
"Yes," Frosta answered for him, her arms folding. "The two of them could very well be twins. The glaring difference is that His Majesty has wavy chestnut brown hair and striking hazel eyes. Oh, and he wears a trimmed goatee and has a body to die for, like his son. He's merely an inch shorter standing at 6'4"."
Silence as everyone stared at the Princess, she staring back eyes wide.
"What? I'm only answering the question."
"We're staring because it sounds like you were checking him out, Princess," Hawk pointed out amusedly.
"Was he a mark, too?" Castaspella inquired, her gaze narrowing.
Amused at the Queen's insight, Adam pressed his lips together in an attempt to keep his composure as insulted, Frosta's jaw fell open.
"A mark? Too?"
"I'm sensing you are an opportunist of the highest order, babygirl," she explained.
"I don't have to sit here and justify my methods to you or any—"
"Alright already!" Glimmer interjected, her hands in the air. "So we're not friends and we don't have to get along but we do have a common goal which is beating The Horde's asses and driving them off of this planet," she explained.
Silence.
With a sigh, she turned to the Prince. "Please continue, Your Grace."
Studying her, he gave a small smile. "Adam."
Glimmer returned a twitchy unsure smile, Hawk quirking a brow.
"Continue…Adam."
He nodded. "The two were never very close although Father tried but Uncle in his jealousy desired the Throne; hence Adora and I being kidnapped, contracted for murder, his conspiracy to commit high treason, what have you," he waved off.
More stunned silence as he gathered his thoughts.
"Apparently, he joined somehow with your Necromancer. Shadow Weaver, right?"
"Yes," Bow replied.
"So, bearing her powers he's pledged his soul to Hell. He now resembles a walking dead man; a skull faced wizard with blue skin and a cowl—"
The tent burst into surprised chatter.
"The Skeletor moniker," Bow thought aloud.
A nod.
"And what does he want with Captain Duncan?" Glimmer asked worriedly.
His mind racing, he'd hoped his secret wasn't discovered and as a result, Teela used as bait. He looked at her. "I'm not exactly sure. Although…," he trailed off.
"What?"
"Several days ago I sensed something had changed about her. It's not clear…," his eyes drifting to the table he frowned deep in thought.
Worried, Castaspella put a hand on his. "I'm sorry."
"I'm not."
Someone gasped as all eyes shot to Frosta.
"That's a hell of a thing to say to someone whose Love has just been kidnapped," Glimmer replied annoyed.
Standing, Adam headed for the exit waving a dismissive hand. "There are more important things to be outraged about: my sister and girlfriend have both been imprisoned," he remarked soberly.
In the silence, reaching the tent's entrance he stopped and turned to the group. He gestured with his chin.
"Ignore her. I do."
As he turned, angry, the Snow Princess' mouth flew open. "Fuck you!"
Another gasp.
Turning back around Adam locked gazes with her. "Likewise."
In the shocked silence, he stepped out of the tent.
Slumped against a wall, Teela blinked awake to find herself in a cold dark dungeon chained against craggy stone, her wrists and ankles in thick iron cuffs.
What's happening? Where am I? her mind wondered.
"You're my prisoner, Little One," an aggressive nasally voice proclaimed.
Suddenly materializing, Skeletor stepped out of the purple haze appearing before her, Teela startled and scrambling to her feet.
Wearing a chilling bony grin he stepped closer, his black hollow eye sockets glaring down at her.
"Well hello there, Captain," he sing-songed. "A pleasure to see you again. So nice of you to join us."
Determined to keep her composure, Teela's emerald gaze narrowed. Pressing her lips together, calling upon her training she remained silent.
He took another step forward. "Oh that won't work here, my dear. At Snake Mountain we have many ways of making someone…talk," he declared reading her mind.
The iron bars to her cell noisily slid open to reveal an enthusiastic Beastman pushing a cart filled with syringes, all different sizes, all filled with different colored potions. Teela's eyes widened.
The wizard folded his arms across his blue muscled chest. "You will tell us He-Man's identity. Then you and your newfound powers will submit to me, your new Master," he stated, Beastman behind him ogling the Redhead, his hungry gaze raking over her body. "But first, we need to break you down," he added, his gaze going to the stone floor before turning.
Stepping to the cart, he reached out a clawed hand and picked up a small blue-filled syringe. Eyeing it, he caressed it with great care, his hollow skeletal grin turning slowly back to her.
"Hmm…I see," he murmured to himself, Teela glaring at him.
He stepped towards her, his six foot five broad shouldered, heavily muscled frame towering over her. Unintimidated, Teela scowled.
"I can read your thoughts, Captain," he stated low. "You're thinking of my nephew drawing strength from your memories of the two of you together."
Unable to conceal her reaction, Teela's mouth dropped open, her eyes rounding. Skeletor leaned in, his eye sockets smoldering crimson.
"And…he is off-world?"
She gasped, her arms now tugging at the iron chains, their tinny sounds clinking against the stone walls in desperation to free herself.
Holding the syringe he turned and walked away, his head lowered before stopping and whirling back around. "You're a naughty one. Your memories are quiet X-rated, my dear," he teased as Beastman's gnarly jaw fell open in lustful anticipation.
"They are not!" she shouted, forgetting her training.
"I want a go at her, Master!" the beast implored. "I wanna rape and ruin the Prince's girlfriend!" he drew out mockingly. "I want her to scream while I ravish—"
Skeletor snapped his cowled-head to him. "Shut up, you idiot!" he shot back. "Coupling is Power Transfer and only meant for those with the gift of sorcery," he explained, his head turning slowly back to her, his tone suddenly calmed.
"I remember you as a child. You've grown to become quite the woman." Studying her he tilted his head. "If anyone's getting some it's going to be me," he declared.
Falling silent, Teela furrowed her brow as the Master of Snake Mountain eerily watched her.
"I'm sure you do not know this but you are indeed quite powerful, my dear," he sneered. "Perhaps more so than my own Evil-Lyn," he suggested stepping towards her. "No doubt your power is Greyskull's doing."
Moving closer he stopped. "But why? Why you?"
She silently glared at him.
"And The He-Man is from Greyskull…," he stated pensively, his head cocking to the side. "You and He-Man…there is a connection."
Fearful this monster would discover He-Man's identity, her brow knit, Teela pressed her lips together and focused on something innocuous. She heard his voice.
"There is no use attempting to stonewall me, young lady," Skeletor declared sensing her attempt at blocking before suddenly grabbing her arm roughly, she struggling to pull away from him.
Snapping off her gold bicep cuff his fingers stroked her soft pliable skin, his grip cold and clammy, the skin prickling in response. His dark sockets locked with hers.
"My nephew is off-world. He-Man has not been seen in weeks…," he drawled low, pensive. He gave her arm a seductive caress.
"Adam and He-Man. Gone. At the same time," he pondered aloud to Teela's growing horror. "That is interesting. I wonder if—"
"Can we please just get on with this, My Lord?" Evil-Lyn demanded irritatingly, suddenly materializing next to Beastman. Seized with jealousy she angrily folded her arms, the purple wrist cuffs glowing in the dim light.
Skeletor's head snapped over his shoulder. "Quiet, Wench!" He turned back to the Captain opening his jaw before freezing. Irritated, snapping his jaw shut his head whipped back to the witch.
"Now you've made me forget what I was saying!" he shouted almost comically. "I was onto something. Now I've lost my train of thought!"
Teela inwardly gave a sigh of relief as the wizard turned back to her.
"It will return," he mumbled.
Lowering his face to hers, he cocked his head to the side. "You are an incredibly beautiful young woman," he observed. "My nephew has very good taste," he snorted before pulling back. He shrugged his shoulders.
"If I still had lips I would have kissed you by now," he flippantly remarked, "All in due time. But for now, it's nighty-night for you," he announced jabbing the syringe's needle into Teela's awaiting bicep and depressing the plunger emptying its contents into her bloodstream.
She yelped, her emerald eyes rolling back, her lids sleepily closing.
All went black.
xxx
With Sergeant Durizimen present along with the Sovereigns, Eternia's Security Council sat around the conference table.
"We all go and that's the end of it."
"Sire, that's insanity!" Duncan replied. "The Kingdom cannot risk you two. I and Marcus' troops will go—"
"No, Commander," Lucius interjected. "In turn, Eternia wouldn't be the same if we lost you. Me and my troops will go."
"I go too," Hall stated defiantly. "I'm aware of the chain of command, Sirs. I'm aware that I am under Commander Duncan's Royal Guard but I simply cannot sit on my hands while the Captain languishes at the hand of that…devil!"
Watching him, Gada gave a small smile.
"Where is she?" the Queen asked soberly.
"The Sorceress says she is being held at Snake Mountain within the Dark Hemisphere, Your Majesty," Duncan replied bitterly.
"Fuck it. We all go," Randor repeated, his features stone.
"Randor, absolutely not! I will not allow it!" Duncan stated firmly.
Irritated, the King's hazel gaze shot to his dear friend. "Don't make me pull rank, Farrell."
Orko's eyes widened volleying between the two as pensive, Gada's followed. Lifting his chin Duncan clenched his jaw.
"You'll have to arrest me to get past my resolve, Sire. As long as I live, I will not allow you to exchange your life for my daughter's. I've sworn an oath to protect the Throne and I intend to keep it until the day I die."
"She's my daughter too."
Silence after the King's words as all present sat in pensive despair.
"Farrell, she was taken while protecting us," Marlena stated, her gaze welling with tears. "You can't expect us to sit here while you all risk your lives to get our Precious One back?" she reasoned. "My husband and I have already lost—" she cut herself off, her voice trembling.
"The Prince isn't lost, My Queen," Duncan assured, slightly saddened. "Neither is the Princess."
"We'll get her back," Gada reassured. "She's my tribal sister so of course I'm coming too."
"No you're not," Marcus replied, Gada's head whipping to him, a frown forming on her lips. "In the absence of the Captain you must remain at the Palace and help protect the King and Queen."
"But Sir—"
"Like hell—"
"Randor, think of your Subjects," Duncan tried. "What would happen if the two of you died? If Adam and Adora never return? Where would that leave Eternia?"
Steely, the King folded his arms. "In your capable hands, my friend."
The room burst into scoffs and nervous chatter.
"Your Majesty," Orko's nasally and unsure voice rose above the murmurs. "We respect that you're a former General of Eternia and that you and the Queen love Teela but you gotta let the officers do their jobs in protecting you and the Kingdom," he implored.
Silence, Randor and Marlena exchanging glances. With a deep sigh the King unfolded his arms, his gaze welling with tears.
"Fine then. Do what you need to do," he commanded grudgingly. He looked at Marcus. "You're authorized to use lethal force."
He leaned an elbow on the table.
"But if you don't bring Teela back alive so help me God I will personally send my brother and everyone within Snake Mountain straight to HELL!" he angrily declared before abruptly standing and storming out of the counsel chambers, the others present scrambling to bow and curtsey.
The Queen slowly stood, holding her arm in a sling. Sheepish, she eyed everyone in the room.
"We both have complete confidence in all of your abilities," she explained quietly, reflectively. "Forgive my husband." She looked at Duncan.
"Farrell, with your daughter gone we know your heart is aching. We'll pray for your safety and the safety of everyone here along with your troops as you execute your plan. Please keep us posted."
"We will, Your Majesty."
With a distant and sad smile, Marlena nodded and left the room as all present bowed and curtseyed. They took their seats.
"So how do we kill these bastards?" Hall demanded.
Gada gave another smile.
Furious, lying atop his bed and his arms folded over his chest Adam lie on his back, Cringer's chin on his lap, his ankles crossed. He stared at the patch of blue sky peaking through the tent's opening.
Fuck.
I can't leave without my sister. If I do, Shadow Weaver could muck around with Etheria's coordinates. The Sorceress wouldn't be able to get me back in time, his mind worried.
My sister's fucking locked up for weeks...she's unharmed but drowning in sadness and remorse. She doesn't want me to come for her. She wants to give up. To die.
His heart dropped.
Damn.
The plan for Adora will take time. Teela meanwhile has none…
Shit.
I don't want to make this choice. Teela? Or Eternia?
More pondering.
My heart or my duty?
His fist angrily slammed against the mattress. "Fuckin' BULLSHIT!"
*geez Adam
The Prince's sapphire gaze shot down to Cringer's surprised golden ones.
"Sorry."
*it's ok
*what are you going to do?
He gave a frustrated sigh. "Figure out a way to help get her out while busting my sister out of jail. And if Skeletor touches Teela I'll rip his fuckin' head off."
Cringer looked at him.
*difficult
*they're on two different planets
"I know." He thought for a second. "Strange."
Cringer's head popped up.
*what?
"Why…how…?" he trailed off.
*huh?
Adam's gaze locked with his friend's. "Off and on I've been connected to my sister for years; we being twins I understand that. But how is it possible I'm now sensing what's going on with Teela?"
*didn't the Sorceress contact you?
"No."
The cat lifted a brow.
*interesting
"Wait." He frowned. "She's worried about something…"
The tiger blinked at him.
Angry, Adam squinted. "She's afraid."
Cringer held his breath.
Fearful, his blue gaze widened. "Damnit! I lost her!"
-Greyskull –
In what was formally Queen Veena's chambers she stood, gazing out of the stone window.
"You knew this was going to happen, Spirit?"
Yes, Child.
Teela'Na clenched her jaw.
She knew what she signed up for. She knew serving as Guardian of Eternia would mean secrets… twists…emotional ups and downs…
Sacrifice.
She lifted her chin. "I will not ask why. I know better than that."
Yes, you do.
"This is for the children's growth."
Absolutely.
As well as the parents…
Her ancient emerald gaze slowly met the eyes of the Spirit hovering behind her. She quirked a brow.
"All parents involved?"
Yes.
Fidgeting she squared her shoulders, her eyes going back to the Kingdom's beautiful rolling hills and luscious late autumn foliage.
"I did not contact The Defender. His duty is to Eternia, not to my daughter," saddened, she took a deep breath, her eyes drifting to the stone floor. "Farrell will never forgive me."
He may…
…or may not…
Either way, you have made the correct decision…
You have made…the right choice.
"Choice," she echoed searchingly. Her elegant features passive she lifted her eyes, gazing in the distance.
"And if my daughter dies at Snake Mountain?"
Then…she dies.
Gazing at the trees as they swayed in the chilly autumn breeze Teela'Na stood, her emerald gaze fixed as they filled with tears.
-Mystacore, Etheria -
Early the next morning the group packed up their gear to head back to Whispering Woods, the pilots already having departed the previous evening under cover of night. As he packed, he heard a knock at the tent's pole.
He turned, running a hand through his growing hair. "Come."
The Queen came through, a small appreciative smile on her lips. "Hello Adam."
He gave a nod. "My Lady."
"I will see you in a few weeks but I wanted to say goodbye and tell you how much of an asset you have been to Glimmer…to the Rebellion…to Etheria, actually."
The Prince offered a sad smile. "I thank you but I believe it's you who's been the asset through the years. I've only been here six weeks."
Castaspella tilted her head. "Maybe," she quipped teasingly. "That's nice of you to acknowledge but truthfully, you've transformed The Rebellion," she replied marveling. "You've accomplished a great deal in your short time with us. And I've never seen Glimmer smile this much."
They both chuckled.
"What you've just said never leaves this tent," he warned. "Hawk will come after me."
Laughing, she waved it off. "He's going to have to get used to competition. You see, prior to your arrival he was considered quite the hunk around these parts," she explained with a grin.
"A little healthy competition doesn't hurt anyone," Adam replied, their gazes locked as she moved closer.
Cringer lie curled up in the corner, his concerned golden gaze watching the flirtation unfold as Casta came to a stop directly in front of the Prince, her chestnut gaze locked on his blue ones. Silence as Adam stared down at her.
After a few beats he finally quirked a brow. "Can I help you with something, My Lady?" he asked feeling awkward.
"Oh, you most certainly can darling," she purred, her eyes doing a little dip drop over his body before again meeting his gaze, "But you are taken, correct?"
With a slight blush, Adam nodded.
"Are you happy with her?"
Another nod.
"Blasted!" she winced, disappointment clouding her beautiful features, her expression suddenly clearing. "But then again…healthy competition, right?" she suggested, her eyes roving him in renewed hope.
In the silence that followed she grew serious, staring at him, his blond locks having grown to nearly past his jawline in the weeks he had been on Etheria. His thick sunny strands swept to the side, she squinted at him.
"You know what, my sexy Prince? With your hair that length, you almost look like that friend of yours…from Greyskull…although his hair is a little longer…"
*uh oh
His eyes never leaving hers Adam swallowed. "You think so?"
"Yes," she replied, her probing gaze now anxiously moving over his features. "In fact, you could be brothers…if not twin sib—"
A knock at the pole startled both of them, the two jumping backward.
"Your Grace? Princess Frosta would like to petition you," came an unfamiliar voice.
Casta and Adam exchanged confused glances. "Come in, please."
A young man entered and bowed. "Your Highness."
Casta inclined her head.
"Your Grace, Princess Frosta would like to request an audience."
Confused he lifted a brow. "Surely not with me?"
"With Sir He-Man, Your Grace."
SIR He-Man? "Why?"
"She would like to make her parting farewells before we return home, Your Grace," the young man innocently replied.
Amused Casta chuckled, her arms folding. "She's persistent. I'll give the little Firecracker that much."
"Sir? May we have your answer, please?"
Adam's mouth fell open. "Umm…uhh…"
The two Etherians stared at the flummoxed Eternian awaiting his reply.
"Okay, fine. I'll find him. Tell her he'll meet with her in fifteen minutes by the lake," he turned to the Queen. "If that is alright with you, My Lady?"
"Of course. My land is every freed person's to roam."
The young man bowed. "I will, Sir. Thank you, Your Grace. Your Highness," he stated before darting out of the tent.
Casta turned to the Prince. "Toodles, Hot Stuff," she cooed before putting a hand on his shoulder and, lifting on tiptoes she kissed his cheek, Adam frozen. She pulled back.
"Tell He-Man to wear a cup. He's going to need one," she admonished before furrowing her brow and jokingly mouthing, 'Contact sports'.
With a wink she turned and left the tent, Adam staring at her retreating back.
*you're in deep doo doo
Frustrated, Adam glanced down at the tiger, pursing his lips.
xxx
"There you are!" Frosta called out wearing a bright smile.
His arms folded across his broad chest, He-Man stood under a large hooded tree by the shore of Mystacore's Diamond Lake, the breeze from the lake's surface ruffling his long golden locks. He gave a nod as she approached.
"What can I do for you, Ma'am?"
Stopping, she blinked in confusion. "Ma'am? For someone who's saved my life I believe we should be on more intimate terms after having shared such a traumatic experience back on Eternia, don't you think so?"
He gave a slight shake of his head. "Not really."
The Princess frowned. "Fine. Well anyway," her demeanor shifting from hard to soft in seconds, she sidled up to him placing a palm on his pectoral muscle, "I wanted to formally thank you for saving my life on that god forsaken planet all those months ago," she cooed, stroking his hard chest.
His eyes going to her hand, He-Man glared down at her. "That's interesting. Your Page told Prince Adam you wanted to say goodbye to me."
Frosta gave a sharp wave, her temper flaring. "Oh please don't mention that odious man to me," she demanded. "And yes I wanted to say goodbye but I also wanted you alone so that I may thank you… with this—"
Throwing her arms around his neck she kissed him passionately, catching the Warrior by surprise as he stumbled, she walking him backward, her soft voluptuous body flush against his hard chiseled one, his hands going to her arms.
After a few seconds, succeeding in gently removing her grasp he took a few steps backward to create space between them. Blushing, he blinked at her.
"I appreciate the enthusiastic gratitude but please, Madame, don't kiss me again."
Frowning, she put her fists on her hips. "Why not? You're single, right?"
"Err—"
"Then again even if you weren't, that still wouldn't stop me," she snickered haughtily.
He-Man glared at her. "I'm single but not interested."
Insulted, Frosta's mouth fell open. "You're not what?" she nearly shouted.
"I'm focused on my commitment to Greyskull," he replied, his blue gaze locked on her silver ones. "Although I'm flattered, I'm afraid I'm unavailable for…," his mind raced to find the right words.
"Intimate rendezvous?" she finished for him, a sultry grin beginning to settle on her lips.
He frowned. "No—"
"Sexual escapades?"
His eyes went wide. "No—!"
"A romp in the woods?"
"Hell no!"
Frustrated, her arms went to her sides. "Men find me very attractive. Don't you?"
"Yes but—"
"Then marry me!"
"I won't—what?" he blinked.
Frosta slinked up to him, her silver gaze locked upward onto his sapphire ones. "In my kingdom, even though I am the official Ruler the law requires me to remain a Princess until I wed. Only then will I be able to take the title of Queen."
He-Man simply stared down at her, she stepping to him and palming his chest.
"I need a strong and courageous King, He-Man, and you are the perfect fit," her eyes seductively dropped before meeting his again. "Well, I can imagine you are the perfect fit for me," she giggled. "With your strength and stamina we would have lots of fun together. I'm an excellent lay."
The Warrior's mouth fell open, his cheeks warming. "Thanks but the answer's no," he stated backing up once more, "And umm...I've got to go." He turned and placing a thumb and index finger in his mouth, he gave a whistle.
Out of nowhere, BattleCat lunged with a roar startling Princess Frosta as she stumbled backward, her hand on her chest.
"Sorry about that," the Blond stated before gripping the horn and throwing a leg over the saddle. He nodded.
"We'll see each other again I'm sure, but remember: keep your hands off of me," he stated harshly before galloping off toward Whispering Woods.
Watching him, a small smile crossed her lips.
"I can't promise that, Sexy Muscles."
Teela awakened on her back to Skeletor's stare, his arms folded, his head tilted slightly in curiosity.
"Well good morning, Beautiful," he stated. "Did you sleep well?"
With Evli-Lyn secretly rolling her eyes, tied to a lab table, bleary eyed and groggy Teela blinked at him. "Whuhh…what—"
"I decided to start early. My brother's troops are on their way so I need to make this quick," he explained, Evil-Lyn handing him another syringe with something purple inside.
Teela frowned.
"You see, Evil-Lyn and I are quite capable of reading your mind," he said, "But it unfortunately requires a lot of energy. So, this serum will loosen you up a bit," he stated thumping the side of it to remove any air bubbles. "In a few minutes you will be babbling He-Man's true name and ready to fuck me," he added cheerfully before leaning in and pinching her arm in preparation.
"NO!"
He hesitated. "What was that? Was that a no? Does the prospect of sleeping with me disgust you that much?" he asked amused. "I mean, I've had no complaints up to this point."
Shaking her head she furrowed her brow, his head nodding.
"Ahh, I see. You do not wish to divulge He-Man's identity. Well that's too damn bad, my dear," he raised the needle. "And once we get business out of the way, we can move on to pleasure," he replied before plunging the syringe into her arm, Evil-Lyn scowling.
Teela cried out in pain as the serum made its way through her system, the feeling of cold death surging through her.
I'm not giving up! Damnit, you won't get his name from me! her mind repeated in mantra. This demon will have to kill me first. I refuse to—!
"Tee?"
Her eyelids blinking closed she gasped, Evil-Lyn leaning forward to examine her progress.
"Tee…can you hear me?"
Adam? her mind replied.
"Yes! Where are you?"
I'm…I'm…
"Shit. You're tied to…[garbled]…"
You sound far away…he shot me with something, Adam. I'm…he…he wants your name…
"Why did he take you?"
Struggling against the serum, Teela fought to stay conscious. My…I have…I have – powers…from Greyskull some…how…
Silence.
"What kind of powers?"
Sor…sorc…sorcerous…
"My God," he replied. "I wondered whether that would manifest eventually."
Whuuhh…what?
"He's there…I can see you…I…I can read your memory…"
As the serum progressed Teela gasped, her heart beginning to beat rapidly, her breathing labored.
"Listen, Baby we don't have much time. There was a Power Transfer between us when we made love."
A…pow…Ancients, Skeletor-tor mentioned some-thing li-like that…
"Tee…"
"His na-name…," she said aloud. "He-Man's name…his name is…"
Leaning forward, Evil-Lyn smiled at Skeletor, the two of them eager at learning the true identity of Greyskull's Warrior when suddenly Teela's mind sharpened, her mouth snapping shut.
Her eyes popped open to glare at the wizard, Skeletor confused.
"What is this? The serum doesn't result in this type of reaction," he stated, his head snapping to the witch.
Just then, the sound of hundreds of troops reached their ears, Evil-Lyn running to a barred window in the stone. She whipped her head to him.
"They're approaching!"
"Take the others and engage!" he demanded as she lifted her arms and disappeared. He turned back to the Redhead who continued to stare oddly at him.
"What—"
The craggy walls began to quake, Skeletor glancing about in confusion. Turning back to her, he attempted to read his captive's mind to no avail.
He struggled to regain entry, as if a concrete wall had suddenly erected between them, completely cutting him off from all access, so impervious were her thoughts.
The walls grew more violent, Teela's iron cuffs snapping easily off.
"What in the…," he trailed off.
xx
"Skeletor? You're surrounded!" Duncan shouted angrily through a voice enhancer from the rocks below. "We outnumber you fifty to one. Release her. Now!"
Just then, Evil-Lyn, Beastman, and Tri-Klops materialized before the troops and began shooting, The Masters surging forward. "We've got this, Lads!" Stratos shouted.
Suddenly Snake Mountain shook violently, the King's troops below shouting in surprise and alarm, the ground beneath their boots quaking, undulating in raw power as Skeletor's lackeys ceased their assault and turned sharply around, The Masters hesitating.
"Commander! What's happening?"
"I don't know, Major!" Marcus replied to Hall, his expression strained. "Advance!"
With a shout, Eternia's troops advanced storming the Mountain.
xx
Inside, glaring at him and freed from her chains Teela rose from the table and hovered in mid-air, Skeletor's jaw hanging open. Angry, he raised both palms.
"Why you bitch—"
xx
With Marcus and Duncan leading the attack, lasers firing the troops sprinted toward the base of the Mountain when suddenly, the blackened sooty bricks of Snake Mountain rumbled and moaned before blowing sky high in an ear splitting explosion, everyone stopping, some slipping and falling in the confusion.
"Retreat!" Marcus called in desperation as everyone fell back attempting to evade the falling debris. "Take cover!"
"Daughter!" Duncan cried out as he stared desperately at the succession of explosions, his chestnut gaze welling with tears.
The stones blew high into the sky, the Snake's head imploding on itself and collapsing as the ground shook beneath them, Skeletor's lair reduced to rubble within seconds, the dust flying high into the early dawn as energy ribbons of emerald and sapphire coiled and rose above the fray.
Evil-Lyn, Tri-Klops and Beastman had disappeared, the strange energy ribbons doing an odd dance as they raced and dipped among the carnage as if in glee, dancing free over and atop the rubble.
After several minutes, silence.
xx
"Farrell…"
His face blackened with soot from the explosion, with tears streaming down his cheeks he blinked in confusion. "Sorceress?"
xx
Teela hovered mid-air, safely ensconced within a translucent ball of glowing light, her arms outstretched as she descended upon the opposite side of the massive rubble which was once Snake Mountain.
Her boots touched the ground. With a slight stumble she bent over, hands on her knees, her breathing labored.
"What…what was that?" she asked aloud between breaths.
"Sorry."
Adam? Holy Hell what happened? Was that you?
"Umm…I think it was both of us," he replied sheepish. "I was seriously pissed. And I think your powers are too new and clearly out of control," he snorted a laugh.
She smiled, warmed at hearing his voice even if it was only in her mind.
So…we destroyed Snake Mountain? she asked with a grin.
"Yeah."
Those…those weird energy ribbons I produce, she began in realization, puzzled. They're the color of our eyes…
"Really?"
Yeah.
Quiet as the two worked independently to grasp the meaning of what transpired.
Thank you for sharing your ability to mind-block him by the way. She chuckled. So that's what compartmentalizing feels like!
"You're welcome."
Silence for a few beats. Teela bit her lip.
So...this explains why I nearly took Evil-Lyn's head off in the Palace yesterday…
"What?"
She was taken aback. I was stronger…quicker than last time. That was your power, wasn't it?
"Yes," Adam transmitted back.
Did you get anything from me?
"I'm suddenly telepathic so yeah, you deposited something in me, too. An apparent cross-transfer."
More silence.
"Probably not a good idea that your boyfriend can read your mind, though."
The two shared a laugh.
I love you so much, Adam.
"I love you too, Tee."
xx
-Greyskull –
The Sorceress smiled. "Thank you."
You are welcome, Child.
