C. Cowboy: Here's another chapter! One warning: this has a sad ending… read at your own risk.
Chapter 3: TRUE POWER
The next Morning, Adam and Duncan met with the Sorceress at Castle Grayskull. "How are you feeling Adam?" the Sorceress asked, as Adam and Duncan walked into the throne room. "I'm ok I guess." Adam responded. "I'm sorry I failed, Sorceress." The Sorceress walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Adam you have nothing to be sorry about." Adam just looked at his feet, "I lost the sword."
The Sorceress cupped his chin and made him look her in the eye, "Listen to me, The Sword of Grayskull is nothing but a sword, nothing more." Adam took a puzzled look on his face, "Yes, the sword has the ability to aid the Chosen One, but to anyone else, it is nothing but forged steel." Adam nodded slightly, "But I can't transform into He-Man without it, can I?"
"Yes, the sword is not a necessity for you to transform. And you can learn to transform with or without the Sword of Grayskull." Adam was now completely shocked. "But I thought I got the power from the sword." Adam said in confusion. "No Adam, the sword only simplified the process, but your true power comes not from Castle Grayskull, not from your sword, but from inside of you." Adam had to set down, "So, how can I transform without it, raise my fist and say 'By The Power Of Grayskull'?" Sorceress shook her head, "No it is not that simple. Adam you are willing to die for your friends, your family, and your country and even innocent people who you will probably never know is that correct?" Adam shook his head yes, "Adam for you to be able to transform into He-Man once more, you must discover the one thing you would live for. Once you find that one thing, you'll be able to unlock your true power, and surpass the powers you had available using the Sword."
"My… true power?" Adam said looking as though in deep thought. "But what is this one thing? I've been willing to sacrifice myself for everything on Eternia and beyond…" Sorceress turned and headed back toward her throne, "You must find the one thing that would keep you from sacrificing yourself, once you find that… He-Man will be reborn stronger then ever."
A short while later, Duncan and Adam was on their way to the Palace in their Wind Raider. Adam let out a loud sigh, "What's the matter my friend?" Duncan asked looking toward the young prince, "They probably hate me now." Adam said sadly. "What?" Duncan asked again, "Just like Teela said, 'I'm nothing but a liar.' I failed everyone in the Kingdom, and now everybody's going to hate me." Duncan smiled, "Don't be to sure of that my friend." Adam just sighed again, "Teela hates me now, so I figure everyone will hate me too." Duncan just shook his head, "I don't think either of those thoughts are true. And you'll see shortly. We're home."
Duncan made the Wind Raider fly low through the city square. Adam couldn't believe his ears. The people were chanting his name and the name of He-Man. "Don't give up Prince Adam! We love you!" He heard a small child yell, and others yell similar things. "They…don't hate me?" Adam asked shocked, "Told you so." Duncan said bring the Wind Raider into the palace hanger.
"Duncan…" Adam said as they walked down out of the hanger, "I knew she wouldn't be happy when she found out my secret but…I didn't think she'd hate me that much." Duncan let out a faint laugh, "She don't hate you, she's just upset. I think I would be too if I was in her shoes, if the same man that she thought was a coward turned out to be the same man she…" Adam looked at him puzzled, "She what?" Duncan walked a little faster, "Don't worry about it Adam, she'll tell you about it sooner or later herself." Adam just shrugged and walked on by his side into the throne room.
"What did she say son?" King Randor asked as Queen Marlena, Orko, and Cringer listened closely. "There's a way for him to transform into He-man without the Sword." The King smiled, "Excellent, how is it possible." Adam sighed, "I have to find the one thing I can live for." the King looked away as if in thought, "Something to live for, what does that mean?" Adam looked down "I don't know." The King smiled, "Go with Duncan I'm sure you two can figure it out." the two bowed and started to leave, "Adam may we speak to you for a moment..." The King said then looking toward Orko and Cringer, "Alone?" the two took the hint and followed Duncan out of the room, "Son…I…we, your mother and I, wanted to tell you, that we're proud of you my son. You truly are Eternia's greatest champion, powers or no powers. We both love you and are proud of you." Adam smiled for the first time since he woke up. "And one more thing before you go, Son do not do us like you did yesterday, we do not wish to out live you son." Adam nodded "I promise dad, mom, I'll not let that happen again."
A short while later…
"BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL!!!" Adam yelled again in the courtyard in front of Duncan and Cringer, "Keep trying Adam, you'll figure it out. Try thinking of your family and friends Adam; draw upon your powers through them." Adam closed his eyes and relaxed his body, "think of my friends and family… think of my friends and family… ok got it… BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL!!!!" Adam then looked down and he was unchanged. "NOTHING WORKS! Might as well face it He-Man's dead, and is NOT going to be Reborn, NEVER!" Adam then stormed off leaving Duncan and Cringer disappointed. As was Teela, who was watching in the shadows, still unsure of her feelings for what she had once thought to be two men now revealed to be one. And not far from her also was watching a doomseeker. The small machine watched for a moment longer before flying away.
A short while later, at Snake Mountain…
Tri-Klops walked into Skeletor's chamber, "Skeletor, I have news from Eternia Palace." Skeletor nodded while shinning his prize, the Sword of Grayskull. "Adam is alive and well, and seems to be trying to change into He-Man without the sword. Failing at that too I might add." Skeletor chuckled, "The fool thinks he can become He-Man without this?" Skeletor said looking at the sword, "I am glad he survived as well, so I can cut him down with his own blade once more!" Skeletor said, his now mechanical voice even more intimidating. "When will we strike my lord?" Skeletor looked down at the sword, "We will move on Castle Grayskull in one week. I know that the Power of the Council is somewhere hidden in those walls. Until then, let us wait and see how Adam's lack of power effects the Guardians. You, Clawful, Trap Jaw, and Beast Man go to the palace and see if in fact he can still change without the sword. I have come too far to take chances. BUT do not injure him, just test to see if He-Man is truly gone. I want to be the one to kill him, but first I want to disfigure his face as he and his father have both done to me." Skeletor said going off in an anger-induced tangent. Tri-Klops nodded, "As you wish."
Meanwhile back at the palace…
"Why do you wish me to come with you to speak with your daughter Duncan?" Queen Marlena asked walking beside Man-At-Arms, "I could use her to help with Adam trying to learn how to draw upon his own powers instead of relying on the Sword and Castle Grayskull, but… she still refuses to have anything to do with anything concerning him." Marlena chuckled, "And you want me to try and have a girl to girl talk?" Duncan blushed at her pointing out the obvious, "Maybe." Marlena patted his back, "of course Duncan, it's a pleasure to help."
Far from the Queen's surprise Duncan stopped at his daughter's bedroom door, and let the Queen go it alone. "Teela?" Marlena said as she slowly walked into the girl's bedroom. "Your Highness, how my I be of service?" Teela said looking up from the book in her lap. "What's that my dear?" the Queen asked walking toward her. "Just an old photo album." Teela said as Marlena, "That's you and Adam when you were children, I remember that one! And that one!" Marlena said cheerfully as the proud mother inside her began to show. "You and Adam were the best of friends!" Teela's faint smile then faded again, "That…was before he started lying to me." Marlena was taken back, "What? What do you mean?" Teela sighed, "Well for one thing how long has it been since He-Man appeared? Two years? And he lied to me about it, he lied to everyone, made us all think he was a coward, not thinking what it was doing to the royal name! Or how it was making me feel!" Marlena then smiled lightly, "How it made you feel?" Teela sighed, "Adam's always been my best friend… yet… when Skeletor and his forces first attacked, I saw him run… desert us…me… I know he usually acted like a lazy snotty prince, but I would have thought my father would have deserted me before him." Marlena placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, "But who was it that saved you? If I recall Man-At-Arm's report He-Man made his very first appearance saving you from a Magmamite and the doomseeker." Teela sighed in frustration, "Yes it was He-Man, and he saved me countless other times too! I hated the thought of me being a 'damsel in distress', but…I liked being saved by him, and it still hurt every time I was in a fight and could use a hand and when I look and saw Adam running." She then blushed lightly, "I kindda wanted it to be Adam fighting by my side and saving me when I was in over my head. But it ended up being He-Man being the hero and Adam being the coward."
Marlena smiled, "Let me get this straight, you wanted Adam to fight along side you and he ran and He-Man seemed to fill his spot, and your upset because it was actually Adam fighting along side you all along?" Teela looked a little surprised before blushing and looking away. "You can talk to me. I won't tell Adam, or anyone else for that matter." Marlena said reassuringly. Teela sighed, "To tell you the truth I am actually happy to find out Adam really is He-Man, and a part of me… already knew… but… I just wish he would have told me sooner, and just me, not me and everyone and their brother." Marlena, "So are you willing to help him? He's really having trouble with his problem."
"I noticed." Teela said sighing at the memory of seeing Adam more upset then she ever has before, "He needs you Teela. He needs his best friend." Teela smirked, "Don't get me wrong, I'm still upset with him, but I guess I can try to pull him out of this rut." Marlena smiled as the girl got up, "Thank you Teela, he needs all the support right now he can get." Teela then winked; "If nothing else I'll beat him on the head till the lamebrain figures it out." the two women chuckled before Teela left to search for Adam.
Adam set against a tree on a hill overlooking a pond just outside the Palace. This was one of his favorite napping spots, but this time he could find no rest. "Penny for your thoughts?" Adam jumped at the voice coming from behind him, "Teela! You wouldn't try to give someone a heart attack?" Teela giggled lightly and leaned up against the tree, "Should of known you'd be here. You really should stop being so lazy Adam." Adam then just stood to his feet, "Don't pretend things are still the same."
Teela sighed, "I'm sorry for the slap Adam, and for what I said to you." She said setting down looking up at the young prince. "No. You were right. I am a liar. I'm sorry for hurting you." Adam said quickly and to the point. He started to walk off when Teela leg swept him and he tumbled to the ground. "HEY!" Adam yelled rubbing his back. "What's wrong' He-Man', did I hurt you?" Teela mocked resting her fists on her hips mimicking him. "You think you're so bad don't you?" Adam said smirking up at Teela. "Well…Yes I do." Teela said with a smile. "Hmm didn't seem that bad all those times I saved you." Teela crossed her arms, "I didn't need saving, I am and always was in complete control." Adam then got back on his feet, "If I remember right from when we were kids…" Adam said easing toward her with a strange glimmer in his eyes. "Adam…what are you…Adam?" She said easing back till her back met the tree. She then squealed out like a young girl as Adam brutally tickled her under her arms.
She then shoved Adam and he started to fall backwards down the hill. But he grabbed Teela by the wrists and took her with him. They tumbled, wrestled, and laughed all the way down the hill till they finally made it to flat ground and Adam landed on top. "Hey! I haven't ever beaten you wrestling before! Not even when we were kids!" He then looked down proudly at her but then changed into a look of shock and embarrassment when he realized his position. Their faces were less then a few inches apart and she was giving him a look that she had only given He-Man. "Maybe…I let you win…" Teela purred lightly and as if by some form of gravity there faces slowly eased together. "Adam…" Teela said softly as her eyes slowly close. "I've missed you." then their lips slowly moved closer. "You never had to lie to me." She said as she felt his breath on her lips, "I would… have kept… your secret." With that their lips brushed one another and as they were about to join in a kiss an explosion rocked the ground.
In a flash Adam and Teela were on their feet. "What was that?" Adam asked looking around. "Adam look! The West Wall!" Teela yelled pointing toward the western wall of the Palace. "Lets go Teela!" Adam said surprising Teela at just how much he really did sound like He-Man. As the two ran back toward the Palace Teela pulled her Snake Staff and her sword, "Adam, here!" she said tossing him her sword, "Take care of her, she's my favorite sword!" Adam swung it around a few times to get the feel for it before following Teela inside. He ran in and saw Trap Jaw, Beast Man, Clawful, and Tri-Klops fighting Man-At-Arms and Ramman.
"You forgot to invite us to the party?" Adam asked with a smirk running up beside Duncan. "Oh it's the formerly most powerful man in the universe!" Trap Jaw said pointing his claw at Adam, "Don't worry guys, he's just the little prince now, nothing but the shell of He-Man! He-Man's gone for…" Trap Jaw's sentence was cut short as Adam's foot landed directly between his eyes. He then swung around with his sword and sliced his claw arm off, then back flipped and took a battle pose.
"Teela are you seeing what I am?" Duncan said staring at Adam's fighting style. Yes the superhuman strength was absent, but the speed, agility and heart that made He-Man was still there. "Are we just going to watch or we going to help him?" Teela said spinning her snake staff over her head and bringing it down on Clawful's head. Duncan and Ramman looked at each other and nodded, and Ramman engaged Trap Jaw and Duncan attacked Tri-Klops. Adam then looked around, "Where'd Beast Man go?"
"ADAM LOOKOUT BEHIND YOU!" Teela yelled but it was too late, Beast-Man grabbed Adam by the neck and through him hard on the ground. "ADAM!" Teela yelled trying to get to him. But something else beat her too it. A green flash knocked Beast Man to the ground and began to Maul the mutant. "Ironic, Beast Man defeated by a tamed beast!" Clawful chucked striking at Teela. Tri-Klops finally blasted at Cringer making him jump off Beast Man and dashing to Adam's side, "Never thought I'd be scared of that cat!" Ramman said looking at the blood on Cringer's claws and bared fangs.
Tri-Klops went over to Beast Man, "Come on Beast Man! Stop fooling! Beast Man? Beast… uhh…" Tri-Klops face turned white when he saw how badly Beast Man was hurt, and the fact he was no longer breathing. The fight stopped for a moment as everyone Guardian or Minion had a look of shock at the usually timid Tiger's ferocity and a look of sickness at the extreme violence they just witnessed. Tri-Klops was the first to react, "Cat! You took away my best friend! So I'll take away yours!" Adam looked up and saw Tri-Klop's visor spin to his full power blast eye and began to glow. The blast shot and before he could move someone stood in between him and the blast with his arms out spread. "DUNCAN!" Adam yelled as the blast connected and cut through Duncan's armor. Teela's whole train of thought shattered as she saw her father collapse into Adam's arms. "Duncan!" Adam yelled slowly easing his mentor to the ground. "DADDY!" Teela yelled knocking an already dazed Clawful back. "NO!" Teela yelled going to her knees on the opposite side as Adam.
"Adam…Te-Teela…" Duncan gasped, "Daddy…" Teela sobbed squeezing his hand, "Hang on Duncan we'll get you to a healer! Just hang on!" Adam begged, "Adam…Please… promise me you… you won't give up… a-and please… please t-take… take… care of…Teela…promise me A-Adam…" Duncan gasped squeezing his hand. "I…I promise…" Adam said eyes beginning to water. Duncan then smiled at his daughter and then at Adam, "Adam…I-I always… t-thought of you… as…a…son…" he then went limp in the two young warriors' arms, "Daddy? Daddy? No! NO! DADDY!" Teela cried out holding her father's body tight.
Adam then began to breath heavier and heavier, his eyes slowly cut up to where Tri-Klops was smiling at his deed, he then griped the sword Teela gave him and stood up and glared at the monster. "What are you going to do little prince?" Tri-Klops teased as Adam slowly walked toward him. The more Tri-Klops laughed the faster Adam walked, and before Tri-Klops could react Adam jumped toward him and swung his sword and when he landed again, Tri-Klops' body landed in one place and his head landed in another.
Trap Jaw and Clawful then looked at their dead allies and at each other before running at top speed the way the came. Ramman would have gone after them, but instead did the only thing he could think of, go get the king. Teela continued to rock her father's body while crying her eyes out, Adam heard her sobs and slowly let go of his rage, he then looked down at Duncan's broken body, and slowly turned around to see Tri-Klops' headless body, "Oh gods… what have I done? What have I done?" Adam chanted dropping the sword and falling to his knees.
To Be Continued…