The He-Man Inside
Disclaimer: Gods! If I owned MOTU I'd be filthy rich and living in some expensive European castle, not, in a two-story house in the middle of nowhere. Life's a pity.
Chapter 3
The Eternian palace was in an uproar preparing for the young princes' seventeenth birthday. Palace servants buzzed about the room, shouting out directions about where things should be put, how things should be hanged, what style of plate ware to use and so on and so forth. The room was slowly but surely taking shape. Dark, midnight blue tapestries with gold trimming hung from all the walls. Golden candleholders with blue candlesticks were already set out for the evening supper and Orko was working his magic on the ceiling, attempting to make it look like a starry night sky included with racing comets and shooting stars. In the middle of it all stood the queen looking as beautiful and serene as she had earlier in the morning, however, her day was just beginning and her greatest task yet... was nowhere to be found. Deciding that the servants could see to the tasks she had set out for them she strode for the door with a definite purpose gleaming in her eye and the golden rays of sun coming through the windows seemed to radiate from her rather than the day. She was dressed in a white dress of fine muslin and was enveloped in a warm glow whether from the sun itself or her own beauty one could never tell the difference. She looked like an angel descended from on high to share this beauty with the world. However, for those who knew her well could tell you that she was a demon when she set out to do a task and poor Man-at-Arms was her next target.
The giant warrior was standing in a corner of the dining room made ballroom finishing up a bowl of oatmeal when he saw the queen striding across the floor towards with a definite purpose, hoping that it was not in his direction that she walked. He gulped and nearly choked as he realized he would not be so lucky when he saw her making a bee-line in his direction, knowing full well she probably had some nefarious plan on her mind, such as making him wear some frilly aristocratic get up that suited him not at all. He quickly searched around for an escape route but found none. All he could do was wait as the queen bared down upon her next victim. Man-at-Arms managed to stammer out a greeting to one of the city's monarchs, "Greetings your Majesty. Everything looks to be shaping up just as you had planned."
"Yes well, things still seem to be moving too slow for my taste."
"But your excellency I'm sure everything will turn out fine since you are the one that planned this mar-" Man-at-Arms never got the chance to finish as the queen interrupted with a wave of her hand and out of instinct Man-at- Arms put his arms in front of his face to shield himself, nearly dumping what was left of his breakfast on the front of his armor.
Marlena smiled at the old guardsman and reached out to pull his arms down from their defensive stance, "Duncan, as much as I would love to hear what you have to say about my strategy for Adam's party, I fear that I just do not have the time to listen. However, you can be of service to me in another way."
Worry and fear crept into Duncan's eyes, emotions that rarely ever bothered the seasoned warrior, except when words such as "be of service" came from the mouth of his queen, especially when she was smiling so sweetly. His reply was extremely hesitant, he feared the worst possibilities, "And just how may I be of service to you your Majesty?"
Man-at-Arms was astonished when the queen looped her arm through his and started out toward the open veranda, which was situated directly across the way from where they had been standing. His distrust immediately solidified and his worst fears, he thought, had come to pass. The queen stopped them once they reached the balcony and unhooked her arm from his. They remained in silence for a few moments, while Man-at-Arms sweated it out as the anticipation of what was to come became almost unbearable. When the queen finally did speak up he nearly jumped off the balcony in fright.
"Calm yourself Duncan. I come not for you but for my son." Man-at arms released his pent up breath that he was unaware he had held. "Come now Duncan, don't sound so put out. I'm sure I can sink my talons into before the day is through."
Duncan let out a small laugh and relaxed against the balcony, "I think it would be in my best interest if you didn't find the time for me to be one of your victims."
"Oh, very well but I am short of prey today, mayhap you would reconsider."
"My Lady, I'm afraid not even the power of the ancients could force me to become your prey."
"Duncan, sometimes you can be such a coward."
"Nay, I am no coward and I am no fool because only a fool would walk straight into your claws. Now before I find myself thrown into prison for my insubordination how may I be of service to you?"
"I am looking for my son and as hard as I try he is nowhere in the palace. I was hoping that you could tell me where he's run off to?"
Man-at-Arms was about to tell the queen where she could find the prince when a gleam came into his eyes, a plan formulating in the back of his mind. A plan that would ensure that for at least one day he would not become the prey of his hungry monarch.
When Man-at-Arms did not reply to her questioning the queen became slightly annoyed, wondering if he was just contemplating on where her son might be or just plain ignoring her. "Duncan, will you tell me or must my talons find your backside?"
"You know your Excellency, information does not come cheap these days ad it would be a shame if good information was lost because the 'price' could not be met."
The queen had the good sense to look somewhat enraged. "That's blackmail! You cannot blackmail your queen!"
Man-at-Arms turned around so that his back was leaning against the balcony railing and he was facing the inside of the palace. "Blackmail, extortion, a simple business transaction.who can tell the difference these days. However, if you agree to let me be for the day I can promise to have Adam back before noon and ready to do whatever you wish with him as long as you keep your word and leave me be. Now, what sat you your Majesty."
"Tis' a sad day indeed when the queen must ransom something for mere information, however, you have my word. Now, go and fetch my son and if he is not here before we break for the midday meal the agreement is off and then you shall pay for this most unpleasant of transactions."
"Agreed but I'll not be late. Till noon then." Man-at-Arms made his way off the balcony and towards the hall that would lead him to the launching bay, taking his time and humming an old Eternian folk song.
The queen did not look at the retreating guardsman, however, she did wish she had a dagger that she could throw at him but that was not to be. She smiled then laughed outright when she went over the conversation in her head. 'It's only for a day and then its payback time. Oh, Duncan. You'll wish you had never made a deal with me. Unlike you, I have not forgotten our childhood. You're just like Randor, however, he has learned to never make deals with devil.
Castle GraySkull
The terrified screams of a young man echoed against the hollow walls of the timeless fortress shattering the peaceful solitude of its guardian who unfortunately happened to be in the middle of the fracas. The sorceress was calmly, or trying to remain calm, looking down upon the two men, one old and one young, from her high perch on the thrown. The latter of the two men was holding onto one of the pillars for dear life and who happened to be screaming bloody blue murder at the top of his lungs, while the older of the two had his strong arms wrapped around the young man's legs and was pulling with all of his might. All she could do was shake her head and try to ease the pounding of her temples by massaging them.
"You cannot take me Man-at-Arms. I will not be sacrificed so that you can get off the hook scott free!" Adam finally spoke up when the older man relaxed to catch his breath.
"Now look here! It's either you or me and I'd rather it be you. She's your mother let her have her fun with you!" Man-at-Arms took a mighty breath as he heaved upon Adam's legs once again causing Adam to yell out in protest as he almost lost his grip on the sturdy pillar.
"Fun! You think my mother wants to have fun with me! Torture is more like it! Why don't you let her have some fun with you!"
Man-at-Arms relaxed once again but did not loosen his grip on the prince's legs. "Fun, torture the words mean the same thing to your mother, the stress being she's YOUR MOTHER and not mine. Besides you're a prince and as such you should not shirk your duties. As a son, you also have obligations to fulfill. Now you either do them willingly or I'll see that you do them by any means necessary." Man-at-Arms pulled once again on Adam's legs contemplating whether it would just be easier to cut off his hands or knock him unconscious and right now Man-at-Arms would do just about anything to be saved from the wrath of his queen. Contrary to what the queen thought Man-at-Arms knew full well just what could happen if he lost to her. With that thought in mind Man-at-Arms pulled with renewed vigor vowing as he did so that he would not be on the receiving end of the queen's "fun", pulling forth a stream of very loud and very improper expletives from the young prince.
"Damn you Man-at-Arms1 I said I'm not going." Adam tried to kick at his mentor but the other man had an extremely firm grip on his legs.
"Like hell you are! I'll be damned if I'm going back to the palace alone. Now you either come with me in one piece and conscious or you can go in pieces and unconscious."
This new threat earned more threats and expletives from the prince and a new bout of yelling as Man-at-Arms continued his relentless assault. Through it all the sorceress still remained atop her throne, however, her elbows were propped on her knees and her head hung low so that she could massage her temples in a semi curled position. The pounding in her head had picked up a steady rhythm that gained momentum and force with each word that passed through the mouths of the warriors. At an especially loud screech, whether from Man-at-Arms or Adam she didn't care, a vein appeared to one side of her head. The two men had been at it for close to three hours already and if Skeletor had appeared at the front gate she would gladly let him in as long as he took these two away from her. Deciding that she had heard enough of them bickering like children the sorceress stood from her throne and slammed her staff hard upon the stone floor. The resounding noised caused by the impact reverberated around the large room. "Enough!" The two warring men immediately stopped and looked at the sorceress who was barely keeping her rage in check. "I want you both gone now. Leave and do not come back till you can learn to be civilized."
Adam let go of the pillar and stood up meekly in front of the sorceress. "Ummmm, if it's alright with you I'd rather stay at GraySkull. It's-" Adam cut himself off at the look upon the sorceress' face. It was a look that was often seen upon his mother's face, a face that said, "Disobey and I'll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life". It was a face that said, "Disobey and I'll haunt your dreams even when I'm good and gone." I t was a face that you hoped to never encounter but you could not escape fate. It was the ultimate face and one that had gotten angrier and angrier over the next few moments as neither Man-at-Arms nor himself moved an inch because they were to enraptured with "the face" and too scared for fear of the consequences.
The sorceress, deciding that it was long over due for these two to leave, raised her staff above her head out shouted, "Be gone!" Before the two men knew what was happening they were sucked into a black abyss along with their vehicles. The sorceress set her staff on its stand beside the throne before slowly sliding into the cushioned chair. Leaning her head back she let out a deep sigh, one of contentment, happiness and blessed relief.
Launching Bay of the Eternos palace
The two were first cast into an internal pit of darkness when just as suddenly they were immersed in a world of blinding light along with their aircrafts. Luckily no one had been around to see their extraordinary entrance. Man-at-Arms and Adam used each other as support since they were unsteady on their feet and their vision was blurred. Once everything was clear and they had found there footing the two men looked at each other, checking themselves in the process, making sure that everything was where it needed to be. Taking a look around Man-at-Arms realized where they were and wasted no time in grabbing hold of the young prince and dragging him to the dining hall. All the while Adam cursed his mentor but did not struggle as he resigned himself to his fate. They had just entered the dining hall when the midday meal was about to be served. Adam, who was already salivating at the mouth, completely forgot his upcoming torture session with his mom and sat down at a miraculously clear table and started to eat his fill. Man-at-Arms heaved a sigh of relief as he took notice that the queen was not present.. yet. So, he took his position at the table and started to eat but not with as mush gusto as the prince or some of the other Masters.
Teela was the first to greet the newcomers as she stood to welcome her father with a hug. "Hello father, I'm surprised I didn't see you here sooner."
Man-at-Arms returned the hug as they both sat down. "Yes well, the queen sent me on a small mission that took the better part of the morning." Man- at-Arms sent a knowing look to Adam, which went did not go unnoticed by Teela.
"Well, at least you're back at the palace. The Masters and I need your help with some last minute preparations plus the king needs to talk to you about the security plans. I would but I have a few things to see to and the queen also wished to speak with me on some matter." Teela looked at Adam as he looked near choking and her father whose complexion was pallor. "Father are you alright and Adam why don't you try chewing your food before swallowing it?"
"Give me a break Teela. I haven't eaten much at all today."
Instead of having a verbal battle with Adam, Teela turned away from him and towards her father who still had not regained much of his normal color. Noticing the look of concern on his daughters' face he mustered a halfhearted smile and reassured her that nothing was amiss. That is until the queen came into the room and locked onto her next victims.. her son and Teela.
Oh my, what could the queen have planned for the two teens? Tune in and find out in the next chapter of The He-Man Inside. Please R&R and flames are welcomed as long as they are constructive not destructive.
Disclaimer: Gods! If I owned MOTU I'd be filthy rich and living in some expensive European castle, not, in a two-story house in the middle of nowhere. Life's a pity.
Chapter 3
The Eternian palace was in an uproar preparing for the young princes' seventeenth birthday. Palace servants buzzed about the room, shouting out directions about where things should be put, how things should be hanged, what style of plate ware to use and so on and so forth. The room was slowly but surely taking shape. Dark, midnight blue tapestries with gold trimming hung from all the walls. Golden candleholders with blue candlesticks were already set out for the evening supper and Orko was working his magic on the ceiling, attempting to make it look like a starry night sky included with racing comets and shooting stars. In the middle of it all stood the queen looking as beautiful and serene as she had earlier in the morning, however, her day was just beginning and her greatest task yet... was nowhere to be found. Deciding that the servants could see to the tasks she had set out for them she strode for the door with a definite purpose gleaming in her eye and the golden rays of sun coming through the windows seemed to radiate from her rather than the day. She was dressed in a white dress of fine muslin and was enveloped in a warm glow whether from the sun itself or her own beauty one could never tell the difference. She looked like an angel descended from on high to share this beauty with the world. However, for those who knew her well could tell you that she was a demon when she set out to do a task and poor Man-at-Arms was her next target.
The giant warrior was standing in a corner of the dining room made ballroom finishing up a bowl of oatmeal when he saw the queen striding across the floor towards with a definite purpose, hoping that it was not in his direction that she walked. He gulped and nearly choked as he realized he would not be so lucky when he saw her making a bee-line in his direction, knowing full well she probably had some nefarious plan on her mind, such as making him wear some frilly aristocratic get up that suited him not at all. He quickly searched around for an escape route but found none. All he could do was wait as the queen bared down upon her next victim. Man-at-Arms managed to stammer out a greeting to one of the city's monarchs, "Greetings your Majesty. Everything looks to be shaping up just as you had planned."
"Yes well, things still seem to be moving too slow for my taste."
"But your excellency I'm sure everything will turn out fine since you are the one that planned this mar-" Man-at-Arms never got the chance to finish as the queen interrupted with a wave of her hand and out of instinct Man-at- Arms put his arms in front of his face to shield himself, nearly dumping what was left of his breakfast on the front of his armor.
Marlena smiled at the old guardsman and reached out to pull his arms down from their defensive stance, "Duncan, as much as I would love to hear what you have to say about my strategy for Adam's party, I fear that I just do not have the time to listen. However, you can be of service to me in another way."
Worry and fear crept into Duncan's eyes, emotions that rarely ever bothered the seasoned warrior, except when words such as "be of service" came from the mouth of his queen, especially when she was smiling so sweetly. His reply was extremely hesitant, he feared the worst possibilities, "And just how may I be of service to you your Majesty?"
Man-at-Arms was astonished when the queen looped her arm through his and started out toward the open veranda, which was situated directly across the way from where they had been standing. His distrust immediately solidified and his worst fears, he thought, had come to pass. The queen stopped them once they reached the balcony and unhooked her arm from his. They remained in silence for a few moments, while Man-at-Arms sweated it out as the anticipation of what was to come became almost unbearable. When the queen finally did speak up he nearly jumped off the balcony in fright.
"Calm yourself Duncan. I come not for you but for my son." Man-at arms released his pent up breath that he was unaware he had held. "Come now Duncan, don't sound so put out. I'm sure I can sink my talons into before the day is through."
Duncan let out a small laugh and relaxed against the balcony, "I think it would be in my best interest if you didn't find the time for me to be one of your victims."
"Oh, very well but I am short of prey today, mayhap you would reconsider."
"My Lady, I'm afraid not even the power of the ancients could force me to become your prey."
"Duncan, sometimes you can be such a coward."
"Nay, I am no coward and I am no fool because only a fool would walk straight into your claws. Now before I find myself thrown into prison for my insubordination how may I be of service to you?"
"I am looking for my son and as hard as I try he is nowhere in the palace. I was hoping that you could tell me where he's run off to?"
Man-at-Arms was about to tell the queen where she could find the prince when a gleam came into his eyes, a plan formulating in the back of his mind. A plan that would ensure that for at least one day he would not become the prey of his hungry monarch.
When Man-at-Arms did not reply to her questioning the queen became slightly annoyed, wondering if he was just contemplating on where her son might be or just plain ignoring her. "Duncan, will you tell me or must my talons find your backside?"
"You know your Excellency, information does not come cheap these days ad it would be a shame if good information was lost because the 'price' could not be met."
The queen had the good sense to look somewhat enraged. "That's blackmail! You cannot blackmail your queen!"
Man-at-Arms turned around so that his back was leaning against the balcony railing and he was facing the inside of the palace. "Blackmail, extortion, a simple business transaction.who can tell the difference these days. However, if you agree to let me be for the day I can promise to have Adam back before noon and ready to do whatever you wish with him as long as you keep your word and leave me be. Now, what sat you your Majesty."
"Tis' a sad day indeed when the queen must ransom something for mere information, however, you have my word. Now, go and fetch my son and if he is not here before we break for the midday meal the agreement is off and then you shall pay for this most unpleasant of transactions."
"Agreed but I'll not be late. Till noon then." Man-at-Arms made his way off the balcony and towards the hall that would lead him to the launching bay, taking his time and humming an old Eternian folk song.
The queen did not look at the retreating guardsman, however, she did wish she had a dagger that she could throw at him but that was not to be. She smiled then laughed outright when she went over the conversation in her head. 'It's only for a day and then its payback time. Oh, Duncan. You'll wish you had never made a deal with me. Unlike you, I have not forgotten our childhood. You're just like Randor, however, he has learned to never make deals with devil.
Castle GraySkull
The terrified screams of a young man echoed against the hollow walls of the timeless fortress shattering the peaceful solitude of its guardian who unfortunately happened to be in the middle of the fracas. The sorceress was calmly, or trying to remain calm, looking down upon the two men, one old and one young, from her high perch on the thrown. The latter of the two men was holding onto one of the pillars for dear life and who happened to be screaming bloody blue murder at the top of his lungs, while the older of the two had his strong arms wrapped around the young man's legs and was pulling with all of his might. All she could do was shake her head and try to ease the pounding of her temples by massaging them.
"You cannot take me Man-at-Arms. I will not be sacrificed so that you can get off the hook scott free!" Adam finally spoke up when the older man relaxed to catch his breath.
"Now look here! It's either you or me and I'd rather it be you. She's your mother let her have her fun with you!" Man-at-Arms took a mighty breath as he heaved upon Adam's legs once again causing Adam to yell out in protest as he almost lost his grip on the sturdy pillar.
"Fun! You think my mother wants to have fun with me! Torture is more like it! Why don't you let her have some fun with you!"
Man-at-Arms relaxed once again but did not loosen his grip on the prince's legs. "Fun, torture the words mean the same thing to your mother, the stress being she's YOUR MOTHER and not mine. Besides you're a prince and as such you should not shirk your duties. As a son, you also have obligations to fulfill. Now you either do them willingly or I'll see that you do them by any means necessary." Man-at-Arms pulled once again on Adam's legs contemplating whether it would just be easier to cut off his hands or knock him unconscious and right now Man-at-Arms would do just about anything to be saved from the wrath of his queen. Contrary to what the queen thought Man-at-Arms knew full well just what could happen if he lost to her. With that thought in mind Man-at-Arms pulled with renewed vigor vowing as he did so that he would not be on the receiving end of the queen's "fun", pulling forth a stream of very loud and very improper expletives from the young prince.
"Damn you Man-at-Arms1 I said I'm not going." Adam tried to kick at his mentor but the other man had an extremely firm grip on his legs.
"Like hell you are! I'll be damned if I'm going back to the palace alone. Now you either come with me in one piece and conscious or you can go in pieces and unconscious."
This new threat earned more threats and expletives from the prince and a new bout of yelling as Man-at-Arms continued his relentless assault. Through it all the sorceress still remained atop her throne, however, her elbows were propped on her knees and her head hung low so that she could massage her temples in a semi curled position. The pounding in her head had picked up a steady rhythm that gained momentum and force with each word that passed through the mouths of the warriors. At an especially loud screech, whether from Man-at-Arms or Adam she didn't care, a vein appeared to one side of her head. The two men had been at it for close to three hours already and if Skeletor had appeared at the front gate she would gladly let him in as long as he took these two away from her. Deciding that she had heard enough of them bickering like children the sorceress stood from her throne and slammed her staff hard upon the stone floor. The resounding noised caused by the impact reverberated around the large room. "Enough!" The two warring men immediately stopped and looked at the sorceress who was barely keeping her rage in check. "I want you both gone now. Leave and do not come back till you can learn to be civilized."
Adam let go of the pillar and stood up meekly in front of the sorceress. "Ummmm, if it's alright with you I'd rather stay at GraySkull. It's-" Adam cut himself off at the look upon the sorceress' face. It was a look that was often seen upon his mother's face, a face that said, "Disobey and I'll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life". It was a face that said, "Disobey and I'll haunt your dreams even when I'm good and gone." I t was a face that you hoped to never encounter but you could not escape fate. It was the ultimate face and one that had gotten angrier and angrier over the next few moments as neither Man-at-Arms nor himself moved an inch because they were to enraptured with "the face" and too scared for fear of the consequences.
The sorceress, deciding that it was long over due for these two to leave, raised her staff above her head out shouted, "Be gone!" Before the two men knew what was happening they were sucked into a black abyss along with their vehicles. The sorceress set her staff on its stand beside the throne before slowly sliding into the cushioned chair. Leaning her head back she let out a deep sigh, one of contentment, happiness and blessed relief.
Launching Bay of the Eternos palace
The two were first cast into an internal pit of darkness when just as suddenly they were immersed in a world of blinding light along with their aircrafts. Luckily no one had been around to see their extraordinary entrance. Man-at-Arms and Adam used each other as support since they were unsteady on their feet and their vision was blurred. Once everything was clear and they had found there footing the two men looked at each other, checking themselves in the process, making sure that everything was where it needed to be. Taking a look around Man-at-Arms realized where they were and wasted no time in grabbing hold of the young prince and dragging him to the dining hall. All the while Adam cursed his mentor but did not struggle as he resigned himself to his fate. They had just entered the dining hall when the midday meal was about to be served. Adam, who was already salivating at the mouth, completely forgot his upcoming torture session with his mom and sat down at a miraculously clear table and started to eat his fill. Man-at-Arms heaved a sigh of relief as he took notice that the queen was not present.. yet. So, he took his position at the table and started to eat but not with as mush gusto as the prince or some of the other Masters.
Teela was the first to greet the newcomers as she stood to welcome her father with a hug. "Hello father, I'm surprised I didn't see you here sooner."
Man-at-Arms returned the hug as they both sat down. "Yes well, the queen sent me on a small mission that took the better part of the morning." Man- at-Arms sent a knowing look to Adam, which went did not go unnoticed by Teela.
"Well, at least you're back at the palace. The Masters and I need your help with some last minute preparations plus the king needs to talk to you about the security plans. I would but I have a few things to see to and the queen also wished to speak with me on some matter." Teela looked at Adam as he looked near choking and her father whose complexion was pallor. "Father are you alright and Adam why don't you try chewing your food before swallowing it?"
"Give me a break Teela. I haven't eaten much at all today."
Instead of having a verbal battle with Adam, Teela turned away from him and towards her father who still had not regained much of his normal color. Noticing the look of concern on his daughters' face he mustered a halfhearted smile and reassured her that nothing was amiss. That is until the queen came into the room and locked onto her next victims.. her son and Teela.
Oh my, what could the queen have planned for the two teens? Tune in and find out in the next chapter of The He-Man Inside. Please R&R and flames are welcomed as long as they are constructive not destructive.