The He-Man Inside
AN: I have to set up a schedule for myself where, for one week or two, I work on one fic and then the next week or two I work on another one. That's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to set up my schedule tonight.
Ch. 4
Adam leaned nonchalantly against one of the palace pillars, facing out toward the star strewn sky. It was a beautiful sight, the stars shining brightly, the cool wind and the smell of the earth mixed with the spices and aromas of the food being served teased his nostrils. Even the mingled voices of all those present were not unwelcome. Turning around to match the voices with the faces he studied them carefully. No, it brought a sense of peace and contentment to his mind to hear those happy voices, to see their shining faces, proving if to no one else but himself, that Skeletor's evil had not reached the people of Eternia and other Kingdoms as well. In other words, there was still hope as long as the people had hope. As long as there was He-Man to count on.
At that thought Adam grimaced and decided to put the whole issue to rest. Looking again towards the magnificent night sky he heaved a weary sigh. The party had already been under way for over three hours and during that time his mother had taken liberty to introduce him to those he did not know, of course this meant every young and eligible lady that had been invited. He grimaced again, thinking back on the whole fiasco. He had met the ladies with all the prestige and arrogance of a Prince. Meaning, he had all but ignored them, nodding his head and mumbling some response when required. He had treated each of the young women with the same courtesy, as he would have an annoying fly that had been buzzing around his head for too long. This of course did not bode well for him considering the smoldering looks he received from his mother but otherwise she did not try to reprimand him in any other way, although he was sure to get an earful afterwards.
His father was another matter. The king had not so much as looked in his direction during the past few hours much less the past few days. Most likely this was because the party had to be post-poned and neither one of his parents had seemed too pleased with the notion. He laughed self- mockingly, "Then again, it could have something to do with that little talk we had not too long ago." Adam remembered all too well the discussion he had had with his father and it had not been pleasant. Oh, it had started out well... well enough considering the rocky relationship he had with his father but it all went to hell and back soon enough. He frowned as he heard his father's booming voice reverberating inside his mind, the words echoing off the walls of his mind and though he hated to admit it, his heart as well. He just could not seem to please his father no matter what he did or how hard he tried. An accomplishment turned into a failure under the King's piercing gaze. No wonder the two of them were so easy to upset. They just were not compatible. Thinking back, Adam could only find fault in himself. What had made him think he could talk to his father? What crazy notion had taken root inside his mind? How could have been so ignorant as to think that his father would really have cared about anything he might have said?
"C'mon Adam! Just go talk to him. What harm could it do?" Teela heaved the ball towards him with surprising force, almost knocking him off his feet as he counter attacked her move, sending the ball flying back towards her.
"You'd be surprised."
"Really? How can you be sure though if you don't try?"
Teela kicked the ball back to Adam who had to move down, close to the ground in order to send the ball back towards her. "Just trust me on this. Besides, my father is too busy to bother with his own son. Why would he? We have nothing in common. I bet if he could he'd trade me out for some one different, some one like you."
"Spare me the self-pity. Get over yourself and just go talk to him. I know you don't want to, you've said as much repeatedly but... just do it! Let your father know how you feel about this whole mess." She sent the ball back towards Adam who dived to the side to try and reach the ball but landed in the dirt instead. The board they had been playing on disappeared as well as the ball. "You lost your concentration."
"Way to state the obvious!" Adam looked up at her sarcastically as she helped him to his feet.
"C'mon, you need to get cleaned up if you're going to talk to your father."
"Who said I was going to talk to him?"
"I did and you will, because if I know you, and I do, then this will just eat away at you until you explode. Personally speaking, I think it might be safer for both parties involved if you don't have the chance to let your emotions build up. Then you and your father can speak rationally." Adam just arched a brow at her as if to say, 'When it comes to me and my father there is no such thing as reason.' Teela cleared her throat, "Well, maybe at least you'll be able to...uh, er, think clearly."
"Oh yeah, I can see it now. Me and my father actually have a heart to heart talk and not only are we both reasonable but he actual see's my point of view."
"Back off blondie! I'm just trying to help." Teela smiled along with Adam who just shook his head and laughed some more.
"Blondie? Thanks Teela I needed some one to lighten the mood." The two moved as one as Adam wrapped an arm around her waist and Teela did like wise, a smile teasing at the corner of her lips.
"My pleasure. Look...I know you may not want to talk about this but you have to. At the risk of repeating myself, I know you. I know how you sometimes hold things in until some one, namely my father, or me has to beat you black and blue. I know how you feel when it comes to your father and I know what it does to you inside when... when you feel like you don't meet his expectations."
"That's because I don't. I never have, Teela and it's unlikely I ever will."
"And who said you had to stand up to his expectations? What he expects of himself is not necessarily what you need to expect of yourself. You're two different people. With two different minds and beliefs but you both have the same kind, generous and loving heart. Yes, while your father may be the better warrior right now, it isn't strength that makes a good king. It's what's inside his heart and I know your heart, Adam. You will be a great king and don't ever let anyone else tell you different. Don't conform to the ideas of being the perfect king. There is no such thing. Don't change, Adam. Don't ever change, please."
Adam was speechless. He had never known that Teela had so much faith in him. Never knew that even while she called him names and drove him to the brink during training she always knew, always believed in him. Then again, maybe he just had not been paying attention, something she always accused him of. Stopping them both under a tree, Adam pulled her to him and held her close, unable to find the words to thank her for her trust and belief in him; she in turn, returned the embrace understanding him, his mind, his heart as no other person was able to do. Pulling away from the embrace they walked as they had toward the palace. "I'll try my damnedest, Teela. How'd I ever get a friend like you?"
"Guess you're just lucky.... then again it could be that I get a kick out of kicking you around the training arena."
"Ha, ha! By the Elders, you're so funny." Adam sneered but his eyes were gleaming with amusement.
"And don't you just know it."
"How I wish I didn't but I do." Teela pushed against him, causing him to stumble slightly and grin good-naturedly.
"Have I told you lately what a jerk you are?"
Looking down at her, her brows drawn together in a frown as if she was seriously contemplating what she had said. His eyes drifted to her lips and the smile that played around the corners. His smile grew. "Not in the past ten minutes."
"Really? Guess I need to get you back up to date."
"It would seem so but I warn you my hide is extremely sensitive and even the most softest of insults wounds me to the core."
"Guess we'll just have to toughen you up then. I recommend that you start an extremely rigorous training program in order to do so." Teela smiled as she poked him in the ribs playfully. "Just look at all this fat!"
"Ha! I'm not fat and you know it."
"You still could use some work. I say we start training harder tomorrow."
"Gag me! You know how I deplore to do something as detestable as physical labor."
"Hence, why your hide is so soft."
Adam grumbled in response but both were still smiling as they walked into the palace and up the stairs to their quarters. Adam walked Teela to her room before returning to his own but not before he had the chance to talk to her one last time. To ask for any last minute advice she could offer. His voice rang with uncertainty as he asked her in a trepid voice, sounding much like a young boy who had gotten into trouble and did not know what the punishment would be. "Teela? What do I say to him?"
Teela paused, looking him in the eye as if the answer lay there. "Tell him how you feel but don't jump the gun. As much as you say you're nothing like your father you two are a lot alike when it comes to some mannerisms."
"And just earlier you were telling me how two, very different people we are."
"Look, don't be sarcastic. All I'm saying is that you and your father react to certain things in the same manner. For instance, neither one of you likes being told what to do or not to do and neither one of you likes being disobeyed or I should say, disagreed with and don't give me that look. You know damn well it's true."
"Yeah, well...."
"Relax, it's in your blood. Why do you think you have me around or must I keep reminding you?" Teela smiled fondly at him.
"To knock me off my high horse of course."
"Exactly. Look, be honest with your father but not brutally so. Tread lightly with him if he is as you say. Stomping around and demanding that he change his mind won't get you anywhere. Be courteous, respectful and, by the Elders, try to be reasonable and rational if you can!"
"Alright, alright! Point taken." He turned away and headed down the hall, pausing a few feet from the door he tilted his head back towards her. "Thanks Teela. I know it's not much but... thanks." She only smiled at him more broadly before closing her door softly. Walking down the hall, feeling the cold, empty space at his side he had never felt more alone or bereft in his life.... or as scared. When it came time to talk with his father could he hold on to what Teela had said to him? He doubted it. Not with out Teela at his side could he ever possibly dream of being reasonable or rational when it came to his father but he was going to have to try.
A few hours later, Adam sat uncomfortably in one of his father's chairs in front of the King's large, oak desk. Squirming in his seat as inconspicuously as possible he tried to find a comfortable position, knowing that would be impossible so long as his father stood with his back to him and his hands clasped behind him. All signs pointing to an unwanted but not unexpected out come. Indeed, he had come prepared for the worst. After all, telling his father that he had no intention of following through with this farce he had created or in fact even attending the party if he chose to continue with it as planned was not something he had expected his father to take lightly. As far as he was concerned his father could go to hell and take his schemes with him. Luckily, he had not said as much to his father.... at least, not in so many words. He was startled out of his reverie when his father spoke.
"In other words.... you're telling me to go to hell."
Damn it! Why?! Why, today of all days did he have to understand him? Why couldn't he have twisted his words into something else? "Uh...er...not in...so many words...sir."
The king turned around and leveled a cold glare on his son, "I can also take this as an ultimatum...from my son."
Double damn! Today just wasn't his day. He should have had some one here with him. Teela. Man-at-Arms. His mother, for Elders sake! But what does he do? He goes and delivers and ultimatum to his father, the king of Eternos and not only that but he tells him as well that he can go to hell, again, not in so many words. "Uh, umm.... you can take it as you want to father. I merely told you how I feel about this whole situation." The king's glare sharpened, till his eyes appeared to be nothing more than slits. 'Oh, bad idea! Why'd I do this again? Oh yes, Teela gave me the notion that I could actually talk to my father. By the Elders I'm an idiot.' The king turned his back on his son again, staring out the floor to ceiling windows.
"This is what I am going to tell you and this is what you are going to do. You are going to that party and you are going to behave, as a prince should. You will greet the guests as you were taught and you will dance with the young ladies present. At the party, I will make the announcement that my son, that would be you, is looking for a bride. During the course of the coming year you will look for a suitable young lady of good breeding. You will court, dance and conduct yourself as the future leader of Eternos. At the end of the coming year, if you have not found a bride I will select one for you and the two of you will be married after the traditional yearlong engagement. Did I make myself clear."
Adam sat rigidly in the chair, his hands balled into fists and his face a mask of outrage. He did not respond to his father, merely glared at his back, the things he wanted to say to his father running through his mind, things he would have said if he could have found his voice. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you looked at it, he was too enraged to speak.
"Do not make me repeat myself Adam. This is what will happen. I believe I have been quite magnanimous, considering your attitude, your lack of skill when it comes to not only the battlefield but also diplomacy and your deplorable reputation as the Kingdom's coward. You will abide by my terms or you will not abide at all."
Shaking his head, Adam slowly raised himself from the chair, his head down cast slightly and his bangs shadowing his eyes. In a quiet yet intense voice he merely asked, "Why?"
Randor turned to face his son, squaring off and looking down at his son who had not reached his full height. "Simply put. I do not trust your ability to make sound decision, despite the strong opinions of Man-at-Arms, Teela and your mother. I believe this to be in your best interest."
"How do you know what's in my best interest? We're two different people."
"I know you Adam and much to my chagrine you are nothing like me. You are nothing like your mother and unfortunately, as I was hoping that Man-at- Arms or Teela might rub off on you, they did not. When this He-Man appeared I thought that maybe you could take a lesson from him and when ever he came to the castle you were no where to be found. You do not have the capabilities to make this decision which is why I have decided to intercede." The king did not notice his son's trembling body caused by rage and the pain inflicted by the words he spoke.
" Some people would consider it a blessing that I'm nothing like you. You have no right. How can you stand there and order me about as if I were nothing more than a peasant to you? How can you stand there and say such things to me and still call me your son?"
"Well, as much as I wish that some one else could take your place they can't. You are my son by blood and by royal decree you are the successor to the throne and since it is my duty as the present king to prepare you for your future role I will use any means necessary to see that the task is completed. This conversation is finished. I have made up my mind and I have told you what will be done. You have no further role to play at the moment. You will do as I say, when I say and how I want it to be done. Is it understood that when I say jump, you say?"
"Go fuck yourself." Adam walked out of the room calmly, closing the door as he had entered, with trembling hands. He left his father in a state of part shock, part rage.
That had been a few days ago and since then he had done everything within his power to avoid his father. Training from dawn till dusk or heading out on reconnaissance when his father deemed it worthy to grace the soldiers with his presence. He had spent the last three days battling it out with the other soldiers, taking out his rage and frustration on them. At one point, none of the soldiers would train with him, even though he still held the title of coward, he was not inexperienced when it came to the art of war or hand to hand combat. At that point Man-at-Arms had taken him aside and had tried to find out exactly what was wrong. Adam had merely shook off his mentor's concern and asked him if they could train. Man-at- Arms had agreed letting the matter slide until he was felt that Adam was ready to share what was wrong.
When it came time for the final fitting, his mother asked him the same questions as Man-at-Arms had and noted that his appetite had not been the same for the past few days. Adam had merely replied that all was well he just wasn't all that hungry. His mother had let it slide as well but he could tell by her concerned and confused glances that she would not leave the matter alone for long. Indeed, she hadn't. It seemed to him as if his mother made room in her schedule to ask him questions; he in turn replied the same as he had before.
During this time he did not see Teela at all, the one person he did want to see and possibly talk to. However, his mother kept her busy, either in the fitting room or running around doing some such other nonsense. He would catch an occasional glimpse of her but in the next second she was gone much to his disappointment. On the third day that this had happened he decided to resign himself to the fact that he would not be able to talk to her until the party or even afterwards where they might find some privacy, and it was so.
Adam had been at the party for at least an hour when Teela came through the doors wearing a form, fitting gown of cream silk. It was simple, yet elegantly done, lightly hugging the right places here and there. The dress angled across her chest, from one shoulder to the underside of her other arm. She wore a long scarf of the same color, as sheer and light as wind, hung low on her elbows so that it whispered across the marble floor. She wore very little jewelry, only a thin necklace and a pair of matching earrings both made of gold and two or three diamonds. Her hair was put into a bun of sorts; he was unable to determine what kind because he was not up to speed on women's fashion, indeed, what male was? All he knew was that she looked beautiful. Her emerald eyes shining brightly in the magic lit room, courtesy of Orko and rimmed by her thick and long lashes with tendrils of her glorious hair falling about her face. Her smile, 'By the Elders, her smile!' It was blinding.
Before he had the chance to extricate himself from his mother and the fawning females that surrounded him, Teela was swamped by the male portion of the guests, which mainly consisted of friends of his father and other diplomats. The fact that all of these men were either old or married brought him a sense of relief he did not want to analyze to closely. Unfortunately for him because of his mother's iron will to see that he met every young woman at the party and to the swarm of men that always seemed to accompany Teela wherever she went, it would not be for another two hours before he could see her again.
Adam walked out on to the balustrade towards the stairs that were hidden within the shadows, resting his hands on the railing as he looked out over the vast gardens of the palace and finally to the city of Eternos that lay just beyond them. The lights of the houses burned brightly and the occasional sound of people talking and laughing reached his ears, brought to him by the cold night wind. How he wished he could be one of them, a part of them instead of the prince he was.
"I've heard the tales of your mock battles with the soldiers. I heard that no one would fight with you after that first couple of days. Is it true or is it merely palace gossip?"
Adam smiled and closed his eyes as he released a relieved sigh. It was Teela. Thank the Elders, it was Teela. "What do you think?"
"Well, it's my opinion that the rumors are true, although I don't see what reason you could possibly have to beat those poor fellows so soundly. You took not only them but the Masters as well, by surprise. I don't think anyone knew you could fight so well." She came to stand beside him, resting her hands on the rail close to his, her left next to his right.
"It was probably just a fluke anyways. It's nothing to get excited about. Besides, I'm sure the palace gossip is extremely exaggerated."
"Maybe so but I doubt it. You also haven't been eating, at least I haven't seen you in the dining hall until tonight and your face...."
"What about it?"
Teela tilted her head towards him, her expression thoughtful and caring. Adam tilted his head towards hers as well, trying to mask the pain that he felt deep inside but knowing he was unable to do so under Teela's careful scrutiny. "You seem very somber. Almost bordering on morose. I take it your father did not like what you had to say to him."
Adam could only shake his head in the negative, turning his gaze back out towards the city, luckily Teela did like wise and they rested in a peaceful silence for the time being. The quiet disturbed only by the occasional burst of raucous laughter from some of the partygoers inside. Finally, when the silence became too much, even for him Adam spoke up. "You look wonderful tonight."
"I can say the same as you. All black with just a bit of gold to set it off."
Even Adam had to admit that his mother hadn't gone over board this time. Deciding on a black, silk, long-sleeved garment and a thick black vest, both opened slightly, giving him a roguish appeal. He wore matching form fitting pants and black boots with three thin gold buckles to tighten them. Black gloves covered his hands as well, the family crest done in gold on the inside of each wrist. His hair, although his mother had tried to tame it as much as she could, still looked disarrayed, some tendrils arching over his forehead to tickle his brow. The only jewelry he wore was his power sword in a black sheath, angling and hanging low across his hips. On the scabbard was a design or story, taken from Eternos mythology. All in all, he had to thank his mother later for making him look so dashing. "Yes, mother really out did herself this time."
"Well, you're quite an imposing form when you're not wearing black. You're over six feet tall and your muscles...uh, er, strain against the material so to speak."
"Must be why the whole of the female population throw themselves down upon my feet."
"Don't get too cocky other wise I just might have to knock some sense back into your brain and bring you crashing back to reality."
"I wish you would."
Teela looked over at her friend, surprised. Looking at him now, his face masked in shadows and his shoulders slumped in dejection, Teela had never felt more pain for her friend than at this moment. Moving closer to him, she wrapped a comforting arm around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder, trying to lend her friend all the strength she could. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Everybody's been asking me that question for the past three days and you're the first person I've wanted to answer." Adam leaned his head against hers and closed his eyes.
"I'm all ears." With her right hand Teela grasped his right hand in hers tightly, trying to convey that she was there for him.
"Well, I went and spoke-" Adam was cut off as a loud group of the guests walked out onto the balustrade. Entwining his fingers with hers, Adam led them quietly down the shadowed stairs that lay to his right that went along the palace wall for a bit before curving smoothly into the vast palace gardens below. Once at the bottom Teela and Adam all but ran for the safety of the maze, the gravel crunching beneath their feet as they ran through it with no fear of being lost since they had played here time and time again as children, until they reached the center of the maze, where a large marble fountain stood, the forms carved into the stone were that of the Elders.
Teela sat down on the rim of the fountain, breathing deeply to calm her racing heart as she trailed her finger tips in the icy water. Adam stood beside her, looking up at the large, magnificent forms carved into the stone. Looking up at him, she saw the same pained expression she had seen so many days ago, when they had been sitting along side the Eternos river. Diverting her gaze towards the figures as well, she said nothing, waiting for him to continue when he felt he could.
"It.... hurt Teela. I tried to talk to him, told him how I felt and why it wouldn't be such a great idea to go along with what he had planned. I tried being rational. I tried being reasonable but I guess that was the day he decided to take my word as I said it. He translated the underlying meaning so to speak, which was of course 'go to hell'. All in all, he listened to everything I said yet he listened to nothing. He didn't care, Teela. He told me I was... I was...."
"What, Adam?" Teela asked softly, sharing her friend's pain as his eyes welled with tears she knew he'd never cry.
"I was... nothing. I mean, he didn't say those exact words but if you summed it all up, that's exactly what he meant. He told me I was.... incapable, without skills when it came to fighting and diplomacy and a coward. I know this may not seem like much to you, I mean, I hear it everyday...I...it's just.... I guess... what really hurts, you know, that gut wrenching, heart piercing kind of pain? Is that he wished I were some one else. He wished I wasn't his son."
"Adam." That single word seemed as if it had been taken from her because she had said it so softly. Looking at him this way, worrying his nails, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, a heart and soul filled with so much pain, tore her heart asunder. She couldn't stand to see him this way and know that there was nothing she could do. They had always been there for each other as children growing up. In fact, they had been each other's only friends and she could not stand feeling helpless, which is exactly how she felt right now. She could do nothing for her friend to make those words go away. They echoed in her mind as surely as they echoed in his own, in his heart, tearing at his soul piece by piece. Raising herself to her feet, she came behind him and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his back, trying to comfort him the only way she knew how. She squeezed him tightly when he rested his hands over hers.
"He said it so casually, as if it didn't matter, as if I didn't matter. After seventeen years you'd think that would mean something but in his book I guess it doesn't count. He was just so cold and remote. Listing off the reasons why I'd make a piss poor decision on a bride and an even worse king. He thought he was being so "magnanimous" and that's the word he used, about the whole thing. In short, I'm worthless and nothing, yet irreplaceable, if only by blood and royal decree. How'd we end up this way, Teela? Some times I dream about happier times, of course I was only a year or so and of course it's impossible for me to remember that far back but I do dream of happier times, when my father wasn't a king but... a father. It's as if he left that part of himself behind and... and me as well. If it wasn't for you, for Duncan or for my mother I don't know what would have become of me, especially you, Teela. Sometimes I feel as if I'm the only person alive in the world. I feel so alone, bottling it all up inside then you'll walk into the room and there's life again. Yeah, I know I'm depressed right now but would you believe me if I told you it was the truth? That without you, I'd have no life?"
"I know, Adam. I know all too well how you feel. I may have my father to turn to but... I do feel alone in this world. I remember the time we first met, we were both about six and you looked so sullen and mad at the same time because your father had put you under the tutelage of my father. However, from that moment on we always trained together, worked together and at times, fought together. Before that I had felt so alone. I had felt as if no one could understand me or my inner workings, yet you did and you even put up with all of my smart-alec comments and for that I thank you. I thank you for being my friend and I want you to know as long as we have each other we'll never be alone."
"Teela.... why can't people be more like you?"
"I'd say one of me is enough for this world."
"Yeah, guess so. I... I...."
"Hmm?"
"Nothing.... nothing." Releasing a sigh, Adam relaxed, squeezing her hands before closing his eyes and tilting them back. Silently adding, 'I love you, Teela. More than you'll ever know.'
AN: Wow! That's gotta be the longest chapter I've written for this fic, thirteen pages in all an' I know that might not seem much to those of you out there who write at least twenty page chapters but damn it! This is an accomplishment to me. Okay, any who, if you're wonderin' about Teela's and Adam's relationship right now, well, it hasn't evolved into anything other than really, really good friends at the moment but all in due time. We can't rush things now can we? Any who, if you have any idea how I can improve this fic or what you liked about this fic then don't hesitate to e- mail me or leave a review (Leaving reviews are nice. I like to see new reviews when I check my stats. Reviews are very good, very nice. They give me warm fuzzies an' make me want to write more.... jus' kiddin' but we are gettin' the picture aren't we?) Like I said, any suggestions are more than welcomed (that doesn't necessarily mean I'll use them), whether they're good or bad doesn't matter as long as you can back up what you say with some hard core proof. Okay, time to end this blurb, it's been goin' on way too long...
AN: I have to set up a schedule for myself where, for one week or two, I work on one fic and then the next week or two I work on another one. That's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to set up my schedule tonight.
Ch. 4
Adam leaned nonchalantly against one of the palace pillars, facing out toward the star strewn sky. It was a beautiful sight, the stars shining brightly, the cool wind and the smell of the earth mixed with the spices and aromas of the food being served teased his nostrils. Even the mingled voices of all those present were not unwelcome. Turning around to match the voices with the faces he studied them carefully. No, it brought a sense of peace and contentment to his mind to hear those happy voices, to see their shining faces, proving if to no one else but himself, that Skeletor's evil had not reached the people of Eternia and other Kingdoms as well. In other words, there was still hope as long as the people had hope. As long as there was He-Man to count on.
At that thought Adam grimaced and decided to put the whole issue to rest. Looking again towards the magnificent night sky he heaved a weary sigh. The party had already been under way for over three hours and during that time his mother had taken liberty to introduce him to those he did not know, of course this meant every young and eligible lady that had been invited. He grimaced again, thinking back on the whole fiasco. He had met the ladies with all the prestige and arrogance of a Prince. Meaning, he had all but ignored them, nodding his head and mumbling some response when required. He had treated each of the young women with the same courtesy, as he would have an annoying fly that had been buzzing around his head for too long. This of course did not bode well for him considering the smoldering looks he received from his mother but otherwise she did not try to reprimand him in any other way, although he was sure to get an earful afterwards.
His father was another matter. The king had not so much as looked in his direction during the past few hours much less the past few days. Most likely this was because the party had to be post-poned and neither one of his parents had seemed too pleased with the notion. He laughed self- mockingly, "Then again, it could have something to do with that little talk we had not too long ago." Adam remembered all too well the discussion he had had with his father and it had not been pleasant. Oh, it had started out well... well enough considering the rocky relationship he had with his father but it all went to hell and back soon enough. He frowned as he heard his father's booming voice reverberating inside his mind, the words echoing off the walls of his mind and though he hated to admit it, his heart as well. He just could not seem to please his father no matter what he did or how hard he tried. An accomplishment turned into a failure under the King's piercing gaze. No wonder the two of them were so easy to upset. They just were not compatible. Thinking back, Adam could only find fault in himself. What had made him think he could talk to his father? What crazy notion had taken root inside his mind? How could have been so ignorant as to think that his father would really have cared about anything he might have said?
"C'mon Adam! Just go talk to him. What harm could it do?" Teela heaved the ball towards him with surprising force, almost knocking him off his feet as he counter attacked her move, sending the ball flying back towards her.
"You'd be surprised."
"Really? How can you be sure though if you don't try?"
Teela kicked the ball back to Adam who had to move down, close to the ground in order to send the ball back towards her. "Just trust me on this. Besides, my father is too busy to bother with his own son. Why would he? We have nothing in common. I bet if he could he'd trade me out for some one different, some one like you."
"Spare me the self-pity. Get over yourself and just go talk to him. I know you don't want to, you've said as much repeatedly but... just do it! Let your father know how you feel about this whole mess." She sent the ball back towards Adam who dived to the side to try and reach the ball but landed in the dirt instead. The board they had been playing on disappeared as well as the ball. "You lost your concentration."
"Way to state the obvious!" Adam looked up at her sarcastically as she helped him to his feet.
"C'mon, you need to get cleaned up if you're going to talk to your father."
"Who said I was going to talk to him?"
"I did and you will, because if I know you, and I do, then this will just eat away at you until you explode. Personally speaking, I think it might be safer for both parties involved if you don't have the chance to let your emotions build up. Then you and your father can speak rationally." Adam just arched a brow at her as if to say, 'When it comes to me and my father there is no such thing as reason.' Teela cleared her throat, "Well, maybe at least you'll be able to...uh, er, think clearly."
"Oh yeah, I can see it now. Me and my father actually have a heart to heart talk and not only are we both reasonable but he actual see's my point of view."
"Back off blondie! I'm just trying to help." Teela smiled along with Adam who just shook his head and laughed some more.
"Blondie? Thanks Teela I needed some one to lighten the mood." The two moved as one as Adam wrapped an arm around her waist and Teela did like wise, a smile teasing at the corner of her lips.
"My pleasure. Look...I know you may not want to talk about this but you have to. At the risk of repeating myself, I know you. I know how you sometimes hold things in until some one, namely my father, or me has to beat you black and blue. I know how you feel when it comes to your father and I know what it does to you inside when... when you feel like you don't meet his expectations."
"That's because I don't. I never have, Teela and it's unlikely I ever will."
"And who said you had to stand up to his expectations? What he expects of himself is not necessarily what you need to expect of yourself. You're two different people. With two different minds and beliefs but you both have the same kind, generous and loving heart. Yes, while your father may be the better warrior right now, it isn't strength that makes a good king. It's what's inside his heart and I know your heart, Adam. You will be a great king and don't ever let anyone else tell you different. Don't conform to the ideas of being the perfect king. There is no such thing. Don't change, Adam. Don't ever change, please."
Adam was speechless. He had never known that Teela had so much faith in him. Never knew that even while she called him names and drove him to the brink during training she always knew, always believed in him. Then again, maybe he just had not been paying attention, something she always accused him of. Stopping them both under a tree, Adam pulled her to him and held her close, unable to find the words to thank her for her trust and belief in him; she in turn, returned the embrace understanding him, his mind, his heart as no other person was able to do. Pulling away from the embrace they walked as they had toward the palace. "I'll try my damnedest, Teela. How'd I ever get a friend like you?"
"Guess you're just lucky.... then again it could be that I get a kick out of kicking you around the training arena."
"Ha, ha! By the Elders, you're so funny." Adam sneered but his eyes were gleaming with amusement.
"And don't you just know it."
"How I wish I didn't but I do." Teela pushed against him, causing him to stumble slightly and grin good-naturedly.
"Have I told you lately what a jerk you are?"
Looking down at her, her brows drawn together in a frown as if she was seriously contemplating what she had said. His eyes drifted to her lips and the smile that played around the corners. His smile grew. "Not in the past ten minutes."
"Really? Guess I need to get you back up to date."
"It would seem so but I warn you my hide is extremely sensitive and even the most softest of insults wounds me to the core."
"Guess we'll just have to toughen you up then. I recommend that you start an extremely rigorous training program in order to do so." Teela smiled as she poked him in the ribs playfully. "Just look at all this fat!"
"Ha! I'm not fat and you know it."
"You still could use some work. I say we start training harder tomorrow."
"Gag me! You know how I deplore to do something as detestable as physical labor."
"Hence, why your hide is so soft."
Adam grumbled in response but both were still smiling as they walked into the palace and up the stairs to their quarters. Adam walked Teela to her room before returning to his own but not before he had the chance to talk to her one last time. To ask for any last minute advice she could offer. His voice rang with uncertainty as he asked her in a trepid voice, sounding much like a young boy who had gotten into trouble and did not know what the punishment would be. "Teela? What do I say to him?"
Teela paused, looking him in the eye as if the answer lay there. "Tell him how you feel but don't jump the gun. As much as you say you're nothing like your father you two are a lot alike when it comes to some mannerisms."
"And just earlier you were telling me how two, very different people we are."
"Look, don't be sarcastic. All I'm saying is that you and your father react to certain things in the same manner. For instance, neither one of you likes being told what to do or not to do and neither one of you likes being disobeyed or I should say, disagreed with and don't give me that look. You know damn well it's true."
"Yeah, well...."
"Relax, it's in your blood. Why do you think you have me around or must I keep reminding you?" Teela smiled fondly at him.
"To knock me off my high horse of course."
"Exactly. Look, be honest with your father but not brutally so. Tread lightly with him if he is as you say. Stomping around and demanding that he change his mind won't get you anywhere. Be courteous, respectful and, by the Elders, try to be reasonable and rational if you can!"
"Alright, alright! Point taken." He turned away and headed down the hall, pausing a few feet from the door he tilted his head back towards her. "Thanks Teela. I know it's not much but... thanks." She only smiled at him more broadly before closing her door softly. Walking down the hall, feeling the cold, empty space at his side he had never felt more alone or bereft in his life.... or as scared. When it came time to talk with his father could he hold on to what Teela had said to him? He doubted it. Not with out Teela at his side could he ever possibly dream of being reasonable or rational when it came to his father but he was going to have to try.
A few hours later, Adam sat uncomfortably in one of his father's chairs in front of the King's large, oak desk. Squirming in his seat as inconspicuously as possible he tried to find a comfortable position, knowing that would be impossible so long as his father stood with his back to him and his hands clasped behind him. All signs pointing to an unwanted but not unexpected out come. Indeed, he had come prepared for the worst. After all, telling his father that he had no intention of following through with this farce he had created or in fact even attending the party if he chose to continue with it as planned was not something he had expected his father to take lightly. As far as he was concerned his father could go to hell and take his schemes with him. Luckily, he had not said as much to his father.... at least, not in so many words. He was startled out of his reverie when his father spoke.
"In other words.... you're telling me to go to hell."
Damn it! Why?! Why, today of all days did he have to understand him? Why couldn't he have twisted his words into something else? "Uh...er...not in...so many words...sir."
The king turned around and leveled a cold glare on his son, "I can also take this as an ultimatum...from my son."
Double damn! Today just wasn't his day. He should have had some one here with him. Teela. Man-at-Arms. His mother, for Elders sake! But what does he do? He goes and delivers and ultimatum to his father, the king of Eternos and not only that but he tells him as well that he can go to hell, again, not in so many words. "Uh, umm.... you can take it as you want to father. I merely told you how I feel about this whole situation." The king's glare sharpened, till his eyes appeared to be nothing more than slits. 'Oh, bad idea! Why'd I do this again? Oh yes, Teela gave me the notion that I could actually talk to my father. By the Elders I'm an idiot.' The king turned his back on his son again, staring out the floor to ceiling windows.
"This is what I am going to tell you and this is what you are going to do. You are going to that party and you are going to behave, as a prince should. You will greet the guests as you were taught and you will dance with the young ladies present. At the party, I will make the announcement that my son, that would be you, is looking for a bride. During the course of the coming year you will look for a suitable young lady of good breeding. You will court, dance and conduct yourself as the future leader of Eternos. At the end of the coming year, if you have not found a bride I will select one for you and the two of you will be married after the traditional yearlong engagement. Did I make myself clear."
Adam sat rigidly in the chair, his hands balled into fists and his face a mask of outrage. He did not respond to his father, merely glared at his back, the things he wanted to say to his father running through his mind, things he would have said if he could have found his voice. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you looked at it, he was too enraged to speak.
"Do not make me repeat myself Adam. This is what will happen. I believe I have been quite magnanimous, considering your attitude, your lack of skill when it comes to not only the battlefield but also diplomacy and your deplorable reputation as the Kingdom's coward. You will abide by my terms or you will not abide at all."
Shaking his head, Adam slowly raised himself from the chair, his head down cast slightly and his bangs shadowing his eyes. In a quiet yet intense voice he merely asked, "Why?"
Randor turned to face his son, squaring off and looking down at his son who had not reached his full height. "Simply put. I do not trust your ability to make sound decision, despite the strong opinions of Man-at-Arms, Teela and your mother. I believe this to be in your best interest."
"How do you know what's in my best interest? We're two different people."
"I know you Adam and much to my chagrine you are nothing like me. You are nothing like your mother and unfortunately, as I was hoping that Man-at- Arms or Teela might rub off on you, they did not. When this He-Man appeared I thought that maybe you could take a lesson from him and when ever he came to the castle you were no where to be found. You do not have the capabilities to make this decision which is why I have decided to intercede." The king did not notice his son's trembling body caused by rage and the pain inflicted by the words he spoke.
" Some people would consider it a blessing that I'm nothing like you. You have no right. How can you stand there and order me about as if I were nothing more than a peasant to you? How can you stand there and say such things to me and still call me your son?"
"Well, as much as I wish that some one else could take your place they can't. You are my son by blood and by royal decree you are the successor to the throne and since it is my duty as the present king to prepare you for your future role I will use any means necessary to see that the task is completed. This conversation is finished. I have made up my mind and I have told you what will be done. You have no further role to play at the moment. You will do as I say, when I say and how I want it to be done. Is it understood that when I say jump, you say?"
"Go fuck yourself." Adam walked out of the room calmly, closing the door as he had entered, with trembling hands. He left his father in a state of part shock, part rage.
That had been a few days ago and since then he had done everything within his power to avoid his father. Training from dawn till dusk or heading out on reconnaissance when his father deemed it worthy to grace the soldiers with his presence. He had spent the last three days battling it out with the other soldiers, taking out his rage and frustration on them. At one point, none of the soldiers would train with him, even though he still held the title of coward, he was not inexperienced when it came to the art of war or hand to hand combat. At that point Man-at-Arms had taken him aside and had tried to find out exactly what was wrong. Adam had merely shook off his mentor's concern and asked him if they could train. Man-at- Arms had agreed letting the matter slide until he was felt that Adam was ready to share what was wrong.
When it came time for the final fitting, his mother asked him the same questions as Man-at-Arms had and noted that his appetite had not been the same for the past few days. Adam had merely replied that all was well he just wasn't all that hungry. His mother had let it slide as well but he could tell by her concerned and confused glances that she would not leave the matter alone for long. Indeed, she hadn't. It seemed to him as if his mother made room in her schedule to ask him questions; he in turn replied the same as he had before.
During this time he did not see Teela at all, the one person he did want to see and possibly talk to. However, his mother kept her busy, either in the fitting room or running around doing some such other nonsense. He would catch an occasional glimpse of her but in the next second she was gone much to his disappointment. On the third day that this had happened he decided to resign himself to the fact that he would not be able to talk to her until the party or even afterwards where they might find some privacy, and it was so.
Adam had been at the party for at least an hour when Teela came through the doors wearing a form, fitting gown of cream silk. It was simple, yet elegantly done, lightly hugging the right places here and there. The dress angled across her chest, from one shoulder to the underside of her other arm. She wore a long scarf of the same color, as sheer and light as wind, hung low on her elbows so that it whispered across the marble floor. She wore very little jewelry, only a thin necklace and a pair of matching earrings both made of gold and two or three diamonds. Her hair was put into a bun of sorts; he was unable to determine what kind because he was not up to speed on women's fashion, indeed, what male was? All he knew was that she looked beautiful. Her emerald eyes shining brightly in the magic lit room, courtesy of Orko and rimmed by her thick and long lashes with tendrils of her glorious hair falling about her face. Her smile, 'By the Elders, her smile!' It was blinding.
Before he had the chance to extricate himself from his mother and the fawning females that surrounded him, Teela was swamped by the male portion of the guests, which mainly consisted of friends of his father and other diplomats. The fact that all of these men were either old or married brought him a sense of relief he did not want to analyze to closely. Unfortunately for him because of his mother's iron will to see that he met every young woman at the party and to the swarm of men that always seemed to accompany Teela wherever she went, it would not be for another two hours before he could see her again.
Adam walked out on to the balustrade towards the stairs that were hidden within the shadows, resting his hands on the railing as he looked out over the vast gardens of the palace and finally to the city of Eternos that lay just beyond them. The lights of the houses burned brightly and the occasional sound of people talking and laughing reached his ears, brought to him by the cold night wind. How he wished he could be one of them, a part of them instead of the prince he was.
"I've heard the tales of your mock battles with the soldiers. I heard that no one would fight with you after that first couple of days. Is it true or is it merely palace gossip?"
Adam smiled and closed his eyes as he released a relieved sigh. It was Teela. Thank the Elders, it was Teela. "What do you think?"
"Well, it's my opinion that the rumors are true, although I don't see what reason you could possibly have to beat those poor fellows so soundly. You took not only them but the Masters as well, by surprise. I don't think anyone knew you could fight so well." She came to stand beside him, resting her hands on the rail close to his, her left next to his right.
"It was probably just a fluke anyways. It's nothing to get excited about. Besides, I'm sure the palace gossip is extremely exaggerated."
"Maybe so but I doubt it. You also haven't been eating, at least I haven't seen you in the dining hall until tonight and your face...."
"What about it?"
Teela tilted her head towards him, her expression thoughtful and caring. Adam tilted his head towards hers as well, trying to mask the pain that he felt deep inside but knowing he was unable to do so under Teela's careful scrutiny. "You seem very somber. Almost bordering on morose. I take it your father did not like what you had to say to him."
Adam could only shake his head in the negative, turning his gaze back out towards the city, luckily Teela did like wise and they rested in a peaceful silence for the time being. The quiet disturbed only by the occasional burst of raucous laughter from some of the partygoers inside. Finally, when the silence became too much, even for him Adam spoke up. "You look wonderful tonight."
"I can say the same as you. All black with just a bit of gold to set it off."
Even Adam had to admit that his mother hadn't gone over board this time. Deciding on a black, silk, long-sleeved garment and a thick black vest, both opened slightly, giving him a roguish appeal. He wore matching form fitting pants and black boots with three thin gold buckles to tighten them. Black gloves covered his hands as well, the family crest done in gold on the inside of each wrist. His hair, although his mother had tried to tame it as much as she could, still looked disarrayed, some tendrils arching over his forehead to tickle his brow. The only jewelry he wore was his power sword in a black sheath, angling and hanging low across his hips. On the scabbard was a design or story, taken from Eternos mythology. All in all, he had to thank his mother later for making him look so dashing. "Yes, mother really out did herself this time."
"Well, you're quite an imposing form when you're not wearing black. You're over six feet tall and your muscles...uh, er, strain against the material so to speak."
"Must be why the whole of the female population throw themselves down upon my feet."
"Don't get too cocky other wise I just might have to knock some sense back into your brain and bring you crashing back to reality."
"I wish you would."
Teela looked over at her friend, surprised. Looking at him now, his face masked in shadows and his shoulders slumped in dejection, Teela had never felt more pain for her friend than at this moment. Moving closer to him, she wrapped a comforting arm around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder, trying to lend her friend all the strength she could. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Everybody's been asking me that question for the past three days and you're the first person I've wanted to answer." Adam leaned his head against hers and closed his eyes.
"I'm all ears." With her right hand Teela grasped his right hand in hers tightly, trying to convey that she was there for him.
"Well, I went and spoke-" Adam was cut off as a loud group of the guests walked out onto the balustrade. Entwining his fingers with hers, Adam led them quietly down the shadowed stairs that lay to his right that went along the palace wall for a bit before curving smoothly into the vast palace gardens below. Once at the bottom Teela and Adam all but ran for the safety of the maze, the gravel crunching beneath their feet as they ran through it with no fear of being lost since they had played here time and time again as children, until they reached the center of the maze, where a large marble fountain stood, the forms carved into the stone were that of the Elders.
Teela sat down on the rim of the fountain, breathing deeply to calm her racing heart as she trailed her finger tips in the icy water. Adam stood beside her, looking up at the large, magnificent forms carved into the stone. Looking up at him, she saw the same pained expression she had seen so many days ago, when they had been sitting along side the Eternos river. Diverting her gaze towards the figures as well, she said nothing, waiting for him to continue when he felt he could.
"It.... hurt Teela. I tried to talk to him, told him how I felt and why it wouldn't be such a great idea to go along with what he had planned. I tried being rational. I tried being reasonable but I guess that was the day he decided to take my word as I said it. He translated the underlying meaning so to speak, which was of course 'go to hell'. All in all, he listened to everything I said yet he listened to nothing. He didn't care, Teela. He told me I was... I was...."
"What, Adam?" Teela asked softly, sharing her friend's pain as his eyes welled with tears she knew he'd never cry.
"I was... nothing. I mean, he didn't say those exact words but if you summed it all up, that's exactly what he meant. He told me I was.... incapable, without skills when it came to fighting and diplomacy and a coward. I know this may not seem like much to you, I mean, I hear it everyday...I...it's just.... I guess... what really hurts, you know, that gut wrenching, heart piercing kind of pain? Is that he wished I were some one else. He wished I wasn't his son."
"Adam." That single word seemed as if it had been taken from her because she had said it so softly. Looking at him this way, worrying his nails, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, a heart and soul filled with so much pain, tore her heart asunder. She couldn't stand to see him this way and know that there was nothing she could do. They had always been there for each other as children growing up. In fact, they had been each other's only friends and she could not stand feeling helpless, which is exactly how she felt right now. She could do nothing for her friend to make those words go away. They echoed in her mind as surely as they echoed in his own, in his heart, tearing at his soul piece by piece. Raising herself to her feet, she came behind him and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his back, trying to comfort him the only way she knew how. She squeezed him tightly when he rested his hands over hers.
"He said it so casually, as if it didn't matter, as if I didn't matter. After seventeen years you'd think that would mean something but in his book I guess it doesn't count. He was just so cold and remote. Listing off the reasons why I'd make a piss poor decision on a bride and an even worse king. He thought he was being so "magnanimous" and that's the word he used, about the whole thing. In short, I'm worthless and nothing, yet irreplaceable, if only by blood and royal decree. How'd we end up this way, Teela? Some times I dream about happier times, of course I was only a year or so and of course it's impossible for me to remember that far back but I do dream of happier times, when my father wasn't a king but... a father. It's as if he left that part of himself behind and... and me as well. If it wasn't for you, for Duncan or for my mother I don't know what would have become of me, especially you, Teela. Sometimes I feel as if I'm the only person alive in the world. I feel so alone, bottling it all up inside then you'll walk into the room and there's life again. Yeah, I know I'm depressed right now but would you believe me if I told you it was the truth? That without you, I'd have no life?"
"I know, Adam. I know all too well how you feel. I may have my father to turn to but... I do feel alone in this world. I remember the time we first met, we were both about six and you looked so sullen and mad at the same time because your father had put you under the tutelage of my father. However, from that moment on we always trained together, worked together and at times, fought together. Before that I had felt so alone. I had felt as if no one could understand me or my inner workings, yet you did and you even put up with all of my smart-alec comments and for that I thank you. I thank you for being my friend and I want you to know as long as we have each other we'll never be alone."
"Teela.... why can't people be more like you?"
"I'd say one of me is enough for this world."
"Yeah, guess so. I... I...."
"Hmm?"
"Nothing.... nothing." Releasing a sigh, Adam relaxed, squeezing her hands before closing his eyes and tilting them back. Silently adding, 'I love you, Teela. More than you'll ever know.'
AN: Wow! That's gotta be the longest chapter I've written for this fic, thirteen pages in all an' I know that might not seem much to those of you out there who write at least twenty page chapters but damn it! This is an accomplishment to me. Okay, any who, if you're wonderin' about Teela's and Adam's relationship right now, well, it hasn't evolved into anything other than really, really good friends at the moment but all in due time. We can't rush things now can we? Any who, if you have any idea how I can improve this fic or what you liked about this fic then don't hesitate to e- mail me or leave a review (Leaving reviews are nice. I like to see new reviews when I check my stats. Reviews are very good, very nice. They give me warm fuzzies an' make me want to write more.... jus' kiddin' but we are gettin' the picture aren't we?) Like I said, any suggestions are more than welcomed (that doesn't necessarily mean I'll use them), whether they're good or bad doesn't matter as long as you can back up what you say with some hard core proof. Okay, time to end this blurb, it's been goin' on way too long...