Chapter Four
"Penultimate"
He-Man was suddenly unaware of his location.
Skytree was blathering about how Good and Evil wouldn't leave him alone, and He-Man bade him farewell and walked off. But he was suddenly . . . no longer where he thought he was. Huge trees still loomed overhead, but they weren't the same ones from before. He was in a different place now, a place with no Skytree and he was almost sure he had left Eternia altogether.
And then he heard a noise. It was the sound of an old parchment in a book, being turned from one page to the next. He rushed towards the sound, one hand on the Power Sword and the near the hilt of the Sword of the Ancients.
In a nearby gully, sitting on a large, fallen and moss-covered branch was an old man. He wore a gray cloak and robe that covered his entire form. In his ancient hands was the book He-Man had heard. He-Man looked at the cover of the book and felt very odd at the sight.
It read:
"HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE
"SHE-RA: PRINCESS OF POWER
"THE NEW ADVENTURES OF HE-MAN
"HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE"
Each title was printed in large, golden words that scrolled across the cover. He-Man felt like shaking at the sight. He wasn't sure why, and none of it seemed to make sense. What was this book? Why was it here? Why was this man looking at it?
"Because he changed the story," said the old man.
"What?"
The old man looked up. "He changed the story. He planned for a different ending, but changed it at the last minute."
"Who changed it? Changed what?"
The old man waved his hand dismissively. "Nevermind, Rising Son. You won't remember this part anyways. The Fourth Wall stuff is always forgotten."
He-Man a strange sensation. He looked behind him and felt like someone was watching him. Or . . . rather . . . reading him.
"Have a seat," the old man told He-Man.
He-Man walked over, the sensation evaporating. He sat down next to the old man.
"You're Master?"
"Yes, I am. And we need to have a little chat before we get moving on this."
***
"This is insanity," Evil Lynn commented to Tri-Klops as the two stood back-to-back against those that just hours ago were allies.
"No kidding," he muttered in return, eyes unleashed blasts at their nearing opponents. "I don't think we'll make it out of this one."
"This was a poor plan from the beginning."
"But you went along with it. On your left."
Evil Lynn fired a beam in the direct Tri-Klops had indicated. "I went through with it because that's what Skeletor wanted."
Tri-Klops leaned back, one of his eyes looking over her shoulder. She fired a few more beams of power. "Do you always do what Skeletor wants?"
"We all have to," she grumbled.
"We're not going to survive this, Lynn."
Evil Lynn fired another wave at her enemies and then turned fully to Tri-Klops, whose eyes were firing on.
"What makes you say that?"
"I can see it."
For a brief moment, the battle around them paused. Evil Lynn stepped up, put her hand around the back of his head and pulled his forward towards her. The two kissed deeply and strongly. They broke just as another wave of attackers made for them.
"What was that for?" Tri-Klops asked, all three eyes wide.
"A reason to survive. I'll see you when this is over."
She flipped up into the air, and began to strike out at the opposing forces. Evil Lynn could never have conceived things going this poorly. She had actually deluded herself into thinking that this would work. That Skeletor could pull it off. But it was the betrayal of King Hiss that did her in. That did them all in.
It was then, in the middle of combat, that Evil Lynn realized something. Ever since Skeletor was taken by Hordak to Etheria, Locus was no where to be found. The orchestrater of this whole event had completely vanished.
***
Much to He-Man's surprise, the book in Master's hands faded away, and He-Man began to forget what the title of the book even was . . .
"So, what did you want to chat about?"
Master smiled and took a deep breath into his old lungs. "You are not the first, nor are the last, of a long line of guardians and guides. Myself and the Ancients, the Council of Elders, and now you. We have fought for the balance of good and evil here on Eternia, whether it was in the form of good or in the form of evil. More often than not, it has been in the form of good, because evil swells into shape before good even thinks to.
"These guardianship and guidance roles has existed since the long before First Age, in the days of Preternia and before the splitting on the world. The First Ones, who we named, were not the first powers of Eternia, though we are not aware of any before them. We Ancients followed in succession. After us came the Council of Elders – and it was there the first guardian of Grayskull arose."
He-Man nodded. "He-Ro. Prince Gray, the long-lost heir to Eternos."
"The Elders gave him a powerful weapon – the Staff of Power. It allowed him great power and great strength and he fought evil until his death. He was the Rising Son, just as you are now."
"I don't understand that name," He-Man confessed.
"You are rising against evil as a son of men. He-Man, you were not foreseen by anyone. It was by pure shock and surprise by both the Elders and we Ancients that you and your sister were even born. But as soon as you were born, we all knew that great destinies were laid out before the both of you. You and Adora came from out of a nexus of events – the children of the royal family, Marlena of Earth, the lineage of King Gray, the Horde, and Zodac."
"Zodac? What does he have to do with any of this?"
Master made an emotionless expression. "There are still truths to be revealed at a different time. Trust me. In the meantime, you and your sister took up the Swords of Power and Protection, becoming the guardians of Grayskull and Eternia. He-Man . . . you and your allies are the next Ancients, the next Elders. For centuries beyond, you will become legend and myth."
"How can you know that?"
Master smiled. "When you have two children that can travel through time, you get the chance to learn a lot of things. But He-Man, listen to me, you very important in the destiny of Eternia. Eternia is forever and you are its guardian of good. You are bound by the power of Castle Grayskull – the power of the Ancients, the power of the Elders, and the power within you."
"Within me?"
"Your spirit, pure and true, given flesh and manifestation. You are strong, you are loyal, and hopeful, and responsible, courageous and true. You are HE who is the MAN. You are He-Man, most powerful man . . . in the universe."
***
The afternoon sun was quickly passing along in the sky, and the group settled at the edge of an apparently abandoned and quite old village. Neither Teela nor Marlena knew of this place – it was on no map, nor was a part of any one kingdom. It looked at least twenty years abandoned and the longer they stayed there, the more Teela suspected it was probably evacuated during the Horde War and the residents either didn't survive or chose not to return. Whatever the case – it was their temporary home now.
Everyone wanted She-Ra to stay in a nearby house, but it was so hot in these late spring months that she had insisted to stay outside. The house had a deck and that's where She-Ra nestled, hand rubbing her bloated belly.
"How are you feeling?" asked SeaHawk, who sat on the deck stairs, looking out carefully into the woods beyond the road into the village.
"Uncomfortable, but . . ."
It was then Teela came walking onto the deck, a knapsack swung across her shoulder. "I was able to find some supplies," she said, giving a smile to the obviously miserable She-Ra.
Marlena walked out of the house. "I've got a bed set-up in there, sweetie," she told She-Ra. She had been mothering She-Ra, but was careful not to overdo to keep the secret safe. Teela and SeaHawk took note of it, but assumed it was because of the Princess of Power's condition and nothing else.
"Thanks," She-Ra replied, dying to say 'Mom.'
Marlena smiled and gripped She-Ra's shoulder affectionately, then looked to Teela. "Are you ready to play mid-wife, Teela?"
Teela's eyes widened with shock. ". . . What?"
She-Ra groaned. "Oh no."
The Captain of the Royal Guard looked over at her, offended. So much for an amicable relationship. "Excuse me?"
"No, it's not you," snapped She-Ra honestly. "I don't want to do this. I don't want to give birth. I don't want this at all."
SeaHawk smiled. "What's wrong? Don't think you can handle the pain?"
She-Ra shot him the worst look he had ever received from a woman in his entire life. And that was most definitely saying something.
"Eep. Sorry."
Just then, Battle-Cat and Swift-Wind (who had both been grazing in a nearby field) sprung to their feet, and marched over to the run-down house.
"What is it?" asked Teela, noting the pair's defensive postures.
"Something's out there," Swift-Wind replied with a grim tone, his wings unfolding upon his back.
She-Ra grabbed hold of her Sword of Protection and struggled to her feet. The others each grabbed a weapon.
"She-Ra, get inside," Teela ordered. "You too, your highness."
"I don't think so," Marlena replied, stepping in front of She-Ra. "But you, She-Ra, go."
"No," She-Ra replied. "I'm the most powerful - "
Before she could continue, an alarming amount of loud beeps came from the Zactons. They all suddenly pulled back from the loose perimeter they had formed. They circled around the house, most of them grouping around She-Ra and the gang on the deck.
And then . . . everything went silent. No one moved from their stance, none of the Zactons made any sort of change in their position, and everyone stood in place. A strange and ominous breeze moved out from the forest, then, and the crunching of sticks, leaves, and plants was heard.
Locus appeared suddenly, staff in his hands.
"Found you," he cackled.
The Zactons jumped into action, moving swiftly towards the evil wizard. Lasers were produced, shooting at him. Locus lifted his staff and the beams were immediately deflected away from him. All forty-eight of them were mobilized, charging towards Locus and tearing up the grass along their way.
"The Spirit of Evil's power over Eternia itself grows by the hour," Locus commented.
As soon as the Zactons neared him, the ground rumbled and suddenly – to the group's horror – a great gap opened up beneath the Zactons' wheels. They went falling beeping into the abyss below.
Locus then proceeded to float over the abyss and arrived at the other side, where he began to walk towards the house.
Battle-Cat and Swift-Wind were the first. Battle-Cat sprung from the ground, teeth bared and claws out. Swift-Wind was in the air and was heading towards Locus like a bullet. Locus was too fast though. He slammed the end of his staff against the belly of the tiger and it resulted in energy streams blasting off from the impact. He then spun around and struck Swift-Wind in head, the same effect occurring. He fell next to the struck-down Battle-Cat.
Teela was in the air, her leg outstretched for a kick. Locus moved with lightning-fast speed and was able to send his staff sailing towards Teela. Much to his surprise, Teela blocked it with her snake-head staff. He was thrown backwards, but didn't leave his feet.
The Captain of the Royal Guard charged towards him, but Locus threw his hand out. Teela was stopped in the mid-run, and was suddenly pushed backward. She slammed into a tree and fell unconscious.
SeaHawk and Marlena opened fire, using laser-fire against Locus. The laser beams vanished as soon as they came within inches of him. Two energy beams fired from his fingers, and both Marlena and SeaHawk were down for the count.
She-Ra stepped forward, Sword of Protection raised in her somewhat swollen fingers. "No farther, Locus."
"Hahaha! Please!"
"I am She-Ra, champion of Castle Grayskull and wielder of the Sword of Protection! Step no farther and I shall spare your life!" she yelled without any effect on him.
Locus was now within striking distance of She-Ra. His staff swung forward, heading right towards her belly. She-Ra threw her sword into the way, completely blocking the attack. But Locus used this to his advantage. He launched a palm-first punch right to She-Ra's head.
She fell backwards, her body stinging. The Sword of Protection tumbled to the ground. Her whole body felt suddenly weak, and Procrustus was kicking up a storm inside her womb. The blow must have been enchanted somehow.
"Time to fail and die, you little cow."
And then – a beam of light struck Locus. He yelled and crumbled back from She-Ra. She-Ra took the opportunity and managed to pull herself to her feet. She looked for Locus' attacker and promised herself that even if it were Hordak, they would get a huge hug.
"Only a wizard can defeat a wizard," said the voice of Malik. At his side was Karin
Locus ignored She-Ra and stepped off the deck and made for the pair. Karin didn't move, but Malik took a step forward, staff pointed outwards.
"You're nothing but a child," snarled Locus.
"No. I was. I grew up."
Locus roared a spell and moved his staff harshly in the direction of Malik. An invisible force was fired from it, and went towards Malik. Malik knew this and also knew its counter (few did). He spun his staff around in front of him and that force was suddenly under his command.
Malik pointed his staff in the same manner at Locus. Locus was shocked as it was pulled from his very fingers and went sailing towards Malik. As the staff came closer, Malik lifted his staff up. Locus' staff shattered, and the pieces fell to the ground, all and any power within dead.
"NO!" cried Locus.
Energy danced from Locus' fingers and struck Karin. She screamed and tumbled back. Before Malik could do anything, the same energy struck Malik and he was on the ground as well, unable to muster a defense.
Locus was about to turn back to She-Ra –
When a fist struck him in the face. Locus reeled back, She-Ra standing there, in all her pregnant glory. With a sudden strength and grace unknown, She-Ra delivered a number of kicks to Locus in the chest. She then swung around onto the other foot let him have a roundhouse kick. She leaned forward and punched him in the head once more.
As Locus went to recover, She-Ra was in motion. She made for the deck and the Sword of Protection. With shocking little struggle, she lifted the Sword of Protection.
"IT'S OVER!" Locus screamed, and pure energy fuming from his clenched fists.
"NO!" returned She-Ra. She lifted the Sword of Protection into the air. "FOR THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL!"
The energy leapt from Locus' hands and went to She-Ra's form. But it came short, striking against a invisible power that was rippling from both She-Ra and her Sword of Protection.
"I AM SHE-RA!" she cried in that great moment. Her whole body glowed, the light warm and powerful. Locus stood dumbstruck, fear gripping his heart. She was powerful, yes, but also very beautiful. He could feel himself growing weak before her.
"No . . ." he gasped.
She-Ra pointed her glowing sword right at him.
"And you . . . are finished," she concluded.
The power she was producing awoke the others and Teela, Marlena, SeaHawk, Malik, Karin, Battle-Cat, and Swift-Wind watched as She-Ra took on Locus. From the Sword of Protection, a beam of incredible power was unleashed.
It struck Locus and the evil wizard was overcome in the surge against his body and mind. He yelled out in shock and anger. He fell onto his back, in a terrible and deep sleep.
The energy around She-Ra faded and she almost fell over.
SeaHawk grabbed her, and held her steady. "Are you okay?" he asked. "What just happened?"
"He was going to kill my baby," She-Ra muttered, exhaustion taking hold.
"Good thing you should up when you did," Teela said to Malik.
"The Spirit of Evil nearly killed us. We had to let it think it did or Locus would have been prepared," replied Malik, checking on Karin. She was fine.
"They're bonded," Karin explained.
"Not anymore," She-Ra replied, taking a seat in the chair on the deck.
"The Zactons are gone," Teela commented, gazing at the abyss.
"What now?" asked Battle-Cat.
"AH! SHIT!"
Everyone turned around to see the origin of the exasperation. She-Ra was standing now, and there was a small puddle between her feet.
"Uh-oh," gasped Marlena.
"What in the hell happened?" asked SeaHawk.
"My water just broke. No more teases. I'm going into labor."
***
"When you reach the center of Eternia, He-Man, you are the only one that can summon the Ancients. You alone." The Master turned fully to He-Man. "Now that I have told you all that, you may ask what you came here to ask."
"Will join me in the battle against the Spirit of Evil and the restoration of Eternia?"
Master smiled and shook He-Man's hand. "Just try and stop me."
