Talk To Me

Chapter One

Disclaimer: "He-Man and The Masters of the Universe", their characters, and concepts are the property of Mattel.

A/N: Part III of The Lysia Saga. This story takes place after the events in "The Return of Lysia."

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Teela was back at Dragon Rock. This time, Shadow not only shot her … but King Randor and Queen Marlena as well. The parade ground was filled with panicked soldiers and onlookers running to and fro for cover, the air filled with their screams.

All at once, the wounded Queen Marlena pointed an accusing finger at Teela and said with her last breath, "HOW COULD YOU?" The entire crowd -- King Randor, distinguished VIPs, and guards alike --- eventually joined in chorus, each pointing an accusing finger at Teela … How COULD you? How COULD you…?

Teela suddenly sat bolt upright in bed, gasping for breath, her face drenched in sweat. Make it stop … PLEASE, she thought. I can't take much more of this.

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"You wished to speak to me, Your Highness?" Teela was in the Queen's Sewing Room, standing at parade rest before Queen Marlena. The Sewing Room was just adjacent to the Royal Bedchamber, serving as an anteroom of sorts. It was here that Queen Marlena spoke to guests in private.

"Yes, Teela," said The Queen. She was sitting at her vanity. "What troubles you?" she said softly.

" 'Troubles', Your Highness?"

"You haven't been … yourself … since you awoke from your coma three weeks ago," said The Queen. "You seem … withdrawn."

" 'Withdrawn' … how?"

"Adam hardly ever sees you anymore," said The Queen. "If you're not on patrol, you're working late into the night. You've been running yourself ragged." The Queen paused. "Not only that, you haven't hardly eaten in almost five days."

"I've eaten, Your Highness," Teela protested. "I just haven't been hungry."

"Some raisins here, a piece of fruit there … that isn't healthy," The Queen replied. "This isn't you." The Queen paused. "Something's troubling you … what is it?"

"I … don't want to talk about it," said Teela, looking downcast towards the floor. "It's … personal."

"Teela, I want you to take a temporary leave of absence," said The Queen. "Take as much time as you need. You need help … and I want to see that you get it."

"I'm fine … really," Teela protested.

"You're NOT fine," The Queen countered. "I don't want to be placed in the position of having to take more … DRASTIC measures."

"Drastic measures," Teela thought. I'm assuming she means having me relieved of my command. "Yes, Your Highness," Teela said with a sigh. "I will do as you say … and take a temporary leave of absence."

"Good," said The Queen. "Dismissed."

Teela bowed slightly, turned around on one heel, and walked out the door.

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"She wants me … to take a temporary leave of absence," said Teela. She and Orko were standing in the Royal Garden.

"You haven't been … yourself … lately," said Orko. "What's wrong?"

"I … don't want to talk about it," said Teela.

"You can tell ME…"

"Thanks…" said Teela. "…But you wouldn't understand."

"Can't you talk to someone? Like maybe a counselor?"

"If I talked to a counselor, I would be putting my career at risk," Teela replied. "I see it happen all the time. Someone talks to a counselor, within weeks they're given a psych discharge out of the service." Teela paused. "I love what I do. I love being a soldier. I don't want to leave the Guard."

"Aren't they supposed to keep things confidential?"

"Under normal circumstances, yes," said Teela. "There's something you need to know about the Guard … officially and legally, I am the Property of the Crown. I and every other member of the Guard become as much when we enlist. All the normal protections most people take for granted -- freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, doctor-patient confidentiality, what-have-you -- do NOT apply to me. Everything I say in a counseling session will be reported to my superiors … and ultimately, to the Queen. As far as the Guard is concerned, I might as well be a Wind Raider with a broken fuel line."

"Have you tried talking to Man-At-Arms?"

"He talked to me," Teela replied. "I didn't tell him anything. I didn't tell him anything for the reason I just told you … if I told him, I would be putting my career at risk."

"But … he's not a counselor…"

"So long as I remain within the walls of this Palace, I am putting my career at risk," Teela paused. "I don't want to take a chance on being overheard."

An idea suddenly hit Orko. "Why don't you talk to The Sorceress…?"

"NO!" Teela interjected sharply. "I don't want to bother her. Besides, I don't want her to see me like this … I'm a nervous WRECK!" Teela paused. "Give me a few days … I'll be OK."

"Okay," said Orko weakly. Now I'm DEFINITELY talking to The Sorceress, he thought. If ANYONE can get through to Teela, SHE can.