Chapter X: Gnosis
LORD SKELETOR'S JOURNAL
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR OF MY ATTEMPT TO ENTER CASTLE GRAYSKULL
After sixteen years of being on Primus I have returned to Eternia, the planet has become a disaster area and Hordak rules with an iron fist,
But out of all the changes that have happened the most shocking revelation is the fact that He-Man and She-Ra my two greatest enemies the ones who stand between me and the Secrets of Grayskull are Randor's children, this means one thing my revenge on Randor WILL be carried out. Hordak may have killed the king but I will kill the kids and once their gone, Grayskull will be mine.
While those fools are busy playing with Hordak, I snuck off to Castle Grayskull and now stand at the threshold of my destiny.
I am inches away from the secrets of the universe and it's beautiful, boundless power. Power that I will control and harness, power to crush my enemies, exact my revenge on those who tried to destroy me, and power enough to make me the immortal ruler of the cosmos!
He-Man has probably already figured out that I am at Grayskull, but by the time he arrives it will be too late and he will have no choice but to be destroyed as I become one with the secrets of Grayskull and fulfill my birthright as ruler of Eternia and the universe!
PRINCE ADAM'S JOURNAL
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR OF MY ATTEMPT TO ENTER CASTLE GRAYSKULL
After a moment of resting I was back to normal, She-Ra had left to take care of Hordak which left me to deal with Skeletor, but he had vanished.
I knew where he was heading, Castle Grayskull, he was going to take advantage of the chaos to enter the castle and gain its secrets. I had to stop or else all is lost.
I decided to take the shortcut to the castle by going through the back roads and hopefully ambushing Skeletor before he gets there, I just hope he has not made there before me.
PRINCESS ADORA'S DIARY
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF THE HORDE'S CONQUEST OF ETHERIA
I followed Hordak into the tower, I knew that he had to be stopped or else Eternia was doomed.
The Tower was dark and seemed like it hasn't been inhabited in centuries, everything seemed normal. The Tower was filled with all sorts of computer consoles and screens even eons ago Eternia's Technology was amazing.
As I was looking around, I was knocked off my feet by an explosion, when the smoke cleared I got to my feet and looked up to see the terrifying visage of Hordak before me.
"Greetings Princess Adora," he said with an evil smile, "ever since mommy dearest told me who you were my mind has been filled with revenge! Revenge against you my daughter," he said as held out his hand beckoning me to him.
"I am not your daughter, your 'son' took me from my parents," I snapped as I drew my sword and charged at the Ruthless Leader with a fury I did not know I had, I guess it was that comment he said about me being his daughter, which at one time I was told that was true since all members of the Horde are his 'children', but since I learned that Prahvus, an Eternian warlord who believed himself to be the son of Hordak, took me from my real family I have tried to forget about that time, and the fact he would call me that, thinking I still served him made me mad and gave me the energy needed to fight back.
"You will be always a daughter of the Horde," he retorted as he drew forth his blade and countered my attack.
We fought for hours, our swords clanging, I wanted to kill Hordak for what he did to mother and father and for learning my secrets but that is not my way, I just hope He-Man remembers that.
PRINCESS GLIMMER'S JOURNAL
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF THE HORDE'S CONQUEST OF ETHERIA
I looked around the planet, in awe of the carnage that has taken place. It reminds of what Hordak did to villages who failed to pay their taxes.
There were buildings burned; corpses on the streets; and the smell of death lingering in the air, it makes wonder what these people were thinking in their last thoughts; did they fight to protect their homes or were they filled with despair and decided that they had no desire to fight and surrendered.
While I was thinking, I heard a voice cry for help; I looked around and saw Lizzor and Staghorn, two of Brakk's thugs hauling Gwildor off somewhere. I knew that I had to help him but how, I was outnumbered, then it hit me.
I teleported behind them, it had taken a lot of out of me but I knew that I had to save him. I tapped Lizzor on the shoulder and said with a wry smile "Hello boys, is that Phenorian or are you just happy to see me?"
The Reptilian reject turned around and yelled "Hey it's Etherian Princess, get her!" before they could move I hit them with a light blast. While they were stunned and blinded I took Gwildor and ran back to camp.
We were just starting to run when I saw Staghorn charge after us, we ran faster but just as we reached the exit of Brakk's camp, I felt him ram into my back and I went flying through the air. I tried to use my powers to land safely, but I was too weak form using them earlier and hit the wall, the last thing I saw was Staghorn coming towards me after that everything went black.
When I came to, I found myself in a bunker lying on the cot; I looked up and saw the smiling face of mother looking at me.
"Mother! I'm so happy to see you!" I shouted as sat up and gave her a hug, the sight of seeing mother made me feel better.
"I'm glad to see you too my child," she said as she kissed my forehead, she seemed weary as if she was in a battle but still determined to fight.
As we broke our embrace, my mind raced back to the battle and Gwildor, "mother what happened to Gwildor, that little being that was with me?" I asked scared of what the answer might be.
"I'm afraid, honey, that he died. I tried to save him but I was too late, I'm sorry my daughter," she said in a somber tone of voice.
Even though I did not him very well, the thought of his death made me sad. I hate the thought of any being losing there lives, but at least if he's dead Brakk won't learn the secrets of the Cosmic Key.
Mother could tell I was sad and hugged me, "I know it's hard losing a comrade, but as you know this is the reality of war," she said sadly.
I nodded and after that mother left so I could rest, I laid staring up at the ceiling for several hours thinking about all that happened before I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
When I woke up, mother had returned and was smiling, "How are you feeling?" she asked me.
I told that I was better and was ready to help out; she told that she could use my help in the medical tents, so I got up and followed her to the tents to begin helping her.
PRINCE ADAM'S JOURNAL
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF MY ATTEMPT TO ENTER CASTLE GRAYSKULL
After what seemed to be an eternity, I finally reached Castle Grayskull only to find that Skeletor has already entered it.
I walked up to the edge of the cliff to find the draw bridge opened, Skeletor must have beaten me here. I walked across the bridge and entered the castle hoping to stop my nemesis before it is too late.
I searched the corridors of Grayskull for hours with no sign of Skeletor, maybe he hadn't arrived yet and there was still time to stop him. While I was thinking I heard a scream coming from the Throne Room, the Sorceress was in danger.
I rushed as quick as I could to the throne room, when I reached the room I found the Sorceress imprisoned in an energy prison and Skeletor sitting upon her throne.
"Greetings He-Man, you're just in time to witness me to fulfill my destiny as King of Grayskull and possessor of its powers," he cackled madly as he rose from his throne.
At those words, the Sorceress, who seemed to be aging, turned towards Skeletor and said, "Men who thirst for power look back at the evils they have done, gather them up and say it is their destiny. Be warned Keldor your destiny will be your downfall"
"Be silent witch!" Skeletor shouted at her as he aimed his Skull Staff at her and drained her of her powers, "I have waited years for this moment and no amount of your philosophy will stop me!" he exclaimed as he stepped down to face me.
I drew my sword, "your evil ends here Skeletor," I said as I swung my sword at him
"Never!" he yelled as he blocked my strike with his staff, "this is my birthright and no one shall deny me what is truly mine," he sneered as he tried to zap me with his staff which I blocked.
The battle for Castle Grayskull had begun.
PRINCESS ADORA'S DIARY
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF THE HORDE'S CONQUEST OF ETHERIA
Hordak and I have been battling for over an hour, our swords clanging as we try to end this battle once and for all.
"Horde Prime will return!" Hordak said as swung his sword at me; he was more powerful than I realized but powerful or not I had a job to do.
"Never!" I yelled as I blocked his movements, I was determined to prevent him carrying out his evil scheme.
Our swords clashed and clanged in the small room of the tower, each of us was determined to win and neither of us would back down until one of us was dead.
Suddenly, as the duel was its fiercest, Hordak stopped fighting and ran up the steps and vanished without saying a word.
I was dumfounded, why was Hordak stop just when the battle was at it's worst, I thought about for a minute, then it hit me.
"Oh no!" I gasped as ran up the steps after him, I just hope I am not too late!
CAPTAIN BOW'S LOGBOOK
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF THE HORDE'S CONQUEST OF ETHERIA
The battle has been fierce, many honorable men and women have died defending this world.
He-Man has gone to Grayskull to face off with Skeletor while She-Ra went into the tower to deal with Hordak leaving me with Brakk. I thought this would be easy but it was not.
I ordered a battalion of Etherian Honor Guards to take Brakk by surprise in hopes of gaining the upper hand; everything was going well until halfway through.
"Okay Brakk, surrender or else?" I threatened as I readied my bow ready to fell the Denebrian Warlord, it was then my heart stopped.
Two of Brakk's men had brought out platform and strapped to platform was Glimmer, she was obviously frightened.
"Let her go Brakk!" I ordered as aimed my bow at him; if he didn't let her go I would drive an arrow through his heart.
Brakk stood still for a second and said, "Order your men to retreat and the Princess goes free."
"What if I refuse?" I asked worriedly still pointing the arrow at his heart; I was worried what those fiends would do to her.
"Refuse and she is no more," he said maniacally as he produced a hypodermic needle and held it to her neck and smiled.
My heart stopped I did not know what do, if I surrender Brakk and his mutants could easily conquer Eternia and if I don't they'll kill Glimmer, Oh gods above help me in this matter!
PRINCESS GLIMMER'S DIARY
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF THE HORDE'S CONQUEST OF ETHERIA
War affects everyone, even those who are neutral and who wish help those who are need in help are considered targets.
I was busy helping mother tend to some wounded soldiers, thousands of men and women had been wounded in the battle and I decided to volunteer along with mother by helping her care for the troops.
We had just got done putting a cast on young boy who had volunteered to fight in this battle. His parents were killed when the Horde invaded Eternia and he had signed up in hopes of avenging their deaths.
While mother was talking to him, I had decided to see if anyone needed aid on the field. I had told mother my plan to which she said "be careful dear", I told her that I would be and left the tent.
From what Adora told me, Eternia used to be a beautiful place but Hordak has turned it into a war zone. The once lovely city of Eternos has been turned into a concentration camp and all across the planet the Horde has installed its iron fisted rule and those who dare oppose them are destroyed.
As I was helping to transport some wounded troops, I felt something cold wrap around my waist, I turned around and saw Brakk Slushhead standing in front of me.
"Let go of me you overgrown squid," I yelled as he tried to free myself but Slushhead's grip was too strong.
"I wouldn't fight if I were you, Slushhead is only using a fraction of his strength, at full strength he could break you in half like a dried branch," The Lord of Denebria said laughing.
"What do you plan do with me?" I asked him as I fought to free myself, I continued to fight to break free until Slushhead tightened his grip on me making it harder for me to breath and forcing me to stop.
"What do I plan to do with you my dear? Simple, you're my bargaining chip. I will use you to ensure that your friends surrender," he said as he snapped his finger, at the sound of which Slushhead released me sending me crashing to the ground.
Before I could push myself up from the ground, Slushhead grabbed me, I tried to break free but even his natural strength was too great for me. He then laid me on a platform and strapped me down to it.
"Take our guest to the prison," he said as Slushhead transported me away.
I could not see how far away we were going, but after a short distance I heard a door opening. Slushhead then removed the platform from the transporter and threw me in the room and locked the door.
It was dark in the room, I've been scared of the dark ever since I was a little girl and to make matters worse it was cold and I had nothing but the clothes on my back to keep me warm.
The Eternian Prophet Eldor said "The worst torture a person can endure is his own imagination," I believe that now, as I lay here in the dark my mind is busy concocting what horrible fate awaits me at the hand of Brakk. The horrors I have imagined have me so terrified that I want to kill myself but my arms and legs are tied to the slab and therefore am powerless to do anything.
After awhile light filled the chamber once more and Slushhead came in, "You have a date with Brakk, little lady," he said as he picked up the slab, placed on the gurney and carried me out to the battlefield.
He placed the slab upright, I could see Brakk and Bow standing in a face off. My love had a look of terror and hatred on his face, he was worried about me and to tell the truth I'm worried about what's going to happen next.
The Lord of Nordor took a needle from a small table he had brought out and filled it with some liquid and held to my neck, "Well Etherian, what is your choice?" he asked Bow with an evil smile on his face.
Bow just stood there with a confident smile on his face; Brakk was getting nervous and didn't know what Bow was smiling at.
"YOU DARE MOCK ME!" he shouted at Bow agitated, "your arrogance will cost you dearly!" he said as he took the needle and stuck it in my neck.
Tears of pain rolled down my cheeks, the pain was unbearable finally after what seemed to be an eternity Brakk yanked it out of my neck and smiled at me.
"Denebrian Hemorrhagic Fever, a terrible way to die. First you began to sweat uncontrollably so much so that you get dehydrated, then you get thirsty but nothing you drink stays down but you can't expel from your stomach as the mechanism in the brain that controls vomiting is shut down giving you severe stomach cramps, finally you organs began to bleed profusely it builds up in your lungs preventing you from breathing, and finally you die from drowning in your bodily fluids" he said with an evil smile on his face.
My fate was sealed, I wish that just one last time I could kiss Bow before I go then I could die happy if I could feel happiness in the midst of my suffering.
CAPTAIN BOW'S LOGBOOK
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF THE HORDE'S CONQUEST OF ETHERIA
That monster, he injected Glimmer with some virus in my rage, I wanted that monster to pay for what he done and I wouldn't stop until he was dead!
I fired an arrow at him but he snatched it from the air with his Laser Whip, this continued for a while until I drew my sword and charged at him.
"You miserable meal worm, you will pay for your arrogance!" he shouted as he wrapped his whip around my throat and forced me to my knees.
"You're the one whose going to pay" I said as I grabbed the whip, it burned my hands but pain was secondary to my mission of saving Glimmer and making Brakk pay for what he had done, and forced Brakk to his knees.
The warlord was terrified by my anger and fled as soon as he got his feet, "You haven't seen last of me!" he hissed as he slithered away like a snake.
Once he had left, I rushed over to where Glimmer was and released her; she looked at me and gently placed her hand on my cheek, "Bow, I love you" she whispered as she wretched trying to vomit but couldn't, she was in unbearable agony.
I took off my cape and wiped away the sweat on her brow, she was suffering from the chills; "save your strength Glimmer" I told her as I took out my canteen and put it to her lips. She took a sip and started to moan and hold her stomach, she tried to vomit but she could not expel what was making her sick.
After a few moments she began to gasp for breath, she acting like she was drowning she was enduring pain worse than I could imagine, finally she spoke to me, "Bow, before I die would you kiss me my love" she said weakly.
I leaned closer to her until our lips touched and kissed passionately. Tears flowed down my cheeks during that embrace. After we kissed, Glimmer gasped one last time for breath, grabbed the collar of my shirt, smiled at me and closed her eyes for the last time.
"Glimmer don't leave me!" I yelled as I gently laid her on the ground but it was too late Glimmer was dead.
Later that day I buried her marking the grave only with a flower, "farewell my sweet Glimmer," I whispered as I walked away from the grave, one day I will see her again when I pass into the next world and once again feel her arms around me and our lips touching in a loving embrace, until then I must continue to fight!
LORD SKELETOR'S JOURNAL
18th DAY IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF MY ATTEMPT TO ENTER CASTLE GRAYSKULL
Destiny is a fickle mistress; she single-handedly picks out the strongest and most ruthless of beings and gives them anything they want while she crushes the weak and useless.
All my life I have been the strong one, I survived death twice only to come back more powerful first when Randor splashed the acid on my face and second when He-Man threw me into the power generator, now Destiny will give me what I want: Grayskull.
For hours I have fought He-Man through the corridors of Grayskull, the Sorceress is my prisoner and now the only thing standing me and the Secrets of Grayskull is my accursed enemy.
We were now on a bridge deep within the bowels of the castle, the drop from this bridge would kill anyone and soon it will kill He-Man.
"You will never get Grayskull's secrets," He-Man threatened as he swung his sword in the air which I blocked.
"Grayskull is my destiny," I shouted as I blasted him with my Skull Staff sending him falling from the bridge.
With He-Man out of the picture I continued my journey to find the Secrets of Grayskull, after about an hour of walking I came to large door it was shaped like a skull with a slot above the eyes, no doubt behind this door lays Grayskull's Secrets but to get in I will need He-Man's sword.
Just then the hero returns battered and bruised, he looks at me and says, "You'll go no further Skeletor!"
"That's what you think, fool," I yelled as I zapped him causing his sword to fly from his hand and land right next to my feet. I picked up the sword at long last victory was in my grasp.
"Skeletor! Stop you don't know what you doing," He-Man yelled as got to his feet but he was too late.
"I know exactly what I'm doing," I said placed the sword in the skull. The eyes lit up and the jaw opened up, in a matter of seconds of I would posses the secrets and power of the cosmos and no can stop me.