NOTE: I don't know what the hell is up with lately, but I can't get the stupid divider up. I'll be putting up "XXXX" instead, even though it's going to look stupid. Shit.

JUNE

"Foundations"

Part Three

He-Man arrived at North Eternos in short order. What he found, though, was trouble.

"We haven't heard from Man-At-Arms or any of the others since they arrived at Fisto's property," Johanna told He-Man after he landed at the Palace.

"What do you think happened?"

"I'm not sure," Johanna replied. Truthfully, she was as uncertain about He-Man as she was about the situation with the attacking party.

He-Man nodded. "I'll head over to Fisto's newly established little 'kingdom,' then, and figure out just what happened to them."

"I'll gather some more soldiers and have them meet you out there."

"Good idea."

He-Man rushed back over to his Sky Sled and took off. The Sky Sled zoomed through the clear blue sky, tearing its way back over to Fisto's. He fought back the uncertainty he felt about facing Skeletor again as he raced to his destination. After what happened last time, he was feeling vulnerable.

After a few more minutes of introspection, He-Man landed the Sky Sled near a group of Royal Soldiers – the same that had accompanied Man-At-Arms.

"What's the situation?" asked He-Man as he approached them.

"Skeletor and his Evil Warriors are inside the property lines. Man-At-Arms and the others went on ahead of us and we haven't heard back since then. We heard some fighting, but we were ordered to stay put until you arrived," Commander Green replied.

"Good job, Commander," He-Man responded. He was suddenly unsure if he was allowed to boss them around or not. "There are a few units coming here from the North Eternos Palace. Remain here and wait for them. Unless the Evil Warriors step across the property line or there is some other form of aggression, I want all of you to remain here for thirty minutes after the reinforcements show up. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

He-Man saluted the Commander, then walked along the main trail to the property. He could see Fisto's house up on its hill. Nearby was the barn – though the animals were all tied up on the other side of the property. Hover Robots were circling the barn as well, but other than that, there seemed to be no other indication that Skeletor was around.

He-Man walked onto the property and as soon as he did, he heard a dull 'thoom' coming from behind the house. This was followed by a rather high-pitched whine, accompanying a blur of red, silver, and green that arched into the sky.

Something then impacted mere feet in front of He-Man, sending up clouds of dust and dirt. He-Man coughed and unsheathed his Power Sword.

A small man only 2/3 He-Man's size emerged from a small crater. He wore a red hide and silver shoulder armor and helmet.

"And you are?" asked He-Man, coughing a little.

"They call me Ram-Man."

"For obvious reasons, I see."

"You're not supposed to be here."

He-Man smirked a little. "Let me pass, Ram-Man. I'm on an urgent mission."

"Mission? Ha! Mission to ruin Eternia, maybes. 'Sides, I owe Fisto."

"What for?"

"This!"

Ram-Man jumped at He-Man and his helmeted head slammed right into He-Man's stomach. He-Man went flying back, a massive bruise on his abs. He-Man rubbed the injury and slowly stood up.

"I'm surprised you're able ta stand up after that," Ram-Man grunted. "But, uh, I guess I shouldn't be after hearin' you're the terror of Eternia and alls."

"Who told you that? Fisto?"

"Nah, that Skeletor guy that was with him. Fisto agreed with him. Sorta."

"Sorta?"

"Doesn't matter, you. All that matters is that I stop you."

Ram-Man launched himself at He-Man once again. He-Man, however, was faster. With a strong and swift punch, Ram-Man went flying into the opposite direction, crashing into a massive tree.

He-Man rushed over to the barn, ready for anything. His last encounter with Skeletor's group had taught him well.

Shield at the ready, he hacked and slashed his way though the dozen Hover Robots.

He-Man then smashed the doors to the barn down. His blue eyes looked around, catching the sight of his allies in cages – King Randor, Man-At-Arms, Teela, Mekaneck, Stratos, Buzz-Off, Man-E-Faces, and Roboto. These weren't ordinary cages, though. They each were equipped with a powerful force generator, keeping those inside from even being able to touch the bars.

"Not another step, He-Man," Fisto said, stepping out from the shadows.

"My fight is not with you, Fisto," He-Man said to him.

"How am I supposed to know that? I don't know who you are. King Randor certainly hasn't told anyone about you. Nor have you made yourself public. I know more about Skeletor than I do about you."

"You don't know as much as you think about Skeletor, Lord Fisto. If you did, you wouldn't be facing me down."

"I know he gave me this," Fisto stated, lifting his new fist.

"Maybe, but only as a gift, right? Incentive? Fisto, did you truly believe that Skeletor would let you live and thrive here after he's won?"

Fisto shrugged. "Eternia is at war. I went with the side I knew more about."

"You want to know more about me?" questioned He-Man. "Fine."

Much to everyone's surprise, He-Man dropped his shield and the Sword of Power. He stepped forward, away from both weapons.

"My name is He-Man. To protect my friends and my family, I can not tell you my real name. I will tell you that I am a champion of Castle Grayskull and am one with its power. Within Castle Grayskull lies a vast and amazing source of power and energy. If Skeletor were to gain entry into Castle Grayskull, then I'm not sure if any of us would survive."

Fisto looked to his fist.

"I . . . I am not sure."

"He speaks the truth, Fisto," Randor suddenly shouted from his cage. "You are an honorable man. You know that Skeletor is headed north to Castle Grayskull."

"Castle Grayskull is a myth," Fisto responded.

"You know it's not," He-Man countered. "I come to you weaponless, Fisto. You could strike me down now if you wanted to. But I am offering you an olive branch. Helps us stop Skeletor, Fisto. We need your help. Eternos needs your help. All of Eternia needs your help! Use that 'gift' he gave you against him!"

Fisto paused, looking at his new fist in deep thought. Then, after a long minute, he pressed a few buttons on the keypad next to him. The force fields vanished and the cage doors opened.

"Gather your weapons," King Randor ordered. "We must make for Castle Grayskull at once!"

"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!" yelled out Ram-Man, entering the barn.

"These people are our allies, Ram-Man," Fisto said to his friend. "I . . . I was wrong about them."

"Oh. Well, okay. I had a feeling that blue guy with no face was trouble."

XXXX

Skeletor and the Evil Warriors rushed forward, Castle Grayskull only four miles away now. There were flaws to this plan, as Skeletor was all too aware, but he hoped that the Eternian fools would be so occupied with what was happening with Fisto and Ram-Man that they wouldn't connect the dots too quickly.

"Master!" shouted Stinkor just then.

"What is - !" But Skeletor was cut off as a massive tree grew out in front of him. All around them, trees and plants of all kinds grew rapidly, their branches and vines closing in on the Evil Warriors.

They went to work, blasting and slashing through as much of it as possible, but with the plants having them so densely packed together, it was difficult. Not far away, Moss Man stood and watched, he being the one responsible.

"I've slowed them down, but it won't last for long," he spoke into his communicator.

XXXX

"We're on our way," He-Man said into the other end. They were all traveling quite quickly on Sky Sleds, moving at over maximum power. Teela saddled up to He-Man as they sped towards Castle Grayskull.

"You handled Fisto really well back there," Teela said to He-Man.

"Thanks Teela. I appreciate that."

Her eyes shifted over to Fisto and Ram-Man, who were both traveling in the only Talon Fighter with Man-At-Arms and Man-E-Faces, under the pair's careful gaze.

"Think we can trust him?" she asked.

"Maybe. I hope so." He paused a moment. "I've been doing some thinking about that, really. About the trust between all of us."

"'All of us?'" she wondered.

"Yes. All of those here, plus Moss Man. I think we're seeing a foundation being set here. If there's something I learned from the attack on myself by Skeletor and the Evil Warriors, it's that it's one thing to have power, but it's a whole other than thing to know how and when to use it. I've been thinking about an opposing force to those that use their powers for evil. A sort of 'Good Warriors' to Skeletor's Evil Warriors."

Teela nodded and smiled a little. The more she got to know He-Man, the more she began to really like him. "I like it. But the name is pretty bad."

"Well, it needs a little work . . ."

XXXX

"No sign of Moss Man," Tri-Klops reported as they entered the field around Castle Grayskull. The sun was sinking, the hot summer air cooling. Gold, orange, and yellow clouds expanded out from the horizon. The sun produced amazing golden light that shined beautifully across Castle Grayskull.

"Prepare yourselves for an attack," Skeletor said, pulling out the Sword of Darkness. Attempt number two . . .

"STOP RIGHT THERE, SKELETOR!" roared He-Man all of a sudden, dropping from the sky with the others.

"You face me again?" snarled Skeletor. "You are an idiot!"

He-Man landed and blocked off a blast from the Havoc Staff. He rushed towards Skeletor, Sword of Power drawn. Their swords slammed against each other with intensity. As they battled, champions of good and evil locked in combat, Evil-Lynn slinked over behind them.

She raised her staff, poised like a scorpion ready to strike. However, unknown to her, the Sorceress walked to her window and looked out at Evil-Lynn. The Sorceress looked also at Teela, who was making her way to Evil-Lynn.

Seeing He-Man in danger of being shot in the back and her daughter about to take on someone stronger than she, the Sorceress acted. A massive bolt of lightning blasted from her hands and split into two. One bolt slammed into Evil-Lynn herself; the other struck her staff.

Evil-Lynn went flying back, her back and staff smoldering a little. She looked up at the tower where the blast came from.

"Stupid cow!" Evil-Lynn snarled, reaching for her staff.

Unfortunately, she found a boot standing on top of it. Teela looked down at Evil-Lynn with a smile on her face.

"Hey. What's up?" Teela asked, her own staff as the ready.

Meanwhile . . .

King Randor's Honor Sword slammed against Tri-Klops blade. They connected, separated, then connected once more.
"You're good," Randor commented.

"I have practice."

Tri-Klops leapt back suddenly as Man-At-Arms sent Beast-Man flying their way. Man-At-Arms then fired at Tri-Klops, but the beams kept missing. King Randor, however, took advantage and swung with his blade. The swords met again, only this time, Randor was faster.

Tri-Klops took a shot at Man-At-Arms, allowing Randor to sweep in and slash his arm. The sword dropped to the ground. Tri-Klops let loose a few beams and then fell back.

Mekaneck suddenly found his face covered in webs as his head shot up into the air. He pulled against it with Webstor down below pulling hard against him in resistance. His neck gyros squealed hard and he gave, his head landing firmly on his shoulders. He tore the webs from his face as Webstor came towards him.

"Got ya now," Webstor hissed.

"You think stretching my neck is my only defense?" asked Mekaneck, sending his club across Webstor's head. "Ancients, you're dumb."

After getting Webstor in the gut, Mekaneck turned around . . . only to narrowly miss Clawful falling to the ground, Ram-Man sitting at his feet.

"Great job there," Mekaneck congratulated.

"Uh, tanks."

"What's your name again?"

"Ram-Man."

"You do good work, Ram-Man."

Nearby, Buzz-Off swung his axe at Kobra Kahn. However, after swinging it, he found the axe actually melted and dripping with acid.

"How would you like your face like that?" hiss Kobra Kahn, nearing Buzz-Off.

"Um, not really . . ."

Before either of them could strike, though, Mer-Man slammed into Kobra Kahn, the two of them tumbling across the ground.

"I had that!" Buzz-Off snorted to Stratos.

"It looked to me like you could have used a hand."

Just then, Trap-Jaw came running by, his robotic arm sparking and flailing. Buzz-Off punched his across the face as he passed by. Roboto came stomping over, a big bite out of his left arm.

"I had him," Roboto reported.

Buzz-Off shrugged. "It looked to me like you could have used a hand."

"A pun?" asked Roboto.

Man-E-Faces blocked Spikor's trident arm in Robot mode. Then, in Monster mode, he slammed his fist into his face, then double fisted his back. Spikor was done for. Man-E-Faces then turned to Moss Man as he covered Stinkor in the sweetest smelling flowers on Eternia.

"Job well done," Man-E-Faces said.

"Thanks," Moss Man returned.

As the others began to gather the Evil Warriors up, Fisto sought down Jitsu. Jitsu put himself into a battle stance.

"You're going to fight me?" questioned Fisto. "After all we've been though, after all we've experienced . . . you're going fight me?"

"The line was drawn between the second you turned on my master, Fisto. Our friendship is nothing in the face of the new, dark order that will come."

"So . . . no second chances? No attempt at making the peace?"

"I gave the only chance you needed. It is not my fault you have grown feeble and stupid since our travels."

"Damn you, Jitsu. You were my blood brother!"

"Not any longer."

Jitsu went in for a chop. Fisto dodged it and slammed his new fist into Jitsu's face. Jitsu went flailing back, blood trailing from his nose. He moved forward then and punched Fisto in the chest. Fisto shouted in pain, but punched Jitsu twice and hard. Jitsu fell to the ground.

"You always lost the bar fights, Jitsu. You only won because I had your back. But not anymore."

He-Man's Sword of Power slammed against the Sword of Darkness. Once. Twice. Skeletor then swept in with the Havoc Staff and it struck the shield. The swords then collided. Once. Twice. Three times. He-Man kicked Skeletor in the abs, but Skeletor shifted back. He fired at He-Man, but it was deflected.

"It's been six months since we first battled, Skeletor," He-Man stated as he deflected another blast. "You thought you'd teach me a lesson? HA! What about you?"

"Oh, I've learned a lesson, He-Man," Skeletor retorted, Havoc Staff slamming against the shield time after time. Their swords crashed against each other. "At first you don't succeed, try and try again!"

Their struck each other the hardest then and there was an ever-so-brief burst of power and energy at the connection point. He-Man and Skeletor stepped back.

As soon as they did, three laser beams fired at Skeletor. Man-At-Arms, Teela, King Randor, Mekaneck, Ram-Man, Buzz-Off, Stratos, Roboto, Man-E-Faces, Moss Man, and Fisto all gathered up behind He-Man. The Evil Warriors attempted to gather themselves, but they were bad shape.

"You're about to put yourself in the same position I was in last time we faced off, Skeletor," He-Man said, meaning it. "Your warriors are beaten. Mine are up for another round. Are yours? Are you?"

Skeletor growled, the sockets in his skull lighting up red. With an angry roar and a glance at Castle Grayskull, he slammed the bottom of the Havoc Staff on the ground. A burst of light and energy flashed from the impact. He then pointed the Sword of Darkness at his Evil Warriors as the quickly pulled together.

In massive swirl of flashes of light, energy, and lightning, they all began to vanish.

"THIS ISN'T OVER!" yelled Skeletor as he vanished from sight.

But today it was . . .

XXXX

The next day, Lord Fisto walked into the throne room of the North Eternos Palace in chains. Queen Johanna sized him up carefully as he walked along the center of the chamber, Royal Soldiers at both sides of him. He wore the expression of a guilty man.

Queen Johanna looked over at King Randor and Man-At-Arms as Fisto came to a stop before Queen Johanna.

"Lord Fisto, I hereby accuse you of treason against North Eternos of the Kingdom of Eternos. What do you plead?"

"Guilty, your majesty."

Queen Johanna sat down. "I have reviewed your case and what has occurred, Lord Fisto. For your treasonous acts, you should be imprisoned. However, the actions that you did in the name of justice, peace, and the Kingdom of Eternos last night have changed that."

Fisto looked at his quizzically. "Your majesty?"

"Silence, Lord Fisto. You shall speak when it is your turn. I have made my judgement. In the royal name of First House of Eternos, I declare you to be stripped of your title and honor. Your land will be seized after removing your possessions. But, because of your actions, will be allowed to go free. Do you accept this willingly?"

"I do, your majesty."

"Then it shall be done."

After Fisto signed a few papers, he left the throne room. However, immediately after leaving, he felt the hand of Man-At-Arms on his shoulder.

"Yes?" asked Fisto.

"I have a proposition for you," Man-At-Arms said.

"Oh?"

"Let's just say that what you had to say to He-Man got through. He's going to reveal himself to the public tonight."

Fisto crossed his arms over his chest. "Good. But what does that have to do with me?"

"There's something else going public tonight."

XXXX

All across the known kingdoms, there was a buzz of rumors. Word had spread fast from Eternos that morning of a special announcement from the Palace at Seven Bells in the Night. Gossip was spreading throughout all sorts of civilizations. People were waiting with bated breath for the time to come when the Holosphere would be activated, spreading the message from Eternos.

A few hours before hand, He-Man approached Orko about the message.

"Me?" Orko asked He-Man. "But my magic is not very good here on Eternia!"

He-Man shrugged. "Doesn't matter, Orko. The members of this fellowship aren't based on skill, but on experience. You were Orko the Great back on Trolla, right? That counts for something."

"Gee, I guess so. But that was back on Trolla."

"You also helped out in that first battle. Plus, with what happened two months ago with Jarvan. Not to mention what you know about me."

"Well . . ." Orko thought aloud, fingers rubbing his scarf like a chin. "I guess I can help out."

"Good."

XXXX

Seven Bells in the Night had nearly arrived. King Randor and Queen Marlena stood at the main balcony at the Royal Palace, a large crowd gathered below them. The entire city, it seemed was watching them. Marlena took Randor's hand.

"Nervous?" he asked her.

"Yes, very much so. I'm not a big fan of public speaking like this. Even press conferences back on Earth scared the heck out of me," she responded.

"Well, you won't have much to say. Just try and look supportive."

Marlena smiled. "I am supportive."

"I know," he replied. "Because I'm just as nervous as you are." But for different reasons.

"We're almost ready, sire," said a communications officer from within the Palace.

Nearby, He-Man wrestled with whether or not to keep the harness or to call upon the armor. The harness was there for intimidation, as the Sorceress said. The more muscles they see, the more intimidated the enemy would be. But did he want to intimidate? It was all such a hassle.

"Nervous?" asked Teela, rubbing He-Man's back with her right hand.

"Uh, yeah," he responded, a little surprised at this affection coming from Teela.

"You'll be fine, trust me," she said then, squeezing his shoulder.

Back outside, King Randor and Queen Marlena stiffened as the Holosphere activated. Suddenly, their images were broadcast all across Eternia – to all those that chose to receive the images. Likewise, various mass holographic projectors activated in squares and meeting areas all over Eternos Kingdom.

The transmission went out and was received by the Cats, the Bears, the Widgets, the Avions, the Insectoids, the Reptons, the Cave-People, the Tree-People, the Lizards, the Mer-People, the Spiders, the Goblins, the Bats, the Aquaticans, the Dragons; as well as kingdoms of Men, such as the Golden Isles, the Borderlands, Fantus, Tahrin, and many others. Including . . . Snake Mountain.

"Good evening," King Randor addressed the many people of Eternia.

"This is King Randor and Queen Marlena of Eternos," Marlena added. "We have important and vital news to the people of Eternia this summer evening."

King Randor nodded. "Eternia is in danger. A dark and vile evil has risen up from the Dark Hemisphere. From Snake Mountain, we are under attack by a terrible creature by the name of Skeletor. He is the leader of a band of powerful beings called the Evil Warriors. Over the past six months, he has been operating against Eternos in the hope of taking the secret power of Castle Grayskull. If he were to succeed, Eternia would be plunged into a terrible and horrible rule under his foot."

"At the moment, Skeletor's forces are relatively minor in comparison to the threat of the Horde that we all united to face nearly twenty years ago. His attacks have been mainly directed at Eternos. However, that is not to discredit this threat. Skeletor is a foe to all that seek peace here on Eternia."

"Our world and our way of life is under attack by Skeletor and his Evil Warriors. And while we do call upon all people to either side against Skeletor or declare neutrality, Eternia has a great ally to help counter the evil of Skeletor." King Randor waved his hand back to the door to the Palace. "May I introduce you to He-Man, the strongest man in the universe!"

He-Man took a few steps up and stepped between the two people he would have called his parents if he were in his Prince Adam form.

"Thank you, your majesties. Yes, my name is He-Man. I am a champion of Grayskull. I stand for peace and justice throughout Eternia. I am a warrior of good, protector of the innocent, and ally to all those that need my help against the forces of evil. I stand before you, announcing to the world that I shall not rest until Skeletor is brought to justice. But I do not stand here alone."

At that, Man-At-Arms, Orko, Teela, Mekaneck, Ram-Man, Buzz-Off, Stratos, Roboto, Man-E-Faces, Moss Man, and Fisto joined him. They all stood behind He-Man, looking proud and mighty.

"I present to you a fellowship of heroes. Each of us are dedicated to the protection and safety of the world around us. We stand here, firm in our stance against Skeletor and those like him. We stand here united. We stand here as a counter to the Evil Warriors . . . the Heroic Warriors!"

XXXX

At Snake Mountain, Skeletor closed the communication window. He then turned to his Evil Warriors, who were all still recovering from the battle.

"And so . . ." Skeletor said, "the war escalates."