Pure Intentions? Chapter 30
A/N: I am making references to Filmation's episodes "Origin of the Sorceress", "Teela's Quest", and "Teela's Triumph" in this chapter.
'Teela knows I'm her mother.'
The Sorceress's words reverberated through Duncan's mind. Teela's spontaneous remembrance of this fact wasn't anything they had ever planned for. Duncan was worried that his daughter's life was about to come into additional danger.
Sprinting up the stairs, he quickly closed the distance between himself and the Sorceress who was standing outside Teela's bedroom, one arm extended outwards, a pale shaky hand resting gently on the doorknob. Hearing his approach she turned in his direction. Duncan saw a small smile hovering on the Guardian's lips. Her eyes seemed to be emitting both trepidation and excitement at the same time.
Reaching her, he quickly pulled her into his embrace as he promised to help alleviate this for her. Duncan knew that the Sorceress was dreading this confrontation. He-Man did not relate Teela's mood to them; but knowing his temperamental off spring so well, he was sure that they faced a difficult evening ahead of them.
As he stepped in front of the Sorceress to open the door, the Spirit of Grayskull appeared to them. With his massive gray head floating inches away from them, he emitted a sense of peace and warmth to them both. In a benevolent voice he stated, "The time for truths is finally at hand."
Elation filled the Sorceress's heart. All these years, she had wanted to share with Teela the truth about their relationship, but hadn't done so from fear that she would be coloring Teela's decision to become the next Sorceress and worry that the knowledge would jeopardize her well being. Trusting in the Spirit's guidance, she opened the door a wide smile on her face.
Teela was seated on the bed, the quilt He-Man had used to cover her limbs draped loosely over her prone form. Her parents took in her relaxed position, as she rested her head against the bed's headboard. Her eyes were closed and they took notice of her slow and even breathing.
"Teela?", Duncan called out questioningly wondering if she had fallen back asleep.
Quickly opening her eyes, the red-head directed her gaze to the doorway, eyeing her parents. Sitting up, she grabbed the tapestry pulling it up and around her as she sprinted off the bed. Clutching it loosely around her, she made her way around the bed to come stand in front of the Mystic Guardian.
Lowering her eyes and inclining her head the agile warrior spoke tenderly, "Thank you for healing me, mother."
"You remember who I am?", the Sorceress asked complete wonder coloring her otherwise emotionless voice.
"Yes." "I woke up in that bed", Teela stated as she pointed to the aforementioned furniture, "suddenly remembering that you took the knowledge of our true relationship from me." "Why?", she asked fearfully.
"I had to", the Sorceress answered matter-of-factly. Hearing her unemotional response, Duncan knew that the Sorceress was protecting herself. After a pause she continued, "The secret and deception were necessary, dear-heart."
Teela quickly raised her eyes to meet the Sorceress's steady gaze upon hearing her mother use the same endearment typically reserved by Duncan. Additional confusion marred her beautiful features.
Understanding her daughter's puzzlement, the Sorceress smiled a brilliant smile as she crossed the room's threshold plopping down on the bed. Tapping the space beside her she motioned for Teela to join her.
Teela took a step forward to do her mother's bidding then suddenly stopped. Looking down at herself, she wished she had something more decent to wear in front of her parents. As soon as the thoughts entered her mind, a radiant light beamed down from the ceiling momentarily blinding the captain. When her sight cleared, Teela saw that she was dressed in a clean, freshly pressed white-gold uniform.
"I figured you'd be more comfortable to have this discussion wearing something more familiar", her mother noted.
"This is perfect, thank you", Teela responded.
"Come daughter, we have much to talk about", the Mystic Guardian said as she scooted over to give her daughter more space. Looking up she found Duncan's gaze, continuing to smile at him. "I can handle it from here, Philip." "Perhaps your presence is needed to deal with Lady Stephania?"
Duncan knew when he was being dismissed. As much as he wanted to remain in the room to hear the Sorceress's explanation, he knew that the two women he loved most in the world deserved this time alone. He knew that if he was needed, the Sorceress wouldn't hesitate to call him. Nodding his head, he about faced and marched out of the room closing the door behind him.
Teela giggled at her father's antics, as he always reverted back to military protocol when his pride was hurt.
"He'll be fine", the Sorceress stated. "Your father is a very special man, Teela."
"Yes, he is." "I adore him and am beyond lucky to have been adopted by him, thank you for that", she stated gratefully.
"Your father and I have tried our hardest to give you the best life possible, love."
"You make it sound as if you were involved in raising me", Teela remarked trying hard to keep her voice from sounding too accusatory. She wanted, no needed to hear the truth; however, knowing how intimidating she could be, she tried speaking to the Sorceress in a way that would give her the respect she deserved while also ensuring she got her answers.
"I was." "I may not have been there to hold you, but Duncan has made sure that I was always a part of your life, Teela, even if you had no idea that I was your mother." Continuing she stated, "That day you covered for me, defeating Skeletor all on your own in here, I was actually on my way to see you when I old bone-head zapped me into another dimension."
"Was it you that made me feel safe when I fell into the Abyss?", Teela asked reminiscing of that day.
"I felt your fear and pain." "I wanted you to know that I was keeping an eye out for you." "Your father doesn't know this, but I was ready to fly into the Abyss myself, to ensure your safety", she continued with a sigh. "I love you very much, Teela."
"So then why did you give me away?", Teela asked getting straight to the heart of the matter.
"Mostly, it was to protect you", the Sorceress answered with a smile. "Grayskull was being attacked almost daily during the first year of your birth." "I had to ensure your safety first, in order to be able to protect the Castle." "The only way for me to do that was to give you up."
"For years, I didn't understand why my mother didn't want me", Teela answered as a tear slipped down her cheek.
"I've always wanted you, my sweet daughter." "Never doubt that, please", the Sorceress pleaded softly.
"I believe you", Teela answered as she swiped the tears from her eyes. "Father always made it seem that my mother was alive and that she cared for me."
Nodding to show Teela that she was speaking the truth, the Sorceress stated "I asked him to be as truthful to you as possible, without revealing the whole truth to you." "Duncan has tried very hard all these years to instill those thoughts and feelings within you, love."
"It was hard for me to accept it, as I didn't have proof", the red-haired captain answered.
With a broad grin the Sorceress responded, "You definitely think like a scientist, just like your father." "However, think back on all of those times you cried yourself to sleep Teela." "Do you remember always seeing a falcon by your window?"
"Yes, I do", Teela answered honestly.
"That was me, it was always me, Tee", her mother responded using Adam's nickname for her.
Contemplating her mother's responses, Teela kept quiet for several minutes her eyes scanning the room nervously. Sensing her discomfort the Sorceress asked, "What troubles you, young one?"
Tentatively Teela spoke, "The Oracle stated that my father died." "Who was he?"
"I'm sorry, but I should have told you from the beginning of this conversation that what the Oracle stated was just a necessary deception."
"He wasn't an Eternian hero?", Teela asked.
With a smile and complete pride coloring her voice the Sorceress corrected her only offspring, "Your father is a hero, love."
"So my father is alive!", Teela exclaimed excitedly.
Nodding, the Sorceress held up a hand as she conjured a scene of a man glad in a gold and green military uniform, holding a red-headed babe beneath the Sorceress's Throne. Teela instantly recognized the man in the vision.
"Duncan is my father!", she cried out with glee.
"Yes, Teela." "He is my dear husband and your true father."
"HAH", Teela yelled as she jumped off the bed as she threw a roundhouse punch in the air . "Take that Lady Stephania."
Turning to face her mother who had a look of confusion on her face Teela clarified, "Her ladyship tried to tell me that Adam and I can't marry because I'm not nobility."
"Ohh", the Sorceress responded with a giggle. "She is wrong."
Kneeling in front of her mother, Teela asked "What other reason was there to force you to give me up?"
"You really don't miss a beat, do you?", the Sorceress asked as she tenderly kissed her daughter on the temple. "You are destined to be the next Sorceress", she stated in a flat tone.
"Really?", Teela asked. Slapping a hand on her forehead she continued, "That explains why the Spirit of Grayskull had insisted that only I can take your place", alluding to the one time when the Sorceress was missing and Teela took her place.
Dropping her hand to the side she asked, "Why would we have to live separately in order for me to make my place on the Throne?" "Wouldn't it make sense that I lived here to undergo your tutelage?"
"From that perspective yes, but the truth is once you enter the Pool of Power, all the magic and secrets of Grayskull are fully imbedded in you", she answered keeping her eyes downcast.
"So then why?"
"So you would chose Grayskull out of your own volition, without your love for me coloring your perspective." Explaining further she continued, "Graykull only accepts those of the truest, purest, and gentle hearts to bear it's powers and secrets." "Plus it has to be a choice you make, giving up all chance at a normal life."
"Did you have to do that?", Teela asked.
"Yes." "The story of how I became the Sorceress of Grayskull is a long one." "I'd like to share it with you one day, but I feel you have more questions for me about your life", the Sorceress responded.
"What if I don't want to be the next Sorceress of Grayskull?", Teela asked timidly afraid of the answer.
"Then you won't be", her mother answered. "Our destinies are not set in stone."
"Can I think about it?", Teela asked.
Nodding, her mother smiled at her. Within seconds her smile dissipated from her face. Taking on a more serious visage the Sorceress turned to face her daughter. Taking a deep breath she spoke from the heart, "There's more Teela."
"More what?", Teela asked.
"A final reason why I gave you up?"
"Ohh", Teela exclaimed.
"The Queen needed you", Teela-Na exclaimed.
Quirking an eyebrow, Teela asked "How?"
"You know the story of Adora being kidnapped by Hordak." "What you don't know is that the Queen fell into a serious depression after her abduction." "She called it Post-Partum Depression; but I knew it was because of the loss she felt." "She had barely gotten used to mothering two children when Hordak attacked." "She didn't know how to be a mother to one child."
"But why send her me?", Teela asked intrigued by the Queen's history.
With a long sigh, the Sorceress commented "I felt partly responsible for Adora's kidnapping."
"Why?", Teela asked.
"I didn't see it coming." "I was so busy protecting Grayskull against Hordak's and Skeletor's invasion, I didn't see the signs that they were out to kidnap the twins", the guardian stated the hurt still reflected in her voice.
"You were doing what you swore to do with honor!", Teela emphasized.
"It wasn't enough", the Sorceress stated bitterly. "I should have prevented the kidnapping or at least had a forewarning of it."
"You are only human", Teela stated trying to console her.
"Oh, my sweet." "You won't understand until you are a mother." "Losing your child is the hardest thing to go through." "When you were born, I gave you to your father to raise you because you'd be close to the Royal Family." "It was my way of making it right."
"Does the Queen know that you are my mother?", Teela asked.
"No, not outright." "I find that Grayskulls' magic doesn't affect her the same way it does others." "I think it's because she is not Eternian." "So the Queen may be knowledgeable of this secret and has kept it from you, knowing that it was imperative to guard you from it."
Her mother's words sparked another question in Teela's mind. 'If the Queen isn't susceptible to Grayskull's magic then perhaps Her Majesty knows the truth of whether Adam is He-Man.' Teela shook her head to clear those thoughts away. She knew she could outright ask her mother for the truth, but decided against it. Teela understood and accepted her mother's reasoning and the need to cover up her identity. As much as she was tempted to ask the Sorceress for the truth about Adam, she decided to deal with a few secrets at a time. Therefore, instead she asked "So now what?"
"What do you mean?", the older woman asked.
"Do you erase my memory again?", Teela queried.
"No." "That magic spell only works once", the Sorceress answered.
Relief thrumming through her system, Teela slumped back on the bed. Laying back while supporting her weight on her forearms she stated, "Thank the Ancients." "I was afraid that you would take away these memories from me again."
"You have my word, daughter mine, that this time you get to keep the knowledge of our true relationship", the Sorceress stated as she reached over to tug an errant strand of bright red hair behind Teela's ear. "However, I ask that we spend more time together so that I can teach you how to protect our secret."
"That's a deal, mom", Teela stated happily. Straightening upwards, she folded her arms in her lap, once again closing her eyes and dipping her head lower. The Sorceress knew that her daughter was about to ask her more questions. The one she did, floored her with how unexpected it was. "Can I hug you?", she heard the younger woman ask, her voice shaking.
With no further words, the Sorceress stood from the bed pulling Teela upwards as she did so. Standing head to head, as they were close to the same height, Teela-Na the Sorceress of Grayskull pulled her daughter into an embrace. Laying her head on her daughter's shoulder, she inhaled her sweet fresh fragrance, glorifying in the love she felt radiating off of Teela's body.
"I'm glad you are my mother, Sorceress", Teela uttered as she pressed her arms tighter against her mother's body. "I've always wanted it to be you."
Meanwhile downstairs, Duncan let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. The Sorceress had simultaneously broadcasted her entire conversation with their daughter to him through telepathy. Duncan was glad that Teela had easily accepted the truth of her origin. He was never more proud to call her daughter than at this moment.
With a confident stride he came to stand beside He-Man who was fumbling with the hair on the back of his neck. Smiling ruefully, he lay a hand on Grayskull's Champion shoulder. Right now, He-Man's actions were too similar to Adam's, it was bound to get Ram-Man and Mekaneck to notice the similarities.
Feeling his mentor's hand on his shoulder, He-Man whispered "How'd it go up there?"
"Fine, Teela isn't mad." "It went better than we expected."
"Phew, I was worried she was going to ask me to tell her the truth", He-Man stated.
Duncan noticed that the fearsome warrior was sweating. Throwing his head back he laughed at the fact that his aggressively temperamental daughter could even make the mightiest warrior in all of the universe squirm. What Duncan didn't know was whether Teela got this trait from him or her mother, as they both tended to be more even tempered. Shrugging a shoulder, he queried his charge "Anything new here?"
"No." "She is refusing to talk", He-Man answered.
"Then perhaps we should leave Grayskull and return to the Palace." "The King and Queen will be awaiting Teela's and Prince Adam's return", Duncan stated reminding the transformed Prince that he still had to explain to his father why he called off the rest of his Eternian Tour.
"You are right, Man-At-Arms", the blonde warrior answered. Allowing Duncan, to take over he took a step backwards. Moments later, he felt a presence behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he noticed that Teela and the Sorceress joined them. He gave them both a brief smile before turning to give his full attention to Duncan.
The King's Man-At-Arms was questioning Stephania about her father's involvement in all of this and reminding her of all that she was up to lose for her involvement in Teela's kidnapping.
"I don't care about that." "My father will make sure nothing happens to me", the raven haired captive spat.
"Lord Teary may be an esteemed member of the House of Lords; however, King Randor adheres to the law in the most strictest way possible." "I'm afraid Stephania, that even your father's influence will not sway His Majesty", Duncan warned.
Throwing her head over her shoulders she stated "The King will be 'swayed' when he hears what I have to report." "Till then, I reserve the right not to speak to either of you until my father arrives", she informed them.
Turning to look at He-Man, Duncan asked "Would you like to do the honors of escorting her ladyship to the Palace?"
Shaking his head he turned to Teela before stating, "No Duncan, I think Teela should be the one to do so." "After all, this mess concerns her more."
Closing the distance between them, Teela reached He-Man's side. Looking at Stephania she answered, "I don't know if I can be trusted with her, father."
"Deh, maybe Mekaneck and I should escort her back?", Ram Man asked eager to intervene on his friend's behalf.
"I agree", answered He-Man.
"Fine then." "I'll call ahead to the Palace Prison for a cell to be waiting", Duncan stated. Clicking on his communicator, Duncan made the necessary arrangements and directed everyone to take their leave from Grayskull.
As everyone parted from the Throne room, with Lady Stephania in bonds magically enhanced by the Sorceress's magic, Teela made a motion for He-Man to join her.
Walking several feet behind their comrades, Teela turned to He-Man. Looking deep into his cerulean eyes she stated, "I understand why you kept the Sorceress's secret, but given our history I'm upset you hadn't confided in me that you knew who my mother was."
"I took an oath to keep it a secret, for your own protection", he stated defensively. "I'm sorry if this is causing hard feelings between us."
"It'll be hard, but I'll get over it", she informed him with a small smile. "More importantly, I can use your help."
"With what, Captain?"
"Finding the Prince." "He isn't here, but Orko told me that Prince Adam was part of my rescue party", Teela stated. "I wonder where he is?"
Smiling at her he stated, "Oh, he's safe."
Continuing to look deeply into his eyes she asked, "How do you always know that?"
Dropping his jaw at the abruptness of her question, he blinked several times as he tried to come up with an answer. Teela had never questioned his responses to her before.
"Well….", she prompted.
Following their conversation on her Mystic Mirror, the Sorceress decided to intervene on her Champion's behalf. Flying down to them, she answered "Teela, He-Man has already located Prince Adam for you." "His Majesty is already at the Palace."
Harrumphing her annoyance, Teela looked between Grayskull's Defender and her mother. She knew they were hiding something; however, didn't have a chance to question them as her mother spoke "Teela, if you don't mind I need He-Man to remain at Grayskull." "I'm going to send him to retrieve the Rock People's children, after I locate them", the guardian stated.
Now, how would she answer her mother. She knew that as Captain of the Guard, her duty lay with escorting Stephania back to the Palace, while He-Man's duty put him in position to locate the youth. Accepting the fact that she wouldn't get all her answers today, she turned around and jogged ahead to meet up with her father.
This isn't over, Teela thought as she quickly looked behind her to see He-Man disappearing around a corner with her new found mother.
Well out of Teela's hearing, He-Man thanked the Sorceress for her intervention. "I really didn't expect Teela to question me like that about my whereabouts", he related to her nervously. "At least not in this form."
"Perhaps knowing that you willingly withheld information from her is making her question your loyalty", the Sorceress volunteered.
"If that was the case, she would have been irate at Duncan for hiding the truth of your relationship from her, but she seemed fine." "Duncan told me, it went well with the two of you upstairs", He-Man interjected.
"It did." "She has many more questions, which I plan to answer soon." "Actually, now that you mention it, I'm shocked my daughter didn't seem more distraught over the secret's revelation."
"Any idea why not?", He-Man asked.
"No, this was too easy if you ask me", the Sorceress conceded.
"Hmmm", He-Man responded thoughtfully. "Now that I'm thinking about it, she has been acting stranger around me."
"Since when?", her mother asked.
"The entire Tour." "I wonder if she is beginning to figure out that I'm Adam", he stated.
Again prodding her daughter's mind with her own, she smiled when she got her answer. Not only was Teela beginning to put the pieces of He-Man's true identity together, she was able to see clearly what it cost Teela to not outright ask her for the truth.
Opening her eyes, she related that fact to He-Man.
"Would you have told her the truth?", the blonde warrior asked.
Shaking her head she stated, "I've had lots of practice keeping secrets from my daughter, Adam." "This one is one I'd leave for you to answer, when the time is right."
"I want to tell her", he replied.
"Think about that wisely, Prince Adam." "Now that Teela knows I'm her mother, I will teach her to yield her mind." "I believe, with my tutelage and help of Grayskull's Magic, she will be able to shield her mind from those who would want to harm us." "However, I have a feeling that she won't take your reveal as well as she took mine", she warned.
"Why?", he asked.
"Her feelings for you make it more complex." Then abruptly changing the subject she stated, "Enough talk about secrets." "We have a mystery on our hands." "Stephania has hidden the Rock People's children very well." "It'll take me some time to locate them, I must begin work immediately."
"Would you like for me to wait around?", He-Man asked.
"As much as I'd like the company, I should send you back to the Palace." "Your father and Teela will want some explanations…again", she stated with a tease.
"Do you feel sorry for me at all?", He-Man questioned her.
"Oh, Adam you know I'm only teasing you." "I notice that after all these years, I can still make you feel uncomfortable."
Always truthful he responded, "That's because you are Teela's mother." "If she does marry me, that'll make you my mother-in-law."
"Yes, and the King's Man-At-Arms your father-in-law." "I've heard he has a mean shoulder cannon and if he finds out you've been sleeping with his daughter, I can assure you he won't hesitate to use it", she stated with a smile.
"My intentions towards Teela have always been pure", He-Man stated defensively.
"So I suggest, you act on those intentions start earnestly wooing my daughter Your Highness", the Sorceress threw back at him.
"Yes, Ma'am", He-Man stated as he bowed low before her. When he straightened he noticed that she had conjured a dimensional portal for him. Inhaling deeply, he withdrew his sword holding it high above his head as he stated, "Let the Power return" automatically reverting into Prince Adam. With another deep breath, he walked through the portal straight into the hallway outside his father's office.