Chapter Six


Some days I wish I DIDN'T know about my family, Teela thought as she jogged along the beach. Today she wore a tank top, black sweat pants, and hi-top black running shoes. My mother is a sorceress … and my father is a presumed-to-be-dead-soldier-turned-thief-turned-bounty-hunter who possesses paranormal powers.

Seagulls cackled in the early morning sun. So where does this leave ME? Teela wondered.

Normal is overrated, said a voice (Her own?) inside Teela's mind.

Teela came to a stop on the beach. So true, she thought, a wide grin crossing her face. So true.


It was midnight-thirty at the Royal Palace of Eternos. Teela was in her quarters, lying deep asleep in bed.

"Teela … Teela," a man's voice - Amadeus's - called out to Teela. A strong arm clad in a black jacket and gloves reached out and shook her shoulder.

"Mmmph …?" Teela grumbled as she stirred and turned on the lamp that sat on the nightstand next to her bed. She looked up, gasped, and instinctively reached over to press the large red alarm button that was sitting on her nightstand.

"Don't…" said Amadeus, grabbing Teela's wrist before she could press the button. He then removed his mask and said, "It's only me."

"What're you doing here?" Teela asked, surprised.

"Your mother told me where you lived," said Amadeus. He then added, "Consider this … my last job."

"What do you want?" Teela inquired.

"Your mother and I were talking," said Amadeus.

"And…?"

"She thinks the world of you," said Amadeus quietly. "Graduated Number One in your class at The Academy … Captain of the Royal Guard … " Amadeus paused. "You've gone fifteen rounds against the likes of Skeletor and Evil-Lyn … and WON…"

"What's the POINT of all this?"

"She's proud of you," said Amadeus with a shy smile. "… And so am I," He then shuffled his feet and said, "I guess what I'm saying is … YOU'RE the hero of the family, not I."

Let's not forget Mother, Defender of Castle Grayskull. "Thanks," said Teela. "I really appreciate that."

"My pleasure," Amadeus replied.

"I didn't think anyone noticed…" How do you compete with He-Man? How do you compete with someone whose birthday is a Royal holiday?

Amadeus smiled, closed his eyes, and shook his head. "SHE has," he said. "She always has."

"Why didn't she tell me … about YOU?" Teela inquired.

"I know about your … father," Amadeus replied. "I guess she didn't want me … coming between you two." He then put his mask back on and said, "I must go."

"Amadeus, wait!" Teela cried. She couldn't quite bring herself to call him "Father."

Amadeus turned back around and looked at Teela.

"How can I find you?" Teela asked.

"You know where Mother's Tavern is … on the waterfront?" Amadeus replied.

Teela nodded silently in recognition. "I've been there," she said.

"Ask for Ghost," Amadeus said as he turned and disappeared into thin air.

THE END