CHAPTER TWO: Friends and Foes
A few days have passed since He-Man's first battle with Skeletor. Prince Adam and the Heroic Warriors have settled into Castle Grayskull, making themselves sleeping quarters. While things aren't as luxurious as it was in the Eternos Palace, they had to put the safety of the planet above their comforts. The hope always lingers that one day they will return to Eternos to rebuild, and bring hope back to the people. However, the secrets of Grayskull were in the most danger, which could put the fate of the universe at stake.
One morning, Man-at-Arms and Prince Adam were atop one of the Grayskull towers, putting finishing repairs on the newly built laser cannon, which will help better their defences against their enemies.
"It was great that your scientist friends in Centuria sold us these parts," says Prince Adam.
"I help build their defense systems for the city," replied Man-at-Arms.. "So they were more than happy to. Once this beauty is set up, Skeletor will have to think twice about attacking us."
The wise Master of Weapons noticed that something was bothering the prince.
"Do you think I made the right choice granting Skeletor mercy?" Adam asks.
"Listen, lad, we will have many more battles with Skeletor. Just remember, He-Man's story is just beginning. Our people need a leader of compassion, not a killer. You chose mercy instead of vengeance. You have proven yourself to be the rightful champion of Grayskull. Your mother and father would be very proud!"
Adam is comforted by Man-at-Arms' words, and prays that one day he and his friends will defeat Skeletor and his legions, and the universe will be at peace again.
Far from Grayskull, in the dangerous half of Eternia known as the Dark Hemisphere, Skeletor and his cohorts are travelling the hostile volcanic regions, which the ordinary Eternians dare not enter.
"How humiliating..." Skeletor mutters to himself , "I, Skeletor, the Lord of Destruction, defeated by a mere barbarian with a sword!"
As Skeletor and Panthor traverse the land, in the increasingly hot temperatures with the ill-smelling air, Evil-Lyn and Beast Man are aboard their griffins, and soon, the location they searching for comes into a view – a towering mountain-like fortress with a snake head on its zenith and a demon's face in the face of the mountain. It was the stronghold of King Hssss, the lord of the Snake Men, who ruled Eternia in ancient times with an iron fist. His armies scoured the universe, conquering many planets. Before Eternia fell into complete darkness, Hssss and his forces were eventually defeated the combined might of King Grayskull and his wizard brother He-Ro.
The fortress was known as Snake Mountain. It was this location where Skeletor and his cohorts will build their headquarters...and plan their next assault on He-Man and all of Eternia.
Meanwhile, inside Castle Grayskull, the Sorceress takes Teela through a tour of the castle, telling her more about the legends and secrets within. Inside Grayskull, there were secret doorways to other worlds and dimensions, which the Sorceress refers to as "Space Portals," and also the largest library in all of Eternia. It has books on the history, magic, civilizations, and all things there is to know about the world.
"Castle Grayskull is truly magnificent, Sorceress," said an awe-struck Teela.
"Teela, come sit with me," says the Sorceress, as the two of them sit at the throne chair. "There is something I need to confess. A secret I have been keeping...from you and Duncan...I am your mother!"
Teela reacts in shock.
"You're...my mother?" she asked, her voice shaky. "No, my father would have told me. We have no secrets."
The Sorceress closed her eyes and hung her head, as she had more to tell.
"I had your father's memory erased by making drink a magical elixir. After a great battle, Man-at-Arms stumbled upon this castle. He was badly wounded and delirious from battle. With my aid, he was able to recover. We bonded, fell in love, and secretly wed. When he was ready to return to Eternos, he left me a gift – it was you, Teela. Being Guardian of Grayskull put you at risk, and Duncan took you in to raise you. The threat of Skeletor's return was ever constant!"
Man-at-Arms had raised Teela and trained her to be a great warrior. King Randor, Queen Marlena and Prince Adam had also treated her like family. Teela will forever be grateful for that.
Teela is left awestruck by this revelation,
"You should have told us the truth since we arrived," scowls Teela, and storms out of the castle.
"Daughter, come back, please!" the Sorceress desperately calls out, a tear running down her cheek.
Back at Snake Mountain, Skeletor and his minions have found sanctuary, and Skeletor sits on the bone throne of King Hssss. Panthor curls up by her side.
"I find it peculiar that this He-Man arrives and Prince Adam is nowhere to be found," Skeletor ponders. "And why were those do-gooders so protective over an old ruin such as Castle Grayskull. Probably because they miss the luxuries of palace life. How drool!"
"My lord," says Evil-Lyn. "The legends about the champions of Grayskull...do you think He-Man could be one of them? The new chosen champion? Could he wield the legendary power within?"
"What nonsense, my dear," Skeletor mutters. "He-Man is just a sword-wielding barbarbian with an overly developed physique. The champions of Grayskull were god-like...in stories. Nothing more than old wives' tales."
"He did beat you in battle," gnarled Beast Man, who then gets blasted by Skeletor's Havoc Staff.
His attention goes to Evil-Lyn, who was using her magical abilities to use her mysterious crystal ball on her wand. The crystal ball glows a bright purple, and a look of shock covers her lovely features.
"My Lord, you have to see this!" she seethes, as Skeletor looms closer.
They see Prince Adam and Teela exploring the woods of the Evergreen Forest. Skeletor's ghostly eyes burn red with fury, and he immediately orders her to go
"Prince Adam lives!" Skeletor bellows. "Go, my dear, and kill them both!"
Meanwhile, Adam and Teela are enjoying a relaxing morning walk in the woods near Castle Grayskull. Adam enjoys the sounds of nature and the scent of the forest, but something is troubling Teela.
"The Sorceress tells me she's my mother," the lady warrior replies. "I mean...who does that? We've been staying in Castle Grayskull for weeks, and she comes up to me and says I am your mother!"
"I know it's a lot for you to sink in," Adam says. "But listen to me...I lost my parents in a single night. I would to anything to wrap my arms around them again. You get to be reunited with your mother...and your father still lives. It would have made no difference if she told you from the start. You would have still been in shock, since you've never met your mother until now!"
"Oh, Adam," Teela says softly. "I'm sorry. I guess I overreacted a bit, huh?"
"It's one of your more endearing equalities!" Adam quips.
Teela smiles, her cheeks redden, and she caresses his chin.
They venture a little further into the forest, and Teela's mood lightens thanks to Adam's sense of humour and reminiscing about the good times they had as children.
Suddenly, the two of them come across an old woman with a wooden cane wandering the woods.
"Ah, what lovely young kids to come my way," she says, her voice feeble and shaky. "Could you spare an old woman some money."
Teela kindly hands her a small bag of money.
"Sorry, dearies, but can you please walk me home?" she asks. "My home is not far from here."
"We will be happy to," says Prince Adam. "You should be careful in this forest. There might be strange creatures wandering about."
"You two kids show great kindness," the old woman laughs, as Teela helps her walk. "Unfortunately, kindness is a weakness!"
The old woman's voice changes from a weak and shaky voice to a younger, stronger female voice. Suddenly, she is embedded with lavender light, and the shape of the villainous Evil-Lyn takes form.
"Ah, how great it is to see you alive, prince!" she teases, "It's too bad your once great kingdom is no more!"
She prepares to blast Teela with her magic, but Adam leaps forward, getting Teela out of harm's way.
Evil-Lyn is seemingly impressed with the prince's bravery.
"Ooh, you surely are brave, Adam," she hisses. "Willing to risk your life to save your squeeze. But, then again, you are not He-Man, and you will not be able to stop me!"
Unable to call upon the Power of Grayskull and reveal his secret to one of his most dangerous enemies, Adam does what he can to thwart her from harming them.
"You don't have to do this, Evil-Lyn," he says. "You can forge your path. Free of Skeletor!"
For a second, the evil sorceress hesitates, thinking about a life without Skeletor, where she could make her own destiny. But then cusses at the prince.
"No, Skeletor is my master and his will is my command!"
Using her hands to cast a spell, she summons transparent demonic hands that grab hold of Adam, once again trapping him.
"Release him now!" Teela demands, drawing her sword, as Adam struggles to break free.
Evil-Lyn snickers malevolently, and traps her heroic counterpart in an unbreakable force field. Teela starts punching furiously at the barrier, with no avail.
Suddenly, they see a flying object in the sky. Was it a bird? Some sort of new Wind Raider?
It was a flying man with a blue rocket pack, red helmet and large red wings protruding from his arms. He fires a stun beam at Evil-Lyn from the gauntlet on his wrist, which blinds her.
Teela is set free from the force field, and Adam is able to free himself from the magical demon hands. He helps Teela, who is catching her breath from being stuck in the field.
The winged warrior who rescued them is called Stratos, king of the Avionians in the Mystic Mountains, and one of the former Defenders of Eternia who served alongside King Randor in the battles against Keldor.
Stratos lands on the ground, and approached the young warriors.
"Can it be?" he asked, gawping. "Prince Adam of Eternia and Teela, daughter of Duncan?"
"Lord Stratos!"says Teela, as her face lits up. "It's being so long."
The three of them engage in a happy embrace.
"What an incredible warrior you've come to be, Teela," said Stratos. "And you, Prince Adam...what happened to that mischievous little boy that pulled pranks up on me?"
"Let's just say, we've been through a lot," says Adam.
"Ah, yes, my deepest condolences on the loss of great King Randor and kind Queen Marlena," says Stratos. "Your parents were great rulers, and even better friends!"
Suddenly, Evil-Lyn resurfaces, and blasts blasts at Stratos, but he dodges her move. She then uses a sweeping kick to knock Prince Adam to the ground. Teela then comes at her with her sword, but she uses her magic to put the lady warrior in a temporary state of paralysis.
Adam gets up from the ground, draws his Sword of Power, and prepares for battle. Conjuring up another spell, she prepares to make a killing blow, but Stratos returns, grabs the prince and flies away.
"No, Lord Stratos!" cries Adam. "We have to save Teela!"
He watches in horror as Evil-Lyn uses her power of teleportation to zap her and the captured Teela back to Snake Mountain.
Adam leads Stratos to Grayskull, where they find Cringer relaxing in the sunlight.
"I am sorry, my prince," said Stratos. "I have fought Evil-Lyn before. She wields powerful magic, and you would have been a goner. But, I promise you, we will get Teela back. I will give my life for that girl!"
"Thank you, Lord Stratos!" says Prince Adam, catching his breath. "Please, you must alert Man-at-Arms about what happens. We have a...friend that can help us. He is our best hope at getting Teela back!"
The Sorceress comes before them, in the form of Zoar.
"Evil-Lyn has taken Teela to Snake Mountain," she tells Adam telepathically. "The Dark Hemisphere. The journey will be a perilous one...even for He-Man."
Adam remembers about the stories his mother told him of Snake Mountain during ancient times when the Snake Men ruled Eternia with an iron fist.
Stratos goes into the castle in search for Man-at-Arms.
"Ready for a journey to Snake Mountain, Cringe?" he asked his timid feline friend.
"C-C-Come on, Adam," Cringer whimpers. "Can't we sit this one out and let Man-at-Arms and Lord B-B-Stratos seek out dreadful Snake M-M-Mountain?"
"Afraid not, old pal," says Adam, preparing for the quest."I am not going to let old bone face mess with my favourite girl!"
Adam raises the Sword of Power with his right hand, and cries: "BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL!"
Lightning comes down from the heavens, and a blinding light envelops the prince, once again transforming into the mighty He-Man.
"I...have...THE POWER!"
Turning the sword at the quivering Cringer, he magically transforms the quivering cat in the ferocious Battle Cat, as magical strands of lightning flow around him.
"I can't wait to get my paws on that bony cretin!" growls Battle Cat, as He-Man gets onto his back, and they take the perilous journey to Snake Mountain.
Meanwhile, Skeletor and Beast Man travel to the scenic oceans of the Crystal Sea – a vast blue ocean filled with landscapes of resplendent crystal.
They seek an old ally that will help them against the Heroic Warriors. Skeletor calls the minion to arms, and a green-skinned man with a hideous fish-like face and armor made of fish bones leaps out of the oceans and kneels down before Skeletor.
"Mighty Skeletor, it is my honor to serve you again," the creatire says in a warbled voice, bowing down before Lord of Destruction
The aquatic fish man is known as Mer-Man, the evil Ocean Warlord, who served Skeletor years back against the Defenders of Eternia.. Mer-Man is a tyrannical warrior who uses his abilities to control aquatic creatures to conquer underwater civilizations.
"We have a new enemy in our wake, Mer-Man," says Skeletor. "A barbarian idiot who goes by the name He-Man. A goody two shoes who doesn't know how to use a sword!"
Using his teleporting ability, Skeletor takes his minions back to Snake Mountain.
Meanwhile, He-Man and Battle Cat have reached the Dark Hemisphere, enduring the hostile volcanic environment, full of ill-smelling air and extreme temperatures.
"Faster, Battle-Cat!" says He-Man, as his mighty feline companion carries him swiftly across the volcanic wastelands.
Snake Mountain draws ever closer. Then, Man-at-Arms appears in the air in a Wind Raider, with the noble Stratos at his side.
"Greetings, He-Man!" said Man-at-Arms. "An old friend joins us in battle once more. This is Lord Stratos!"
"I have heard of you, friend," says He-Man. "My name is He-Man, and this big guy is called Battle Cat."
"Obliged," said Stators cheerily. "How gratifying it is that a new champion of Grayskull has risen to
fight by our side in this age."
"Come aboard the Wind Raider, friends," says Man-at-Arms. "The terrain in the Dark Hemisphere can be inhospitable, even for one as fleet as Battle Cat!"
He-Man and Battle Cat board the Wind Raider, as they see to other warriors approaching, who are also former Defenders of Eternia.
"I've called in some help, my friends," says Stators.
A very bulky man with iron armor covering his head and shoulders rides a red Bashasaurus vehicle.
"I am Lord Krass, at your service" the big man says. "But you can call me Ram Man!"
He-Man makes his introduces himself to Ram Man, who is also honoured to meet the champion.
Another younger warrior approaches. This one rides a flying Sky Sled, one of the old vehicles Man-at-Arms build in the old days. The younger warrior's name is Orius. He wears red and blue armor, and has short spiky brown hair. He is Ram Man's younger cousin.
He-Man and Battle Cat make their introductions.
"We're happy to fight alongside you, He-Man," says Orius.
"The more, the merrier," He-Man replies gleefully. "Old Skeletor doesn't know what's coming!"\
After a brief but happy reunion, He-Man and Man-at-Arms lead their heroic friends to Snake Mountain, where the captive Teela awaits.
Back in Snake Mountain, Teela is up against a stone pole, with magic green bondages. The room was cold and she struggled to get free.
Evil-Lyn came strolling in. Full of herself, as Teela could tell.
"My instructions were to kill you and the handsome prince," she says. "But I thought...would it not be better if I kidnap you instead...and then He-Man comes charging in for the rescue. Then Skeletor can have his way with all of you do-gooders."
"Do you think my friends and I will bow down to you and your demonic master?" asked Teela, viciously.
"Well, it might take some work," says Evil-Lyn. "Maybe a little persuasion...a little aggression. But, one day...the great Skeletor will conquer the universe!"
"Your grand ambitions will be your downfall!" says Teela. "The Defenders of Grayskull will not fall to you!"
Suddenly, the terrible image comes to form of Skeletor transcends from out of the dark shadows in the walls of the mountain, with Beast Man and Mer-Man by his side.
Evil-Lyn blocks her nose, finding Mer-Man's fishy body odor unbearable.
"Bah! What is fish sticks doing here?" she asked in disgust.
"Mer-Man grows tired of your mockery, witch," said the Ocean Warlord, as he sword his serrated sword made from shark's teeth, from a holster on his armor.
He prepares to strike the evil sorceress, but is thwarted by Skeletor.
"Enough!" he roars. "You two idiots will have another time to kill each other!"
Mer-Man snarls at her with his warbled voice, and Evil-Lyn threatens to turn him into something gruesome with her spellcasting.
Skeletor orders his minions to be quiet, and walks up to Teela. He welcomes her to Snake Mountain.
"Ah, beautiful Teela," Skeletor sneers. "I hope you find your...lodgings comfortable. Ha ha ha!"
Skeletor then shoots towards Evil-Lyn like a wraith, with anger in his eyes.
"You disappoint me, Lynnie!" he growls. "I gave you specific orders to kill her and the little prince? Why didn't you?"
"I was...about to...my Lord," Evil-Lyn stammers with fear. "But...that infernal Stratos came and ruined everything. Then I thought it best to bring her here...so it would lure He-Man to Snake Mountain...and you can have your vengeance!"
Skeletor calm down. "Hmm. Sorry for my outburst, my dear. You are deliciously brilliant. I will have He-Man's head on a pole before nightfall!"
Beast Man stands before Teela, caressing her face with his large hairy fingers.
"You sure are a pretty one," he snarls.
"Back off, ugly!" Teela jabs.
Beast Man lifts his huge paw, preparing to kill her with a strike. But Skeletor grabs his arm and stops him.
"Now, now, beastie," says Skeletor. "We must be more hospitable to our guest!"
Teela watches as Skeletor and his minions head for the throne room, as Teela stays helpless in her bondage, still struggling to break free.
Meanwhile, He-Man and the Heroic Warriors have reached Snake Mountain. He-Man uses his incredible strength to punch through the molten rock walls of the mountain.
"Won't that bring them right to us?" asks Ram Man.
"Yes," says He-Man. "But it will bide us some time so Skeletor and his men will be distracted. Man-at-Arms, Stratos and Orius try and distract them long enough. Ram Man and Battle Cat will go with me to rescue Teela."
The team splits up. Man-at-Arms and Mekaneck go to keep an eye on Skeletor's lackeys, while Ram Man and Battle Cat go with He-Man to rescue Teela.
The lady warrior stands quietly, bonded to the rock pole. She hears a loud rumbling, as He-Man breaks down the wall with his Sword of Power. He walks towards Teela, and uses the sword to cut the magical bondages...no match for the Sword of Power.
"He-Man...no...its a trap!" cries Teela.
Suddenly, Evil-Lyn appears, and uses her wand staff to trap the three heroes in an unbreakable force field.
"Break through that, champion!"
Even with his great strength, He-Man battles to break free, grasping tightly to his sword.
"Your magic...is...no match...for the Power of Grayskull!"
Evil-Lyn watches as his sword starts glowing, and with a mighty cry, he breaks free from her force field.
"The...power of...Grayskull?" asks Evil-Lyn, as she is baffled how He-Man could break free from her magic, and the magic emitted from an ordinary-looking sword.
The concussive force of magic strikes back at Evil-Lyn, knocking her out.
"Wow, that was impressive, He-Man!" says Ram Man, glad to be free from the force field.
He-Man uses his Power Sword to cut through the magical bondages holding Teela.
Teela hugs him and thanks him for rescuing her.
She notices Ram Man, and her face lights up to see him, since she hasn't seen him since she was a child.
"Lord Krass! How great it is to see you after all these years!"
They hug each other.
"Damn, Man-at-Arms has made a fine warrior out of you," he said, putting his big hands on her shoulders.
"There's nothing like a happy reunion!" He-Man says to Battle Cat.
"It's great to have new friends in the battles ahead," says Battle Cat.
As they prepare to leave, the terrible Beast Man leaps down and out of nowhere, roaring with rage.
He-Man smiles and introduces the Savage Henchman to Ram Man.
"Greetings Beast Man," He-Man smiles. "I'd like to reacquaint you with my buddy Ram Man...an old friend of yours from the old battles!"
"Ram Man, I will tear you up!" roars Beast Man.
The Human Battering Ram then charges towards the Beast Man.
"You dare bring a sweet girl like Teela to Snake Mountain?!"
Bullrushing at the Savage Henchman, Ram Man takes him out with his ramming power.
Suddenly, a huge blast of purple magical energy shoots at the two warriors, as Skeletor uses his power of teleportation and the power of his Havoc Staff to strike his enemies. Luckily Battle Cat and Teela leap out of the way, but the Lord of Destruction did hit He-Man and Ram Man.
While the Human Battering Ram is out cold, He-Man is merely stunned, although still shaken by the blast. Wow, Skeletor;s nagic packs quite a wallop.
But due to his durability, he is able to recover. He draws his sword as his nemesis looms towards him.
The two enemies charge towards each other, as sword and staff clash once more. Meanwhile, Teela runs into Evil-Lyn, and Battle Cat rushes to help the other heroes.
The battle between He-Man and Skeletor is as fierce as always, as both of them battle to top one another.
The fight between Evil-Lyn and Teela is just as fierce. Evil-Lyn notices that Teela fights harder this time, scowling at the evil sorceress for bringing her to the dreaded Snake Mountain.
"You made a grave mistake bringing me here, Evil-Lyn!"
Evil-Lyn gains the upper hand and strikes Teela down.
"My father trained me to become a soldier, and to never accept defeat," she says, as he gets up. "You will never threaten me or my friends ever again!"
With her emotions heightened, she released are shockwave of light energy, which sends Evil-Lyn flying away.
Skeletor is distracted by her painful cry, as He-Man takes him out with a powerful punch. The Lord of Destruction is out for the count. The champion noticed Teela's strange burst of power.
After releasing the strange burst of energy, Teela collapses, feeling faint. He-Man rushes to help her, and she looks up at him.
"He-Man...what happened?" asked Teela, still feeling dizzy.
"You released some sort of magic," He-Man explains, helping her to stand up. "Looks like you've got some hidden powers you didn't know about. We should let the Sorceress take a look at that."
Man-at-Arms reaches up to them with the other heroes, after taking care of Skeletor's lackeys, and remarks on another swift victory against the Lords of Snake Mountain.
"What a stunning victory, my friends," he says cheerily.
"Indeed," said He-Man. "Let's go home. I've had enough of this place. We will be prepared should the Evil Warriors attack again."
The heroes board their vehicles and head back to Castle Grayskull.
Skeletor has recovered from his fight with He-Man and finds a dazed Evil-Lyn. The evil sorceress gains her senses.
"Bah, how can a simple soldier such as Teela wield such magic?!" she asked, furiously. "She's just a girl!"
Beast Man and Mer-Man approach their master.
"You miserable dogs!" Skeletor lashes at them. "You have failed miserably. The Defenders of Grayskull have stopped us once again. They were lucky this time. Should I see their faces again, I will crush them all!"
Back at Castle Grayskull, Prince Adam reveals to their friends that he and He-Man are one and the same,
"My friends, will you align with us to defend Grayskull and Eternia against Skeletor's evil?" the prince requests.
"That will be our highest honor, your Highness," said Stratos.
Ram Man approaches the prince. "Adam, I am so sorry about your mother and father. They treated me like family. Your father saved my life in battle. They will be missed."
"You have my thanks, Ram Man," says Adam, his voice a bit shaky with sadness. "I do see them in my dreams. My greatest wish is to be reunited with them."
The heroes celebrate their reunion and victory.
Teela and Man-at-Arms converse with the Sorceress about her secret about Teela's true identity.
"Please forgive my behaviour, mother," Teela says. "I was in shock. But, now I am happy to have found you at last!"
For the first time, mother and daughter reconcile in a loved embrace.
Man-at-Arms seems at edge at first,
"Things could have been different," he says. "We could have celebrated a lot of years as husband and wife. You could have watched Teela grow up. But, our duties have torn us apart, and the threats we face. But, now we are a family once more. You made a great sacrifice to commit to your duty, which could not be unattained."
So, for the first time, Man-at-Arms is united with his lost love and Teela has found her mother. They engage in a warm group hug.
Prince Adam and the heroes watch on, all happy for the three of them.
In the dangerous region known as the Tar Swamp, a strange portal opens, and a strange creature with a floppy orange hat, red robes and large blue ears stumbles out of it. He has big yellow eyes and a purple scarf to hide his facial features.
"By Trolla!" he says, alarmed. "What strange land have I stumbled upon?"