CHAPTER 3
The Otherwordly Wizard
After reuniting with old friends, He-Man and Teela are sent by the Sorceress on a quest to the untamed wilderness of the Vine Jungle. After realizing that she had hidden powers of her own, Teela was told by her mother that they had to locate a mysterious amulet in the Temple of Serpos – the god of the Snake Men, who played a crucial part in King Hssss' rise to power during the Snake Men's rule over Eternia millennia ago.
He-Man was riding his mighty steed Battle Cat, while Teela was traversing the air on a hoverboard her father built for them.
"Hey, Teela!" says He-Man, with a mischievous smile on his face. "Remember when we were kids and we came exploring here, and our Dads tells us not to?""
"How could I forget?"' Teela laughed. "They were so mad at us for disobeying them. We were grounded for two weeks doing chores."
""Such fun memories," said Battle Cat.
""What are you going on about, Cat?"" asked He-Man. ""You were always taking naps in the shade or snacking on a nice meal?"
"One more chirp from you and you're walking!" growled Battle Cat.
""I am just kidding, my friend,"" He-Man laughed. "Prince Adam would be nothing and nowhere without Cringer!"
"I think we do need to take it by foot from now on," said Teela. "The jungle is getting thicker and darker."
"Very well," said He-Man, as he dismounted from Battle Cat. "We must watch ourselves. The Vine Jungle has creatures every bit as dangerous as Skeletor's warriors!"
The Vine Jungle was not easy to traverse, as the warriors used their swords to cut through hundreds of vines and walk through foul-smelling rivers. Not to mention the carnivorous animals and the venomous creatures in the watery depths. But they kept a watchful eye. The jungle was filled with the sounds of wild animals, birds and beasts.
A large blue snake and fangs dripping with venom lashed out at them from a river. But He-Man managed to grab it by the tail and throw it back into the murky water.
"Nasty devil!""
Eventually they reached the temple, which was the form of a large pyramid made of gold with the head of a snake on its zenith.
"Alright! We made it!" said Teela, excitedly.
The warriors treaded carefully inside and it was filled with statues, gold, jewellery, and treasures. Not to minion a room filled with the rotten carcasses of dead Snake People. They looked to see the statues of King Hssss himself. A haunting image of a colossal five-headed monster, As well as the statues of generals – Rattlor, Tung Lashor, Sssqueeze and Snake Face. Rumour has it that Rattlor and Tung Lashor defected to join the Horde armies.
"Whoa, it stinks in here!" says Battle Cat.
They ventured further through long wide passageways, which seemed to go for hours, until they reached some sort of throne room. There were hidden traps and snares in the room, but He-Man and Teela managed to evade them.
In the middle of the throne room, once all the traps were evaded, was a large skeletal snake creature. It had a golden and red crown covering its hand, and gold shoulder pads. Many snake heads protruded from its being, and the torso and limbs were wrapped in filthy bandages. This creature was originally Wraptor, a cursed mummifed serpent which the Snake Men used as an instrument in battle.
In Wraptor's left hand was a golden amulet in the shape of a cobra's head. It was the item they were sent to find, according to the Sorceress' description.
"We've found it, Teela!"" says He-Man, pointing to the object. "The amulet!"
Teela took the amulet and used her hand to wipe off the thick webbing and dirt, as the golden coating shimmered radiantly.
The eyes on the head of the amulet burned green and it extended into a long staff. Teela held it firmly in her hands. It felt right. It was called the Staff of Ka, which was carried by the Green Goddess
"I remember the story your father told us," said He-Man. "All about the legend of the Green Goddess, and how her rivalry with Serpos ravaged the planet. In their final battle, the snake god had almost won, when King Hssss stole the Staff from her. However, being the greatest force of good in the universe, The Goddess was able to defeat Serpos' evil. The warrior brothers King Grayskull and He-Ro defeated King Hssss and his Snake Men.
With the aid of the Elders, King Grayskull, He-Ro and The Goddess were able to trap the Snake Men and their vile god into an inter-dimensional prison known as the Ophidian Sphere, which is now light years away in space. So the Snake Men will never set foot upon Eternia again."
Suddenly, the eyes of Wraptor started glowing, and the entire skeleton was elit with green fire. It started to move like an undead creature. It shot its skeletal snake heads at Teela, who smashed them with the staff. He-Man leapt forward and struck the creature with its sword. A bright green glow enveloped the room, as Teela headed for cover. A large explosion erupted, sending He-Man flying through a wall.
"Are you alright, big guy?" asked a concerned Teela.
He-Man managed to gain his senses, but he was a bit dazed after the explosion.
"I remember the Sorceress telling me that the magic of the Snake Men is as ancient as the power of Grayskull!"
Having fulfilled their mission, the two of them decided to head back to Castle Grayskull. On their way out, they heard Battle Cat roar, as they came face to face with Skeletor's minions – Evil-Lyn, Beast Man and Mer-Man.
"Ah, we meet again, heroes!" said Mer-Man with a warbled voice.
Evil-Lyn had spied on them with her magic, and noticed that Teela was carrying the Staff of Ka.
"Hand that over!""
"We were sent here to retrieve the staff!" said He-Man. "I doesn't belong to you!"
Evil-Lyn cusses at them, and orders the henchmen to attack. She faces Teela in battle, while He-Man and Battle Cat take down Beast Man and Mer-Man.
Teela evades Evil-Lyn's magical attacks in spectacular form, and her new staff comes in handy to even block of her attacks. He-Man and Battle Cat make short work of Beast Man and Mer-Man, defeating them with ease.
The most powerful man in the universe and his fierce feline companion decide to aid Teela in battle. Unfortunately, Evil-Lyn traps them with her magic, making it impossible for them to move. The evil sorceress than disarms Teela, and strikes her with her magic. He-Man is unable to reach his sword, which rests in a holster attached to the back of his armor.
"You made me look like a fool during our last encounter," she hissed. "And now...you will pay!""
The magic being released from Evil-Lyn's staff hurts Teela, and He-Man and Battle Cat are trapped, unable to break free.
"Teela...no!" He-Man said. "Stop it, Evil-Lyn. You're killing her!"
Suddenly, her magic is blocked by some sort of invisible force.
"What the-""
She is baffled by what was blocking her magic, until she sees some sort of liquefying image taking form – the invisible force is the strange alien creature that came through the portal in the Tar Swamp.
The creature is a wizard, and his magic rivals Evil-Lyn.
"You should learn better manners," he says. "Inflciting harm upon these nice warriors!""
The evil sorceress strengthens her magic, until the alien wizard casts a spell, and she's suddenly enveloped by his unusual magic, and is teleported back to Snake Mountain – only this time, in one of the slime pools near the stronghold, which ruins her clothing.
"That annoying little blaggard!" she cusses.
He-Man and Battle Cat are freed from Evil-Lyn's magical bindings, and the wizard tends to Teela, using his magic to heal her.
"We owe you our lives, friend," said He-Man, as and Battle Cat help Teela to stand.
"Oh, sorry, where are my manners?" says the alien wizard. "My name is Orko the Great, Master Wizard of Trolla."
"My name is He-Man, and these are my allies, Teela and Battle Cat. We would like to take you to our home fortress, Castle Grayskull. Our friend the Sorceress will be happy to have a wizard in her company!"
"I am grateful, He-Man," Orko replies politely. "Please lead the way!"
The Defenders of Grayskull are happy to have found a new comrade in battle, and they all travel back to Grayskull together, before more dangers come their way.
Far, far away at Snake Mountain, Skeletor has appointed a new bodyguard for Wolfsgate, one of the entrances into the stronghold. The bodyguard is a large reptilian creature with green scales and a large thrashing tail. He is called Whiplash, a disgraced criminal from the city of Caligaria in the Plains of Perpetua. While his people kept to themselves, they were a savage race, with a hide that was almost impenetrable and a tail with smashing force so powerful it could demolish a tree in the Evergreen Forest.
Skeletor is unhappy when Beast Man and Mer-Man returned, bruised and battered from their battle with He-Man and Battle Cat.
"You imbeciles are pathetic!" he yelled.
"But, Lord Skeletor," muttered a scared Beast Man. "He-Man always beats us!"
"You flee-bitten coward!" Skeletor snapped. "'You have killed hundreds of men...and you can't even get rid of a muscle-bound goody-goody. You digust me!"
"Forgive us, master," Mer-Man stammered, kneeling down like a dog begging for food.
"Bah! Go grovel somewhere else," said Skeletor. "You spineless idiots!"
Evil-Lyn also emerges, covered in slime and mud from the slime pools near the mountain. Skeletor doesn't even bother to comment on her failure.
"May I introduce you to Whiplash of Caligaria," Skeletor said, as Whiplash stood at the entrance of Wolfsgate. He greeted the other henchmen with grunt and snarls.
"My Lord, why recruit a Caligarian?" Evil-Lyn whispered. "They're mindless brutes. Savages. Can this Whiplash beat the Grayskull champions?"
"They may be savages, but their thrashing tails and impenetrable hideis is what we need to crush He-Man," said Skeletor, clenching his bony fist. "If Whiplash gets rid of Eternia's golden boy, we can easily defeat the others. Think of He-Man as an unbreakable wall...with Whiplash on our side, we can break through that wall."
"I have to tell you something, my Lord," Evil-Lyn said, as she walked with Skeletor through the dark passageways of Snake Mountain. "When we kidnapped Teela, He-Man channeled some sort of magic through his sword. Looks like our enemies are hiding more secrets than we suspect."
"He-Man's strength and power is unnatural," said Skeletor. "His sword may be the source of that power. And the question still lies why those heroic simpletons are so protective of that broken down Castle Grayskull. My dear, Evil-Lyn, why are your clothes full of slime and mud?
"He-Man and his pals have a new ally, my Lord," said Evil-Lyn. "An alien wizard whose magic rivals my own. I don't belive he's from Eternia."
"I see," said Skeletor, his interest piqued. "This alien wizard is someone I'd surely like to meet!"
Back at Castle Grayskull, He-Man and Battle Cat have changed back to Prince Adam and Cringer, and introduce themselves to Orko as their true selves.
"So, the barbarian hero is actually a prince?" asked Orko.
"Yes, I am," Adam replied. "Or at least, I was. When our royal city fell to Skeletor's armies...and the loss of my parents. I don't know if I am not much of a prince anymore. Now, as He-Man, I help my friends protect Eternia against the forces of evil."
"C-C-Come on, A-A-Adam," stutters Cringer. "Y-Y-You will always be the P-P-Prince of Eternia!"
"Aw, Cringer, isn't he the best?" Adam laughs.
"And Teela...She's your...girlfriend?" asks Orko.
"Well, we not there yet," said Adam, with uncertainty. "You know...the whole love thing...it takes time and patience. Time to develop. Anyway, tell us more of where you are from? This world called Trolla."
"Oh, it's a beautiful land," says Orko, longing for his home. "However, vastly different to Eternia. Sunsets that last for hours. Mountains in colors you've never seen before. Full of kind, hard-working people. A true paraside. A home of great wizards and magicians. That's until the demon Sh'Gora invaded our world!
"Who's Sh'Gora?" asked Adam.
"An unstoppable monster," says Orko. "He's the one that banished me here. My fellow wizards and I fought as hard as we could to stop him, but he was far too powerful. He and his dark forces unleashed chaos. Many kind Trollans lost their lives. Our greatest wizards failed in the fight. Sh'Gora's evil is like a cancer, as he spreads his darkness from planet to planet, scouring the universe. Trolla was a beautiful world...until he arrived! And he has used some sort of magic that prevents me from returning to my home. I cannot open the portal!"
""Do not worry, Orko," says Adam. "One day, you will return to Trolla. That I promise you. For now, we invite you to help us to defend Castle Grayskull against our enemies."
"You can count on me, always," says Orko.
Teela is with the Sorceress in the throne room, where her mother is examining the Staff of Ka.
"Teela, you may be destined to one day take my place as the next Guardian of Grayskull, but you are also something more. When I was pregnant with you, the Green Goddess came to me, and told me that my own daughter would become her avatar. You will be a vessel for her to protect the lands of Eternia. And now that the Staff of Ka has been found, her return in imminent."
"That explains my hidden powers," said Teela. "And why I can't control them."
"Yes, my daughter," replies Sorceress. "But, when you and the Goddess will become one, you will have full control, and this power against Skeletor will be instrumental to keeping us all safe."
Teela is elated to her this news and goes on to tell Adam, Orko and Cringer.
"Wait, you are telling me that the Sorceress has actually met the Green Goddess?" asked Adam. "And she will one day return to Eternia?"
"That's right," Teela said, smiling gleefully. "She will help me control my hidden powers. I can't wait to meet her!"
"N-N-Neither can I," says Cringer.
"This Green Goddess will certainly teach that Skeletor creepa thing or two," says Orko.
The Sorceress enteres them room.
"Ah, so you must be Orko?" she says, with a warm smile on her beautiful face. "You saved my warriros against Skeletor's minions. You have my thanks."
"I am pleased to meet you, Sorceress," says Orko with a bow. "But, for now, how about we talk about magic instead."
The Sorceress takes Orko to one of her private chambers, where they can learn and study each other's magic, to help them in the battles ahead.
Prince Adam puts his arm around Teela, excited to hear that the Green Goddess will one day return.
"This is it, Adam," she said. "With you as He-Man and the Goddess helping me with my powers, we will be the ultimate fighting duo."
After hearing the exciting news, they went outside to do combat training with an apparatus Man-at-Arms bult for them.
Back at Snake Mountain, Skeletor is preparing his minions for another assault on Castle Grayskull. He wishes that Whiplash use his talents to kill He-Man. With Eternia's champion out of the way, they could make short work of the other Heroic Warriors.
"Lord Skeletor, what is your plan for your enemies?" asked Whiplash, as he boarded a purple War Sled with a serpents head on its front/
"I wish to take He-Man's sword from him and learn its secrets," said Skeletor. "That's where you come in, Whiplash. You need to destroy He-Man. And then, I will uncover the secrets those wretched heroes are hiding."
Skeletor got onto to the back of Panthor and ran out of the mountain, while his minions boarded their Griffins, and took to the skies.
All was quiet at Castle Grayskull. Skeletor and his minions travelled through the forest, until they reached its end, where the castle was situated.
"My lord, why not just attack the castle insead of waiting and hiding?" asked Beast Man.
"Because, furface, I have a better plan instead of attacking head on," Skeletor seethes.
Prince Adam and Orko are standing at the castle entrance, having a restful occassion.
"Protecting Castle Grayskull has become a great honor," says Adam. "But I do miss the luxuries of palace life. I wish my parents will still with me. I learned a lot from them."
Suddenly, a middle-aged man dressed in regal clothing approachs them. The prince is shocked to see that the man was none other than his father, King Randor. But it was impossible as the king had been slain by Skeletor weeks ago.
"Adam, my son!" he cried, with a look of joy on his face. "Thank the Ancients you're alive."
"Father, it can't be you," said Adam, confused. "You were slain by Skeletor. You died in my arms. A great city fell to Skeletor's armies!"
"Our city did fall, yes," said Randor. "But, there were survivors. Some of them were doctors. They found my body, and used healing magic to bring me back."
"But, we've been here at Castle Grayskull for weeks," said Adam. "Why do you only come now?
Orko senses that something is not right.
"Something is not right, my friend," Orko whispers to the prince.
"Come home with me, my son," says Randor, invitingly. "Let's go back to Eternos where we belong. We will find the means to find your mother and we can be a family again. We can rebuild our city and reunite our people."
"I would love to go home with you, father," said Prince Adam. "But my duty now is to protect Castle Grayskull. My allies need me in the fight against Skeletor."
"Not more than your father needs you by his side," said Randor. "The Heroic Warriors will protect Grayskull."
Adam is stuck in thought at the moment, as he dreams for nothing more than to be reunited with his parents.
But as He-Man, he is the best hope of defending Grayskull, and Skeletor's evil schemes will be its downfall.
"I am truly sorry," says Adam, with sadness in hs voice. "I can't go back with you. I have...larger responsibilities now. If I don't help my allies protect Grayskull, the entire universe will be doomed.""
"Yo don't say," Randor responded, only this time, it was with a creepy and malevolent tone, which was completely out of character for the king.
Just then, the Sorceress and Teela arrive, ready to stand by Adam.
"Stay away from him, Adam," said Teela. "He's an impostor!"
"You are not King Randor!" says the Sorceress. "Leave this place at once!"
Suddenly, the king starts laughing. From a seemingly sarcastic laugh, it changes into a wicked, malelovent, haunting cackle. His voice changes. And suddenly, a red magical light comes over the king, and he transforms into the hideous form of Skeletor.
"So, Castle Grayskull does have its secrets!" he cackled.
"You foul demon!" says Adam, bravely holding his ground. "How dare you come here!"
The Sorceress prepares her magic and Teela is armed with her cobra staff.
"Step aside, boy," Skeletor says, stepping towards Adam, and slams him with a magical blow from his Havoc Staff, sending him falling into Bottomless Abyss. Sorceress and Teela watch in horror as they hear the prince's helpless scream spiralling downwards. Cringer comes running out of the castle,
"H-H-Hold on, Adam,!" cries the fearful feline.
Teela and Sorceress confront Skeletor. Conjuring his dark magic, the Lord of Destruction blocks off their assault.
The Sorceress fights with her magic, and with Teela's emotions heightened, she releases a shock wave of light energy. With the powers of mother and daughter combined, they srrike Skeletor, sending him across the air, collapsing on the ground like a heavy lump of flesh. He shivers, struggling to get up, furious that they beat him with their heroic magic.
"Cursed women!" he scowls. "What is this magic they wield?"
Suddenly, his minions arrive, atop their Griffins, with Beast Man riding Panthor in the lead. Skeletor gets up, holding tightly onto his Havoc Staff,
"You two magic-mongers are no match for all of us!"" Skeletor laughs manically.
The Sorceress stands guard at Grayskull's entrance, armed with her Falcon Staff and vast array of magical powers, while Teela is armed with her cobra staff, as she and Orko enter the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Prince Adam and Cringer are many feet below in the Abyss, having fallen onto a precipice. Thanks to his timid yet courageous feline companion, Adam is alive, but wounded.
"W-W-We need to g-g-get out of here, A-A-A-Adam," Cringer stammers. "Our f-f-friends needs us!"
Coughing out blood, Adam had broken his leg, cracked a few ribs, and sprained his arm. He struggles to get to his feet, his mind only on the lives of his friends...and the power of Grayskull falling into Skeletor's evil hands.
"We...must...stop Skeletor!"
Fortunately, Cringer has got hold of the Sword of Power, and carries it in his mouth to the prince. Adam is grateful to his tiger companion.
"S-S-Say the magic words!"" says Cringer.
Grabbing the sword, his words shaky, he calls upon the power of Grayskull once more, and his wounds are healed.
Huge strikes of lightning erupted from forming clouds in the heavens, as Skeletor and the Evil Warriors look upon it with confusion, not having a clue about what is happening. The lightning poured down into the Abyss, Teela smiles, as it assures her that Adam is alright.
The magic lightning strikes the Sword of Power, and a great burst of blinding light envelops the chasm.
Transforming into the mighty He-Man and Battle Cat, the two champions make their way to top, to save their friends and Castle Grayskull once more.
Teela and Orko fight valiantly against Skeletor and his minions. With her combat skills, Teela takes out Beast Man and Mer-Man. Orko manages to outwit Evil-Lyn with his own magic again, and then comes face to face with the evil Lord of Destruction himself.
Skeletor is disgusted that Orko's magic rivals Evil-Lyn's, as she is one of the most powerful sorceresses in all of Eternia.
"This is who defeated you in magic?" asked Skeletor, with disgust in his tone. "A miserable floating bag of wind?"
"My Lord, I..." Evil-Lyn stammered.
"You are a bitter disappointment," Skeletor moans. "I will take care of this impudent outsider myself!"
Orko prepares to face Skeletor, his hands glowing with magical energy.
"I don't fear you, Skeletor!" he says, confidently. "I won't let you hurt my new friends again!"
"Don't be too confient, little creature," Skeletor snickers. "I am the Lord of Destruction. The most powerful sorcerer to walk these lands. My powers dwarf those of Evil-Lyn!"
And so, the Lord of Destruction and the brave Trollan wizard fight magic with magic. Skeletor is really impressed, as Orko's powers make him strong. But strengthening his powers through the Havoc Staff, Skeletor injures Orko.
The kindly alien wizard fells to the ground, weakened and injured from the blow.
Teela rushes to aid Orko
"Leave him be, Skeletor!" she demands. "Can't you see he's injured."
"Why, Teela," Skeletor bawls, "It's like you don't know me at all. I care for no one's life...but my own!""
Teela tries to confront Skeletor, but Panthor leaps out to her, holding her against the ground. The purple-furred feline's teeth drips with saliva as he growls in her face.
Skeletor prepares to kill Orko, until they hear the familiar noble voice of He-Man. Everyone looks up, to see the most powerful man in the universe and his trusted tiger steed standing before them.
"You're not just a villain, Skeletor," He-Man says, angrily, with his sword in his hand. "You're a bully. Trying to kill a nice kid like Adam!"
"Welcome to the battlefield, He-Man," Skeletor says gleefully. "I have a little surprise for you. His name is WHIPLASH!""
He-Man gasps as the large green-skinned scaly form of Whiplash leaps towards him, like a carnivorous animal catching its prey. The reptilian villain was hiding in the bushes, impatiently waiting for his chance to strike
The powerful reptilian warrior pummels He-Man onto the ground, and the Sword of Power flies out out of his right hand.
The hero manages to break free, as Whiplash slashes viciously at He-Man's chest. The claws almost slash He-Man's enhanced skin. He then starts punching at Whiplash.
The reptile warrior staggers back, and then laughs.
"Wow, you are indeed powerful, hero!""
He-Man is caught off guard as he is surprised by Whiplash's durability.
In a big green blur, Whiplash thrashes He-Man with his large tail, sending the hero tearing through the ground. Wiping a small amount of blood from his nose, as he struggles to stand. He never thought one of Skeletor's henchmen could be so strong.
"Excellent work, Whiplash!" Skeletor cackles with glee. "Now, kill the bastard!"
As Whiplash approaches He-Man, Skeletor sees the Sword of Power lying on the ground,
Skeletor believes that once he obtains the sword, he will learn its secrets and the truth about Castle Grayskul..
Gaining his strength, He-Man watches as his archenemy goes for the sword. Whiplash charges towards him like a bloodthirsty animal. Then, delivering a super punch, the hero strikes him so hard that he flies hundreds of feet through the air, crashing into the trees of the Evergreen Forest.
Skeletor grabs the Power Sword, and holds it in the air with the blade facing the sky. He laughs wickedly. Suddenly, the sword starts glowing brighter...and brighter. Then Skeletor yells in pain, as the light burns his hand. The sword splits into two blades as the light fades out, and falls to the ground.
The Lord of Destruction crumples to the ground, holding his injured hand, which his now full of black and red burn marks. He hangs his head in dismay.
As He-Man walks up to him, and the two halves of the Power Sword started levitating in the air. As he cames nearer, the blades glow brightly, and becomes one unified blade again, as it comes to He-Man's hand. Even though the battle has been won again,
"I am sorry, Skeletor," says He-Man, panting after his fight with Whiplash. "But this sword was not meant for the hands of evil. It can only be held by those who serve the forces of good."
"Why is it you who is master of that sword?" the defeated Skeletor asks.
"The sword chose me as its master," said He-Man. "It chose me because I don't crave power. I choose to protect it. To help others. Don't you see? Your hunger and thirst for power is your greatest enemy. Not me!"
"It is my birthright to gain ultimate power!" Skeletor spattered. "To have power...so I can rule this universe...and crush anyone who stands in my way!"
"No, Skeletor!" sayd He-Man. "You know, you and I could have been friends. Allies in battle. But you chose the life of a tyrant. A warlord. You can still be redeemed. Its not to late."
"Enough of your sentimental crap, He-Man!" Skeletor blurts out. "You may have won today, but my day will come, and I will uncover the secrets of your accursed sword and the truth about Castle Grayskull."
"As long as my friends and I are here, that will never happen!" He-Man swears to him.
Suddenly, Skeletor and all his defeated cohorts are covered in an eerie black smoke, and they all disappear from the grounds of Grayskull. The evil voice of Skeletor calls through the air.
"Our war is far from over, heroes!"
He-Man is glad that once again the forces of good have triumphed and Eternia is safe once more. A happy Teela rushes to He-Man and wraps her arms around his neck, as he hugs her warmly.
"Thank Grayskull!" she said, as a tear ran down her cheek. "I thought you were dead after falling into the Abyss!"
"I wouldn't have been if not for Cringer's bravery and Orko's magic!" He-Man replied.
The two warriors come to Orko, who is still lying on the ground after his battle with Skeletor. He starts a gaining his senses, but his very weak from his injuries. He opens his big yellow eyes, and sees He-Man and Teela smiling at him.
"You were a true champion of Grayskull today, little guy," Teela said. "Challenging the most powerful force of evil on Eternia. I am sure your loved ones on Trolla would have been very proud."
"Indeed, we have been dead if it wasn't for you," said He-Man, as Orko rested in his arms. "You have our thanks!"
"I am so glad you're alive, He-Man," Orko said, his voice was weak.
After another victory against Skeletor and his henchmen, He-Man carries Orko into Castle Grayskull, with Teela and Battle Cat at his side, and take him to the Recovery Room inside the castle.
When night falls, the Defenders of Grayskull set up a crackling fire to sit around under a star-filled sky. Man-at-Arms and Orius have returned from space after taking care of Space Pirates. They are filled in of the events of the day.
Teela notices Prince Adam standing one side, looking up at the night sky, with a disheartened look on his face. He feels shame for accidentally falling for Skeletor's disguise as King Randor, which put the secrets of Grayskull in danger.
"Hey, handsome, why the long face?" asked Teela, holding his hand.
"Teela, I hold the greatest power in the universe," said Adam. "Today, that power...the secrets of Grayskull...was in peril because I fell for Skeletor's trick. Because I honestly believed that my father was still alive. And now, the greatest evil in the world knows that Grayskull has its mysteries. He will not stop until he finds the truth."
"You need to stop beating yourself up," says Teela. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to see your father again. We all make mistakes. It is what makes us human. You were given He-Man's mantle not because of perfection, but because you are a good person."
"Keldor is...or was my uncle," said Adam, with sadness in his voice. "We could have fought together in battle. Instead of agaisnt each other. How will we ever defeat him and bring peace back to Eternia?"
Teela caresses his face and kisses him.
"We will save Eternia," she said, "because we have each other. Stronger together!"
When the two young warriors rejoin the others at the fire, Orko levitates out of Castle Grayskull's entrance. With the Sorceress' help and the magic wtinin the castle, he is completely healed after his confrontation with Skeletor.
"Orko, you look great!" says Teela, overjoyed.
"I feel great!" says Orko. "I may not be able to return home, but I have found another one...and great to friends. From this day forth, I will be at your side on the battle against Skeletor!"
Orko goes to makes his introduction to Man-at-Arms and Orius.
While the heroes sat around the fire, filled with laughter and good stories, little did they know that the Green Goddess herself was watching over them from the stars, knowing that her time to return to Eternia was drawing near to help stop Skeletor from infecting the lands of Eternia.