Chapter Five
Discovery
After the Goddess has made an allegiance with the heroic Masters of the Universe, Skeletor and his Evil Warriors have not tussled with them for many weeks. The Masters spent their time traveling Eternia, helping those in need by fighting monsters and demons across the land.
One quiet afternoon, Prince Adam and Teela were sneaking around inside Castle Grayskull, looking to quietly make out. They find some privacy and started kissing passionately.
Ram Man walks in on them,
"Sorry guys," he says, feeling uncomfortable for interrupting them. After being bitten attacked by Webstor, he was healed by the Sorceress from the spider warrior's venom.
The two young warriors laugh and act innocently, with their cheeks reddened
"Hey, Rammy, what's up?" asked a giggling Teela.
"We've been summoned to the throne room by the Sorceress," replies Ram Man.
"We'll be there right away," replies Prince Adam.
When they arrive, Man-at-Arms, The Sorceress, Orko, Stratos and Buzz Off are all standing there. Man-at-Arms steps forth and presents the recovered and new improved Orius.
"May I introduce you to the newly reformed Orius," said Man-at-Arms, "and from this day forth, he will be known as Mekaneck."
Orius steps into this room, but he is radically changed. His neck is now compriosed of an advanced technology created by Man-at-Arms, which gives him the ability to stretch it to great heights and lengths, as well as twist and turn it in all direction. His head is replaced with a angular red helmet and a large rectangular white visors, with the points facing upside down. Orius now goes by the warrior name Mekaneck - the Human Periscope, who will become instrumental in reconnaissance.
"Wow, you're a completely new man," says an amazed Teela.
"We're sorry for what Skeletor did to you, my friend," said Adam, putting his hand on Mekaneck's shoulder. "We should have acted faster."
"No apology is necessary, my friends," says Mekaneck. "I should have rushed into battle so eagerly. Challenging the most dangerous man on Eternia by myself was foolhardy.'
The heroes celebrate as Mekaneck has a second chance at life.
While the Masters celebrate the birth of Mekaneck, Skeletor and his henchmen, Evil-Lyn, Beast Man and Webstor have found the means to travel to other dimensions and planets. There are an infintie number of universes, making a great multiverse. Their universe seems to be the central of all universes. Several number of universes belong in one of the Five Dimensions across space and time.
"How glorious it is to find other dimensions to conquer," says Evil-Lyn, with a bloodthirsty tone.
"Indeed, dear Evil-Lyn," says Skeletor. "With the Masters having allies such as the Green Goddess, we must travel beyond Eternia if we are to conquer our enemies!"
"Traveling to other worlds is boring," Beast Man quietly whispered to Webstor.
"Yes, we should slaughter the Masters ourselves instead of taking orders from the likes of Skeletor," hissed the spider warrior. "The universe should be ours to conquer, then we can be Masters of the Universe, not Skeletor!"
"What did you say, spider-brain?" asked Skeletor, viciously.
"I was just telling Beast Man that it was wise of you to search for new recruits on other worlds, my Lord," Webstor lies, trying to hide his fear.
"Careful, Webstor," said Skeletor. "As the Lord of Destruction, I am to be feared. Remember that!"
"I live to serve you, mighty Skeletor," Webstor mutters.
On their journey traveling from dimension to dimension, searching for the most violent criminals, outcasts and monsters to battle their heroic foes, they come across the planet of Xarxus, and find the technologically advanced city of Dodoria.
There they search for the mass murderer known as Kronis, who is known for taking known multiple enemies single handedly. His willingless to kill and bloodthirsty nature is what Skeletor is looking for in the war against Eternia.
The evil ones hear the screams of people, explosions and the falling of buildings. They rush to see what is going on. They come across several scattered bodies of soldiers, warriors and several ordinary citizens all over the streets and crumbled buildings...all dead. A complete massacre.
"One criminal did this?" asked the Lord of Destruction,
They travel further, and see a singular figure standing atop a mountain of dead bodies, surrounded by rubble and dust/.A hideous blue-skinned with a cybernetic iron jaw and a gun attachment used as an appendage. He shoots at several soldiers and warriors running up towards him, killing all of them with a whim. As if he was swatting away flies. His aim is remarkable, and he defeats his challengers effortlessly, by firing his gun, or swift hand-to-hand combat. What fascinates Skeletor is that this criminal enjoys his kills.
"It would take more than a man with cybernetic parts to take down He-Man and his enemies," said Evil-Lyn.
"This Kronis is a one-man army," said Skeletor. "His ruthless nature is the exact opposite we need to take down a sentimental sap like He-Man. Besides, all of you have proven to be worthless in your efforts to defeat him."
Kronis sees Skeletor and starts shooting at him with his arm gun. The Lord of Destruction creates a force field that protects himself and his minions, When he stops shooting, Skeletor releases a magical shockwave and sends Kronis hurling across the ground.
"There is no place for sorcerers here!" Trap Jaw shouts at Skeletor, as the Lord of Destruction walks towards him.
"Watch your tongue, knave!" says Skeletor, and blasts Kronis with his Havoc Staff. The cyborg man wraiths in pain.
"Okay, I will do as you ask," Kronis says, "Who the hell are you?"
"I am Skeletor, Lord of Destruction!" Skeletor replied. "I am the future Master of the Universe."
"The Lord of what now?" asked Kronis.
"If you align yourself with me, I can offer you glory and power."
"Now you are speaking my language," Kronis replied. "Very well then, Lord Skeletor. I will join. But, where are you from?"
"We are from the planet Eternia," says Skeletor. "It is a planet that exists in another universe, far from here. Eternia holds the greatest power in all of an existence. Unfortunately, our plans have always been quashed by a group of goody-goody heroes who have stolen my place as the rightful ruler of Eternia."
"I...loathe heroes!" Kronis said. "I will slaughter them all...by your command, of course, my lord!"
"Excellent," says Skeletor, as he and Kronis shake hands. "Welcome to our little family. Kronis!"
"My men call me Trap Jaw!"
And so, the Lords of Snake Mountain have a new brother in arms in their evil conquest against Eternia.
Trap Jaw gets hold of one of his air vehicles, and he takes the Evil Warriors on a journey across the land. Outside of Dodoria, are endless wasteland of dry, barren earths, burned and full of rubble, toxic waste, filth and fire. A land truly ravaged by criminals and outcasts, which is the exact opposite of the scenic landscapes of Eternia's Light Hemisphere.
"You see, Trap Jaw," Skeletor says. "My minions have failed to conquer our enemies, So I need to find more men to increase my army. We need to be unstoppable if we want to obtain absolute power."
"There's an old buddy of mine named Trydor in the city of Sybrus," said Trap Jaw. "He's a man of science, but a warrior as ruthless as I!"
They reach Sybrus - a city not unlike Dodoria, but inhabited by robots and androids. They reach Trydor's headquarters, where he works as a master scientist. He is a bald human man with orange and green armor.
"Trap Jaw, its been a long time," said Trydor. "But, you have to leave. I no longer have the desire to go on your endless killing sprees!"
"It is not Trap Jaw that needs your assistance, but I," says Skeletor.
"And you are?"
"I am Skeletor," the Lord of Destruction, "I am the ultimate force of evil in the universe. And I would gladly like your skills in battle to diminish my enemies!"
"I am a scientist," said Trydor. "I prefer to work alone. I don't have the desire to diminish anyone's enemies!"
"You insolent blaggard!" Skeletor growled. "No one insults Skeletor, fool. Kill him, my minions!"
The Evil Warriors attack Trydor, but he outmanuevers them easily with his bare fists and quick moves.. This elates Skeletor.
"You will join me," he says, threatening him with his Havoc Staff. "Or will kill you right here myself!"
Trydor gives in and agrees, swearing allegiance to Skeletor. But how faithful would he remain to the Lord of Destruction?
Back in Eternia, the Masters of the Universe were in the darker regions of the Evergreen Forest, fighting off some Shadow Beasts - seemingly ordinary wild beasts that have the ability to could traverse from one spot to another at incredible speed, by transforming themselves into untouchable shadow creatures.
He-Man is instrumental against the Beasts, using his incredible strength. Mekaneck is making use of his extending neck and bionic eyes. Man-at-Arms, Teela and Battle Cat fight swiftly as well.
Once the creatures are seemingly overwhelmed, they recoil for another attack. Then, Teela uses her powers, given to her by the Goddess, to calm them down. She speaks to them, telling them there was no need to fight, and asks them to leave peacefully. The Beasts do as they are asked, and leave the area.
"You can calm even the vilest of creatures," says He-Man, with a smile on his face. "You are amazing, Teela!"
"Thanks, handsome," Teela said, "with Shadow Beasts, you just go gentle with them!"
The heroes decide to go out in the sun, where they could hear the song of birds, feel the coolness of the winds and listen to the tranquil running of streams. They enjoy the warm sunlight and the sounds of nature.
But then a purple portal opens, and out steps Skeletor, Trap Jaw and Trydor.
"Battle positions!" exclaims Man-at-Arms, as the Masters get up from their rest, and arm themselves their weapons, preparing for battle.
"Ah, greetings, heroes!" Skeletor says. "We've been traveling dimensions looking for new recruits for my army. I am looking forward to them ending you. Trap Jaw! Trydor! Commence!"
Trap Jaw stands ready, poised for battle, and Trydor puts on a mechanical helmet with tri-optic eyes and a rotating visor, which clasps around his chin.
The two opposing forces charge one another. The Masters fight bravely, with He-Man in the lead. Defending his friends, Trydor blasts at He-Man, temporarily blinding him. The hero drops his sword.
Man-at-Arms fights bravely against Trap Jaw, but the cybernetic warrior blasts him with his arm gun, damaging his armor. The Master of Weapons falls down, wounded.
Teela cries out for her father, and wields magic through her Staff of Ka, knocking Trap Jaw back.
"Cursed girl!" he swears at her, getting up, and preparing to attack her.
He-Man steps forth, after rapidly regaining his sight, and punches Trap Jaw, knocking him out.
Teela is then taken down by Trydor, who snuck up on her from behind. He has taken down both Battle Cat and Mekaneck as well.
"I don't like it when villains threaten my friends," says an angered He-Man and then engages in a vicious sword fight with Trydor. The villain fights with tremendous skill and strength, almost beating the champion. But, He-Man eventually overthrows Trydor.
"Go ahead, kill me, champion!" says Trydor.
"My intention is not to kill you, Trydor," said He-Man. "I just want to tell you that you don't have to follow Skeletor. He is evil and only serves himself. Let me help you walk you walk the right path, and you will be a free man."
"What is wrong with you?" Trydor asked, "Why would you help me? I am your enemy!"
"We don't have to be enemies, Trydor," He-Man said. "I-"
The evil form of Skeletor appears out of the darkness and blasts He-Man away with his Havoc Staff.
"Sentiment will get you nowhere, He-Man!" Skeletor said, laughing maniacally. "Come, Trydor, we must get to Castle Grayskull...and seize its secrets for ourselves."
"As you wish...my Master," said Trydor, as he still thought about He-Man's words.
Skeletor then teleports him and the knocked out Trap Jaw away.
He-Man recovers quickly and attends to his friends, who are recovering from the brutal attacks. Everyone is okay, but Man-at-Arms had been wounded badly by Trap Jaw.
"He-Man, come to Grayskull!" The Sorceress calls out to the hero via telepathy. "Skeletor and his new warriors draw near!"
He-Man gathered his allies and they head to Grayskull as fast they can.
When the villains arrive at Castle Grayskull, the Sorceress calls upon the power of the Elders to build an impenetrable force field around the fortress. Ram Man is standing guard, but he is no match for the combined forces of Skeletor, Trap Jaw and Trydor.
"Go back to Snake Mountain, Skeletor!" said the Sorceress. "You will never enter Castle Grayskull!"
Sorceress tells Skeletor that he will never enter Castle Grayskull and starts glowing with radiant white light, creating a massive force field around the fortress. The Elders have answered her call and have come to aid.
"What is this?" asked Skeletor, angered. "The power of this magic...its unreal!"
Skeletor, Trydor and Trap Jaw use their powers and weapons to blast at the force field, but it is completely impenetrable and unbreakable. Trydor uses a power scanner to trace the power levels of the force field.
"The level of power of the field is off the scale," said Trydor. "It's more powerful than anything in the universe."
"There is only one such power," said Skeletor. "Castle Grayskull is where the power of the universe resides...and that power is wielded by He-Man. He is the champion of legend!"
The heroic Masters of the Universe arrive in a Wind Raider.
"Mekaneck, we need to get Man-at-Arms to the Recovery Room, quickly!" said He-Man. "We have to stop Skeletor! With me, my fellow Masters!"
He-Man, Teela and Battle Cat leap into action. He-Man and Skeletor engage in battle once more, as their immense powers collide in epic fashion. The most powerful man in the universe overthrows his skull-faced adversary once again, as the Lord of Destruction is still no match for the true power of Grayskull.
Skeletor lies on the ground, looking up helplessly at the champion of Grayskull
"So, it IS you, He-Man," he says, "you are the chosen one to wield the great power. The one true Master of the Universe."
"We can all be Masters together, Skeletor," he said, gently. "We can protect Grayskull, and end this accursed battle, if we stand united."
"Join with you? My greatest enemy?" asked Skeletor, getting up and grabbing his Havoc Staff.. "I think I am going to be sick!"
"It's never too late for you to be redeemed," said He-Man, shaking his head. "You can choose to put your evil ways aside. We can bring back peace to Eternia...as friends!"
"I don't believe in peace, you heroic fool!" Skeletor scowled. "I believe in dominion and ultimate univeral power!"
"I will send you to prison for crimes, and-AAAHHH!"
He-Man is blasted by Tri-Klops, which sends him hurtling toweards the edge of the Bottomless Abyss/
He-Man gets up quickly, drawing his sword, standing above the Abyss edge, where underneath is an endless black nothingness. Trap Jaw confronts him, and they engage in another one-on-one combat.
"You will be my greatest kill, ever, He-Man!"
The mechanical menace puts up a worthy fight, but he is no match for He-Man's sword and strength. He-Man gives the villain a mighty punch, and his iron jaw breaks off, and he falls into the Abyss.
Hanging on for his life, He-Man gives intends to save him from falling.
"Please, grab my hand, there's no need to die!"
Unable to speak after losing his iron jaw, Trap Jaw looks at him with utter hatred in his eyes, and purposely falls down, much to He-Man's chagrin.
Teela and Battle Cat have taken down Trydor once again. As the villain is humiliated by his defeat,
"You worthless cur!" Skeletor said as he approached his newest recruit. "You will suffer for your failure. Farewell, heroes!"
Skeletor and Trydor disappear. He-Man gets together with his friends, with a sad experssion on his handsome face.
"I could not save Trap Jaw!" He laments.
Teela gives him a hugs to console him. Fortunately, Grayskull is safe, but Skeletor is now aware of the where the power of the universe lies. The Masters of the Universe have trumphed another day.
Later that evening, Man-at-Arms has been fully healed by the combiend magic of Sorceress and Orko. Prince Adam gathers the Masters in the throne room, where they discuss the events of the day.
"Skeletor is seriously recruitig talent," said Adam. "We are almost died today. Trydor and Kronis nearly left with our heads."
"Not to mention, Skeletor is more dangerous than ever now," said Teela. "He now knows that Grayskull houses the power of the universe, and his hunger for that power has increased!"
"We will be ready, should they attack again," says Man-at-Arms.
During the night, Adam goes to speak with Sorceress alone.
"Thank you for asking the Elders for aid today," he said. "Sorceress, today I failed to save Trap Jaw's life. When I became He-Man, I swore to use that power to protect others, to save lives. Am I really still worthy to be Grayskull's champion?"
"You did not fail, Adam," she said. "You chose to save your enemy. A ruthless criminal. Trap Jaw made the choice to end his own life. It is not He-Man's strength that makes him a hero, it is his heart."
Adam is grateful for her kind words, as he knows now that he has to stick to his ideals and morality, he is the rightful champion. As it was not the power of Grayskull that made He-Man a great hero, it was his compassion.
Back at Snake Mountain, Trydor is on his knees, sorrowful for his failure against the Masters.
"Please forgive me, Lord Skeletor," he says. "I will not fail you again."
"You miserable cur!" Skeletor snapped. "You failed againt a fashionably-challenged barbarian, a little girl and a talking tiger. You make me sick...and for that, you will be punished!"
The Lord of Destruction then uses his vast magical power to fuse his helmet with his head, brain and ocular organs. Trydor drops on his back and is racked with pain.
"Trydor is dead!" said Skeletor. "You will be called Tri-Klops!"
During the night, Evil-Lyn and Beast Man are flying their Griffins, searching for Trap Jaw. They come to the Abyss beneath Castle Grayskull, and find him critically injured with his broken off iron jaw lying next to him. Barely alive from his suicide attempt, they load him up on the Griffin
"Don't worry," said Evil-Lyn, "We will fix you!"
While the new Evil Warriors have suffered humiliating defeat, it was definitely not the last time that the Masters will face them.