Chapter 7
The Drifter
After the harrowing battle with Jitsu on Anwat Gar, He-Man and his fellow Masters of the Universe are battling Rock Giants in the Mystic Mountains.
Aided by Man-at-Arms and Orko, He-Man makes short work of the Rock Warriors with his incredible strength, and taking Rock Warriors was no easy task. Their strength was almost equal to He-Man's, but the Power of Grayskull came in handy
Once they obiliterated their rocky opponents, He-Man and Battle Cat changed back to Adam and Cringer, as looked up at the sky to see the first stars coming out as night was coming.
"We are most grateful for your sister Hawk on giving us the news on the Rock Giants," said Adam to Stratos, who had aided in the battle. "It would not be good if a precious location such as the Mystic Mountain by laid to waste."
"You are most welcome, Adam," says Stratos. "Hopefully one day, my fellow Avionians will aid us in battle. They are fierce fighters."
Adam looked to Orko, and thanked him for his help.
"You were instrumental with your magic today, my friend," said Adam.
"Like I always say," says Orko, "you can go a long way with a little magic!"
While traveling through the Mystic Mountains, they decided to spend the night in an inn in one of the mining settlements near the mountain, where they met with Man-at-Arms. Hoping to enjoy some good food and a good's night sleep, Unfortunately their tranquil little break was interrupted when a local tavern was two criminals, and some folks recognized that they were two of Skeletor's men.
Adam and Man-at-Arms wasted no time to investigate to see Trap Jaw and Beast Man wrecking the local tavern, destroying the furniture and scaring people away.
Beast Man leapt at Prince Adam, but Man-at-Arms jumped in the way and smashed him down with his mace. The large animalistic henchman fell down with a thud on the floor.
Adam was shocked to see that Trap Jaw was alive after the mechanical menace had taken his own life by falling into the Bottomless Abyss. Trap Jaw met eyes with the young man.
"What's the matter, kid?" he asked. "Are my monstrous looks too much for yer?"
Adam draws his sword and shows no fear towards the mechanical monstrosity.
"Don't you creeps have anything better to do than tear down a tavern?" asked Adam. "Not to mention, breaking and entering is wrong!"
"I'll smash your skull in, you weakling runt!" snarled Trap Jaw viciously.
The two of them face each other. Adam fights swiftly and valiantly, but Trap Jaw slugs the young warrior, knocking him out.
Man-at-Arms watches in horror as his young protege is defeated, and then fights Trap Jaw. The two engage in a vicious brawl, with Man-at-Arms getting kicked out of the tavern window.
The old war veteran shakes off his wounds. Trap Jaw jumps out towards him, and they fight viciously on the streets. Eventually, the Evil Warrior defeats the Heroic Master of Weapons, knocking him out cold. Beast Man wakes up and sees Adam lying on the tavern floor.
"Let's kill the runt," growled Beast Man. "Wouldn't Lord Skeletor be pleased if the prince of Eternia was dropped at his feet?
"You bloodthirsty mongrel," snappedTrap Jaw, as he slung the unconscious Man-at-Arms over his shoulder. "Killing the kid is a waste of time. But, if we bring a seasoned warrior suhc as Man-at-Arms to out lord, it could bring great reward!"
As they left, little did the Evil Warriors realize that good old Cringer had been watching the brawl take place, hiding behind some wine barrels on the other side of the street. Without the strength and fearlessness of Battle Cat, he would have been no match for the combined forces of both Evil Warriors
The fearful feline rushed into the tavern, once the danger had cleared. He found Adam, who was starting to regain his senses. Cringer gently lapped Adam's with his tongue.
"Oh, A-A-Adam, please w-w-wake up," he begged.
Adam slowly opened his eyes, and petted his feline companion on the head,
"You can always be counted on, Cringe," Adam said, as he managed to get on to his feet.
"They t-t-took M-M-Man-at-Arms," Cringer said. "Who knows what diabolical things S-S-Skeletor will d-d-do with a g-g-genius such as Man-at-Arms by their s-s-side!"
Adam jumps up with a start, trying to avoid the thought of what the Lords of Destruction would do if they would do the didn't rescue Man-at-Arms. It was time for He-Man and Battle Cat to lend a helping hand.
"BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL!" cried Adam, with the Sword of Power magically pulsating with lightning as he held it above his head, and he changed into He-Man.
"I...have...THE POWER!"
Pointing the sword to Cringer, the quivering feline transformed into the mighty and ferocious warrior tiger Battle Cat.
Far away, in the dark regions of Snake Mountain, the lone scientist known as Trydor had become Tri-Klops, Evil Master of Technology, thanks to Skeletor's diabolical magic. For several weeks, he had been building vehicles and weapons for the Evil Lord of Destruction and his wicked cronies.
Since Skeletor had fused his tri-optic helmet with his brain and eyes, Tri-Klops will forever hate the Lord of Destruction. But going up against his new master will be foolhardy, as Skeletor's evil power was too great to confront. Like any ordinary man, Tri-Klops' one desire was too stay alive, and to stay that way, he had to obey his new master.
At this very moment, Tri-Klops was making enhancements to Jitsu, who was lying on a lab table asleep. He was fixing Jitsu's lower right arm and hand, which had been demolished after his encounter with a hungry shark in the ocean near near the shires of Anwat La after his clash with He-Man and Sy-Klone.
Tri-Klops had succeeded in replacing the samurai warlord's damaged hand with a mechanical golden glove, which was iimpenetrable to any attack and increased his punching power.
The evil Skeletor entered the lab, seeping out of the shadowy walls of Snake Mountain like a septic wound, and commended Tri-Kloips on his work. Something the evil techno-warrior didn't expect from a being as vile and selfish as his master.
Jitsu slowly opened his eyes, to see the faces of Skeletor and Tri-Klops. He rose up and examined his new hand, very impressed and enthralled.
"You have my thanks, great man of science," said Jistu. "My Lord Skeletor, I pledge my services to you. Your will is my command. I just ask to you to grant me revenge against He-Man, Sy-Klone and those worthless Masters of the Universe!"
"Do not fret, master samurai," said Skeletor. "You will have your revenge. And when you destroy them, we will celebrate as we dance around the severed heads of He-Man and his moronic companions!"
Skeletor and Jitsu laughed wickedly, as both of them now had scores to settle with the heroic Masters of the Universe. Tri-Klops lowered his head, knowing that Skeletor could one day cause as much pain and misery to Jitsu as he did to him, and that he could never keep a promise.
Trap Jaw and Beast Man were about to leave the borders of the Mystic Mountains, aboarding Rotons - hovercrafts that Tri-Klops created. They were large round vehicles with a demon's face in its front and a large red spinning blade built all around it to propel it forward, either across land, water and even the sky. They all had blasters placed on either side of the cockpit.
"Think about it, Beast Man," says Trap Jaw. "With Man-at-Arms working for us, he can build us and advanced weapons and vehicles."
"Yes, his genius is renowned," said Beast Man. "He will be competition for Tri-Klops. Maybe Skeletor will put him out of business!"
The two laugh malevolently.
Before they board their hovercraftt, they hear a thunderous roar. A roar all too familiar. The roar of a powerful fighting tiger. The roar of Battle Cat. He-Man and his heroic feline friend had caught up with them.
The villains stop in their tracks, knowing that their plan to deliver Man-at-Arms to their evil master had backfired, now that He-Man as arrived to stop them.
"Let Man-at-Arms free!" cried He-Man. "Now!"
"And if we refuse?" asks Beast Man, grunting with laughter.
"Then you shall taste the fury of my claws!" roared Battle Cat. "Come and face us, you monsters!"
Battle-Cat's eagerness for battle didn't please He-Man, even though the Most Powerful Man in the Universe would not leave their enemies without saving Man-at-Arms.
Suddenly, they all engaged in battle.
He-Man fought against Beast Man, but Trap Jaw was about to blast He-Man with his arm cannon, until Battle Cat leapt on him/
Trap Jaw blasted the great armored beast with his arm cannon, which left Battle Cat dazed.
He-Man overpowered Beast Man with ease, taking him out after a few short minutes. He then faces Trap Jaw, drawing his sword.
"You know, I actually felt gulity for failing to save you from falling into the Abyss," says He-Man, gripping his Power Sword tightly. "But here you still stand, craving for battle and blood!"
"Be saved by a pretty boy savior like you?" asked Trap Jaw with disgust. "Don't make me puke!"
"A true Master of the Universe shows compassion to all, even the worst of enemies."
"You call yourselves Masters, huh?" asked Trap Jaw. "You heroes are more arrogant than I thought. Tell me, He-Man, what are you the Master of? Sympathy?"
Trap Jaw propels himself towards the champion. The two of them engage in a vicious fight, with Trap Jaw gaining the upper hand. Eventually, He-Man does overpower him, and knocks him out cold.
Battle Cat has recovered from the blast of Trap Jaw's arm cannon.
"Are you alright, great cat?" asks He-Man, panting after his fight with the Evil Wizard of Weaponry.
"Let's get say I don't want to get blasted by Trap Jaw's weapons too often," replies Battle Cat, licking his paws.
They go check on Man-at-Arms, who has awakened.
"He-Man! Battle Cat!" he cried with joy. "How glad this old man is too see you!"
"Easy, my friend," said He-Man slowly holding him up. "You took a nasty spill battling those two cretins.''
He-Man shudders to think what the repercussions would have been if he had failed in saving Man-at-Arms, if he had gotten to him too late.
"Skeletor can try all he wants to get me in his clutches, lad," says Man-at-Arms. "If he does, I will have to face me – so he can see why they call me the Master of Weapons!"
While they were headed home, the other heroic Master were inside Castle Grayskull sparring and doing combat excercises in the Training Chamber.
Now that Teela has control of her magical abilities thanks to the help of the Goddess, she spars with her mother.
As Ram Man spars Buzz Off, he wonders about Sy-Klone and why he hasn't come knocking at their door.
"His thirst for revenge got the best of him, Rammy," said the Lord of the Andreenids. "A true Master does not vengeance. It can be like a sickness that can consume you. As the champions of Grayskull, we need to set an example to the ordinary people. King Randor wouldn't be too please if any of us went on some sort of klling spree."
As they continue the sparring, Adam, Man-at-Arms and Cringer enter the room.
"Hey guys," says Adam, smiling happily. "We took care of the Rock Giants in the Mystic Mountains, and we ran into some trouble with Beast Man and Trap Jaw in the minining settlements. Nothing He-Man and Battle Cat couldn't handle! How about some more sparring.
They decide to join the sparring, which pleases Teela as she got excited to be sparirng with her boyfriend. But, their fun is halted when a beam of rainbow-colored light emerges in the room, taking the beautiful form of the Sorceress.
"I apologize for interrupting your training, Masters," she says. "But, I have learned of a drifter causing trouble in the Desert of Desolation. Stealing from farmers. Destroying property. Disturbing the inhabitants that live there."
"Mother, is the drifter a part of Skeletor's army?" asked Teela.
"That I don't know, my dear child," said Sorceress/ "All I know is that this man might be misunderstood and he may need our help/
"Do not worry, Sorceress," says Adam. "We will help this drifter, and to anyone esle who seeks our aod. Ready for an adventure?"
"You and Dad go ahead," Teela said. "I still need to do some studying in the library with Mother. Good luck, handsome."
As Teela kisses Adam goodbye, Adam feels Cringer rub his head against him.,
"A-A-Adam, can't I s-s-stay here in the c-c-castle?" asked Cringer. "It is so cool inside here and s-s-so hot out in the d-d-desert!"
"Oh, come on, Cringer," said Adan. "The desert isn't so bad, and being couped up in the castle isn't always that good for a cat like you. I''m sure you will feel better...as Battle Cat!"
Adam raises his sword and calls upon the Power of Grayskul again, taking the form of He-Man, and changes Cringer into Battle Cat. He rallies his fellow Master on, heading for the inhospitable regopm of the Desert of Desolation.
In the middle of the Desert of Desolation, near a rocky outpost, a middle-aged farmer named Lumis and his young daughter Chana were growing sweetwater cacti for a living. The heat of the desert was heavy for everyone, and Lumis kept generators and machinery operating to keep his crops and vegetation fresh, and booring water from underground.
While Lumis was checking on his fields, he saw an obscure figure wearing a tattered cloak using his purple sword to cut down some of the sweetwater cacti. It was the drifter the Masters were sent to find.
Lumis grabbed his rake and headed for the drifter. When he approached the drifter, he noticed that the man was a lot bigger and a lot more muscular than he was. He could not see his face as it was covered by a baggy hood. He wore silver and purple armor, and a large mechanical fist. Abnormally overized for a man's lower arm.
Lumis had heard about the drifter causing trouble for other farmers, traveling nomads and other tribesmen that lived in other sectors of the Desert of Desolation.
"Get out of here," he said. "I won't allow you to steal from me!:
He tried to chase the drifter away with his rake, but he was no use. Lumis had grown thin and sinewy from his long hours of work farming his sweetwater fields. He would be no match for the drifter, who had the phyisque and stature of a seasoned warrior.
"A lone man grows thirsty in the desert," said the drifter, his voice was deep and gravily.
He has stolen some of the melons, and started eating the pink sweetwater fruit from it. Sweetwater was considered a delicacy in these parts, for its uusurpassed taste.
"Please, don't steal from us," Lumis said, desperately. "These fields are my livelihood. It's all my daughter and I have to survive."
The drifter pauses, starting to think about his ways. But he crushes the melon with his hands and rudely shoves Lumis to the grand. He runs across the field, fast for a man his size, until he reaches a large android horse waiting for him at the end of it.
He mounts upon the android horse, which gallops at unnatural speed upon the endless sands. Lumis starts to believe that the drifter is not a dangerous man, just a very desperate and lonely one.
The drifter hadn't gotten far from Lumis' farm when the Masters of the Universe were in the skies in their air vehicles. While He-Man, Battle Cat and Man-at-Arms were in the Wind Raider, Stratos was using his enhanced vision to scout the area, and Ram Man was on the Blaster Hawk, a massive air vehicle with a hawk's head. It could be used as an air transport and as a battle tank on land. It could shoot large discs at unsuspecting enemies, and they were strong enough to level a mountain or powerful barrier. This was one of the newest vehicles in the Masters' arsenal, thanks to the genius of Man-at-Arms.
When the Masters in the Wind Raider flew closer down to the sands, they saw the drifter running across the desert with his android horse.
''He's riding a Stridor," Man-at-Arms said, recognizing the android horse from above. "I designed and constructed them during my time in Centuria. But how could a mere drifter get hold of one? They were strictly made to be used only by Eternian militia."
Stratos approached them in mid-air,
"The drifter had tresspassed on the property of a farmer and his daughter," he says.
"Stratos, you and Ram Man go and help the farmer," says He-Man. "Man-at-Arms and I will see to this drifter. I hope he's just a misunderstood individual...and not the dangerous kind."
"Some of the people living in these parts are innocent," said Man-at-Arms. "We can't have a dangerous criminal disrupting their lives."
"We won't!," said He-Man.
They fly towards the drifter, and shoot laser energy blasts from the Wind Raider to stop him in his tracks. The Stridor whinnies, raising its front legs, and behaving almost like a living horse. The drifter falls off his mount and onto his back.
He-Man and Man-at-Arms leapt out of the Wind Raider, and slowly apporached him. He was starting to get up. It was now obvious that it would take more than a flying vehicle to take the man down. He looked at them, with his hooded cloak flapping in the desert winds.
"Easy, friend," said He-Man. "We don't want to fight. We just want to talk."
The drifter slips down his hood and reveals his face. He had short red hair and a large beard. He seems older than them, even Man-at-Arms.
The Master of Weapons stands back in shock, with a flabbergasted experession on his seasoned face. He calls the drifter "Malcom".
"Who in Eternia is Malcom?" the drifter asked. "My name is Fisto. A name given to me by the natives in the desert settlements."
"Your hand? What happened to it?" asked Man-at-Arms.
"I...I can't remember," said Fisto. "I must have lost my hand somehow. The scientists in Centuria must have fixed it for me. I spent the last twenty years there."
"Where were you before Centuria?" asked He-Man.
"I don't know," says Fisto. "I rememebr nothing of my past life. I've been traveling Eternia trying to find answers to my past, but it never got me anything. I now prefer to work alone, since there was nothing left for me in Centuria."
"Then you should come with us to Castle Grayskull," said He-Man. "We have some friends that can help you regain your memories."
"Castle Grayskull...I thought it was just a myth," said Fisto. "A forgotten legend. You guys aren't trying to take me for a fool, are you?""
"We are being nothing but honest with you," said Man-at-Arms, sternly. "We will not lie to you. Please try to consider our offer."
"I don't care about my past," said Fisto. "I prefer not to live in it. Now, please, let me go."
"We don't give up on people," said He-Man, "If you just let us help you, we can..."
Fisto gets enraged, and throws a powerful punch at the hero with his gigantic fist.
He-Man blocks the blow with ease, thanks to his supernatural strength, and causes a shockwave, blowing the It would take a lot more than a cybernetic appendage to take down the Most Powerful Man in the Universe.
Fisto is shocked that he was able to do this, as he has taken down thieving desert merchants, Space Pirates, and even giant Sand Crawlers. He thought he was the "strongest arm in the land" and knew that there was only one man on Eternia that was more powerful than he.
"No man is powerful enough to stop my fist," says Fisto, panting. "Unless...are you...He-Man?"
"Yes, I am He-Man," says the champion. "It's good to meet you, Fisto!"
"I have heard stories about your heroic deeds and legendary exploits," says Fisto, who had calmed down. "I apologize, He-Man, but I still don't believe in alliances. I cannot afford that luxury."
He mounts Stridor, and gallops across the sands into the blue horizon.
"Duncan, did I hear you correctly?" asked He-Man. "That Fisto's real name is Malcom? The name of the brother you lost so many years ago?"
"Yes, lad," says Man-at-Arms, with sadness in his eyes. "The drifter is indeed my older brother. He's been alive all this time. Did you know he was one of your father's finest warriors? He was powerful...and extremely proud. And now he's lost, separated for twenty years from his true friends and family."
Fisto had forgotten his past and where he came from. And Man-at-Arms was not going to give up until they recover him.
Back at Lumis' farm, Stratos and Ram Man were ensuring the farmer and his daughter that they are safe and that the drifter will no longer bother them, not as long as the Masters of the Universe were around.
The Wind Raider came into view above in the clear pink and orange skies. They landed near the fields, and waved amiably at the farmer and his daughter.
He-Man greeted Lumis and Chana with a friendly smile on his face. They were honored to meet Eternia's champion.
"Oh, He-Mam, welcome to our home," said Chana, giggling with excitement. "Tell me about the time you defeated the evil dragon Morning Star. and when you saved the Harmony Sea from the terrible Kraken!"
"I'd love to, little one," siad He-Man, chuckling, as he picked her up and sat her on his shoulder
"How about we sit down and have some food," said Lumis, welcoming the heroes into his home. "Chasing after a drifter in this can be tiring."
"I could do with a good meal," said Ram Man, rubbing his hungry.
"We are most grateful, Lumis," said He-Man, with Chana bouncing on his shoulder.
They entered Lumis' small house, appreciating his hosptiality, as night fell and the first stars started appearing in the sky.
Far, far away, on the other side of the desert, Fisto was sitting on a log in front of a fire outside his hut with Stridor to one side. He was far away from any settlements, towns or farms, where no one could bother him.
But, after meeting He-Man, the loneliness started to eat at him. The champion offered him friendship and allegiance, and he turned him down. Is this the kind of man he is? Or wanted to be? Fighting alongside Eternia's champion will give him purpose again.
Fisto had been running from his past for two decades. He had forgotten the kind of man he is. Or was. He had forgotten that he had a family. Why did the Masters call him Malcom? And why was Man-at-Arms so familiar to him?
Maybe there was a better life waiting for him outside of the desert. Maybe he can find his purpose in life again. And the only ones who could help him were the Masters of the Universe.
The Masters enjoyed an appetizing dinner with Lumis and Chana, It was a night filled with stories and laughterr. The Masters had to return to Castle Grayskull. Who knows what schemes Skeletor was concoting at this very moment. If Grayskull is lost, all is lost.
Stratos gave Lumis a communicator, and the Masters promised him that they will always come to his aid when they are needed.
"Don't forget to visit us again, He-Man," said Chana, jumping up and down with excitement.
Bidding farewell to their newfound friends, the Wind Raider and Blaster Hawk took off into the star-filled, with Stratos following. Lumis and Chana hadn't had this much excitement in a very long time, as life in the desert does get very dull and very quiet.
The next morning, some explorers were traveling through the Tanglewood ForestThey were led by Melaktha, the Royal Archeologist and Historian, who was searching for the Cold Zone, an ancient kingdom which belonged to the Reptons, an ancient race of snake-like creatures who were distant relatives of the Snake Men. Unlike their vile cousins, the Reptons were peace-loving and gentle, and kept to themselves, wanting no quarrel with other civilizations on Eternia. Unfortunately, having a connection to the Snake Men made people already skeptical about them.
Melaktha had led his explorers to the entrance to the Cold Zone, which was a vast underground world. The entrance itself was a large snake head with an open mouth, carved from stone.
Unfortunately, the exciting expedition was interrupted with the arrival of Skeletor's vile hencmen - Tri-Klops, Beast Man, Trap Jaw and Jistu. The explorers scurried around in fear and panic, as the Evil Warriors were reputable for their murderous and evil way.
Melaktha was a former general in the armeis of King Miro, and he fought bravely against them. But, Jistu gave him a fatal blow with his golden mechanical hand, leaving the architect critically injured. This put the explorers in greater panic. What would happen to them without their tour leader?
"My new hand works like a charm, Tri-Klops," said Jitsu, wiping the blood of his golden hand with his other hand. "Good job, man of science!"
"Glad you like it," said Tri-Klops, snickering. "But, save the punching for later. Its the Masters we want. Picking on some fearful civilians won't be any fun."
Trap Jaw stood above the villains.
"No one will be harmed," said Trap Jaw, even though his words and appearance still felt threatening. "Its the Masters of the Universe we want. So keep quiet, and we won't bother you."
"But, if you do anything stupid, we will kill you!" growled Beast Man, as the other henchmen laughed wickedly.
The frightened explorers huddle closely in fear, afraid of what horror these monstrous men could bring upon them.
At Castle Grayskull, Adam was senjoying his morning sleep, with Teela lying peacefully next to him. The Sorceress came to him in his thoughts, telling him about the group of explorers who have been attacked by Skeletor's minions.
Adam gets out of bed, and opens a hidden chamber in the wall of his room, where the Sword of Power is kept. Teela also wakes up, with nothigng but a white sheet rapped around her, with her long red hair hanging over shoulders.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"There's trouble in the Cold Zone," said Adam, taking his sword out of the hidden chamber. "It's time for the Masters of the Universe to give a helping hand."
Adam calls upon the Power of Grayskull and transforms into He-Man. Teela prepares for the task ahead and helps him gather their allies.
Back ath the Cold Zone, the Evil Warriors make fun of the injured Melaktha, and keep a look out for any voices of dissent. Meanwhile, a young boy named Thaddeus manages to slip away without the villains noticing, hopimg to find help.
He managed to escape unseen, and came into the open, flat grasslands nearby. He looked up to see air vehicles in the sky, such as the Wind Raider and the Blaster Hawk.
The young boy ran to a nearby river surrounding by stone banks, and he waves his hands, calling out as loud as he could. Stratos, who was airborne alongside the Masters' flying vehicles, saw the boy with his super-sharp vision, as Avionians had enhanced eyesight which surpassed the eyesight of an ordinary Eternian citizen.
The Masters landed near the river, and the boy approached them.
"Be careful, Masrters of the Universe," Thaddeus said, "Skeletor's minions have taken my fellow explorers hostage, in order to trap all of you."
"We will approach them quietly," said Man-at-Arms. "Stay close to us, lad."
Thaddeus did as he was told, and he followed the Masters, as they stealthily approached the Cold Zone.
The explorers were still in panic, even by the hideous sight of the Evil Warriors. Beast Man was getting bored, and decided he want to "have some fun" with some of them. Jitsu remarks that it was a long time since he "tasted blood.""
Beast Man starts approaching a frightened young woman and her husband, looking his fangs as if he were about to engorge on a delicious meal. Suddenly, a large winged man darts towards from out of the air, and grabs him from behind. Beast Man roars in anger at Stratos, who throws him on the ground, getting him away from the frightened explorers.
Man-at-Arms and Battle Cat help lead the explorers to safety, with Thaddues, riding on He-Man's mighty steed.
The Evil Warriors were enraged by the Masters' arrival, and prepared their weapons. They heard a loud battle cry, and looked up to see He-Man leaping through the air, and bringing his mighty fist down upon the ground. Causing a massive shockwave, the Evil Warriors were scattered away in all directions, as if they were swatted away like flies. They lay on the ground, all bruised and in pain.
"Hey, look, it's He-Man!" cried a blonde-haired teenage girl, her face lit up as their champion came to their rescue. "These creeps are sure gonna get it!"
"You guys made a big mistake bothering these nice explorers," said He-Man, with anger in his eyes.
"I will tear you to pieces, hero!" roars Beast Man, saliva flying from hs mouth.
After a fight with Stratos, he had managed to overpower the king of the Avionians, who was suffering a flesh wound on his chest from Beast Man's lethal claws.
Beast Man comes charging towards the Most Powerful Man in the Universe like a ravenous predator. He-Man somersaults backwards, grabs the spikes protruding from his mane and shoulders, and flings him through the air.
While the Savage Henchman disappears into the sky thanks to He-Man's strength, a man on horseback coming into a view. It was a mechanical horse, and the man had a big red beard. It was Fisto and Stridor, who had come to help the Masters in their fight.
Still bruised from He-Man's ground pound, the villains weren't prepared to lose so easily. Man-at-Arms joined up with He-Man, and they stood back to back in battle. He-Man took down Trap Jaw and Man-at-Arms made short work of Tri-Klops.
"Duncan, we need to make sure that the villagers are alright," said He-Man, keeping his eyes open for any sudden attacks from their enemies.
But, out of nowhere, Jitsu appeared, and charged towards Man-at-Arms, preparing to slay the Master of Weapons with his katana blade.
But, Teela appeared, as used her magic to Staff of Ka stop the villain.
"Oh, no, you don't!" she cried, as her eyes lit up with green energy and suddenly her entire body started glowing green, with the power she shared with the Green Goddess. That energy released from her body flowed into her staff.
Raising it above her head, it emmitted an effervescent yellow light, which magically grabbed the evil samurai, and held him in the air. He was unable to break free from Teela's powerful magic.
"Damn you, girl!" the samurai warlord shouted at her. "You shall taste the sting of my katana!"
"How about I offer you a hand, my lady," said Fisto, smiling generously at her.
"Knock yourself out!" Teela said, appreciatively.
Leaping into the air, Fisto swung his mighty metal fist at Jitsu, pummeling him to the ground. The mighty samurai warlord lay on his back, injured and dazed. It was clear now that Fisto was a force to be reckoned with. A force that would aid the Masters in future battles.
He-Man and Man-at-Arms were very grateful for the aid of both Fisto and the heroic Stridor.
"Forgive me, He-Man," said Fisto, "Your offered to help me and I threw it back in your face. Because of how badly people treated me in the Desert, I forgot what true kindness was like. For that, I thank you."
"There's nothing to forgive, my friend," said He-Man, resting his hand on Fisto's shoulder. "You made up for everything by giving us your hand in battle. You saved a lot of lives today!"
"Yeah, without your help we might have been slaughtered by Skeletor's henchman," said 'Teela.
Man-at-Arms approached Fisto and referred to him as brother.
"You are my brother?" asked a baffled Fisto. "By Eternia, if only I remembered things from my past. I am ready to do that now."
Teela's face lit up as she finally has a chance to get to know the uncle she never knew, and is glad that he was still alive after all this time.
"Looks like our family is growing larger," Teela excitedly whispers to He-Man.
"Fisto, will you join the Masters of the Universe in the battle against the forces of evil?" asked He-Man. "It's where you belong!"
"That will be my greatest honor, He-Man," said Fisto, joyfully.
"Then, welcome home, my friend," He-Man said, shaking hands firmly with their newfound ally.
The Masters also offer Fisto a new home at Castle Grayskull, and where the Sorceress will help him regain his memories and the link to his past.
The villagers came up to them, celebrating the Masters' victory, and that their lives had been saved from Skeletor's minions. The Masters thank Thaddues in particularly, who was very brave in trying to find them, and it was because of his bravery that his fellow explorers were unharmed.
The heroic Masters of the Universe have triumphed once again, and as a lost warrior accepts a second chance at life, more battles await them all in the future.