Chapter 8
The Enslavement of Targa
On a bright, sunny day, Man-at-Arms, Teela and Adam were training in the mountains near Castle Grayskull.
While Teela had grown powerful being the avatar of the Green Goddess, and Adam had performed many heroic deeds as He-Man, they always knew that training was always a must. They understood that great warriors never stopped learning or training.
Man-at-Arms, Cringer and Orko were on the top of a cliff, as Teela and Adam are climbing up the mountain.
"Come on, you two!" Man-at-Arms shouted down to them. "We done impossible odds. Battling Skeletor's minions, defeating monsters, and facing our worst fears. Climbing a mountain should be child's play!"
"Don't you love training in the morning, Adam?" asked Teela, as she was enjoying the excercise.
"I guess," said Adam, "But at the end of the day, I am just plain old Prince Adam. I don't have even strength. Although, some hard work never really hurt anyone."
"That's the spirit!" said Teela. "Remember, it's not He-Man's strength that gives him power, its Prince Adam's heart!"
Her words of comfort pushed Adam to oush through the pain to the top, with Teela coming up behind him.
"That'a boy, Adam!" said Orko. "You're doing great!"
"You did it!" said Teela, as Adam beat her to the top of the cliff.
After a strenuous but rather enjoyable excercise, returned to the castle down below.
Later that morning, the Sorceress and Orko were in the Throne Room, as they were using their combined magical powers to heal Fisto and help him regain his memories. After releasing a flood of blue magical light from their hands, Fisto opens his eyes.
"Creator's grace!" he said, astonished by the Sorceress' unnatural beauty,
"Welcome to Castle Grayskull," she said, hospitably.
"Hi, I am Orko, resident magician of Grayskull," said Orko, as he firmly shook Orko's hand.
Fisto looked around the room and saw Man-at-Arms, Adam and Teela in the room.
"Duncan, my brother!" he said, as the two siblings engaged in a brotherly embrace,
"I have dreamed of this day for many years," said Man-at-Arms, with tears of joy.
"The battle at the citadel of the Elders?" asked Fisto, holding his head. "Prince Keldor attacked? That's the last thing I remember."
"You suffered a head injury in the battle," Man-at-Arms explained. "You also lost you right hand, thanks to Keldor's sword. During the battle, the citadel had fallen. We lost you during all the chaos, thinking you were dead, or taken away by some magic spell. You were later found by traveling scientists, who took you to Centuria, where they fixed your arm."
"Aha, strongest right hand in the land!" said Fisto, admiring his giant iron knucles. "Oh...next to He-Man's hand, of course!"
Man-at-Arms introduced Fisto to Teela. He was overjoyed to know that he had a niece, as a teary-eyed Teela hugged him with joy.
Then Prince Adam introduced himself.
"It's great to see that Randor and Marlena had a son," he said. "I am so sorry that your lost your parents, your Highness. They were wonderful people. Wait, wasn't it He-Man who helped to save me."
"Um...present and accounted for," said Adam, chuckling awkwardly."You see, Fisto, I am He-Man. My lesser form as Prince Adam is my actual true form!"
"Wait, Randor's son is He-Man?" asked a bewildered FIsto.
"It's actually a long story, uncle," said Teela. "But, everything will be explained and revealed in time.
After spending some time outside in the warmth of the morning sun, the Masters tells Fisto about the day that Skeletor conquered their kingdom. The heroic hand-to-hand fighter was saddened by the loss of the king and queen, as they helped him to become a better man, and even more shocked to be told that Keldor had become Skeletor, after all the horrible stories he had about the Lord of Destruction on his travels.
Mekaneck came out of the forest, aboard the Bashasaurus, and told him that some villagers were stuck in Echo Valley - a mountainous location where the rocks of the mountains shake by the sound of an echo, and can cause massive quakes.
As Man-at-Arms prepares the Wind Raider, Adam transforms into He-Man, with Fisto witnessing it for the very first time, and so the story behind Adam's secret identity becoems clear to him. Cringer helps Mekaneck guard the castle while they go on the search for the villagers.
He-Man, Man-at-Arms and Teela board the Wind Raider, and ask Fisto to come along.
"It would be great serving the forces of good again," Fisto said, excitedly. "Just like the good old days!"
And so, the Wind Raider took the skies, its engine roaring and leaving a tail of blue light behind it.
Echo Valley was one of the most dangerous locations on Eternia, and it was probably not wise for ordinary citizens to go sight seeing. They were large, tall blue mountains with a needle sharp zenith, shrouded in thick white mist.
Man-at-Arms flew the Wind Raider slowly through the mists, high above the needle-sharp peaks, the engine humming gently.
"Look down below!" said He-Man, as he got a glimpse of an old man and his grandson, waving at them from below on a high precipice.
"We need to lower the winch to save them!" said He-Man.
"Leave that to me, He-Man!" said Fisto, voluntarily.
Man-at-Arms lowered the winch and Fisto hung onto the rope attachment. He got hold of the old man and the boy, and grabbed them off the precipice, and the winch pulled up.
They flew above the mountains, far enough so it was safe for them to talk. The old man and his grandson were extremely grateful for their rescue.
"Our village R'ak was obliterated by trolls, seeking gold!" the old man explain. His grandson was still shaky after the encounter, but Teela comforted him.
"If we had known your vilage was in danger," said He-Man, "We would have come sooner. I am so sorry."
"It's quite alright, He-Man," said the old man. "Our people managed to escape. Houses can be rebuilt."
The Masters dropped the old man and the boy in the city of Tenuyra, a locale known for its rare spices, where they found food and shelter.
To make up for not saving the village of Ra'k, they decided to travel the skies of Eternia, searching for anyone who was in danger.
After a long day, everywhere seemed quiet, as there was no sign of Skeletor or any other villains making trouble. Retuning back to Grayskull, they were flying over the Forgotten Mountains, not far from the castle. Thick clouds started fogging up their view, so they decided to fly above them,
The flew over many thick clouds, which blocked out everything below. They wre bathed in the warmth of a golden sunset. Far in the distance, they saw a high, mountain with a sharp peak. As they got closer, they noticed that an old base was on top of the mountain. The most peculiar thing about the base was that it was built from the same stone of Castle Grayskull.
Finding a landing bay, they entered the base. It was felt with large computers. communcation systems and a sprew of ancient weapons hanging on the wall.
There was a lock mechanism in the centre of the floor, which had a big key hole in its centre. The shape of the hole was the same on the walls of Castle Grayskull, which He-Man used his Power Sword to allow himself access into the castle. He took his sword and used it as a key, inserting the blade into the lock mechanism, and the electricity in the room lit up, switching on all the computers and machinery.
The Masters wondered what this place was. Man-at-Arms' face lit up, as he recongized it from his studies and the stories he read in books.
"By the Ancients, this is Point Dread!" he said. "An old communications base connected to Grayskull!"
Far away in space, among an endless constellation of stars of all colors and sizes, a lone figure was soaring through the cosmos aboard a large flying chair. The man was dressed in a space helmet and cosmic red armor, with strange white symbols on it. The man knew he had to go to Eternia, as though Point Dread was calling to him.
Inside the Point Dread base, Man-at-Arms was sitting at the computers, examining that you could see all over the planet for hidden danger. Teela took control of the communcation stations, where they could communicate with other Eternians.
Night started to fall, and as the last fade of sunlight dimmed out, the darkened skies were filled with a warm golden light. He-Man and Fisto rushed to the windows of the base, and saw the man who was traveling through space coming towards them. He landed on the landing bay.
The Masters went on out to greet him.
"Greetings, Masters of the Universe," he said, as he got up from his flying chair. "My name is Zodac, and I have been waiting for many years for Point Dread to be re-activated. Only a champion of Grayskull could do that!"
"Where do you come from, Zodac?" asked Teela. "After traveling through space?!"
"I am a member of the Cosmic Enforcers," Zodac replied. "We are watchers of the universe, charged with maintaining balance between good and evil. I am the enforcer of sector One-Nine-Eight-Two, where this planet is located. It is the largest sector in the universe, due to the Power of Grayskull being at its epicenter, as it was the source of all life across the galaxies."
Zodac is honored to finally meet He-Man, as he had long waited for this day that a new champion has risen to defend Grayskull's secrets. Zodac fought along He-Man's predecessor, Oo-Larr, the Jungle Lord, who was the previous champion of Grayskull.
The Jungle Lord helped the Cosmic Enforcers build Point Dread,during his time as champion. Oo-Larr used the base as a dwelling, before he returned to the jungle to start a family. The Cosmic Enforcers built a ship for the Grayskull champions, known as the Talon Fighter. It was the fastest and most powerful aircraft on Eternia, able to get to locations in mere minutes to help those in need.
"What happened to this Talon Fighter?" asked Man-at-Arms.
"My older brother Lodar was once a powerful Cosmic Enforcer like myself" Zodac told them. "He was a good man. Until the day he was he was corrupted by an agent of darkness known as the Demonichron, a powerful demon from Infinitia which corrupts the soul and turns them into wicked overlords. He has armies at his command, summoned from the darkest regions of Infinitia
With's Oo-Larr's help, we fought the armies of the Demonichron. Oo-Larr was fatally wounded, but I managed to save his life. Unfortunately, his time as the champion of Grayskull was drawing to the close, with the birth of Prince Adam. So, yes, I know your secret identity, He-Man!"
"What happened to Lodar?" asked Fisto, as Zodac hangs his head in sadness.
"The Demonichron transformed Lodar into a monster of great power. His most powerful agent. A dark enforcer. Now Lodar has conquered the city of Targa and enslaved its people."
"What happened to the Talon Fighter?" asked Teela.
"Lodar and his forces stole the aricraft, and destroyed Point Dread. Only with the magic of Grayskull could fix it again!"
"I can't believe that there is slavery on Eternia!" said a horrified He-Man. "No man shoud live in chains!"
"Yeah, it is bad enough battling Skeletor and his gang," said Teela.
"It sounds like the people of Targa could use our help," said He-Man. "Are you guys ready for a trip?"
"Absolutely, He-Man," said Man-at-Arms. "Slavery should be abolished in all kingdoms!"
"We could certainly need your assistance, Zodac," said He-Man. "If that's alright with you?"
"I will be glad to help," said the Cosmic Enforcer. "Just remember, my friends. Lodar is a force to be reckoned with, and those who serve him won't be easy to defeat. Not to mention that the Demonichron still haunts the lands of Targa!"
"We understand," said Teela. "But, if lives are at stakes, and if people are enslaved, the Masters of the Universe will come to their aid!"
He-Man and his friends made preparations to leave for Targa and let the Sorceress know via telepathy about their next mission. They took to the skies in the Wind Raider, with Zodac in pursuit.
After flying for hours, the Masters and Zodac departed from the sunny skies and verdant landscapes into a dark and desolate area of the planet, surrounded by large black clouds and purple jagged mountains. They flew over a dark forest, which seemed bleak and forgotten, and two big cities came into the view.
Both cities once peacefully co-existed, until the arrival of Lodar and the Demonichron, for it was them that drove both kingdoms apart.
"I hope we will succeed in helping these people," said He-Man. "Our goal in life is to unite this universe, and bring peace back for all."
"Grayskull has chosen its champion wisely," said a smiling Zodac.
The one city was called Operon, which was surrounded by irrigation farms and plantations and palm trees. The buildings were made of terracota walls, constructed of weird shapes and different sizes.
The other city known as Targa, had buildings of white marble and towering spires/ One of the most inviting parts of the city was the large lake next to it.
The Masters were horrified to see that such a beuatiful city had been enslaved and governed by a tyrant such as Lodar.
"These people have suffered for so long." said Zodac. "The chaos and the darkness that the Demonichron has brought...it's unthinkable."
"We need to end this!" said a determined He-Man.
As they came closer to Targa, black shadow creatures emerged into the sky above the city, and shot out drafts of energy from their hands. The Wind Raider got hit and was sent spiralling back to the ground. The three warriors jumped out, just as the flying aircraft hit rock bottom. The Wind Raider exploded into pieces, which ruined their ride home.
The shadow creatures started circling the Masters and Zodac. They attacked them, and started overpowering the heroes. Even He-Man started to weaken, until his Power Sword started pulsating. He held the sword aloft, and strands of bright lightning emitted from the blade. The shadow creatures shrieked in fear, and flew away.
"Guess the power of Grayskull overwhelmed them!" Teela ssumed.
"I'm not so sure, Teela," said He-Man. "I don't think it was the power of Grayskull itself, merely the light emitted from the sword. Shadow creatures fear light. It is their weakness, which can utterly destroy them."
He-Man and Zodac have recovered from the attacks, but Man-at-Arms, Teela, and Fisto still felt drained and weakened from the encounter.
"Before we Cosmic Enforcers left for the stars, we fought alongside the Great Elders," said Zodac. "They shared there power with us, so we can better protect the universe. That very power lies within Grayskull...within your Sword, He-Man!"
"I am glad to know that the Elders had friends during their rule," said He-Man. "We need to stick together. Those shadow creatures will attack again.
Suddenly, a larger, more menacing shadow creature came towards them. As he got near, the skies turned even darker than they already were, almost pitch black. This creature was different than the others. It was obvious that this creature was more powerful and the driving force behind the shadow creatures.
It was a large, hideous dimonic hideous wearing a baggy charcoal-colored cloak, glowing yellow yes, large claws for hands, and small black tentacles protruding from its mouth.
"I am the Demonichron," said the terrible ceature. "I spread my darkness across this wretched mudball, and one day, the universe!"
The Demonichron's presence was so haunting, that even Skeletor himself wasn't man enough to face him.
"We are the Masters of the Universe," said He-Man, stepping before the vile entity. "We protect Eternia from all forms of darkness!"
Suddenly, the Demonichron released a ghost-like howl, and released black clouds from his hand, which took over and overpowered the Masters.
They started to see hauting images of weird creatures and hideous faces. They struggled to fight against the darkness, and were completely weakened. He-Man foughtback as best he could.
The Demonichron could feel He-Man's power and knew that he would not be as easily defeated as a regular mortal Eternian. Unleashing of his demonic power, he knocked He-Man unconcious, leaving the Most Powerful Man in the Universe, lying on the ground.
The shadow creatures returned and carried Zodac and the other Masters to Targa, where. A weakened Teela tried calling out to He-Man, but she was too weak and also blacked out.
A band of beastly solders wearing blue armor and grey helmets apporached He-Man. They were Lodar's soldiers and they were called Gargons.
"Be careful with that one," said the Demonichron. "He's not your ordinary Eternian. He has power beyond those of ordinary men!"
The Gargons nodded, obeying the picked He-Man up and carried him in a different part of the kingdom.
The Masters themselves have gotten themselves in some peril. Will they able to defeat these dark forces? Will they be able to save both Operon and Targa? Will the Talon FIghter be recovered?
The Masters were taken through the city, which was quiet and vacant. It seemed almost abandoned.
Where are all the people, Man-at-Arms thought to himself. There's no one in sight.
The shadow creatures took them to the Targan Palace, which was a grand and ancient building, which reminded them of Palace Eternia before it was destroyed before Skeletor's armies.
They were taken to the thrown room, where a dark figure stood in the throne chair. He was wearing a steel spiked mask covering his entire face, and wore ebony-colored armor. He was a muscular man, almost like He-Man, with purple skin.
"Lodar, my fallen brother!" Zodac gasped.
\It was obvious that Lodar had taken over Targa as its wrongful king. Beside him, stood a beautiful dark-skinned woman wearing white and red regal attire. She was Qieen Balina, the malevolent matriach of Targa, Lodar had slain her husband, Torgul, and taken her as his bride.
"Welcome to Targa, Zodac," Lodar said in a booming voice. "And who are these infidels?
"We are the Masters of the Universe," said Man-at-Arms, struggling to break free from his bondages. "We have come here to stop you.
"Ah, yes," Lodar said, fascinated to learn who they were. "I've heard of you - the legendary Defenders of Grayskull, and the great hero He-Man. So, the tales are true, then!"
"You bet they are, metal mouth!" said a frustatedTeela.
"Naughty little mite!" Balina scowls at the young warrior goddess.
"These pests have come to witness the end of their world," said Lodar. "As I, Lodar, will conquer this forsaken universe, and my name will shake the very confines of existence!"
"What have you done to He-Man?" asked Teela.
"So, the mighty champion is here with you?" asked Lodar.
A thin, wiry dark-skinned man wearing a green cloak walked into the room. He was Drakka, the queen's sorcerer.
"So, this He-Man exists," he said. "I thought that he was only legend."
"He's obviously very real, fool!" Lodar shouted at the sorcerer. "But, no matter, because my own powers will crush him. A worthless do-gooder with a sword cannot stop me!"
"Where are all the Targans?" asked Fisto.
"The Targans and the citizens of Operon have been enslaved in the mines," said Queen Balina. "Where they work on finding Kirbinite, a are mineral of unknown power."
"These warriors look like hard workers," said Lodar. "They will do good work as slaves in the mines!"
The Gorgons grab the Masters and dragged them to the pits.
"This isn't over, Lodar!" cried Man-at-Arms. "We will stop you!"
Lodar laughs malevolently, as Zodac starts to regain his power. He uses his cosmic powers to defeat the Gorgons with ease, but Lodar uses his own dark cosmic powers to overwhelm Zodac, and traps him inside a power-dampening dome beside the throne chairs.
"We have captured the champion," said the Demonichron. "This He-Man is powerful. He might bring trouble for me."
"You worry too much," said Lodar. "No one is man enough or foolish enough to oppose me. If they do, I will destroy every last kingdom on this wretched world, even if I remain the last man standing."
The Masters have a new enemy. One whose soul is as dark, or possible even darker, than that of Skeletor.
Down below the throne room, beneath the grounds, were the dungeons. They were dark and dirty, infested with rats. In one of the cells, He-Man was lying on a cold stone floor. He opened his eyes slowly, his vision was blurred. When he started to regain his sight, before him stood muscular armored men, looking down onto them.
The men in the room were Targa's gladiators, and it looks like Eternia's champion have joined them. One of the men, who was a dark-skinned man with an orange mohawk, knelt down before him.
"I am Garn, master gladiator of Targa," he said, as He-Man shook his hand firmly.
The other two men were named Brox and Gexus. Brox was the largest man, who were a ram skull as a helmet and a bear skin cape. Gexus was a shorter, fatter man who were a small bronze helmet.
"What is your name, stranger?" asked Brox.
"I don't...know," said He-Man, holding his head. "I can't remember. I can't remember anything!"
"The Demonichron must've use a memory-wiping spell
Garn asks He-Man his name, but he could not remember. The gladiators knew immediately that the Demonichron had attacked him with a mind-wiping spell.
He-Man's memory loss was quite severe, as he could barely remember his anything. His companions, Castle Grayskull, his battles with Skeletor, or how he even arrived in Targa. He was taken aback that the gladiators were so friendly.
"Whoever you and your allies are, you managed to drive some shadow creatures," said Brox. "That is very impressive.
"I have no desire for battle," said He-Man.
"Neither do we," said Gexus. "But we have to fight to survive, or else we can't get back to our families. We've done things, in the arena, that we are not proud of."
"I feel like we should help other," said He-Man.
Garn knows that there was something special about him, that he was unlike most others Eternian.
Meanwhile, Man-at-Arms, Teela and Fisto were taken to the underground mines. Their hands were shackled and they came across hundreds of people who were enslaved by Lodar's footsoldiers - wieird purple-skinned creatures called Kobolds, who forced the people to work, hammering rocks and growing hungry. Lots of people were too weak to work, and fainted from exhuastion and thirst.
Teela noticed that the cave walls had a weird, colorful glow and it was somehow dampening her magical abilities.
"We need to play along in order to help these people," said Man-at-Arms, "and maybe can figure out a way to escape this place from the inside."
They were given hammers and pickaexes to smash rocks. which also had the weird, colorful glow. The rocks were made from Kirbenite, the strange stones that Lodar and Queen Balina desired. A Kobold slave master smacked a whip over their heads, forcing them to work. They obeyed without arguing or fighting back.
A young man and woman approaced the captive Masters, noticing that they were obviously warriors and not ordinary citizens. The two of them were wearing regal attire, which was smeared in dirt and torn from working for a very long time in the caves.
They greeted the Masters, and Man-at-Arms politely introduced themselves. The young man's eyes lit up to discover that they were the Masters of the Universe, as they have heard about their epic exploits protecting Eternia.
"I am Prince Dakkon, prince of Targa," the young man said. "That terribe creature Lodar killed my brother.
"And I am Raya. princess of Operon," said the young woman. "The two of us were going to get married before Lodar came, hoping to bring a peace between our peoples. But, Lodar and the Demonichron invaded Targa and Operon, and took us as slaves!"
"What are those weird glowing rocks?" asked Teela.
"Kirbenite," said Dakkon. "A rare mineral which Lodar and his Queen desire. It is used to fuel Targan weaponry, but it seems to dampen those who possess magical abilities."
"We need to help these people," said Fisto.
"I know, brother," said Man-at-Arms. "Only He-Man can save us now."
"I just hope he's okay," said Teela, concerned about the man she loved.
Not far from the city, was the great coliseum, where gladiators fought to the death in the arena. He-Man was given gladiatorial armor, and the arena was filled with spectators, namely Gorgons and Kobolds.
Up above in the Imperial Box, sat Lodar, Queen Balina and Drakka. He-Man disliked the fact that the coliseum was used as a killing ground. While his memories were erased, his values and morality could not be taken from him. He had no desire to kill anyone, and neither did the other gladiators.
"I have no desire to hurt anyone," said He-Man, looking down at a spiked axe given to him.
"We admire your compassion, He-Man," said Garn. "Unfortunately, you will be forced to kill in order to stay alive. Whoever refuses to kill, will be executed by Lodar himself!"
"Lodar and whoever follows him needs to be stopped," said He-Man, grittign his teeth.
"You are indeed courageous," said Brox. "But Lodar is possibly one of the most powerful beings in the world. It won't be an impossible task, no matter how hard one fights!"
He-Man lingers onto the urge to protect these lands from tyrants such as Lodar. Garn chattered among his fellow gladiators, admiring He-Man's noble nature and compassion, and started to think that he could be the only one whou might be able to save both Targa and Operon from their oppressors.
The gladiators entered the arena. Lodar stepped forth from his seat in the Imperial Box,
"The new gladiator, who claims to be He-Man, will be the first fight".
Garn was taken aback when the name is revealed to them.
"What a second, you are He-Man?" asked Garn. "Eternia's greatest champion?"
He-Man was baffled when they called him that name. Until, he saw the image of a beautiful woman with a falcon headdress and large orange and blue wings talk to him in thoughts.
"Yes, you are He-Man," she told him. "Defender of Grayskull, and hero and champion of all that is good."
He-Man slowly started to recognize her...as the Sorceress of Grayskull, his friend, his guide and his mentor.
Suddenly, a hideous, large armored warthog man beast came storming from out of the gates of the coliseum.
"Your first opponent will be Lord Trinok, King of the Vine Jungle," said Lodar.
Suddenly, a memory seeps back into He-Man's mind, about him and Teela traveling to Mount Serpos to find the Goddess' ancient weapon, the Staff of Ka.
"Ah, I will kill this pretty boy slowly," Trinok grumbled, licking his tusks at he armed himself with his club.
He-Man held the spiked axe he was given, not knowing what to do next.
He and Trinok ran towards each other. Axe against club. He-Man displayed terrific combat abilities and dodging his opponent's deadly moves. The gladiators never saw such skill. But, Trinok fought with a savage rage, failing to lose.
As the two of them fought, He-Man's memories started to come back to him in the flood. He remember his many battles with Skeletor's warriors, about the people he saved, his past in Palace Eternia with his loving parents, the good times he hadspent with his fellow Masters, and his love for the brave warrior goddess Teela.
He-Man disarmed Trinok of his axe, picked him up and through him 50 feet across the arena. The large chieftain slamemd into the walls, and fell with a thud on the ground. He coughed out blood.
He-Man came towards him, grabbing his axe, and prepared for the kill. As Trinok begged for a swift kill, He-Man suddenly remembered what he stood for and who he was. He remembered his code. Was to show compassion to others and to never take a life. He was not a murderer.
The Sorceress came back to him in thought.
"By the power of Grayskull, He-Man!"
Suddenly, the Sword of Power appeared out of nowhere, and it came to He-Man's hand. He said the magic words, just as the Sorceress had told him. Lighting came down around him, and he was transformed back in his traditional barbarian attire.
The spectactors in the stadium fled, and Lodar and his compatriorts cowered from this awesome power.
"I am He-Man," the champion of Grayskull/. "I may be a warrior, but I AM NOT a murderer!"
He-Man granted Trinok mercy, who was in shock to learn who he had been fighting. He knew that if there was ever someone who could defeat him in the arena, it would be Eternia's champion.
Wounded, the guards ran into the arena and carried the defeated Trinok back inside the coliseum.
Balina and Drakka fled in horror, as Lodar cursed at He-Man, and left the place.
The barbaric gladiators approached He-Man, as they realize that their wanted freedom was drawing near.
"How exciting it is to fight alongside the mighty He-Man," said Garn. "We are all honored."
"Thank you, great gladiators," said He-Man. "But, you would honor me if you help me find in companions. I feel they are in danger."
The gladiators happily agreed, and followed He-Man to find the other Masters.
They entered the throne room, which was abandoned. He-Man used the magic of the sword to break through the magic dome that was had imprisoned Zodac. The Cosmic Enforcer was engulfed with white cosmic light, as he felt his power returning, and he thanked He-Man for the rescue.
Back in the mines, Prince Dakkon and Princess Raya teamed up with the Masters, as they decided to break free from their chains. Fisto used the strength of his giant iron fist to break their chains.
They picked up whatever mining tools they could find, and started to fight back against the terrible Kobolds. The other slaves cheered and join them in the fight.
As the fight ensued, the entire mines started to shake. As if there was a terrible earthquake. Suddenly, one of the walls of the minex exploded upon from the outside. Warm sunlight poured into the mines, and He-Man emerged, who had used his strength to punch through the wall.
The Masters rushed up to see him, overjoyed that their leader was unharmed. He-Man even received a big hug from Teela.
"I am so glad you're okay," she said.
"My fellow Masters, meet the Targan gladiators," He-Man said. "Garn, Grox and Gexus."
"This is Prince Dakkon and Princess Raya," said Man-at-Arms. "They plan to unite both kingdoms through a marriage ceremony."
"It is a privilege to meet you, He-Man," said Dakkon. "We all owe you our lives."
"No thanks is necessary," said He-Man. "A wedding? What a great way to bring people together. Especially opposing kingdoms1"
The Kobolds fled in fear, knowing that they were no match for the Power of Grayskull. He-Man stood before the other slaves,
"People of Targa and Operon, hear me," he said. "You are all free and are no longer slaves."
All of the people cheered, and the Masters helped Dakkon and Raya to free them from their chains and lead them to safety.
He-Man turned to Zodac.
"We must look for Lodar," he said. "He might still pose a threat to all of these innocent people."
"I will stand by your side, He-Man," said Zodac, as the two of them ventured back to the city.
Looking all over the city, He-Man and the Cosmic Enforcer found Lodar outside into the open plains.
"You insolent dogs!" Lodar roared in anger. "My wife, my sorcerer...my followers have abandoned me. Thanks to your meddling."
"No, Zodac," said Lodar. "You brought suffering and misery to these people. But, it is still not too late for you. You can still be redeemed."
"Listen to your brother, Lodar," said He-Man. "You must never give up on who you could be. Fight the darkness. You don't have to go down this road anymore."
"Your virtue makes me sick, barbarian!" said Lodar.
"Don't you see, brother?" asked Lodar. "The path to darkness will only cause you more pain?"
"We should be allies, not enemies!" said He-Man.
Lodar roars in anger, and unleashes his dark cosmic powers upon them. While Zodac unleashes light energy, Lodar unleashes dark, ashen clouds from his hands. He starts to overpower both Zodac and He-Man.
Zodac seems to weaken, as Lodar's power is a dark and twisted form of the power wielded by the Enforcers. He-Man struggles to gather his strength back, but starts to feel the power of Grayskull surging through his veins, and his fuels his strength. Unfortunately, Zodac is out cold, overpowered by the dark cosmic power.
He comes towards Lodar, his sword glowing with power in his right hand. Lodar uses his dark powers to create his own weapon, and the two engage in a vicious battle.
Lodar is overwhelmed by He-Man's strength and the magic of Grayskull. He is inevitably defeated.
"Don't give up on a second chance," said He-Man, as Lodar lies defeated on the ground.
"Forgive me, He-Man," Lodar said, feigning gratitude. "I...I must thank you...for your kindness!"
He prepares to strike He-Man, but suddenly, a large red and black vortex opens behind him, and starts to suck him inside.
"Grab my hand!" cries He-Man.
He lends out his hand and grabs his, trying to save him. But, the vortex is too strong, and sucks Lodar in, and he disappears from sight.
Grayskull's champion is left baffled, not knowing where the vortex took him and he fears for Lodar's fate, even though it might be too late. He goes to Zodac, who's entire body glowswith cosmic white light, and he awakens.
"He-Man, where is Lodar?" asked a horrified Lodar.
"I am sorry, my friend," said He-Man, shaking his head. "He's...gone. He was sucked in by a strange vortex. I could not save him."
The Masters catch up to He-Man and Zodac. But, unfortunately, they were followed by the Demonichron and his shadow creatures. Once again, the Masters struggle against the shadow creatures.
He-Man stands in front of his friends, defending them and Zodac.
"Your days of bringing darkness to these lands are over," He-Man said, giving the creature a stern look.
"You heroic fool!" growled the Demonichron. "If the cowardly Lodar won't destroy you, then you will become...mine!"
The terrible entity merges with He-Man. The hero's eyes burn red with evil, and he laughs wickedly.
"He-Man...no!" cried a horrified Teela, fearing for his life. "Fight it. Fight the darkness!"
Suddenly, the real He-Man starts crying in pain, The magic of Grayskull flows around him, and starts to weaken the Demonichron.
As He-Man's struggles, he fights against the dark soul of the creature from inside,
"I...will never give...in to the...darkness!"
The Demonichron detaches itself from him. He-Man pants out of breath, covered in sweat
"The dark can never eclipse the light," He-Man said, panting heavily.
It wasn't just the power of Grayskull that weakened it, it was the goodness in his heart. Compassion and light was the creature's weakness.
"You are...truly incorruptible!" the Demonichron says to He-Man.
He howls like a ghost, and his form crumbles into black ash. The shadow creatures are also destroys. The goodness in someone's heart was the one thing that could destroy them.
While He-Man was able to defeat the demon, he still felt drained for a little while. But, eventually, his strength returned.
"Hey, guys, don't we have a wedding to attend to?"
The Masters cheered and headed back to Targa, hoping to spread the good news to the Targans and the Operon people.
After traveling through the eerie vortex, Lodar falls into a volcanic landscape, and when he lifts his head, he sees Snake Mountain before him, and Skeletor's Evil Warriors - Beast Man, Trap Jaw and Mer-Man. They laugh in malevolence, and the haunting image of Skeletor came towards him.
"You're sure gonna get it!" says Beast Man.
"You pathetic creature!" Skeletor spatters. "I sent you to Targa, so He-Man could him to the aid of her pathetic people. You could have destroyed him and his accursed Masters!"
"I beg you, Lord Skeletor," said Lodar, groveling before the feet of the Lord of Destruction. "Give me another chance. Grant me mercy!"
"I would rather grant mercy to a stray dylinx cub than to washed up nobody such as you!"
"This nobody served Horde Prime, Lord Skeletor?" asked Mer-Man.
"Yes, Mer-Man," said Skeletor. "Prime sent him down here to aid me in the conquest of Eternia and to destroy our enemies. Targa was just the beginning of the conquest, but then that wretch He-Man went there and messed up everything. You make me sick, Lodar1"
Lodar continues to beg for another chance, but the Lord of Destruction kills him in cold blood. Lodar has been another victim of Skeletor's evil ways, only to meet an ugly end.
Back at Targa, it is a joyous night as He-Man, his fellow Masters and Zodac celebrate the marriage of Prince Dakkon and Princess Raya. Now, there will be an everlasting peace and unity between both Targa and Operon. Thanks to He-Man and his friends, slavery had been abolished and the darkness brought about by Lodar has been vanquished.
The night was filled with fireworks, laughter, good food, wine, music and the union of friends. King Thales, Dakkon's father, thanked He-Man for saving their land, and they all bid farewell to the bride and groom.
When the Masters were preparing to head home ot Grayskull, Zodactook them to where the Talon Fighter was located, which was on a mountain peak above Lake Targa.
It was a magnificent flying craft constructed in the form of a giant eagle, with a golden eagle head in the front, large blue wings on the sides and large bronze talons at the bottom. The pilot's cockpit was above the eagle's head.
He-Man and Zodac shake hands.
"It was an honor fighting beside you, champion of Eternia," said the Cosmic Enforcer.
"Thank you, Zodac," said He-Man. "I just wish I could have saved Lodar. My friends and I never give up on anything."
"You may not have saved his life," said Zodac. "But you never gave up on him. You have hope in everyone, He-Man, even those with the blackest of hearts. That is one of the many things that makes you a great hero."
As Zodac waves goodbye to the other Masters, a bright field of light comes down from the heavens, and he soars away on his flying chair, venturing in the black depths of space.
The Masters board the Talon Fighter, and He-Man gets into the pilot's seat. And faster than the speed of light, they have entered the starry night sky,
Teela stands by He-Man's side while he pilots the aircraft.
"I got scared today when the Demonichron tried to take your soul," she said.
"I am so sorry for that," He-Man said. "It was, honestly, a very close call. When it merged with me, I could feel every good part of me been slowly ripped away. Every positive thought. Every happy memory...but I will never give in to the darkness. I have to much too fight for...and too much too live for."
His words made Teela smile, as she knew that it came from affection, and the love they shared together.
Once again, good had triumphed over evil once again. Two kingdoms were reunited in an everlasting peace.
It wasn't just the power of Grayskull that saved Eternia today, it wss the goodness in He-Man's heart. The kind of goodness that darkness could never take away.
Far above Eternia, Zodac was looking down upon the grand world below, as he was for the first time in many years content for making new friends. The Masters of the Universe shall one day have him on their side when he is needed again.