He-Man and the Masters of the universe!
Chapter 2
Adam's musings
Adam sat near one of the small artificial ponds in the royal palace this place was rather secluded ones of the many creeks, ponds and gardens in the palace and recently he had to again find many secluded places within the newly under construction of the palace for his solitude after it's near destruction and seeing it being reconstructed reminded him that this was his home and made him realize what could have been, if not for the Masters, the soldiers and He-Man there might not even be an chance to live for anyone much less rebuild and this was him and the Royal family, so what about the many big and small villages that had been laid to waste in recent times, those many Innocent lives simply lost.
He-Man can't be everywhere for all the power he had and he definitely cannot be there to save all the innocent lives no matter how much he wanted to do it, he didn't hate that fact because it was just plain and simple truth but it did make him feel a little sad.
Now thinking about all the soldiers and guards those people didn't have any super strength or magic nor were they extraordinary Masters but they still did what they could and threw themselves in danger head first, this made him admire them than anyone and more and more greatfull that he had the strength and powers to stand in front of them on the Frontline and take the blunt of the evil that plagued the land.
Yes, he had been depressed and let down seeing the distance increase between him and his loved ones, especially his father and Teela, not to mention the ever growing 'Legendary tales of the cowardly prince' in between the courtiers and the people of the kingdom, which had luckily reduced since he stood against Skeletor and his Council of Evil as Prince Adam because he had lost his sword for a brief time, after which he had really started to hone his fighting skills as Adam, but now thinking about all this, he didn't feel it much of a burden being the champion of Grayskull but rather it was a privilege he had been given to be able to do so much more and an opportunity to BE so much more, to reduce the pain and misery caused at the face of such evil.
Thinking of honing his skills after the events or he should say uneventfulness of Serpos the Mystic warrior Zodac himself has taken time to occasionally give guidance to Prince Adam in combat and also some more flexible and subtle use of his powers as He-Man and he had shockingly discovered improving as Adam made He-Man more skilled, he have to talk to the Sorceress about this the next time he met her. *You can ask me now Prince Adam.* He heard the Sorceress in his mind.*Yes Sorceress I have been wanting to talk but with the Reconstruction of the palace, and snake men still on the lose, I didn't find time.* he took a deep breath thinking of all the hectic workload he had been under for the few months since the misfortunes that happened and Skeletor has been suspiciously calm in recent times making him feel uncomfortable and he couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong.
The sorceress replied sensing his distress. *I understand Prince Adam, but one step at a time, even He-Man can't be everywhere and do everything with all the power he has at his disposal.* with amusement in her voice, making Adam blush slightly and he felt embarrassed that he had been a bit of Proud thinking about being given this power to be at the vanguard in this Battle against Evil earlier. *Rest easy young Prince, it indeed is a great burden you carry on your shoulders, you are not someone who would let your proudness cloud your vision and neither are you undeserved of the proudness for what you have accomplished till now.* Her words were filled with warmth which also made his heart feel warm. *Thank you Sorceress, it means a lot.* It was as if a dam broke through.
His eyes nearly become wet from hearing her words, for all the scorn he had faced since the time he became He-Man from courtiers and the increased lines of worries in his father's face when he looked at his son to the growing distance and arguments between his closest friend since childhood, it was all worth it. He had lied to protect them and he would continue to do so if it was necessary no matter the cost. His father was concerned about him because he cared about him and his best friend still argued, and became angry with him because she couldn't see him like this and couldn't bear the criticism he faced from the courtiers and nobles, maybe deep down they knew he wasn't what he was showing everyone to be, it was all a form of love they showed him and not because they stopped loving or caring about him because he changed or is lazy and cowardly. To repay this love and to protect that very love he would steel himself.
You really are wise beyond your age dear Adam The Elders did not misjudge in choosing you to be the champion of Grayskull and I'm sure of it now than ever." He couldn't stop the tears now. * Thank you Sorceress, I really cannot express what those words are to me, thank you.* Not knowing how to respond repeated the hero.
Suddenly Cringer came running from somewhere sensing his master's emotions and licked at his face endearingly. "it's okay Cringer these are happy tears." he said to his feline companion rubbing behind his ears, then the great cat lay near his feet and rested his head on his legs feeling relieved that his friend and master wasn't in distress which had been the case more often lately. *He is a good tiger.* commented the Sorceress. " He is a big cat Sorceress not tiger." said Adam and hearing him Cringer lifted his head and looked at him with a look between betrayal and shock, still between tears he let out a hearty laugh and convinced his friend somehow that he was just kidding and it was meant to be a joke, giving him an annoyed look Cringer lay back on his friend's leg.
Wiping at his tears he asked suddenly realizing something. *Did you just call me dear Adam instead of Prince or Prince Adam?, He let out a small laugh in between sobs as he got the reply. *Yes young one, is there a problem?*
Now smiling from ear to ear he quickly replied. * No...no problem Sorceress... I... Thank you.* he hadn't felt this better in days or months perhaps. *You have said enough thank you for one day, don't you think young Adam, which is really unwarranted. But be warned that there are much more trials ahead in your path young one you must really steel yourself as you said.*
He sobered up and a flash of determination took root in his blue eyes then he said with conviction. *I understand Sorceress, I'll make sure that I would be as ready as I can be.* He would train harder as He man and as Prince Adam. *Good, I expect nothing less but that shouldn't be your only objective but also to try to live despite the hardships and burdens you carry.* said the Sorceress.
Then she continued before Adam could deny what was said. *And now to answer your questions yes, you have powerful magic which endowes you with unimaginable abilities but ultimately it also works as an magnifier which highlights your innate traits both in soul and body. For example a part of King Grayskull's magic grants you his wisdom for you to wield but it wouldn't be of any use to you if you didn't have your own wisdom and intellect or the necessary traits in your character and heart to wield that wisdom effectively for the right cause, it is same for your friend Cringer, who might seem timid. Yet, some part of his soul possesses the courage to be brave if you or any other of his loved ones are in danger dispite his fears, if not then all the magic of Castle Grayskull combined wouldn't be able to convert him to Battle Cat. It is the same for your physical strength and combat skills Prince Adam, when you first became He-Man you weren't a match for Skeletor's skills as Adam but Grayskull's power sensed your need and provided you with the necessary skills to fight him but if you had fought with King Hiss the first time you became He-Man you would have lost immediately without the experience.* Finished the Sorceress.
Form the time since he became He-Man this was the first time the Sorceress had told him about how exactly Grayskull's power worked. * It all makes sense now Sorceress, but why wasn't I told all this before.* , *You weren't ready Prince Adam, now you are .* said the Sorceress. Shaking his head he turned his attention to the goof laying on his legs. "Oh Cring, you really are something, buddy. " due to what the Sorceress said about Cringer, he smoothed him with a tight hug. Annoyed for getting disturbed, the cat freed himself from Adam and ran away, probably to catch some butterflies. Adam watched his friend go and smiled then looked around at the pond and garden, for now he felt peaceful. It had been Orko's idea to renovate some of the gardens and ponds after the basic facilities and defences were set up, "But Man-at-Arms, people need something to look up to in these times." he had said pestering Duncan who wanted to finish with the most important parts of the rebuilding before going to decorative things, and got to work as soon as he got the yes from Man-at-Arms just to make Orko go away. *You have good people around you Prince Adam cherish them and rest for now, for who knows when you will get it again.* Said the Sorceress, *You to Sorceress and take care.* He wanted to say thank you again but decided against it.
It rarely ever happened that the Sorceress was open for talking, all the other time she radiated this larger than life, mysterious serenity that she almost felt Godly, but he had been trying to make her open up since the time he came to realize she's as human as anyone can get. Shaking his head he let out a tired but satisfied sigh then closed his eyes to take a little nap and rest, he will need it.
Hope you liked it and there are some similar lines between Skeletor and Adam. And how they both are sitting a contemplating about things while Adam is supported by friends, Skeletor pushes them away.
