In the heart of Eternia. The royal palace had been decorated for a grand party.
They were to celebrate a hero of the nation. Someone who had thought tirelessly against the evil warriors who seemed as stubborn as they were tenacious.
No matter how many times these creatures were pushed back. It was only a matter of time before they would return.
That is why Eternia needed strong warriors who would always be ready to defend the people. Warriors who could show strength and courage to bring hope for a better future.
They were more warriors than just one. Because alone people are weak but together they are strong.
This particular night however belonged to a warrior woman. Who had proven her worth countless times and fought on equal footing with those around her. She was relied upon for her strength and wisdom. Her kindness and her loyalty.
That was Teela. Warrior of Eternia. Defender of castle gray skull. And one of the masters of the universe.
Tonight she would be celebrated. Receive honor and glory for her loyal service and yet… Teela seemed to be hiding away in the shadow. Standing in her room as she looked down upon the city below them.
There was a slow knock on the door and Teela turned around to see the man who had raised her. Taught her all she knew. The man she would always call father. Also tonight.
"Father." Teela smiled a light smile.
Duncan. Also known as Man-At-Arms smiled back at her. "How lovely you look," he said.
Teela blushed slightly as she looked down. Slipping a bit of bright red hair behind her ear.
"So why is this lovely looking young woman hiding up here?" Duncan asked. "This night is yours. We are celebrating you."
Teela hesitated. "Adam said he would escort me to the ceremony," she admitted. "And… He's not here."
"Oh." Duncan realized.
Teela sighed deeply as she turned to the window. "He means so well. I know he does," she said. "And I love him like he was my brother. I just… I hate that it never feels like I can count on him. He promises the world but then only shows up half the time. And tonight of all nights?" she asked.
"Sweety I.." Duncan tried then sighed deeply as he moved closer. "The young Prince is exactly that. Young," he said as Teela turned towards him so they faced each other. "Sometimes he has his head in the clouds but he means well. And he loves you too. Like his own sister. Don't worry about him." he said as he put a hand under Teelas chin and lifted her head. "Tonight is about you. Remember?" he asked. "Adam will show when he shows. Like he always does. You can tease him for his tardiness then."
Teela smiled amused. "You're right," she said. "I should go. I suppose the others are waiting for me."
Duncan nodded as he smiled. "Teela. You probably already know but I want to say it," he said putting his hands on her shoulders. "I love you. And I'm proud of you." he smiled. "And no man could ever ask for a more wonderful daughter."
Teela swallowed as her eyes grew misty and then she dived forward to hug Duncan. "No one could ever ask for a more wonderful father," she whispered making Duncan smile. Then he had to turn his head away to hide the mist of his own eyes. A man had his pride while Teela stood back. Grinning all over her face. "Are you coming with me to the banquet hall?" she asked.
"Just a moment!" Duncan held up a hand. "I just need to take care of a few things."
"Sure." Teela grinned. Stepping forward so she could plant a little kiss on Duncan's cheek. "I'll see you in a bit father!" she beamed before she turned around and ran.
Duncan smiled lightly as he touched his chin. Then exhaled deeply as he turned towards the window. "Out fighting monsters again huh Adam?" he asked. Then sighed deeply. "It honestly gets harder and harder to keep your damn secret boy," he muttered. "Get back soon. Teela is getting suspicious." he finally stated as he turned around and followed Teela towards the banquet hall.
"HAAAAAAAH!" A man made of pure muscle and the strength of ten gods shouted as he plummeted down from the sky itself. His fist landing right in the forehead of a massive black dragon and the shock wave broke out. Blowing boulders and rocks aside and the dragon… Fell down on the ground. Limp and very dead by just one blow.
It didn't take long before a group of people shouted and cheered while He-Man turned to them.
"You saved us!" A woman cried as the children laughed. "Thank you He-Man. Thank you for saving us."
He-Man smiled at them. "It's no trouble. This is why I am here!" he stated then exhaled deeply. "Though I would like to know what it is with Skeletor and sending out all of these monsters these days. Where does he get them from?"
Just then a massive green tiger sprung up next to He-Man letting out a deep growl. "What is it Battle cat?" He-Man asked only to blink. He looked up to realize the sky had already started to turn a deep shade of dark red and soon it would be dark. "Oh no!" he gasped. "Teela! I promised to escort her! BATTLE CAT!" he shouted as he grabbed the saddle and jumped up. "Quickly now! We might just still make it! Just hurry!" he asked and the Green tiger nodded as it jumped. He-Man squinted his eyes. "I just hope she won't be too mad," he muttered.
On Battle cat. Any travel would be short. But that didn't help the sun that had mercilessly sundown the horizon to give room for the stars and He-Man huffed as they had just made it past the walls of the castle. Quickly he drew his blade and he felt all that massive power leave his body.
The massive body and the strength of a god to leave behind a young man. He could barely even call himself a man yet. Lanky, not too many visible muscles to shout about. And rather unassuming. As well did the green tiger not only become small. But he was shaking in his boots too as if the battle was first catching up with him now.
"Adam!" A voice hissed and Adam turned.
"Duncan!" he greeted just like Man-At-Arms himself came walking from the back door. "Is everything all right? I'm not too late am I?" he asked.
"For the ceremony no. For escorting Teela yes." Duncan informed and Adam groaned deeply.
Cringer his loyal green tiger looked up. "We are in so much trouble." he whimpered and Adam sighed deeply.
"I am going to hear for this all evening aren't I?" He asked.
"Yes." Duncan nodded and Adam groaned.
"I had a good reason! There was an evil dragon who was about to kill a lot of people!" Adam said.
"I know," Duncan said. "You have acted with great bravery and honor."
"Except as far as Teela know. Adam didn't have anything to do with it. Only He-Man did." Adam groaned deeply. "Duncan. Why can't I just tell her I'm He-Man?"
"Anyone who carries that secret will be compromised. And compromise your safety too." Duncan reminded Adam.
"Right… yeah." Adam sighed deeply. "She's a master of the universe though. She can handle herself and…. I trust her." he hesitated. "Maybe I should just tell her."
"Adam. She's my daughter." Duncan informed sternly.
"And she faced down monsters three times her own seize. Tonight she will receive glory and honor." Adam hesitated. "She's my best friend too. She deserves to know."
Duncan halted.
"This is my decision Duncan." Adam informed. "And I think by the end. It'll be better for everyone. Including her." he said before finally walking inside the palace.
Duncan hesitated as he looked after Adam and so did Cringer.
"The Prince might have a point you know," Cringer commented. "It would be so nice if she just knew."
Duncan lowered his head. "Yes… Perhaps it is indeed time. To tell her more than just the one secret." he smiled sadly. "They grow so fast, don't they? I'm afraid inside of my mind she's still that cute little baby I found all alone. And that adorable little girl who would always follow me around."
Cringer looked up at Duncan. "She's a woman now."
"Yes. That she is." Duncan sighed as he scratched Cringer behind the ear. "And I should probably remember that a bit more often."
Trying to act as inconspicuously as he could. Adam tried to move towards the throne room. Okay… If he could just sneak in he could claim he had been there the whole time! Nobody had to know! He could move in through the back door! Easy… Easy.
There it was! The door! Now all Adam had to do was to sneak in and pretend he had been there the whole time. Slowly Adams's hand wrapped itself around the door handle and slowly he tried to open the door.
Only to have a flying creature fly right up into his face as it screamed. "ADAM!"
"Orko!" Adam yelped in surprise and inside… Hundreds of people turned their heads to look at both of them. Adam squinted his eyes. "Orko," he said again in a deep groan.
"Where have you been?!" Orko exclaimed. "It looked like we had to postpone the ceremony if you didn't show."
Adam stood straight as he was aware everyone was looking at him. Including Teela who was standing on the floor in her ceremonial armor that made her look like a true warrior maiden.
Then Adam looked up towards the throne where both his parents looked down at him with disappointed looks in their eyes. "I… Erhm." Adam hesitated. "I was just… I overslept." he lowered his head. "I'm sorry."
"Well, I can believe that. You do look like a mess." Orko commented. "Did you just get out of bed?"
"I… Yes." Adam sighed just as Duncan and Cringer came in through the front door and no one cared about it. Which made Adam send them an angry glare.
"Adam." Queen Marlena sighed deeply as she held her forehead and King Randors eyes only seemed to narrow even more.
And then there was Teela who turned her head away. Making Adams's heart sink.
"Teela.. I…" Adam tried.
Then finally Teelas head turned back. A fake smile plastered on her face as she clearly tried to ease the tension. "I'm so glad you're here Prince Adam," she said. "It wouldn't be the same without my best friend here."
"I… Right. I'm glad I made it." Adam smiled nervously.
"Here!" Orko suddenly exclaimed. "Let me help you look presentable."
"NO!" Adam shouted. "Oh no! That's okay!" he backed away.
"Just stand still! Let me help you!" Orko asked as he raised his hands.
"No no no!" Adam turned away but it was too late! A magic beam hit him in the back and the next thing Adam knew his hair was a frizzy mess. His shirt was clean but put on backward. And his shoes were on wrong. "ORKO!" he shouted frustrated.
"Oh." Orko blinked. "Ups."
And then suddenly there was a burst of laughter. Adam looked up to see it was Teela who tried to hide her laughter behind her hand but there was no helping it. And her eyes were glistening amused as she looked at Adam with pure fondness in her eyes.
Adam exhaled deeply. Okay, maybe that had been worth it. He was out of the dog house so that was good. And Adam shook his head as he started to fix his clothes.
"Prince Adam. Would you mind taking your position so we can get started?" King Randor finally asked.
"Yes, father." Adam bowed politely and finally walked up to stand next to his father with a straight back and hands behind his back.
Randor sighed deeply as he whispered. "I really thought you would be on time today," he whispered and Adam lowered his head. "Well. At least you seem suitable ashamed," he commented.
Adam sighed deeply. The truth was. He was not ashamed of his actions. Of what he did. Defending the people of Eternia was a noble cause. He was only ashamed that his own family would think so little of him.
Then finally Adam was ignored as King Randor stood up. "Teela! Daughter of Duncan! Defender of Eternia! Please step forward." he asked.
Teela smiled lightly as she stepped forward and then finally knelt.
Randor smiled. "Teela. Ever since you first knew how to hold a sword. You have helped defend this land. Your courage and loyalty have known no bounds. Unlike some." he side glanced at Adam who cringed. "You have been someone whom we all could always rely upon to defend us!" he stated. "That is why we are gathered here today. To celebrate this young brave woman. And she would honor us greatly if she would accept the position. As Captain of the guards! A title carried by her own father. Man-at-arms. For three decades. It only seems fitting to pass on the mantle to her! Who has shown every last little bit of courage, strength, and loyalty as he has."
At that Duncan smiled. And he had to swallow.
Randor picked up a slim sword and shield before he walked down. "Teela. Please accept this shield. So you may defend Eternia as a shield yourself." he asked handing Teela the shield which she gracefully took. "And now. Accept this sword! So you may pierce the darkness and defeat the enemy like a sword!" he said offering her the sword with the handle first.
Teela carefully took the sword.
"And please now rise. Teela! Captain of the guards!" Randor exclaimed as Teela stood up and everyone cheered while clapping their hands.
Least of all Adam who was one big smile while he clapped and Teela turned to him. For just one moment their eyes met and they both smiled at each other. Perhaps tonight wasn't so bad after all.
A few hours after. The festivities were fully underway. Orko was doing his thing trying to entertain the masses and failing at every single spell he tried to cast.
Cringer had gotten himself a big piece of ham and was now happy as a clam. Even the royal couple seemed happier now that they had gotten to eat, party, and drink a few drinks.
And then there was Teela…. Adam saw her standing outside on the balcony. All alone.
Adam swallowed and then he tried to approach her as he walked outside. The cold night air hitting his skin while he looked at Teela who was looking towards the sky.
"Erhm… Teela. Hi." Adam tried and Teela turned to him. "Look. I'm really sorry about… I promised to escort you and erh."
Teela sighed. "It's fine," she said.
"What?" Adam asked.
"I said it's fine," Teela said as she turned to the railing resting her arms on it. "Really I feel like I should have expected it. It's always impossible to tell if you're going to show up or not."
"Oh… erhm." Adam swallowed. "I'm sorry." he tried again.
"I just don't get you," Teela admitted. "I know you're both brave and strong! I've seen it before. You could do so much! And yet… When we count on you you always seem to vanish. It doesn't make any sense."
Adam chewed his lip.
"And it wasn't always like that." Teela glanced down. "When we were children. It felt like I could always rely on you. No matter what. You would always come to my rescue. So what changed Adam?" she asked looking at him again.
Adam halted… Teela was smart. She had always been smart. He knew that.
"Erhm. I." Adam folded his hands. "Teela I… You're right." he looked up. "I owe you an explanation! You're my best friend. Ever since we were little you were there for me! When I was scared I wouldn't be a good prince. When father went away to fight and I was afraid he wouldn't make it back… I… Erhm." he halted.
Teela looked at him. Her blue eyes looking filled with questions and Adam could just tell how the wheels were turning in her head.
"I haven't been fair to you." Adam then said. "You're right! You were always right. Something did change. A while ago. And you deserve to know the truth! And I'm going to tell you the truth. Right now!" he said. "It's only right."
Slowly Teela nodded. "Okay. What is it then?" she asked.
"Well, you see." Adam swallowed. "The thing is… I am. Erh." he tried. "I'm… He-"
"ADAM! TEELA!"
Duncan suddenly burst out on the balcony and Adam hissed annoyed.
"What?!" Adam exclaimed feeling beyond frustrated.
"Castle Greyskull is under siege!" Duncan exclaimed making Adam and Teelas eyes widen. "We have to go. NOW! They are breaking through the walls!"
"Let's go then!" Teela shouted as she took a running step then halted. "Adam?" she asked. "Aren't you coming?"
"I…" Adam swallowed. "I'll catch up with you! I promise. I just need to.. Check on something first."
Teela frowned deeply.
"Don't worry you will see me there!" Adam stated. "I swear to you! Maybe this is better anyway. That I show you instead of telling you."
"Show me what?" Teela asked and Adam smiled lightly.
"Why ruin the surprise now?" Adam asked in a teasing grin. "Go."
Teela hesitated only for Duncan to grab her arm. "Come on. Greyskull needs us."
And Teela nodded. "Okay," she said as she turned and ran. Adam however grabbed his sword and slowly pulled it out. For a moment he stood there holding the sword in both hands while he waited for the room behind him to be completely emptied. All except a green tiger and a single Trollan who joined him.
Adam smirked. "Looks like He-Man wasn't entirely done for today after all."
"He-Man has been out today?" Orko asked and Adam glared at him.
But then he turned back to his sword as he slowly raised it. "By the power of Greyskull!" he exclaimed as the clouds formed above him and then. A thunder strike seemed to hit his sword and course through Adam. Lending him the power of gods as he transformed. "I HAVE THE POWEEEEEER!"
