How much things could change. In only one year.

A year had gone by. Since Skeletor had perished. Since the heart of Eternia had been shattered. And since Prince Adam had left to look for a way to save the world.

And it was honestly hard to recognize what had once been the beautiful land of Eternia.

The beforehand green and bounty full fields had become brown and dry.

The people who had been known for their health and good spirit all looked like hollowed ghouls. Their eyes had become empty, their frames so thin as food had become scarce, and hope had been lost.

Teela knew her duty. Alongside the King and Queen, she had to be a shining light of hope. She had to stand strong to assure the people that there was hope. They just had to fight a little longer.

But it sure was hard as everything was withering and there didn't seem to be any way to stop it.

All Teela could do. Was to put on her bravest and most caring face as she was helping distribute their limited water.

A can for a family. A cup for a person who was alone… And that was it.

As the old man who now confronted Teela wasn't late to remind her. "A cup?! That's it? A cup can barely keep me alive. What about cleanliness! What about the heat? And you gave that woman an entire can!"

"That woman has a family she goes home to," Teela said. "I'm sorry. We have to make sure that the water lasts until the magic returns."

"And when is that?!" The old man asked. "Face it! Magic has forsaken us! We can't count on magic!"

"Prince Adam is traveling the world to find a solution." Teela reminded him. "Don't worry. He is the chosen champion. He will find a way!"

"Bah! No one has seen him for a year!" The old man snorted. "He probably abandoned us! Just like the magic did!"

"No! Adam would never do that!" Teela exclaimed. "He never has and never will!"

"Then where is he?" The man asked. "Nobody has seen him for a year!"

Teela halted and then her head lowered.

"That's what I thought." The old man snorted as he took his cup and turned around.

Then Teela felt a firm hand on her shoulder and she turned her head to see her adopted father next to her.

"Don't listen to him," Duncan said firmly. "He's just frustrated and has no one to take it out on. Adam will come through. And you are doing so amazing."

"Yes I… Sorry." Teela lowered her head. "It's just. Sometimes it gets really hard."

Duncan gave Teelas's shoulder a squish. "That's why the people need us to stay strong," he said and Teela nodded. "If we lose hope. Then we already lost." Duncan whispered. "And if we lose… Everybody loses."

"Yes," Teela replied and then inhaled deeply as she looked up to face the next one.

However, the boy who was in line had his attention elsewhere as he looked the other way. So did everyone else and Teela looked with him as a woman screamed.

"WATER! Over here there's water! COME QUICK!"

And people ran. Just ran as quick as they could, immediately the line was gone and Teela and Duncan glanced at each other only ones. Before running with the others to see what it was all about and soon they saw it.

A giant drill going into the earth itself creating a massive hole, and from the massive hole that had been created into the earth. True enough, water was pouring out while people were shouting and dancing in the stream of pure water.

Teela gasped and then looked up to see no other than Tri-Klops standing on top of the drill. People in robes standing next to him. "Drink my dear people! DRINK! It is my gift to you! Water!"

Teela frowned as she rested her hand on her sword. Tri-Klops had been one of Skeletors' most trusted and high-ranked generals. To see him had never brought anything good. Then there were all the people wearing robes that looked the same. Covering their bodies and even faces to make them look identical.

"Easy," Duncan whispered. "He might actually just want to help."

"Yes. Maybe." Teela whispered back. "But that begs the question…. Why?"

"HEAR ME!" Tri-Klops spread out his arms. "Magic has forsaken us! And I ask you. What good has magic ever brought us anyway?" he asked. "It was wild and unpredictable! Skeletor always used magic to sour your lives and even mine. He promised me the world and had nothing to show for it. I really should have known better." he shook his head as people listened. "How-ever I found the alternative! I should have seen it! It's so obvious. Machines are not like magic! Machines can be trusted and will do what they are designed to do! Machines are dependable! Magic will no longer give you water but my drill did!" he shouted and everyone roared. "The motherboard will accept everyone and grace them with the power of machines!"

"The motherboard?" Teela asked astounded and everyone turned to her.

"Ah." Tri-Klops smiled. "Teela. How wonderful it is to see you again."

Teela halted then nodded at him. "Thank you for the help. We really did need water."

"I know," Tri-Klops smirked. "And you're welcome," he stated before he jumped down on the ground. Then he walked until he was in front of Teela. "Perhaps it's time you gave up on that champion of yours. He has not been seen. I how-ever. Am offering you a solution."

Teela looked up at his one mechanical eye looking at him. "You're asking me to become a part of your cult?" she asked.

"Cult?" Tri-Klop asked. "Such a harsh word! We are merely collecting a shattered people who have lost hope! The champion is gone. I am giving them something new to worship."

"The motherboard?" Teela asked. "That sounds like a machine."

Tri-Klop was quiet then he smirked.

"A machine?" Teela asked. "Look. Machines can be good and can aid us in many ways. They have aided us in so many ways and we should be grateful. But a machine isn't a human. A machine will not care about human lives or happiness."

"But your so-called Champion cares?" Tri-Klop asked. "The champion which has not been seen while his home has been withering."

There was silence as everyone looked at Teela. Only for a moment did Teela falter but then she stood straight and determined again. Her blue eyes harsh.

"He will come through," Teela stated.

"You keep believing that." Tri-Klops snorted. "Now for those who like to see actual results! The motherboard will welcome everyone!" he spread out his arms. "Join me! Become one with the motherboard and you shall never lack again!"

And there was a huge cheer and roar from the people leaving Teela honestly stunned. How quickly they were all just cheering on Tri-Klops. As if he hadn't been working for Skeletor! As if he hadn't been the one attacking their homes in the past.

It was all forgotten as Tri-klops climbed back up on his drill and the drill started to drive away. A whole mob of people following while they cheered. Leaving Teela behind as she hopelessly looked after the disappearing crowd.

Duncan frowned deeply. "Something is not right about this."

Teela nodded as she rested her hand on her sword yet again. "What do you suppose we do?"

Duncan crossed his arms as he looked towards the crowd that was now nothing but a spot on the horizon. "Adam asked us to keep the people safe while he was gone so. I suppose we better make sure that they are safe."

Teela nodded. "Yes," she said as her hand grasped the hilt of her sword. "For Eternia," she whispered.