Here it is folks, the long awaited return of my She-Ra / He-Man crossover Yin-Yang. I know it's been about six months since I ended Act I and I know a lot of you have been dying to know what happens next, so to reward your for your patience and understanding, I'm gonna kick off Act II with something special. A time skip! With a twist~ With that said, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is produced by Dreamworks Animation Television, and both She-Ra and He-Man are owned by Mattel. Enjoy.
Chapter 17: 16 Weeks Later
(Week 1)
Adora stood out on the balcony overlooking the city. Another night without sleep. Her third in a row, but I suppose that was to be expected. Just a few days ago she had been an orphan, a former Horde Soldier and the sworn Defender of Etheria. Now she was a Princess, a real Princess, with parents and a twin brother. It was all so terribly confusing.
After getting a crash course in her family history from the Sorceress and Shadow Weaver, Adam had taken her back to the Palace to meet their parents. Naturally, there had been a lot of gasping and crying and hugging; at one point their Mother actually fainted. But after all the heavy emotions were out of the way, things started to get a little awkward. Since then, she'd hardly spoken to anyone besides her brother.
It wasn't that she didn't want to get to know her parents better. It was just that she didn't quite know where to start, and apparently neither did they. Being in a family was much more complicated than she thought. How did Bow and Glimmer make it look so easy?
"Couldn't sleep, huh?" asked a familiar voice from close behind.
"Oh, hey, Adam." She said to her twin. "No, not really."
"You wanna talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Okay then. Mind if I join you?"
"Sure, I guess."
And with that, the Prince took those last few steps to join her by the railing.
"So…" he said awkwardly. "I know this probably isn't the best time, but have you given any thought to what you wanna be called from now on?"
"Sigh. Yeah, I think I'm just gonna stick with Adora. I know it's the name Shadow Weaver gave me, but it just feels more right than Galatea. But I'm worried what… they might think when I tell them."
"I'm sure Mother and Father will understand. I mean, changing your name is a lot simpler than brining you back to life; from a paperwork standpoint anyway."
"Maybe, but I just don't know."
"Look, whatever happens, I'll be there to support you. I promise." Adam said reassuringly. "But in the meantime, since we're already awake, we might as well have some fun. Tell me, have you ever been in a Holo-Suite before?"
XXX
(Week 2)
Within the candlelit and perfume scented atmosphere of her private Pleasure Dome, Adora sat upon a great mound of ornate pillows and watched as her darling Spinnerella danced for her enjoyment. The plus-sized beauty was dressed in what Adam had referred to as a Belly Dancer Outfit; a revealing, almost see-through number that showed off her curves quite nicely. And the dance she was performing was most alluring; every time she shook that cute little derriere of hers, it sent a rush of blood to her face and nether regions.
It was most enjoyable.
After about another five to ten minutes, the dance was complete and the plump Princess stood before the reclining Warrior with hungry eyes.
"Does my dancing please you, my mighty hero?" she asked sensually.
"Yes, very much." Adora answered, blushing and grinning like a goofball. "You truly are a goddess."
"You flatter me." Spinnerella said with a playful giggle. "I don't know what I ever saw in that boorish Netossa. You're so much better than her."
Suddenly, the purple haired beauty began walking towards her; her hips swinging with every step.
"You know how to appreciate a rare beauty like me. Don't you, Darling?"
Within moments, Spinerella had her plushy body pressed up against Adora's and their faces were less than an inch apart.
"Kiss me." The plump Princess purred sweetly.
Adora was too entranced to say anything, but was eager to comply. And she likely would have, were it not for a sudden interruption.
"Oh my stars!" exclaimed a familiar voice from a short distance away; instantly earning the young heroine's attention.
Too her immense horror, it was Queen Marlena, who was currently standing by the chamber door; eyes wide and hands over her mouth.
"M-M-MOTHER?" Adora yelped in surprise and embarrassment. "TERMINATE PROGRAM! TERMINATE PROGRAM!"
And with that, Spinnerella and the Pleasure Dome disappeared. Leaving only an empty Holo-Suite and an awkward silence.
XXX
(Week 3)
"They called it the New Space Race." Queen Marlena explained to her daughter as they sat together on a bench in the Royal Garden. "Mars was going to be the future of mankind, and almost ever nation on Earth was trying to get there first. My country, the United States of America, along five others, were experimenting with a new type of 'Light-Fold Engine' that would supposedly shorten a year long journey to just a few hours. I was the test pilot assigned to field test the protype and I guess there were still a few bugs, because the next thing I knew, I was crash-landing on a planet at the center of the universe with no way to get back home."
"Whoa…" Adora said in quiet awe. "Were you scared?"
"Scared? Who? Me? Captain Marlena Tatopoulos? A woman who has laughed at danger, sneered at doom, and stared into the very face of death? I was petrified." She said jokingly, earning a laugh from her daughter. "But seriously, it was pretty scary at first. Luckily, my ship happened to crash into the Vine Jungle around the time your Father and his unit were on patrol. So they helped me out."
"And that's how you met and fell in love?"
"Eh… not exactly." The Queen admitted. "Actually, the first time we met, he made me so mad that I punched him right in the stomach."
"You didn't."
"I did, and for a second I thought I was gonna be hanged. But he shook it off and apologized. And after that, I don't know, things got better."
"Wow, that's a great story, Ma'am, I mean, Mother." Adora said, sounding quite flustered.
"Heh-Heh. Thanks, Kiddo. But you know you don't have to call me that if you don't want to. If you want, you can just call me 'Mom'."
"Oh, uh… okay. I mean, I was just calling you that because that's what Adam always calls you."
"Ah yes, well… he may not always act like it, but your brother takes his role as Prince very seriously. He likes to keep things formal around the castle. But we can keep it casual if you want. Sound good?"
"Sounds great… Mom."
XXX
(Week 4)
ROOOOOOAAAAAR!
ROOOOOOAAAAAAR!
Went the legendary elementals Blizzarus and Magmagor as they continued to assert their dominance by pelting each other with their respective elements. After 327 years of slumber, the colossal titans, who were only slightly shorter than the Empire State Building just in case you were wondering, had awakened to finally settle their millennia long blood feud. Which honestly wouldn't be a problem if either giant possessed even a shred of situational awareness.
"Alright, listen up, everybody." Man-At-Arms said authoritatively as he addressed his fellow Masters at their basecamp on the side of an adjacent mountain. "According to the ancient Kulatak prophecy, if we don't stop those giants and fast, their senseless fighting will destroy all of Eternia. Now I'm not gonna lie to you, this won't be easy. But with courage and teamwork, we will persevere!"
The other Masters of the Universe all gave a resounding cheer for their leader, while way in the back, Prince Adam, Princess Adora and their respective mounts were surveying the situation with varying levels of excitement.
"Okay, that's it, I'm out." Said Swift Wind rather bluntly. "Robots and Spider People are one thing, but I draw the line at giants. Met 'em before, was not fun, never doing it again. Period."
"Come on, Swifty. Don't be like that." Adora said soothingly as she stroked her trusty steed's mane. "You heard Man-At-Arms. This is important. I need you by my side."
ROAR!
"Battle Cat's right, noble Pegasus. There's nothing to be afraid of." Said Adam in his usual, over the top manner. "This is our hour of glory!"
The young Prince chose to punctuate this statement by pulling out his Sword of Power and pointing it in the direction of Blizzarus. An act which, to the surprise of everyone in attendance, caused the crystalline blade to turn bright orange and fire a stream of flames directly into the ice giant's left eye.
"Whoa… Cool!" Adora exclaimed excitedly. "Adam, I didn't know your sword could shoot fire."
To which her brother replied bewilderedly.
"Yeah… neither did I."
XXX
(Week 5)
"Mmmm~" Adora moaned with pleasure as a pair of lovely Spelean masseuses continued to work the tension out of her shoulders.
Her Mom was right, a trip to the spa was just what the doctor ordered.
"Having fun, Kiddo?" asked Queen Marlena from the adjacent massage table.
"Mmmm~"
"Heh-Heh. Yeah… I remember my first spa day."
XXX
(Week 6)
A hush fell over the empty geisha house as Adam and Adora found themselves surrounded by eight dozen of the deadliest members of the infamous Claw Ninja Clan.
"Um… I think there's been a slight misunderstanding here." The young heroine said nervously.
"Yeah, my sister and I just came here for a delightful evening of sushi and beautiful women." Added her brother.
"HA! As if I'd believe that." Said the lead ninja smugly; his rank signified by the silver oni mask he wore on his face. "And I suppose it's just a coincidence that the Heirs of Grayskull just happened to show up here in Anwat Gar, in this exact geisha house, which my clan uses as a front for our criminal activities, on the very night that I, Ninjor, Head of the infamous Claw Ninja Clan and former Outcast, plan to kidnap the Shogun's daughter and force her into marrying me, thus making me next in line for the throne, which I will take once I assassinate the Shogun via poison sometime next month?"
"Yes, because that's exactly what happened!" Adora shouted in exasperation. "We didn't know any of that until you told us just now, you stupid idiot!"
"I'm beginning to see why you're not an Outcast anymore." Adam added dryly.
"Bah! Enough of your demented parlor games. Claw Ninja! Attack!"
At their master's command, the shinobi warriors descended on our two heroes. And as they drew their swords for battle, Adora muttered gruffly to her brother,
"Next time, I pick where we go for the weekend."
XXX
(Week 7)
Adora had been summoned to appear before her parents in the Throne Room, though for what reason she did not know.
"What's up, Mom?" the young Heroine asked casually before taking notice of her Father. "Oh, uh… Hello, Sir."
"Yes… Hello… You." The King replied, sounding just as uncomfortable as she felt.
"Adora, I have great news." Her Mother said excitedly, in a clear attempt to ease the tension in the room. "Your Father would like to ask you something. Isn't that right, Honey?"
"Yes, that's right, I… oh boy." The mighty warrior said awkwardly, beginning to perspire just a little bit. "You see, every year, around this time, I and a few of my friends from the old days go on a sort of… weeklong wilderness retreat. A hunting trip, if you will. And normally I'd bring Adam, but this year he says he's not feeling up to it, so… I was wondering, and obviously you don't have to, so feel free to say no if-OOOF!"
The Queen gave her husband a swift punch in the shoulder; indicating that she wanted him to stop beating around the bush.
"Adora… would you… like to go hunting with me?"
Upon hearing this, the young heroine almost didn't know what to say. Numerous conflicting emotions were battling it out in her head. There were so many things she wanted to say, but strangely enough, the one that came out was,
"Sure, okay."
XXX
(Week 8)
"I am the Queen of the Wilderness!" Adora declared in a loud, booming voice as she struck a heroic pose before the campfire; earning a cheer from her fellow hunters.
The young Princess was on Cloud 9; partially because of all the raspberry wine, but mostly because she was still riding the emotional high from earlier. Just a few hours prior, she, in front of her Dad and all of his cool friends, singlehandedly slew a full-grown, Hyperborean Mega Boar. And now they were roasting its sweet delicious flesh over an open fire.
Hunting is awesome!
"HA-HA! This kid's a riot!" said King Dactys amusedly.
"Yeah, you sure she's really yours, Randor?" King Ceratus asked jokingly.
"Wish my daughter was more like her." Said Queen Sumana offhandedly. "You've got quite a girl there, Randor."
Her Father just chuckled and then looked at her with eyes full of love and approval.
Her Dad was proud of her.
Best day ever!
XXX
(Week 9)
Deep within the labyrinthian and trap laden walls of the legendary Tower of Lo Tae Zhao, the twin Heirs of Grayskull, along with Teela, Mekaneck, Man-E-Faces and Ram Man were searching diligently for the equally legendary Amulet of Wang Zhi.
"That's it. I've hit the wall. I'm taking a break." Adora declared suddenly before marching over to the nearest wall and plopping herself right down.
"Adora, this isn't a game. You can't just take a break in the middle of an adventure." Teela said sternly; asserting her authority.
"We've been at this for two days. My feet are killing me. I'm taking a break."
"We don't have time for breaks. If we don't find that amulet within the next thirty-six hours, then Prince Eragon of Varitas will remain a baboon for the rest of his life."
"Screw him. That little twerp shouldn't have been mouthing off to a witch in the first place."
"Maybe so, but I'm the team leader and I'm ordering you to get off your butt and get moving."
"Oh yeah, well I'm the Princess, so I outrank you. And I say it's still breaktime."
"You may be a Princess, but out in the field my word is law. So get moving."
"Well then, as Princess, I hereby decree that you suck and from now on I'm in charge."
"That's not how royal decrees work, you idiot!"
"Oh yeah, well then I decree that from now on that is how royal decrees work and I sentence you to twenty years hard labor for calling me an idiot."
"That's not how it works! That's not how any of this works!"
And while the two females continued to yell at each other like a couple of fishwives, the men all took this opportunity to take a well-deserved rest.
XXX
(Week 10)
Within the ancient library of Castle Grayskull, Adora, Princess of Eternia, was about to bare witness to a most unusual spectacle. Mere moments ago, Orko, her parents' Court Magician, had asked Shadow Weaver, her ex-mentor turned enemy turned uneasy ally, to play a game with him. An invitation the shadow witch surprisingly accepted.
Now the two magic users were seated at a small table while our young heroine sat close by to observe.
"Like most things in life, the game of Arcana seems complicated at first, but is actually quite simple once you know the rules." The Trollan Mage explained as he shuffled a deck of cards. "A standard Arcana deck has 53 cards. 9 Wizard Cards, 2 for each of the Grand Masters and 1 for the Wizard King, and 44 Spell Cards, 11 for each of the 4 main branches of Trollan Magic. The object of the game is for each player to build a hand that consists of 1 Wizard and 4 Spells that correspond with that Wizard. We each start out with 5 Cards and then we take turns drawing 2 new cards and then discarding 2 we think we don't need. You can choose to draw either from the deck or your opponent's discard pile. Once 1 player has a completed hand, they can no longer draw or discard and their opponent only has 8 more turns to complete their hand or they forfeit. Once both players have a completed hand then they begin the Wizards' Duel, but the rules for that will be easier to explain once we have our hands. Any questions?"
"Yes, how do we know which Spells correspond with which Wizards?" Shadow Weaver asked politely.
"Oh, that's the easy part. They're color coded." Orko replied cheerfully. "The 4 Branches of Trollan Magic are represented by 4 colors; Red, Blue, Green and Gold. Every Trollan is born with an affinity for one of these branches, and the strongest sorcerer within each branch is given the tittle of Grand Master, along with a new name to suit their position."
"A new name?" the shadow witch asked curiously.
"Yes, since ancient times, each new Grand Master has taken on the name of one of the originals. And once one of these names is bestowed, the Wizard's old name can never again be spoken, nor can the name be bestowed upon anyone else until the current Grand Master dies; no matter what the circumstances." The Trolllan Mage explained as he started drawing several Wizard Cards to illustrate his point. "There is Uvo the Green Wizard, Lord of Nature's Realm, Master of Flora and Fauna. Then there is Awkti the Blue Wizard, Lord of the Depths and the Heights, Master of Outer Space, Deepest Ocean and Highest Mountain. Next comes Aoshi the Golden Wizard, Lord of Light and Air, Master of Healing, Meditation and Transcendence. Lastly there is Orko the Red Wizard, Lord of Shadow and Fire, Master of Chaos, Necromancy and all Magics that the Lesser Minds call Black."
Upon hearing this last part, both Adora and Shadow Weaver's eyes went wide with shock.
"Once a generation, there is born a very special Trollan who can utilize all four branches of magic and in so doing, unlock even greater powers." Orko continued to explain, ignoring their confused stares. "This one in a billion prodigy is destined to become Ygbir the White Wizard, King of All Spellcasters, Master of Matter, Energy and even Time itself."
With his presentation over, the Red Wizard put the five cards back into the deck and shuffled it one last time.
"So, are you ready to play?"
XXX
(Week 11)
Crystalline blades clashed with cold steel on the deck of the Black Drake; the most infamous pirate ship in the Sea of Rakash. Its captain, a gruesome rogue by the name of Angstrom Bloodmoon, had ransacked a freighter carrying relief money to the war-torn nation of Kellyco, and it was up to the Heirs of Grayskull to get it back.
"No! We are not setting the boat on fire!" Prince Adam shouted at his sister as they stood back to back, fighting off wave after wave of bloodthirsty pirates.
"Why not?" asked Princess Adora; barely even paying attention to the pirates anymore. "My friend Sea Hawk does it all the time."
"Okay, A) You shouldn't be taking life lessons from a guy named Sea Hawk, and B) A fire would set off the powder magazine."
"First off, you hang out with guys named Buzz Off, Roboto and Man-E-Faces, so don't even start on judging my friends. And second, what's a powder magazine?"
"It's a storeroom for weapons and ammunition. And on a boat this size, I'd say there must be at least two and a half tons of high explosives below deck. One little spark and we'd be blown to kingdom come."
"Okay smart guy, then how do you suggest we get out of this mess?"
"Like this!" the Prince declared boldly as his white diamond blade turned pale blue. Then, with a dramatic twirl, he plunged his sword deep into the wooden deck; causing the ship and everyone on it, minus himself and his sister, of course, to become frozen under a thick layer of ice. "Ta-da~"
Adora responded to this display of power by crossing her arms and grumbling to herself.
"Show off."
XXX
(Week 12)
It was a beautiful day in the Palace Garden and our favorite royal twins were engaged in a 'friendly' game of lawn darts.
"Well, here it is, Brother-O-Mine." Adora said cockily as she balanced her last dart on the tip of her finger. "The final round and we're all tied up."
"We wouldn't be all tied up if you were keeping score right." Adam said annoyedly.
"Oh, and what about you, Mr. That-Was-Just-A-Practice-Throw?"
"Well at least I didn't break a window with one of my darts."
"Well at least I didn't try to disqualify someone for having 'bad posture'. Seriously, you are such a sore loser."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
CLUNK!
Suddenly, the two siblings had their heads knocked together like a couple of coconuts. Unsurprisingly, they soon discovered that their Father, King Randor, was the culprit.
"Knock it off, you two, or I'm banning this game from the Palace. Understood?" the King said sternly.
"Yes, Father."
"Yes, Dad."
"Good, now I don't want to have to come over here again."
And with that said, the King left his children alone once again.
"You're still a sore loser." Said Adora.
To which her brother replied,
"Oh, shut up."
XXX
(Week 13)
Midnight in Castle Grayskull.
The Sorceress sat in her favorite chair while two birds, an owl and a raven, stood on a small table before her.
"Look, never mind how it happened. Are you gonna help us out or what?" asked the raven in a voice eerily similar to that of Prince Adam.
"Please, Sorceress. These pinfeathers are so itchy." Said the owl, sounding suspiciously like Princess Adora.
"Sigh. Fine. I'll go get my equipment." The Sorceress said annoyedly. "But you two really need more supervision."
(Week 14)
Amidst a sea of swirling fog, the Masters of the Universe trudged through the ankle deep mud in an improvised 'human' chain.
"Stay frosty, everyone." Man-At-Arms said from his position near the front of the chain. "The Marsh of Madness is only about fifty yards in diameter, but people have been known to disappear in here, never to be seen again."
"Disappear how, exactly?" Adora asked, trying not to sound as worried as she felt.
"According to local folklore, this marsh is home to a powerful demon that uses illusions to lure unsuspecting travelers to their doom." Roboto explained from his place at the head of the chain.
"Which is precisely why Roboto is leading the way. His sensors can't be fool by the demon's magic." Man-At-Arms chimed back in. "But just to be on the safe side, don't break contact with the person in front or behind you no matter what, and try to keep your minds blank. This demon will use whatever it can to keep you trapped here until you starve. Your deepest desires. Your darkest fears. Your worst memories."
"Worst memories?" Swift Wind repeated nervously, bringing up the rear. "Hey, Man-At-Arms. This demon isn't gonna bring up that time I got separated from Adora and was attacked by giants, is it?"
"It will now." Replied their leader in exasperation.
"Oh… right." The talking horse said awkwardly, before shouting into the mist. "Hey Demon! No giants! Giants are off the table! Okay?"
XXX
(Week 15)
Tonight was a magical night.
For it was the night of the annual Silver Star Ball, and Adora had scored a date with the lovey and vivacious Felina Fervelius; daughter of King Carnivus and Princess of Felis Qadi. Thus far, the evening had gone off without a hitch. They drank, they talked, they laughed, and now they were on the dancefloor making everyone else look bad.
"You dance divinely, Your Majesty." Said Felina flirtatiously. "You have natural rhythm. Very rare for a human."
"Thanks. You're not so bad yourself." Said Adora, flirting back. "I'm having a wonderful time, by the way. I still can't believe you asked me out. I mean, we barely know each other."
"I don't believe in playing games or taking things slow. When I see something I want, I pounce on it." The Qadian Princess said seductively. "Although I must confess, I was a little surprised you accepted my invitation so quickly. From what your brother's been saying, I was under the impression you prefered your companions to be of the… larger persuasion."
"Yes, well, you know what they say about Adam. Sometimes he just says things to hear himself talk."
"Perhaps, but the two of you have made quite the name for yourselves in such a short time. Taking on the Spider Guild. Vanquishing the Ancient Titans. Besting the Claw Clan. I'm beginning to think there's nothing you two can't do."
"Well, I've been told I can't act to save my life." Adora replied, half-jokingly, earning a laugh from her date.
"Oh, Your Majesty, you are too much." Felina said, once again turning on the charm. "You must keep your friends back on Etheria in stiches."
And just like that, the evening was ruined.
Suddenly the young heroine remembered her old home and her old life back on Etheria. But more importantly, she remembered all the friends she'd left behind. Glimmer, Bow, Mermista, Sea Hawk, Perfuma, Frosta, Spinnerella, Madame Razz. What were they doing right now? Were they okay? How was the Rebellion fairing against the Horde without their champion and sworn protector?
"Is something the matter?" the Qadian Princess asked concernedly.
"Huh? Oh, nothing. I just… I need some air. Please excuse me."
And with that, Adora left the dancefloor and her date to go drown her anxieties in some high quality blackberry ale.
XXX
(Week 16)
It had been almost a full week since the Silver Star Ball and Adora was still down in the dumps. Nearly four whole months and she was no closer to getting back to Etheria or finding a way to bring it back to the wider universe. She knew Shadow Weaver and the Sorceress had told her to be patient and let them handle it for now, but it was just so hard not to think about it. Maybe she needed something to take her mind off this? Perhaps her brother could help?
"Sorry, Baby Sister, but I can't help you." Adam said, putting aside the book he was reading; Game Theory: An Amateur's Guide. "I can't just pull an adventure out of thin air. It doesn't work that way. Why don't you try reading something. That might take your mind off things. Here, try this newspaper. It arrived just a few hours ago."
"Sigh. Okay, at this point I'll try anything."
And so, Adora took the paper and began reading today's headline.
Arcadian Harem War Ended
Instigator to be Executed in Three Days
"What's a Harem War?" she asked her brother confusedly.
"Oh, it's some kind of civil unrest going on in Arcadia. You know, Auntie Sumana's kingdom. Apparently, a few months ago, some guy showed up out of nowhere and started seducing every single woman on the island. They all fell madly in love with him, but he refused to marry or be exclusive with any of them. So they started fighting, their friends and families got involved and the next thing they knew the whole kingdom was rioting. Looks like Auntie finally put her foot down. Boy, I'd hate to be that poor bozo."
"Yeah, me too." Adora agreed, before scrolling down the front page to get a look at the poor slob, only for her hear to suddenly stop. "Oh my Lord!"
"What?"
"That's no bozo, that's Bow!"
"Huh?"
"Bow! As in my friend from the Princess Alliance!"
"I thought he was back on Etheria."
"So did I, but according to this, Auntie's gonna cut his head off in three days!"
"By the Elders…." Adam muttered somberly, before choosing to inject a little humor into this bleak revelation. "Well, at least now we've got something to do."
Begin Act II
End Notes:
And now we officially begin the second act. I hope you all enjoyed my little anthology styled time ship chapter, and if you can tell me what obscure 80s fantasy film Week 10 was inspired by, then you are awesome. With that said, it's good to be back to this story and I'll see you all in the next chapter.
Peace.
