Part Two – The Barkeeper and Magician

One

The Borderlands. A series of small desert villages and towns that ran across the borders of the Light and Dark Hemisphere. During the new Horde occupation, these non-aligned villages and towns had been allowed to continue in their daily operations. Their police forces had, of course, been replaced by Horde security units, but for the most part, life continued on its pace here.

There were still travelers and traders that came into these villages, though there were not many – and they had to check in with the Horde Troopers that occupied the police stations.

In the southernmost village of Fry, a visitor arrived. She was quite obviously pregnant and had long, raven-like black hair. The woman was quiet and kept to herself. Really, no one seemed to even notice her as she walked into town and made for Leela's Eye Inn.

The bar room to the Inn was completely empty save for the barkeeper. The woman walked in, wearing a rather thick poncho over her frame. She waddled over to the bar, one hand on her back.

"Hello," she said. The bar room was bathed in warm, golden light from the sun as it poured through the windows.

"Hello there," the barkeeper replied. He was an elderly gentleman, missing most of his hair, his wrinkled skin tan. "What can I get for you?"

The woman smiled. "I've been traveling for a while and even though it's hotter than hell out there, I would love some warm Marshbush tea."

"Warm tea? It is hot, lady! Perhaps something stronger!"

"Can't do that, mister," the woman said, patting her belly through her poncho. "You got two travelers here, not one."

The man laughed abruptly. "My apologies! Marshbush tea! Very good for the back!"

"Thank you," the woman said. She pulled out a small drawstring purse and started to get out gold coins.

"No, no!" the man refused. "No need for that. Consider this my good deed of the day."

"Really? Oh wow, thank you!"

The man simply nodded, but kept on smiling.

"So what bring you to Fry, eh? I have not seen you around town."

"I'm a traveler."

"Ah! From the northern villages?"

"No, out east."

The man nodded. The tea was ready. "Where are you going? Not west, I hope. The Fertile Plains are a bit of trouble."

"So I've heard."

"Is none of my business," the man said, pouring the tea for the woman.

"Mine neither," the woman replied.

"I am happy we are allowed to live free here." Ironically, two Horde Troopers walked by the window at that moment.

The woman went a bit stiff. The man noticed, even though she didn't realize that. The barkeeper turned his back to her and went to work on the shelf behind the bar, cleaning glasses.

"So what bring you here?"

"The tea. I've heard you make fantastic tea."

The man chuckled. "I just make the tea, lady. Same as anyone else."

"Oh, but I heard yours was the best." She sipped the tea. "In fact," she continued, "I've heard a lot of things about you. Bastian, right?"

"Yes, yes. You must have talked to the drunks in front of Ol' Bender's place, eh?"

"Oh no. You have quite the reputation. I've heard you have made tea, but I've also heard you're quite good at spells."

Bastian turned around. "You must have me confused with someone, lady. Now, would you like a room for the night?"

"Yes. And a spell or two."

At that moment, the woman heard the doors and windows lock. Bastian turned around.

"Who are you?" asked the man.

"My name is Teelana," the woman claimed, using her mother's name.

"I can't trust that," Bastian replied. "Nor can I trust that ridicules wig of yours. If we're going to have this discussion, then let us have it honestly."

The woman who called herself Teelana pulled off the wig, revealing a head of flaming red hair.

"Better?"

Bastian squinted at her. "It doesn't assure me." He reached down underneath the bar and pulled out a bottle and two shot glasses. "This is a simple Truth-Telling Potion. Though I sense magical fields around you, none of them are strong enough to counter this."

The woman pulled out a laser pistol. "Listen to me clearly, Bastian. I will not drink that unless I am completely assured that it will not harm my baby. Beyond that, if I am going to drink that, then it goes square for both of us. Understand?"

Bastian sighed, but filled his shot glass. He tossed it back into his mouth.

"Will it harm my unborn child?"

"No. It affects only the mind, not the body."

"And what about any information I give you today? Will it go back to the Horde?"

"I hate the Horde," Bastian answered. "Anyone who aides them is an enemy. I feel it is better to err on neutrality, though I will help the Horde's enemies."

The woman nodded. "Fair's fair, then."

She tossed back her own shot.

"What is your real name?"

"Teela, daughter of Duncan," she answered, unable to reply to any other way.

"Man-At-Arms Duncan?"

"Yes."

"And that would make you Captain Teela."

"Yes."

"Why have you come here? What trouble do you bring to me and this village?"

"I don't want any trouble for you or this village. I come here because you worked for King Miro years ago. You're a spellcaster and I need some magic."

"I will not join your resistance. I maybe an enemy of the Horde, but I am not going to endanger my life."

"I don't need you to"

"What do you need?"

"Years ago, a spell was placed on me that turned me into a centaur so that I could aide the centaurs of the Southern Fertile Plains. I need that spell reactivated, but also to be turned off at my command."

"Not a hard task. Since the spell was already cast on you, part of it should still remain. Why do you want it done? The centaurs are isolated. I'm not even sure if Hordak knows about them."

"I'm looking for the Sword of the Ancients. I believe it's at Point Dread, which is protected by a cult of centaurs. How much to have this done?"

"Free. Any chance to help someone else become a thorn in Hordak's side."

"Wow. That Truth-Telling Potion still working?"

"Unfortunately yes. I would have charged 100 coins." Bastian slapped his hand to his mouth.

Teela laughed a little. "Will this spell harm my child?"
"No. It will not."

"Are you certain?"

"Very much so."

"How will it work?"

"I can brew a potion. Take a drink, it will change into the centaur. Take another, it will change you back. So on and so on. Be sure to save enough to change you back."

Teela nodded. "Trust me, I'm not exactly excited about doing this."

"I understand. It will take me all night to brew this potion. I will give you a good room. My best room."

"I'll pay for that."

"Thank you."

"My bar hand is going to be here soon. I'll have her sent out for some new clothes for you. The bar is about fill up with regulars. This will be in addition to two Horde Troopers that will be monitoring. I highly recommend you go to your room and rest."

Teela smiled. "Thank you."

"I recommend you shower."

"Why? Do I smell or something?"

"Yes."

Teela snorted a little laugh. "Damn that potion. How much longer will that last?"

"Ten more minutes."

"Great. What do I have to worry about for tonight?" asked Teela.

"The Horde Troopers don't go to the rooms. Just in case, I will cast a light cloaking spell on your room. I am subtle enough for them not to detect."

"Are you sure?"

"Ask your friend Clamp Champ. He used to live in town."

Teela nodded a little. "That's how my father met him."

"He is a good man. Both Clamp Champ and your father."

"Thank you."

Bastian pulled out a key and handed it to her. "Last room on the left. Number 7."

Teela pushed herself out of the stool. "I appreciate your help."

"I help all of Eternia by helping you," he said, smiling. "I'll send Rayne up with your clothes at 5 Bells. Dinner will be up at 6 Bells."

"Won't anyone get suspicious?"

"I'll just tell them you are my Lady of the Evening."

"Ancients."

"It is the best way."

"Whatever works, I guess."

Bastian handed her a piece of paper. "If you could just write down what you would like for dinner tonight . . ."

Teela did so and started for the stairs. The doors unlocked.

"Captain, one moment."

She paused. "Yes?"

"He-Man. Do you believe he will return?"

Teela nodded. "Yes. I'm certain of it."

"How is it you believe it to be so certain?"

She touched her belly. "A man once told me that we must hold to hope. I'm holding to the hope that he will return so hard that . . . I can't think of him not."

Bastian smiled and bowed his head. Teela went up.

Two

There was nothing like knowing that your body was about to be transformed than already taking note of the transformations that had already happened. Teela stared in the mirror – the cleanest and clearest mirror she had seen since Eternos fell. She was a little surprised by what she saw. Her belly was, of course, the biggest change. Being an athlete all of her life, it had been firm and flat. Now, it hung out like a flesh-colored watermelon. The belly-button was popped out, which was strange and a little funny.

Her bust had gotten bigger, at least two sizes. She had gained a little weight in the arms, butt, thighs, and face. Not something she was proud of. But whatever. Pregnancy wasn't easy. Even for her.

"Not like it'll be hard to lose the weight," she said to herself.

She would go back to fighting after the birth. She would get out of this stupid 'retirement' and get back out there. Eternia needed her. It outweighed everything else. That was the simple fact of it all. After this mission, she'd take it easy (not retire until it was closer to the due date, maybe a week or two before hand). But the resistance needed her.

What about your son? a voice within asked. She pushed it away. She shoved and shoved and shoved. You grew up without a mother. Do you want your son to too? What if you get killed out there? Who will watch after your son?

"Damn it," she grunted. As if on cue, there was a kick against her belly. She touched it. There was second, stronger kick. "Take it easy, kiddo." She sighed and turned away from the mirror. "Okay. Let's get to work."

She walked over to the table and (after securing the lock of the door), took stock of everything available to her. Two laser pistols, a wrist laser, a short sword, a knife, a hoverboard, a small blanket and pillow, a map of all the current patrol routes, and her communicator – turned off. She had had a Sky Sled, but it had given out on her a few hours before she reached Fry.

Rayne – a young woman with short red hair – dropped off a new top and traveling pants. She guessed that Bastian must have used some sort of magic to determine her size (that or a great guess). They fit well and Teela was happy to actually have new clothes. After Teela determined her route to the southern Fertile Plains, her food arrived.

She ate heavily. Teela couldn't even imagine that she was this famished.

The Captain then took a long, hot bath, which eased her aching back muscles. Ancients, did it feel good. It had been far too long since she had a decent enough bath. There was a part of her that felt a little guilty about it, but anyone that was in her situation would have taken advantage of this.

Teela went to bed early. It was going to be a long day tomorrow. She slept lightly.

Three

Just after dawn, Teela and Bastian met in the barroom. She wore her new top, which was draped down to her upper thighs. It was loose on the top, but more than little comfortable against her belly. She took stock of how her legs and feet felt because they were about be something else. Her back hurt her already.

"I made you some food for the next couple of days. Eat and drink well," he said, handing over a many-pocketed bag of food.

"All right," Teela answered.

"I also have this to give you," he said, giving her a small gem. "Squeeze it in your hand and it will cause you to vanish for two hours. I highly suggest you use it to get out of town."

She nodded and slipped it into a small pocket on her sleeve.

"Thank you."

"Any enemy of the Horde is a friend of mine," he said, somewhat quietly. He finally produced a flask. "And here is what you asked for."

Teela nodded a little and lifted it up. "Many thanks for this, Bastian. I know you took a risk by doing this for me."

"You are taking a risk by doing this. I wish you good luck and good journey, Captain Teela."

Teela smiled and fired back a gulp from the flash. It tasted a bit like cinnamon tea.

She felt her legs shake. Her pants fell to the ground as her legs thinned up and became horse-like. Her toes aches just a bit as they changed into hooves. She felt a pulling sensation over come her posterior and hips. Teela was suddenly aware of two new back legs stamping the ground. She felt a little disoriented as she got the feel of her new body.

But her back felt great as her backside evened out the weight of her front side. She had gained about eight inches in her height. She felt along her hips and found an inch or two of gradually thickening fur that led to the new, horse-half of her body.

Her horse back was loaded up like a saddle – the food bag hanging off one side; the other side holding her extra materials. Her belt hung around where her hips met with her new lower body. Her weapons and whatever else she needed was there.

Holding the gem, she looked to Bastian and smiled.

"Thank you again, Bastian. I hope someday I can repay you."

"By making sure you and your baby are safe by the end of this journey is all you have to do, Teela."

She smiled, bent down, and kissed his cheek. Then, squeezing the gem, she vanished from his sight. A moment later, the door opened, and she was gone.