Rising of the Masters of the Universe
(Meanwhile with the Three Heroes)
A Chimera roared out in fury as it went on the attack despite being injured. "Wind Arrow!" The Bow Hero called out as he fired a volley of magic based arrows at the enrouching monsters.
"Crimson Blade!" The Sword hero invoked as his sword was lit with a crimson fire before he attacked the Chimera.
"I'll end this!" Motoyasu called out as his spear charged up its power first with the hilt spinning power followed by the blade shining bright. "Lightning Spear!" He invoked and thus sent his attack forth like a tornado of power. The Chimera was bested as Motoyasu's party cheered him on. That was until something new arrived. It roared in fury revealing it to by a new monster a large purple colored panther as it snarled at the Heroes who were surprised by this.
"Where did this guy come from?" The Bow Hero asked shocked to see this monster's arrival.
"No clue but we have to take it down!" The Sword wielder called as the Monster glared at them snarling in fury.
"COME ON!" Motoyasu roared and charged into the battle with spear at the ready with the Sword Hero at his side. But clearly both were after the glory somehow as they attacked but their attacks weren't coordinated. The creature gave off a burst of Havoc and thus charged past them all like a shadow. The next thing the pair knew they were hit by multiple claws from an unknown source.
Reforming the Panther creature snarled as it glared at the Would-Be-Heroes. Motoyasu and Ren fell as they used their cardinal weapons to hold themselves up. "How did it?" Ren struggled as he saw the monster had easily fought them off.
"That would be the Power of Havoc." Came a new voice and from a dark portal Skeletor and his minions showed up.
"What who are you?" Malty asked shocked to see an Elder Litch here of all places.
"Oh, Malty I'm hurt don't you recognize your uncle you little wretch?" Skeletor asked as Malty heard this.
"Uncle?" Motoyasu asked and thus Malty only had one Uncle she knew of.
"Keldor no that's impossible!" Malty asked shocked that her Uncle Keldor, was back in action.
"Oh, I don't go by that name anymore... you can call me Skeletor or if you want, the rightful King of Melromarc Skeletor." Skeletor said as just then Skeletor caught an arrow and looked to the source which was a now shocked Itsuki. "Really a sneak attack to claim glory. Not very heroic of you, I Tui." Skeletor said as Itsuki glared at the man.
"It's Itsuki." Itsuki said as he glared at the skull headed fiend.
"Yeah, sure whatever." Skeletor said as he waved off the Bow Hero off not even bothering to consider Itsuki to be any threat to him. "Panthor come here." Skeletor called forth and thus Panthor ran over and began rubbing himself around Skeletor's legs before taking his place by his side.
"Panthor?!" Malty asked remembering Keldor's infamous war mount who was looking quite spry for his age.
"Havoc, it does wonders." Keldor said as he then pointed his staff at the Heroes. "Now step aside I need that little harpy otherwise Aultcray wont surrender so easily." Keldor said knowing how this spoiled brat was one of Aultcray's weakness. "And I'd rather get this done before my sister returns from her diplomatic trip." Keldor said as Motoyasu was confused.
"Sister?" Ren asked and thus Skeletor saw what it was.
"You're kidding right? My brother-in-law introduced himself as the King's Consort which means he married into the Royal Family." Skeletor said as the Heroes were left confused by this. "Oh my God your either deft, blind, stupid, or all of the above." Skeletor said as he started to see a pattern here.
"Did he just call us stupid?" Motoyasu asked and thus charged in. "Up yours!" Motoyasu called out only to be smacked aside by Skeletor's staff. He then grabbed Ren by the neck who had joined the attack and held him to another spot where Itsuki fired another Arrow attack and thus Ren took the shot instead. Once that was done Skeletor threw Ren towards Itsuki who fired off another attack. The result was Ren slamming into Itsuki as the Arrows of magic came his way. Skeletor then smirked and side stepped causing the Arrows to hit Motoyasu who had tried to join the fight again.
"Really you all were oh so challenging." Skeletor taunted as he got a good gauge of their power. "Honestly though if you're the Cardinal Heroes... then this world is screwed." Skeletor said as he knew they lacked power and intelligence to be functioning Heroes.
"Dammit." Motoyasu cursed as he began to get back up glaring at Skeletor only for the Overlord of Evil to slam his foot down on Motoyasu forcing him back down.
"Sir Motoyasu!" Malty cried out as she saw what happened.
"Oh, quiet the crocodile tears we all know he's just a means to an end for you." Skeletor went as he honestly had seen through Malty from day 1 hence why he never stayed alone with her in any situation. It was also why he never allowed her into his home, she might try to snoop around for blackmail or worse try to make some claim how he molested her or some tripe like that. "Now then." Skeletor said as he walked over to Malty who eased back until she was pinned between a tree. "Let's do something about that tongue of yours." Skeletor said as he was about to deal with his sister's problem child.
"Hey!" a voice yell out as Skeletor turned to the source and saw a fist coming his way. Skeletor jaw drop a bit with his eyes looked wide in surprise (I don't know how) as he was suddenly punched away from Malty with great force. The Overlord of Evil managed to keep on his feet as he slid across the ground and use his staff to stop himself, with Malty looking to see her savior soon blushing to the site of He-Man before her.
"Leave these heroes alone," He-man said as he and the other masters had gathered to save the 3 stooges and the redhead princess, with Battle Cat stood by him ready to fight as he give a growl at Panthor which was returned. Meanwhile Sorceress use her magic to gather the 3 heroes up with Man-At-Arms who made small bedding for them in mere seconds before they were lay on them. Sorceress soon cast a healing spell upon them, while Ram Ma'am was taking care of monsters around effected by havoc.
Skeletor recover himself after that hit he look and saw He-man and the masters of the universe as he said, "Ah, the masters, I should I known you and you wanna be heroes would be here, He-man."
"Wait, how did you… Keldor," He-man said as he realize who the skull face was as he held his sword in both hands as Skeletor said, "Its Skeletor now, after what you did, I had to rename myself, but I should also thank you for that as well."
"Thank me?" He-man question as Skeletor said, "Yes, for helping me realize that the power of Grayskull isn't the power I was seeking, but Havoc!" Skeletor raise his staff in the air while it glowed with havoc as lighting with thundering came down in the background with Malty surprise to hear what she just heard as she said, "Grayskull?"
"What do you want Skeletor?" He-man question him as Skeletor pointed his staff at He-man and said, "To claim of what is mine, this kingdom after I take that little harlot of a niece of mine, the king will have no choice but to give into my demands, so hand her over or else."
"I will not, as try as you might, but you will not succeed," He-man as the Masters, soon gathered together as Sorceress came next to him, with Ram ma'am next then Man at the arm as Ram Ma'am said, "You out number anyways bone head, you think you can take on all of us?"
"Oh but I'm not alone as you would think," Skeletor said as suddenly in a flash of violet light and smoke as the everyone caught and gag to the smoke before it dissipated showing Skeletor crew of Evelyn the witch, Kronis former weapon maker, and R'Qazz the man with flees as he was scratching at himself getting some bugs off of him with some look disturbed by that as Evelyn said, "Cut that out!"
R'Qazz soon did and keep himself from scratching as He-man look towards Skeletor and said, "It doesn't matter how many goons you may have; we'll stop you before this wave is over as after all we beaten all you guys before."
"Oh, but much has change sense then, other than my face, if you haven't realized it yet," Skeletor said as Sorceress said, "And what that?"
"Let me show you," Skeletor said as started to laugh while he raised his staff in the air calling upon the power of Havoc within him as it, he slammed his staff down as the havoc energy came forth while green lighting streak across the skies before striking the staff itself. "Through the Purity of Havoc!" Skeletor invoked as he raised his staff upward causing its Havoc to gather at the ram like head.
With everyone witnessing, Malty was scared beyond anything she ever witness before, the 3 heroes that was somewhat recover were shock by this, with He-man and the masters brace themselves for what's coming as Skeletor raise his staff and pointed it out towards his minions as green chains of havoc came forth and latch onto each of them of Evelyn's staff, R'Qazz whip, Kronis's metal jaw, and Panthor hooking at the collars he is wearing as Skeletor yells out, "They Have My Power!.
They call cry out in pain before the power of havoc soon started to change them as Kronis felt the energy latching onto him as his jaw drop opening, while he tries to close it, but the havoc entered him and change him into a cyborg like menace, with a robotic arm, fire coming out of his mouth, and looking stronger than before.
Evelyn felt the power entering her body as she raise her staff in the air as it shows her reflection as she changes with her eyes glowing Violet before flashes to green, soon she held out her staff as it transform in her hands, then her entire body change as her outfit change into a dark slime outfit that a dark witch would wear, with her head piece change into bat like with her hair grew out very long.
R'Qazz held up his whip as he felt the power of havoc flow into him as he started to struggle against himself before his body soon started to change like a were beast as orange forth came forth, grew bigger as he did with his weapon change as well from a normal whip to a razor sharp chain whip instead, soon stood fully transform beast like as he roar out and snap his whip weapon.
And lastly Panthor as its eyes glow with Havoc energy while he grew as big as battle cat with a sleek purple armor form around him before roaring out ready to fight.
The princess, the heroes, and the masters were shocked to see what just happen as their enemies just got upgraded as Skeletor soon announced, "Masters of the universe, meet the Dark Masters of Evil."
"Trapjaw Dark Master of Weaponry!" Trapjaw said while introducing himself as he chomped with his new mouth while flexing his robotic arm as the claw hand spin a bit.
"Evil-Lyn Dark Master of Witchcraft," Evil-Lyn said as she took a pose with her staff in hand as magic flare out from it showing how her magic gotten stronger.
"And R'Qazz Beastman now Dark Master of Beasts!" Beastman said as he roared out a bit while snap his whip too adding to how intimidating he already look.
"And my sweet Panthor Dark Master of War, my own persona Battlecat." Skeletor said as he petted his enhance pet on his head as it roared out liking it form and power.
"Nice trick." He-Man said as he saw what had just happened as did his friends.
"Oh, you don't know the half of it." Skeletor said as he then looked to Evil-Lyn. "Evil-Lyn take of the others I'll deal with He-Man personally." Skeletor said as Evil-Lyn nodded to this.
"As you command." Evil-Lyn said and got ready only for Hajime to jump in.
"Not so fast!" Sorceress called out using magic to silence Evil-Lyn. "No chant no magic!" Sorceress called out as she glared at Evil-Lyn who then smirked.
Then with a swing of her staff a glowing ball of Magic got to their feet as everyone went wide eyed to it. "Oh shit." Ram Ma'am cursed and in turn the magic ball went off blasting everyone apart with only He-Man staying his ground.
In turn the battle began as Beastman went after Ram Ma'am, Trapjaw gunned for Man-At-Arms, Evil-Lyn went after Sorceress, and Panthor roared after Battlecat causing the mounts to go at it leaving only He-Man and Skeletor. This in turn lead to Skeletor roaring and coming at He-Man as their mounts did battle against each other nearby. He-Man's Sword of Power met Skeletor's Havoc Staff as they wielders of the weapons battled against each other releasing power and sparks with each clash. The two glared at each other as they struggled against one another trying to overpower each other.
"Oh, it's so much better now that the game is evened out." Skeletor taunted as He-Man growled trying to force Skeletor back. "The light of Greyskull vs the Power of Havoc!" Skeletor called out as the two foes then pushed each other away.
(Meanwhile with Man-At-Arms vs Trapjaw)
Daito was left shocked as he had his mace out ready for whatever may come. As he stood there, he soon heard movement and then saw Trapjaw approaching him. "So Trapjaw Dark Master of Weaponry, right?" Man-At-Arms asked sounding a bit nervous now. "Kind of a mouth full." He added but Trap-Jaw laughed to this.
"You have no idea." Trap-Jaw said as he smirked at his foe. He then fired off shots from his mecha arm and thus Daito brought up his shield to block the blasts. Once this was done Man-At-Arms got out of the way and slammed his mace against Trapjaw who took the attack on with ease. He then began snapping his jaws at Man-At-Arms forcing him to get out of the way to avoid it.
"Crap!" Daito cursed as he rather not be burned and shredded by what was inside that maw.
(Meanwhile with Beastman vs Ram Ma'am)
Yumi was walking about worried and slightly scared as she tried to find Beastman. "Beastman make little girl afraid?" He stated more then asked as Yumi looked around for him.
"Hey how about you try getting rammed by 10-foot-tall football players from the United States and walk it off then you really don't have much to be afraid off after all." Yumi said as she then heard snarling causing her to boost away from Beastman's whip attack. "So, your furry now, does that mean you're a porn icon now or you're now dealing with flees?" Ram Ma'am asked as she looked to Beastman knowing he might even be more feral than anything.
Just then Beastman swung his whip and in turn Ram Ma'am curled into her ball form and dashed away to a tree. Once she landed at the tree Yumi then activated her boosters and charged at Beastman getting a good hit on him. "I'll take that as a yes." Yumi said and thus the wild girl smirked ready to fight.
(Sorceress vs Evil-Lyn)
The two magic casters were firing off spell after spell at each other. But unlike Hajime's spells Evil-Lyn's spells carried with them a dark aura that changed the tone of it to a darker shade. As the spells clashed the two magic users glared at each other as Evil-Lyn was clearly doing it without the use of words. "So, you don't need words to use magic anymore?" Sorceress asked as she glared at Evil-Lyn.
"No, but I do so love the sound of my own voice, so..." Evil-Lyn began with a violet-colored fireball in her open hand. "Zweit Dark Fire Bolt!" Evil-Lyn invoked sending a fire ball at Sorceress which turned into a large force of flames that knocked back Hajime sending her flying.
(He-Man vs Skeletor)
The two foes continued their fight as the Sword of Power clashed with the Havoc Staff. He-Man and Skeletor were locked in battle neither side having any inclination of surrendering to the other. They continued their struggle as one of their clashes resulted in the two parting ways from each other all the while glaring at the other. As they battled it out the pair glared at the other as they began to circle around each other weapons ready for battle.
"Let's try this!" He-Man called out and thus got ready to use his skill again. "Lightning Strike!" He-Man roared out and thus sent the newly used attack at Skeletor who saw this.
"Oh, we're busting fancy moves now?" Skeletor said as he then smiled to this. "Then behold my HAVOC STRIKE!" Skeletor invoked as Havoc filled his staff before it started to glow a sickly green color. Skeletor then sent the attack straight at He-Man as he fired a beam of Havoc for his attack. The two attacks met as they began to build up power between themselves that formed into a rainbow hue at the center.
Meanwhile Battlecat roared as did Panthor and thus the two got their own attacks ready. Battlecats claws glowed before running past Panthor creating what seemed to be spinning blades. With a roar of fury Battlecat unleashed the power and sent it at Panthor.
Panthor in response roared as well and thus created his own version of the attack as his helmet began to glow and the ram horns on it grew to massive size. Then Panthors helmet formed into a massive head of energy and with a roar the attack charged at the blade wheels Battlecat sent forth. The two attacks clashed against each other and created a smokescreen between them obscuring view. That was of course made a minor problem for from the smoke Panthor's attack came out and thus Battlecat was left wide eyed as he was hit by it. Battlecat flew back and hit the nearby tree and from the looks of it the attack was a big one.
But growling to this Battlecat chose to stand tall and keep fighting no matter what foe stood before him. Glaring at Panthor through broken armor bits the green war tiger roared out in challenge as Panthor was still rearing for more,
(Yumi vs Beastman)
Yumi and Beastman were still locked in combat as they tried to one up the other. The battle was hard, and it could go either way at any moment. As Yumi tried to one up her foe the tomboy the two managed to part ways from each other and glared at the other. "Ok fuzz butt let's rumble!" Ram Ma'am called out as she had her next attack ready. "WRECKING BALL!" Yumi invoked and thus entered her ball form and charged at Beastman at high speed.
Beastman was of course able to dodge the attack as he saw how Ram Ma'am was rolling about. "R'Qazz had learned already he would lose because he was alone!" Beastman called out as he dodged another pass from Ram Ma'am. "But Beastman will win because Beastman is never alone!" Beastman roared and thus began cracking his whip on the ground. "NECRO ECHO!" Beastman invoked and in turn sent out phantom specters of the beasts R'Qazz had controlled back at the mine as they went after Ram Ma'am.
Ram Ma'am was unable to stop herself and the beasts in time as she managed to hit a few of them before reverting to her primary battle form. In turn Ram Ma'am was forced to fend off the attacking spectral beasts as she was surrounded by several of them at once, "Just my luck the ugly fuzzball has pets." Ram Ma'am complained as she saw she was outnumbered and quite possibly out gunned as well.
(Meanwhile with Man-At-Arms vs Trapjaw)
Trapjaw was currently making chomps at Daito who dodged and avoided the attacks as best he could. Dodging and rolling the mace using inventor did his best to avoid Trapjaw's bites. It became clear that Trapjaw was trying to actually harm Man-At-Arms but despite this the builder tried his hardest to stay one step ahead of his foe.
"Hey dinner and a movie first pall!" Daito called out as he kept his best foot forward to keep Trapjaw from getting a bite out of him. In turn Man-At-Arm's mace began to spin wildly as he got ready to use his next move. "SPEED BUILD!" Man-At-Arms invoked and in turn slammed his mace onto the ground and from the ground walls were formed around Trapjaw. The all then went further so that even though Trapjaw was sealed in a maze was forming around him.
Trapjaw smirked as he saw this was too easy for him. "You bit off more than you can chew this time, kid." Trapjaw said and thus opted to fight skill with skill. "MECHA MAW!" Trapjaw invoked and in turn his maw opened up and became like a vacuum sucking the wall and maze into it. Daito was forced to hold on to keep himself from being sucked in as well as the Maw continued to consume.
Trapjaw was more than just a cyborg no, now he was a walking forge. Soon using the materials, he consumed his right arm began to reformat and turn into a chain saw that seemed to be some sort of range weapon as well. This proved to be factual as Trapjaw then fired off a blast from his new weapon straight at Daito who built another wall to shield himself behind.
(Over with Sorceress vs Evil-Lynn)
Sorceress was flying through the battlefield as Evil-Lynn fired magical shots at Sorceress. As she flew Sorceress allowed the magic attacks to enter her wings which she then used to deflect the attack back at Evil-Lynn. Evil-Lynn smirked as she easily swatted the attacks aside like they were child's play. Seeing this Sorceress focused and brought up her next move keeping a close eye on her HP and her MP. "WINGS OF ZOAR!" Sorceress invoked as Hajime summoned her attack down from above. She in turn sent it straight at Evil-Lynn who didn't seem at all fearful of it.
As the Falcon made of silver magic came down upon her Evil-Lynn was ready for it. Spinning her staff Evil-Lynn had her own attack ready to end this bird. "WINGS OF HORAKOTH!" Evil-Lynn invoked and thus sent forth her own attack at the Sorceress. Unlike Hajime's attack it took the form of a bat which was also made of magic but unlike the falcon this bat was larger than its avian foe. Evil-Lynn's attack easily overpowered Hajime's and thus Hajime quickly brought her shield up hoping it would buffer the oncoming attack.
(He-Man vs Skeletor)
The two were lock in the middle of the rainbow orb they created as it seem to have gotten bigger as it was a matter of who can overcome who as Skeletor said to Ayato, "You're still the same scared little boy I meet at Grayskull, looking for his purpose in life, trying to save this world with the shield, except no one really wants him and you, do they?"
"Even if the world is against us, my friends, my sister, and I will stand by Naofumi, even if we're hated by everyone, so be it! As long we have Grayskull on our side we cannot lose," He-man said as he pushed back against Skeletor, as Skull face held his own well enough and well more experience in battling as let off sending He-man tumbling forward. This move gave Skeletor an opening to kick He-Man back breaking the rainbow orb as he went across the dirt ground. Skeletor began to make his way over to He-Man as he said to the hero of Grayskull, "I used to think I had a right to it as well. But it was only a means to an end."
He-man started to recover from that kick Skeletor gave him as he was upon him, he-man try to slash his sword at him only to be parry away by the ram staff before he-man was blasted by the staff as Skeletor went on saying, "I thought the power of Grayskull was the fastest way to get my sister's throne for myself. Then I embraced Havoc."
Using his power sword he-man stop himself by stabbing it into the ground before standing up straight ag he prepared himself to face Skeletor as the skull face villain said, "The power of Grayskull... is a lie."
"Say whatever you like, it won't change of what going to happen," He-man said as Skeletor said to him, "Oh and that is?"
"You'll lose," He-Man said with a furious glare as Skeletor give a bone chilling laugh (get it?) as he looked towards He-Man and said, "Really and how so?"
"It's in your nature," He-man said as Skeletor give a huff and ask him, "And tell me how will I lose? You and your friends are scattered, the wave it still going on, and many monsters are still infused with havoc, where is my disadvantage?"
"You lack conviction, you don't want to rule, you just want to take what was never given to you that you never deserved," He-man said as Skeletor gotten mad at that as he said, "I'm going to enjoy breaking you He-Man."
"You can try," He-man as both him and Skeletor charge at each other once more with their respected mounts joining them this time as they jump onto as the power of Grayskull and Havoc clash once more.
(Naofumi)
As the red skies over head soon turn back to blue, the dark cloud of Havoc still lingers with the mutated monsters still roar with She-Ra, Catra, Raphtalia, and Naofumi were still fighting against some of them as Naofumi use his shield to block the monsters strike with Raphtalia coming in and cutting down the monsters with her enhance attack with the light of Grayskull.
She-Ra used her sword to cut monsters in half with her power bursting out from the sword itself remove the havoc with Catra using her whip to strike the monsters hard as they broke apart with her Grayskull power infused attacks with her whip as she said, "Alright that's another for Wild Feline."
"Seriously, wild Feline?" She-Ra question her as Catra said to her, "What wrong with that name?"
"I think your just trying too hard," She-Ra said as she cut down another monster with her sword as she went on saying, "If you want a decent name how about Wild-Cat? It short and easy to remember off the bat."
Catra strike another monster as she thought over the name a bit as she said, "Wild-cat... yeah, that sounds a whole lot better sounding than the names that I kept coming up with. I am Wild-Cat!"
She-Ra laughed a bit as wild-cat enjoy her new name as they keep on fighting and soon take care the last few monsters around as Naofumi and Raphtalia took a breather as he said, "Finally that done."
"But where are all the others?" Raphtalia ask as She-Ra and Wild-cat came up to them as She-Ra pointed out with her sword as she said, "My guess is, still dealing with what's over there."
Pointing out to the havoc clouds as green lighting strike across the sky which gotten, She-Ra worry that something bad is still happening as she said, "If we don't take care of what's going over there, that cloud will no doubt develop into a storm of havoc."
"Then what are we waiting for then?" Wild-cat said as She-Ra looks over to Naofumi waiting for him to say something as Raphtalia came over to him and said, "Master Naofumi, what should we do?"
Naofumi look over to that cloud, feeling it wasn't his problem to take care of, but he knew his cousin is over there still fighting with whatever he is facing as if it's not the wave boss, it's something much worst as he made his decision as he said, "Let's get over there and help out He-man and the others. I don't want to be right, but I think they may be in trouble."
"Let's move, Swift-wing!" She-Ra called forth her mount as it flew in next to her as she gotten on and reach out for Naofumi knowing Raphtalia and Wild-cat were fast enough on their feet to catch up, as once he came into the horse, they soon took off with their demi-human friends following behind and help the masters.
(Back with He-Man and Skeletor)
He-Man and Skeletor continued to do battle against each other Sword met Staff as the foes battled it out. Glaring at each other He-Man looked and saw that Skeletor was able to meet him blow to blow more so than back when he was Keldor. Skeletor then smirked and began firing off energy blasts at He-Man who dodged them as best he could and used the Sword to block the ones he could not dodge. He-Man glared before he jumped forward and brought his fist down on Skeletor.
But the Overlord of Havoc brought up a shield that stopped He-Man's attack in its tracks. Skeletor was smirking at the would-be hero and thus in response He-Man jumped off and avoided another attack from Skeletor. "Come now boy, you may hold a mystical sword that endows you with fabulous powers, but I was a soldier before I was a King." Skeletor said as he pointed his staff at, He-Man. He then fired a beam at He-Man from the Havoc Staff causing He-Man to go wide eyed as he was blasted back by the attack. He-Man flew through the air a bit until he hit a few trees and crashed through them. As He-Man began to get back up, he soon found Skeletor's Havoc Staff pointed at his neck.
"Yield boy." Skeletor threatened as he looked at He-Man with a glare.
He-Man looked away as if he was contemplating if he should follow. But just then with his free hand he grabbed the Havoc Staff and pulled Skeletor closer. "Not today!" He-Man roared as he then headbutt Skeletor knocking him back and then kicked the Overlord away. He-Man had his sword at the ready as Skeletor saw this was getting them nowhere fast. Just then he heard movement and then smirked as he knew what came next.
"Very well if you won't surrender to me." Skeletor said as he then whistled and from that Panthor returned to his master ready for his next order. "Then watch as I eliminate your beloved friends." Skeletor said as he pointed the Havoc Staff to the far left and He-Man looked to it. Upon seeing this He-Man was wide eyed as he saw the Master's, being held by Skeletor's crew as clearly, they were beaten by them.
"No!" He-Man cried out as he saw what was happening. "Let them go!" He-Man yelled as he glared at Skeletor.
"If you want that then the solution is simple, surrender yourself, relinquish your sword, and I'll free your allies." Skeletor said as he looked to He-Man who was in shock to this.
"Don't do it, He-Man!" Man-At-Arms called out as he knew if Skeletor got the sword then they were all royally screwed.
Trapjaw then smacked Man-At-Arms with his machine arm after he said that. "Shut your mouth, kid!" Trapjaw snapped as He-Man saw he was a rock in a hard place now.
"Their lives are in your hands, He-Man." Skeletor taunted as he was edging He-Man to take the deal.
"That's just dirty!" Motoyasu growled as he, Ren, and Itsuki with their parties saw what Skeletor was doing.
"All is fair in the name of victory." Skeletor shot back not caring what the Cardinal Fools thought.
"Dammit." He-Man growled and thus he got ready to surrender until a new voice came in.
"SHIELD PRISON!" Naofumi was heard and in turn Skeletor was caught off guard when he was trapped in the Shield Prison.
"Skeletor!" Evil-Lynn cried out and was then shocked by the next move.
Naofumi came charging in with She-Ra, Catra, and Raphtalia by his side as he came to save his friends. "Airstrike Shield!" Naofumi invoked and thus separated Evil-Lyn and Sorceress.
Seeing her chance Sorceress spread her wings and flew off as she then went to help her fellow Masters. "Eat this!" Raphtalia called out and thus summoned forth several swords to force Trapjaw to release Man-At-Arms.
"Hey bigfoot how about you take on another beast!" Catra called out and thus her chain whip wrapped around Beastman's whip arm and forced him away from Ram Ma'am.
"Naofumi!?" Itsuki asked as Malty growled at what was happening.
"Are you ok?" She-Ra asked as she landed next to He-Man with Naofumi and herself on Swift Wing.
"Yeah thanks." He-Man responded as he saw the cavalry had arrived.
"Well bless my lucky stars, the Shield Hero." Skeletor said as he looked to the prize he had been seeking. "Gotta say I'm a huge fan of yours." Skeletor said as Naofumi glared at the Overlord of Havoc.
"I'm guessing your this Keldor I heard about?" Naofumi asked as he glared at the supposed fallen royal.
"Actually, I go by Skeletor now." Skeletor corrected as he looked to Naofumi grinning at him who in turn responded with a glare. Skeletor saw the glare and began to laugh to this. "Oh, come now Naofumi no need to glare at me like that we're good friends now you and I." Skeletor said as this confused Naofumi.
"Good friends?" Naofumi asked as he was at a loss here.
"Of course, like you I was also denied my rightful place, humiliated and made a pariah by those who ruined you." Skeletor said as he then pointed to Naofumi. "You as one of the Cardinal Heroes destined to save this world from the Waves yet have been denied in favor of the Three Heroes whom, well let's face it could hardly stand against me." Skeletor said causing the three mentioned heroes to glare at Skeletor. "Why continue to put up with it any longer you and I both know you're innocent but due to the prejudices of those in power no one will listen or believe you." Skeletor said as Naofumi saw this mad man was going somewhere with this.
"What's your point bone head?" Naofumi asked and thus Skeletor laughed to this.
"Well remove the other Three Heroes and you'll be all that's left." Skeletor said as he then pointed his Havoc Staff at Naofumi. "Why be A Cardinal Hero when you can be THE Cardinal Hero?" Skeletor offered and thus Naofumi saw where this was going. "Join me Naofumi, together we can take revenge against those who had framed and humiliated you all on the words of my sorry excuse for a worthless piece of garbage niece." Skeletor said as Malty heard this.
"Hey!" Malty yelled not liking that her uncle was insulting her.
"Well, I'm not lying now, am I? I mean why else would your mother bar you from the throne, hell it's one of the few things I agreed with her on you aren't worthy of the throne, never will be worthy, and will die unlamented as the failed worthless princess I knew you'd always be." Skeletor said as Malty glared at her uncle promising him pain for his words. "Now Naofumi with you as the sole Cardinal Hero the people of Melromarc will have no choice but to come to you begging you for your aid on their hands and knees to fight the Waves for them." Skeletor said as he looked to Naofumi. "The delicious Irony of it since as the only hero whom they had constantly wronged or ruined you'd have no obligation to help them out of the 'kindness of your heard,' they want your aid they'll have to make it worth your wild." Skeletor said as he was offering Naofumi a once in a lifetime chance to join him.
"You're not wrong..." Naofumi began as he looked to the side as he saw the benefits there assuming Skeletor even manages to overthrow the royal family.
"Of course not, my sisters eldest is and has always been a pathological liar and she knows it." Skeletor said as he looked to Naofumi. "After all you're not the first person she made accusations of assaulting her against." Skeletor said making Naofumi go wide eye to this. "And I highly doubt you will be the last." Skeletor said and thus Motoyasu heard this.
"What are you talking about Naofumi did assault her!" Motoyasu yelled but Skeletor then blasted Motoyasu to a nearby tree.
"Don't interrupt your betters Moron-Juno." Skeletor said making it clear Motoyasu was not even worthy of Skeletor remembering his name.
"It's Motoyasu." The spear Hero growled while glaring at Skeletor.
"That's nice now listen closely, your beloved Malty had made accusations of rape in the past, those times were just for her amusement when the people she accused were of no more use to her." Skeletor said as he looked directly at Motoyasu and then turned his attention towards Malty. "The difference this time is that her accusation was pre-emptive she had every intention to ruin the Shield Heroes name for her end goal." Skeletor said as he glared at Motoyasu. "You are just the latest fool who would fall to her machinations the moment the heat gets bad she'll drop you without a second thought." Skeletor said as Motoyasu was scared seeing Skeletor's face and the red glow of where his eyes were supposed to be.
Skeletor then directed his attention over to Naofumi once he was done talking to Motoyasu. "So, what say you Naofumi Iwatani, willing to join the winning team?" Skeletor offered as he looked to Naofumi. "Take back your life which my brother-in-law and his worthless spawn stole from you?" Skeletor went on as he offered his hand to Naofumi. "Take back your honor, your dignity, and everything else they stole from and help me help you safe this world from the Waves as the one True Cardinal Hero." Skeletor said as he could almost picture it in his head, Aultcray and Malty in chains as Skeletor took the throne granting Naofumi all of his dues and then some for the humiliation he had been forced to endure.
"Master Naofumi." Raphtalia cut in as Naofumi looked to the Demihuman girl and saw she was also worried and possibly scared that Naofumi would accept.
"Naofumi." She-Ra urged as Naofumi looked to She-Ra who looked to Naofumi with concern. "Please don't if you accept his offer, you'll just prove what everyone said about you is true." She-Ra begged not wanting to see a family member give in to the dark.
"Please, She-Ra what choice does he have. If he continues with you lot, he's bound to end up dead or being jerked around." Skeletor said as he looked to the Princess of Power. "I'm offering him the better deal and he seems to be smart enough to take it." Skeletor said as he looked to Naofumi having absolute faith that Naofumi would accept his offer.
Naofumi then looked to the Cardinal Heroes as the look they had for him showed Naofumi that they saw him doing it. Even when given the evidence from someone who knew Malty, they rather believe the princess than the words of her uncle. Just then She-Ra looked away as she wanted to have hope for Naofumi but even she knew Skeletor's offer was too compelling even for Naofumi. Skeletor hit all the right buttons and told Naofumi exactly what he needed and wanted to hear so to make him more willing.
But just as Naofumi was about to give his answer Akane's words were heard inside his head. "Even if it's a losing battle... it sure as hell beats just letting them walk all over you. If you go down at least you went down swinging." When Naofumi recalled the previous night when Akane talked to him he looked at his hand and remembered when they were kids. Ayato and Akane always had his back and always defended him even if they were not there to do so. Clenching his fists Naofumi steeled his resolve and thus glared at Skeletor.
"Thanks, but no thanks." Naofumi said thus Skeletor was wide eyed to this.
"WHAT?!" Skeletor asked shocked that Naofumi would turn him down. "But why?!" Skeletor asked trying to make sense of why Naofumi turned down his offer.
"Something Akane told me even if they don't believe me and never will it's better to fight and go down swinging then let their labels for me drown me." Naofumi said as Ayato through He-Man was smiling to this.
"And you're going to just accept the action of the people of this idiotic kingdom have done to you just like that?" Skeletor said as Naofumi said, "Maybe, maybe not but at least as long I have my family and companions with me, I won't be in it alone."
With He-man and She-Ra step up next to him as He-man started to say, "You heard him Skeletor, the shield hero isn't someone you can turn to your side."
"We will offer you the choice, either surrender yourself and your dark masters or face the powers of the Shield hero and the masters of the universe," She-Ra said as she pointed her sword at the skull face villain.
Skeletor grip his staff tightly as his boney hand creek a bit as he said, "Well this is just unfortunate… for you that is."
Skeletor blasted at them with his staff with havoc energy coming at them, Naofumi step up, hold up his shield, and block the blast, as it soon became a bit of a struggle between them as Skeletor try his best to blast away Naofumi, but show he was having trouble doing just that as Naofumi defense was high enough to tank his attack and stand against it too, but it soon became clear who was the strongest as Naofumi's feet started to slide back.
He holding on as much as he can, but he was about to lose his footing until He-Man and She-Ra place their hands on his shoulder as a gold light surrounds them with Naofumi surprise by this as he turn to his cousin as they give a smile to him and a nod Naofumi did the same as soon enough all 3 of them started to push back making Skeletor to worry as he try to increase the power, but the more he does the more they push back as they keep pushing more and more until they yell out letting out a burst of light which push back the havoc in turn hit Skeletor back as he cry out a bit from that.
The light from the 3 family members died down as the shield in Naofumi hand glow a bit as the other master came up and started asking, "What was that master Naofumi? /What did you do? /Can we all do that? /What was that all about?"
Skeletor stood up with the help of his dark masters as Evil-Lyn then asked with concern, "Are you alright Skeletor?"
"I am… not alright!" Skeletor said in anger as he pushed back Beastman and Trap Jaw before he pointed his staff at the group and said, "Destroy them, all of them!"
"Well guys round 2 coming up," Ram Ma'am said as the masters prepared themselves as the dark masters soon came at them as He-man said, "Masters Assemble!"
Soon enough they came at the dark masters again as He-man, Naofumi, and Raphtalia charge at Skeletor, Battle cat went at Panthor, She-Ra and Sorceress faced at Evil-Lyn, and Wild-cat and Ram Ma'am went at beastman leaving Man-at-Arms by himself facing TrapJaw as he said, "Oh come on, don't I get any help?"
Trapjaw charged at him as Man-at-Man started to run screaming a bit all alone to fight his own battle.
(Ram ma'am)
With Ram ma'am and Wild-cat fought against Beastman as he summon forth his phantom beast again as Ram Ma'am face against them herself leaving Wild-cat to face beastman as it seem to be a battle of whips as they circle around each other while flipping and dodging each other as Wild-cat got a hit on beastman as he roared out in pain as wild-cat said, "Looks like this fur ball needs some training."
"Beastman is the masters of all beasts! Beastman will destroy you and hang your pelt on a wall!" Beastman yell out as Wild-Cat said, "How about you hang your rear on the wall first!"
They both swung their whips at each other as they cancel each other out for a moment before they keep going over and over again.
(She-Ra and Sorceress)
Sorceress seemed to be having trouble against Evil-Lyn, with every spell she threw at her, the witch matched her and was able to overpower the dark magic user every time. When their magical energy soon came at each other, stopping in the middle as blue meet violet creating a bright glow in the ending, as if it was a fight like Harry Potter of the boy who live vs the dark lord.
The sorceress was giving it her best but with Evil-Lyn, no doubt she was more skilled in magic than she was before she gets the power a havoc, and now with it she was more powerful unleashing all of her might.
Before the violet energy reach sorceress, a bean of rainbow came forth pushing back against Evil-Lyn's magic as it show She-Ra was using her sword of protection to help out as both girls look at each other as they gave a node before they yell out and push back Evil-Lyn's magic, which she was shock by this as she release her magic and dodge the attack of both She-Ra and Sorceress creating a large explosion behind Evil-Lyn as she flew forwards from it.
Evil-Lyn quick tries to recover in time to see She-Ra was coming at her in the air with her sword overhead about to slash at her, until Evil-Lyn raise her staff and block it, protecting herself just in time as she push she-Ra back and jump back away from the warrior princess as Evil-Lyn question, "How could this be? How can a girl in a dress be pushing me back?"
"It's a battle skirt, not like you had any good taste in clothing, I mean look at what your wearing, I've seen prostitute wearing a similar outfit and they pull it off better than you," She-Ra said which pissed off Evil-Lyn as she charged at her with Sorceress blindsided her with a blast that sent the witch back before she said, "Did you forget about me?"
Evil-Lyn recovers as she looked and face against the two masters, she stood up and charge up her magic before sending it at them as the two soon meet her attack with their own as they reach the center of them that soon exploded
(He-Man, Naofumi, and Raphtalia)
The 3 engage against Skeletor as they held his own well against them, no doubt he was a skilled warrior before becoming Skeletor, as he matched He-man strength before he tripped him up and about to blast him in the back until Naofumi came in and block it with his energy shield as he called out, "Air strike shield!"
Havoc energy meet the energy shield which exploded after being hit creating wall of dust which Raphtalia came out from and came at Skeletor fast with her sword skills that Skeletor can barely keep up with before He-man came in and punch him in his guts when he was distracted by the raccoon girl and went across the dirt ground as He-man soon said to him, "Give up Skeletor, you're out match."
The 3 heroes, and Malty were surprised to see how the fight was going, as somehow Naofumi was lasting a lot longer than they had facing Skeletor. They began to wonder how Naofumi got this strong, not even questioning about Raphtalia, or He-man's own strength. But then again just looking at his body just tells them was stronger than them anyways, with Malty just drooling at that site.
"Never, I will not be beaten by a group of brats!" Skeletor said as she stood up ready for more, as it seemed Havoc has increased his durability to withstand their attacks and recover from them fast too, ready to fight again as He-man said, "You ask for it."
They came at him again as He-man face against him as Skeletor tries to strike with his staff but keep getting Block by Naofumi, then Raphtalia came in and put Skeletor attention on her with He-man getting closer to strike him again, but Skeletor dodge him and did something unexpected as he blasted at the ground, creating a cloud of dust and smoke taking everyone site out for the moment before there was a scream within the smoke as it started to clear, as it shows Skeletor has somehow gotten to Raphtalia and pin her down with his staff as he said, "If I can't get rid of the shield Hero, then I may as well get rid of you first!"
"Raphtalia!" He-Man cried out as he went in to try and stop Skeletor.
"Get away from her!" Naofumi called out and out of instinct charged in to stop Skeletor. As Naofumi charged the Shield began to glow and with it an alert popped up before Naofumi.
"Power of Greyskull pairing successful."
When the alert popped up Naofumi's entire body was engulphed in a blinding light just as Skeletor began to fire his magical blast. As the lied died down Skeletor's Havoc shot was deflected to the sky where it thankfully caused no one any harm. Once the smoke cleared entirely Naofumi stood there transformed much to everyone's shock. His armor had changed to cover more and looked similar to the Barbarian He-Man was but more of a noble warrior. His shield had also transformed as it had become a powerful tower shield with a skull design to it. Naofumi's cape had even become tattered as it bellowed in the wind giving Naofumi the look of a wandering lone warrior.
"WHAT!?" Skeletor said as he did not expect this as even his eye began to twitch with his rage. "So even now you pick others before me, Greyskull!?" Skeletor yelled as a little bit of his old self was showing a bit He-Man sought to exploit.
Just then He-Man came in and was about to punch Skeletor. "Careful there, Skeletor." He-Man began and then punched Skeletor sending him flying back. "You're Keldor is showing." He-Man taunted as he cracked his knuckles with a smirk on his face.
Skeletor began to get back up and gripped his jaw a bit fixing it from that blow. "Give it up, bone head!" Naofumi added as he glared at Skeletor. "The Wave Ended, you lost, and your goons are out gunned!" Naofumi growled as he glared at Skeletor. The Dark Masters began to stumble as they gathered around Skeletor with only Trapjaw standing tall.
"Give up, you lost." He-Man said as he glared at the Overlord of Havoc.
Skeletor growled at this as he saw that Naofumi was correct in his accusations as were the Masters. "I shall not surrender, for I am death itself and I will claim what is rightfully mine!" Skeletor yelled but before he could go further shadows formed and thus to the shock of many gathered around Skeletor and his Dark Masters. The group began to charge in only for a beam of magic to shoot out opting Naofumi to block it and deflected it. Eventually the massive shadow vanished leaving nothing behind save for disturbed dirt.
The skies at long last cleared up as the group all began to catch their breath. Naofumi looked at his shield and then to his shock the power vanished reverting him back to normal. "Good job, you finally did it." Ayato said through He-Man.
"Thanks." Naofumi said and thus gave one last glare to the stooges and their party. The look he gave them said all they needed to hear from him, he didn't have to come help them and he was not obligated to do so. He came because he was needed and now that it's over Naofumi opted to take his leave. In turn the group all began to depart to check in on Lute Village in the hopes that it was still standing.
The Masters went a different direction not even waiting to talk to the Cardinal Heroes as Motoyasu looked concerned. "I can't believe that criminal interfered." Malty said as Motoyasu looked to Malty the seeds of doubt having been planted.
"Yeah..." Motoyasu said as he suspected but didn't want to assume.
"Still what Keldor or Skeletor said... doesn't it sound... suspicious." Itsuki said as he saw Skeletor had spoken to Naofumi as someone who had been wronged by others.
"Please if that thing was in fact my uncle, he was just spouting utter lies. He always wanted the throne but was a sore loser when he didn't get it." Malty said as Motoyasu looked to the side with concern.
"Yeah sure..." Motoyasu trailed off as he wasn't too sure about it no doubt Skeletors words had affected them all and not just because how easily he overpowered them when he was holding back.
(Later that day back at Lute Village)
The sun was setting as the villagers were counting there, loses, and tending to the injured. The party had regrouped after the Masters, had reverted to their base forms. They all looked a bit sore after the long battle but none the less they were alright. Naofumi looked to the Knight who had the troops help him who looked back. He then turned away and walked off to return to the castle to give his report.
Catra was with them as she looked to Ayato and Akane. "Well good news I think we won." Catra said as she looked amongst the group.
"Did we?" Raphtalia asked as she looked to the group. "I mean I killed all the monsters... but." She began only to be cut off by a new voice.
"Sir Hero." The village chief spoke as the group looked over to the village to see the chief bowing to them. "Thank you very much." He said showing his gratitude to the heroes. "Please accept our gratitude there was no way we could have survived without the help and courage of your party." The old man said showing his gratitude to the group.
"Well, it wasn't me we were lucky that group of adventurers showed up when they did." Naofumi said trying to put the credit to He-Man and keep the secret going.
"No if none of you had been here, we wouldn't have been able to push those monsters back all on our own." One of the Villagers who helped in the fight said.
"We'll never forget what you've done for us." Another said as he looked to the group as Ayato, Akane, and their friends could not help but smile to this.
"And if you ever see He-Man and She-Ra on the road, give them our thanks too." The Village Chief said as Ayato then smiled to this.
"I wouldn't worry too much... I think they already know." Ayato said with a smile on his face
"Yeah whatever." Naofumi responded while turning away and in turn the Villagers left the group to their own devices.
"They looked truly grateful." Raphtalia said as she looked to Naofumi.
"No kidding." Catra added as she looked like the Villagers took their leave.
"I guess." Naofumi said as he kept looking away.
"I know one thing is for sure at least." Raphtalia began as she looked to the departing villagers. "We did save some kids from going through what Catra and I did." Raphtalia said as Catra looked and quickly understood what she meant.
"Yeah, true enough." Catra said as she knew what that was like.
"Master Naofumi." Raphtalia said as the group could feel the waterworks coming now.
"Good job all of you." Naofumi said as he did in fact mean everyone.
"I killed... so many monsters." Raphtalia said as her voice began to crack up in response. In turn Naofumi walked over Raphtalia and in turn put his hand comfortingly on her head and smiled to her. She then gasped when she saw Catra put a comforting arm around her shoulders. Following it up Ayato and Akane joined in as it looked like a group hug moment. It then was added by Cringer and Swiftwing who joined the group in this little moment. Hajime, Yumi, and even Daito joined and thus Raphtalia was surrounded by people who truly cared for her. All in all, it seems that all was right in the world for the time being.
"So that was the Wave huh?" Daito asked as he saw the damage done despite the skies being all clear now.
"That was just one of many to come." Hajime said and in turn this somber moment showed that despite everything they would be ready for it.
"We need to get stronger for the next one and the ones that would come after that." Naofumi said making it clear they needed all the help and strength they can get.
"Yeah." Yumi said as she was in total agreement on this. They were all correct as it was only a matter of time before the next Wave of Catastrophe arrived. And when it did hope remained that they would be ready to face it with all of their might. But still they also had enemies to worry about but so long as they stuck by each other than nothing could bring them down. After all, as of this day they were ALL Masters of the Universe.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, the Wave of Havoc comes to an end and the next chapter well if we follow the anime/manga and/or light novel then we're in for a party then.