Pure Intentions? Chapter 45
A/N: Oh my…has it really been almost 3 years since I updated this story. This chapter has been a long time coming. When I first started writing these fanfics ideas for stories kept swirling in my mind. Unfortunately, I've lost my writing muse following the Covid Pandemic. I continue to watch He-Man reruns almost daily and keep rereading my favorite fanfic stories with the intent of updating my stories. Tonight after a very long hiatus, I sat to continue with this chapter as my soul needs to access it's creative side. I'm approaching a midlife birthday and been doing some soul searching as to what I really want in life. As writing is a good outlet for stress, I plan on finally finishing this story. Wish me luck dear readers.
I was made aware that the readers liked this story because of it's rom-com feel; however, it had taken a dark turn when Skeletor abducted Teela. What follows is my attempt to go back to a lighter story as it draws to an end. Hope you enjoy.
Finally wielding the Power of Grayskull, He-Man looked toward his beloved who was laying in an unconscious heap on the floor of the dirty cell. Walking towards her, he knelt next to her prone form checking her for injuries. Finding none, he turned to speak to Orko. "How is the Sorceress?", he asked as the Trollan was checking up on the Mystic Guardian.
"She is breathing", the floating magician informed him. "How is Teela?", he asked.
"The same as her mother", He-Man stated wryly. "Thank you for coming to our rescue", he stated with sincerity as he stood with Teela in his arms. Walking over to the Sorceress who was just beginning to stir, he stood over her while the Sorceress opened her eyes.
"He-Man, how is my daughter?", she asked weakly as she pushed herself into a seated position.
"I am not sure", Grayskull's Champion answered worriedly. "She has yet to open her eyes."
"We'll get her back to the Castle as soon as I regain my strength", the winged guardian answered. Slowly, she stood on shaky legs while also rotating her shoulders in a circular motion as she stretched.
"I can carry both of you out", He-Man volunteered, eager to get out of Snake Mountain as soon as possible. He had spent enough time within the dungeon and it was time to go home.
"No He-Man", the Sorceress answered. "Let Orko and myself take care of Teela", she requested. "You need to return the Rock Children to their parents", she directed as she looked behind her to the filled cave. "I have my child, it is only fair that the Rock People get theirs back as quickly as possible", she stated to him telepathically.
Never arguing with the wisdom of his mentor, He-Man brought Teela next to her mother who was now standing. Twinkling her fingers over the red-head's sleeping form, the Sorceress levitated her daughter's body so that it was suspended horizontally in mid-air. With a slight push of her palm outwards, Teela-Na maneuvered the air particles around them so that Teela's body floated out the dungeon and into the night air. Turning to look at Orko she beckoned "Come little friend, I will need your help to cure Teela", before levitating herself as well.
Alone in the cell, He-Man looked around him at all the expectant gazes. Rock Children of all shapes and sizes stood along the dungeon walls, tears streaming down their faces. He-Man could only imagine the fear tactics Skeletor employed to keep them hidden against the walls. Standing in front of the smallest of the bunch, He-Man reached out a large hand and tilted up their tear-streaked face, "It's going to be alright, little one", he stated tenderly. Transferring his gaze, he looked each of them emphatically as he promised to get them to their homeland safely.
Arranging the Rock Children in order from oldest to youngest, He-Man had them stand in a line. In all, there were 25 youngsters eager to get home. Approaching the eldest, He-Man projected his voice so that everyone in the room could hear him, "You are now safe and free." "I will escort you home to your parents who are anxiously awaiting your return", he stated assuring those under his care that he would indeed bring them home. He then proceeded to describe the lay out of Snake Mountain to them and explained how they would be exiting the fortress. Once he laid out his plans, He-Man walked to the back of the line, grabbing the youngest Rock Child's hand and gave the order to start the descend down Snake Mountain. As he took his first step, a thought popped in his mind. How was he supposed to traverse the wild terrain surrounding Skeletor's lair with these youngsters. Calling a halt, He-Man decided to call for back up. Contacting Stratos, he asked for the Avions' assistance with this mission. He knew that his winged comrade would be the best transport for the Rock Children to reach home safely, quickly, and efficiently. Having made the arrangements, Stratos promised to meet He-Man outside of Snake Mountain. Satisfied with the plan, He-man gave the order to proceed the descend.
Ever so slowly and carefully, the children made their way to the ground floor. To their luck, they didn't face any obstacles in the form of Skeletor's minions. To He-Man, it seemed like all of the Evil-Warriors had abandoned their home. That was to his advantage, as he didn't want to fight anybody while also ensuring the Rock Children made it safely down the slippery chiseled rocks that Snake Mountain was hewn out of.
With swift wings, the Sorceress made it back to Grayskull her comatose daughter floating through the lowered jaw bridge before her. As soon as Orko also flew through and into the gray castle's warmth, the Sorceress uttered a spell shutting the entrance behind them. Not wanting to chance any interruptions, the mystic guardian also shielded her home in a veil of magic. Landing on her legs, her arm outreached in front of her to still her daughter. With her fingertips gently guiding her floating offspring, she directed Teela into a comely bedroom. There, the Sorceress magically lit a fire in the hearth before lowering the red-haired captain onto a bed. Once she ensured that her daughter was comfortable, she called for Orko and Teela's father to enter the room. Together, they stood over her watching her sleep peacefully, as the Sorceress informed Duncan of what had transpired at Snake Mountain. Duncan scowled as he listened intently to all that the Sorceress and Orko had witnessed before their return to the Castle.
When the Sorceress got to the part about Teela dancing half naked to the amusement of Skeletor and his henchmen, Duncan sat heavily in a chair his head hanging low. He wondered how much of the nobility had seen Teela's dance and if that would affect her chances at becoming the next Queen. He fervently hoped that Skeletor's live broadcast did not cause it's intended harm. Taking a deep breath, he calmed his raging emotions as he stood next to Teela's bed. Turning to her mother he asked, "So how do we wake her?"
"Orko, stay here while Duncan and I go to the magic mirror to see if I can find a spell to wake her", the Sorceress directed before taking Duncan's hand.
"Off course, Sorceress", the worried Trollan replied. He dearly hoped his friend was alright. With the Sorceress and Duncan gone, Orko stared at the sleeping Teela wondering what he could do to rectify the situation. Taking notice of her near naked form, Orko decided to use his magic to conjure up some sleeping apparel for the valiant captain. "Sleepwear, sleepwear come to me, find me something warm to comfort me", he chanted while wiggling his fingers over Teela's reposed form. Finished with his chant, he looked down to see that Teela was now clothed in a long red robe similar to the one he was wearing. His magic produced a human size Orko robe just like the one he was currently wearing. "Well better that than nothing", he uttered just as a red wizard's hat appeared on top of Teela's head and a capital "T" appeared over her chest. "Oh Ancient's," Orko uttered feeling a bit ashamed that his good intentions never turned out the way he wanted them.
Sitting on the bed next to his lifelong friend, Orko looked towards the door as he heard someone approaching. He cringed his eyes when the Sorceress alone entered the room, afraid that she would admonish him for his interference.
Ever the thankful parent the Sorceress smiled broadly at Orko as she stated, "Teela is lucky to have you as a friend."
"Thank you", he stated. "Where's Duncan?", he asked.
Coming further into the room, she reached the bed and stared down at her offspring. "He is in the Throne room, awaiting the King's and Queen's arrival", she informed him. Reaching down, she twirled her finger into an errant curl that kept teasing Teela's nose moving it securely behind a delicate earlobe. Satisfied that Teela could now rest easier she set her mind to figure out how to wake the formidable Captain. Holding her palms over Teela's form, the Sorceress closed her eyes allowing her senses to permeate through Snake Mountains magic. Slowly, the mystic guardian moved her hands from Teela's head down over her feet and back up again until she discerned the point where Evil-Lynn's spell had entered. Opening her eyes, she smiled softly as she understood what she had to do. Placing her hands to the side, she softly called to Orko.
"Orko my dear, Teela will need your help to be released from the spell", she informed him. "Evil-Lynn's magic entered her through the nose and that's where it needs to come out from." "My fingers are too thick for the job."
"What do you mean?", asked the red-robed magician worriedly.
"You'll need to extract the magic for me", she explained. "Your fingers are the right size to go up Teela's nostrils." "Two inches in, you'll find a nodule one on each side of her nose that must be removed." "That's the source of Evil-Lynn's magic", she informed.
"So you want me to pick Teela's nose?", Orko asked incredulously.
"Please", she requested. "I know this is the most awkward request, but it is the only way to release Teela from the spell", she pleaded.
Holding his right hand in front of him, Orko flapped his fingers in front of his eyes as he contemplated the Sorceress's request. Not easily disgusted, Orko readily agreed. Conjuring a water pitcher, water bowl, a bar of soap, and a towel he proceeded to disinfect his digits to ensure that they were clean to reach inside of Teela's nasal cavity. Finished with washing his hands, Orko rolled up his sleeves and positioned his fingers over Teela's nose. Just when he was about to insert his fingers into her nostrils, he stopped himself as a thought occurred to him. "Ummmm, Sorceress", he stated. "How will she breathe?"
Startled that she hadn't thought of that, the Sorceress thanked the tiny magician for his quick thinking. Using her own magic, she forced Teela's jaw to open giving her daughter another breathing airway. Having ensured that Teela would not suffocate for lack of oxygen, she directed Orko to continue.
Looking at Teela's nostrils, Orko decided that even his fingers would be too large to reach two inches deep. Not to be deterred, Orko wiggled them as he stated a shrinking spell. Decreasing his overall size, he used his hands to reach inside Teela's nostrils to withdraw the nodules identified by the Sorceress.
"Aha", he shouted with pride when he pulled the magic out. Quickly, so as the magic could be completely extinguished he placed the nodule's into the Sorceress's awaiting palms. She in turned rubbed her hands together completely disintegrating Evil-Lynn's magic. No sooner was the magic destroyed than Teela opened her eyes.
Looking around her, Teela at first couldn't place her surroundings. Last she knew, she was in a cell with Prince Adam. Surprised, her gaze landed on her mother and Orko as she sleepily asked, "What happened?"
"You were under Evil-Lynn's spell", her mother answered before suddenly disappearing.
"That's awkward", Teela stated as she turned her head to Orko. "Why did the Sorceress disappear so suddenly?", she asked him.
"I don't know, Teela", he exclaimed. No sooner had he provided his answer than the Sorceress reappeared.
"I am sorry for leaving so abruptly", she stated. "Their Majesties have just arrived."
Understanding dawning, Teela then asked "Where's Adam?"
Before the Sorceress could answer, Duncan followed by Adam's parent walked into the chamber.
The Queen immediately ran to the bed enveloping Teela in a tight hug. "My dear, are you alright?", she asked concerned over her potential daughter in laws welfare.
Returning the hug, Teela responded "Yes, your majesty." "However, I have no recollection of how I got here", she exclaimed looking expectantly at the Sorceress.
Before answering her daughter, the mystic guardian conjured chairs for the room's occupants. "Please sit", she invited that Monarchs. "Orko and I travelled to Snake Mountain after Duncan informed me of the Prince's and Teela's abduction", the Sorceress shared. "With Orko's help, I was able to defeat Skeletor and his minions and retrieve Teela." Knowing that his parents now new his secret, she continued "Adam as He-Man, is transporting the Rock People's children back home."
"Ohh…", Teela exclaimed. That explained the Prince's absence. Suddenly feeling woozy, she laid back down to the concern of all present.
"Are you alright?", both sets of parents asked.
Closing her eyes, she nodded. "I'm just very sleepy", she stated.
"We'll let you rest", Duncan answered.
"Please", Teela requested. "Wake me when Adam gets here."
Knowing that Teela's sleep would now be magic free, the Sorceress directed the Royals out of the bedroom. Duncan remained behind, not wanting to leave Teela totally alone.
The Monarchs, Duncan, Orko along with Grayskull's Mystic Guardian, sat in the kitchen consuming a light meal conjured up by the Sorceress.
King Randor picked up a tortilla wrap filled to the brim with succulent meat and veggies. Taking a bite, he marveled at how satisfying his food was. This was very different than the opulent dishes prepared for him and his dignitaries by the Royal Kitchens. Chewing his food, he nodded his head up and down indicating his pleasure with the meal.
The Queen looked over at her husband and smiled behind a raised napkin at his antics. "These sandwiches are great, aren't they?", she asked him.
Swallowing, he replied "Yes my dear, they are." Turning to the Sorceress he stated, "Marlena has told me about how much she loved tortilla wraps back on Earth". "It's nice to try one of my beloved's favorite meals from her home".
Nodding to acknowledge the King's compliment, the Sorceress smiled at her guests and produced a variety of Earthen desserts the Queen had once told her about. Picking up a fruit tart with tiny glistening berries on top of it, Grayskull's Mystic Guardian also tried the new food. Finding it delicious she put the entire bite of food in her mouth.
Orko floated by the Sorceress, watching in amazement as the winged guardian plopped a miniature eclair into her mouth. The Troit dllan magician had never seen the Sorceress eat with such abandon. Emboldened by her actions, he decided to also try the Earth food as he had not touch any of the food yet. Choosing a long yellowish crispy item, he brought it to his mouth delighting in it's substance and taste.
Smiling at him the Queen stated, "We call that a French Fry." Picking one up, she also put it in her mouth chewing languidly.
Suddenly, the entire room became utterly quiet as the severity of Teela's situation overtook their minds.
"What are we going to tell the Court?", Duncan asked, worried about how Teela's strip-tease would be perceived by the noblemen. "Ancients, she was dancing half-naked!", he exclaimed.
"We don't know how she got into that state", the Queen answered recalling the state of the bedroom back at the Villa. "It's possible, that Skeletor's minions undressed her", she supplied.
"How Teela ended up dancing partially naked in front of cameras doesn't matter,", the King stated. "The fact that she did is what we'll have to focus on", he informed everyone present.
"She was under a spell", the Sorceress informed them as until this point she had not shared this information with Adam's parents.
"What?", all the occupants of the room asked in unison.
"Teela was under spell while she danced", Teela-Na stated. "Orko and I just broke the spell moments before you walked into the room." "I don't think my daughter was even aware of her actions".
"We should tell her", stated Duncan ever concerned for Teela's well-being.
"Let's wait until Adam arrives back", the Sorceress requested. "It'll be better for him to be hear when we break this news to Teela", she stated as she pointedly looked at Duncan.