Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the shadowy recesses of Zalesia, an age-old metropolis within the realm of Eternia, the enigmatic being known as the Faceless One wandered through the labyrinthine depths of the subterranean caverns that he had fashioned into his haunting abode. Draped in silken cobwebs, the chamber bore witness to an eerie fusion of esoteric tomes and perilous artifacts deemed too hazardous for mortal hands to touch. This space, veiled in mystery, served dual roles as both a prison and a sanctum, ensnaring the Faceless One amidst a vast array of arcane curiosities within its confines.

The entirety of Zalesia stood as an ancient sepulcher of clandestine knowledge, harboring secrets so obscure and malevolent that the human imagination dared not venture into their depths.

The Faceless One was himself an ancient benign who had seen many phases of this planet’s history come and go, he has lived so long that he has forgotten his origins. All he knows is the underground depths of his tomb; while powerful, he cannot go forth and use his magic outside these walls. He was punished for crimes in the dark times of old by the great powers that once ruled this planet.  

Rummaging through various items he ensured that they were all locked in place, going through various scrolls and books before hearing an echo in the room. He turned behind him and could see the outline of a figure in the shadows.

Stepping out a young woman clad in dark and purple wearing a headpiece of spikes and carrying a large orb staff emerged. 

“What are you doing here? '' The Faceless One said, his voice shocked in surprise.

The woman was stoic as she said, “To warn you, he is coming”

Before he could ask any further a loud explosion occurred creating a large hole in the wall, a wave of dust overtaking the room.

The Faceless One covered his face before he saw a figure begin to approach, drenched in a dark robe, his face covered by a hood. One thing they recognized was the staff they carried was none other than The Havoc Staff, one of the most dangerous mythical artifacts that the ancient wizards of this very city once crafted a long time ago.

The figure continued to walk in followed by a gang of ghoulish-looking minions of various Eternian species. A brief moment of silence between everyone occurred, the tension could be felt, everyone waiting to see who would make the first move.

“You” The Faceless One muttered glaring at him,  

“Yes it is me, in the flesh” The figure soon removed its hood revealing a large pale white skull, “Up to the head”

“Skeletor!” 

The tension was soon broken as one of Skeletor’s minions heckled him with a loud, “BOOOOO! Bad pun! Bad Pun!”

Skeletor flinched as he scowled towards one of his minions, “What! It was a good pun! It was self-deprecating humor meant to throw off my enemies in a false sense of security. Understand the nature of a good enemy upon enemy conversation Tri-Klops!”

“No, it was a pretty bad joke” Tri-Klops retorted.

Skeletor shouted, “You have no taste”.

“Gotta agree with him on that one boss” Came another voice.

“No one asked you to Trap Jaw!” Skeletor shouted before turning back to face the Faceless One.

“Why are you here Skeletor?” He asked firmly.

“You have something I desire, and I’ve come to offer you a trade”  Skeletor chuckled darkly, now gripping his staff.

“I’m not selling”

Skeletor laughed again, “I thought not, but the deal I have is quite enticing if I do say so myself, hand me what I want, and you live…Don't ... .Well”.

Now it was the Faceless One’s turn to laugh, “As if you could defeat me…Keldor!”

“How dare-” Skeletor growled, his void of eyes glowing red, “Evil Warriors! Attack!”

Emerging from the shadows, The Faceless One deftly eluded Skeletor's warriors who surged forward with malicious intent. However, this seasoned ancient wizard, undeterred by the approaching onslaught of hardened muscle, nonchalantly raised his hand. With a swift and practiced motion, he conjured a mesmerizing fireball infused with arcane power, directing it unerringly at a nearby goon. The unfortunate minion was violently hurled backward, crashing mercilessly into the unforgiving ground.

“Ouch,” he heard one of them mutter,

Undaunted, the remaining three adversaries closed in, determined to overcome the elusive sorcerer. But the Faceless One, a master of mystical arts, vanished from their midst, seamlessly teleporting into the air. From this vantage point, he unleashed a torrent of dazzling laser beams, each one a manifestation of his formidable magical prowess. The assailants, mere mortals in comparison, were left bewildered and defenseless in the face of such arcane might.

Amidst the chaos and explosive energy, the Faceless One reveled in the superiority of his ancient benevolence. Though confined, he tapped into the depths of his immense power, turning the tide against the hapless minions who dared to challenge him. A resounding KABOOM echoed through the air as the magical onslaught reached its crescendo.

As the smoke and debris cleared, the Faceless One's calculating gaze locked onto Skeletor, the malevolent mastermind behind the onslaught. Skeletor, undeterred and wielding the Havoc Staff, faced the wizard with a bony visage partially obscured by a hint of hair emanating from the ram skull. The stage was set for a clash of titans, a confrontation that would determine the fate of this mystical battleground.

“Your aim still hasn’t improved I see, I thought I thought you better” The Faceless One chuckled.

Skeletor glared as he blasted the staff again, firing massive balls of energy toward The Faceless One, but each time missing it.

“Well, I was never your best pupil,” Skeletor sneered.

The two continued to exchange blows with one another, but the Faceless One was quick, managing to outwit both Skeletor and his Evil Warriors.

With his magical abilities, the Faceless One could take most of them down. From the large fury-looking beast-man to the mechanically armed, metal jaw brute. All the while he dodged a blast from a metal tri-clops that blasted several beams of energy. While another array of them too,  but he was strong…for he was the faceless one.

However, something was wrong.

Throughout the fight, his daughter didn’t seem to fight at all but instead was just sitting there watching. Something was wrong, his daughter normally didn’t just sit there passively, she was just as powerful, as much as he was if not more so. 

“Are you here to stand by my side, Evelyn? The Faceless One asked.

Evelyn stared at him for a moment and smirked, “No actually, I’m here to help the one I work for,” Raising her staff she blasted him down before he could do anything.

The magic energy weakened him before he could do anything to stop it. A loud explosion followed this, and a group of horrid warriors arrived, surrounded the area, and began to search around and plunder the place.

“And by the way…It’s Evil-Lyn!” She looked to the other goons who entered the room, “Search the area!”

“Now that’s a good pun” Tri Klops applauded.

Skeletor scowled, “Oh now you know what a good pun is” he walked over to Evil-Lyn, still annoyed “I could have handled him Evil-Lyn” 

“Sure you could, even though I told you not to underestimate him” 

Skeletor scowled, “No one likes a know it Evil-Lyn”

Skeletor began going through the chamber moving various items and looking over various shelves. Apart from messing up the Faceless Ones’ meticulous sorting system, the evil skeleton seemed determined to find whatever he was looking for. 

“Careful Skeletor,” Evil-Lyn said, “I know my father, he loves to leave traps in places”

“Bah! Evil-Lyn I think I know a trap when I-ACK!” 

Skeletor was blasted back by a bolt of energy knocking him against the wall and landing with a loud crash and thug.

“Warned you” Evil-Lyn snickered.

Skeletor sneered at her, “Then YOU find it if you’re so clever”

“I am actually” Evil-Lyn put her fingers over her head as her eyes glowed pink, the inner power that lay within her began to emulate as it began to connect with the dark forces of the chasm, “Found it”

“Oh sure! I got all the traps out of the way” Skeletor huffed.

“Daughter! I beg you, don’t give it to him!”

Evil-Lyn snickered, “Apologies Father, but I am not shackled by your rules, granted…I never was”

Finally, she approached the destination in question, a nearby wall with a mural of a battle-long bast. Evil-Lyn used her magic to break a hole through it and inside a small box lay. Carefully she took it, holding it as if it was about to erupt if she moved too hastily.

“Is this what you are after?” 

Skeletor jumped to his feet looking with delight, “Yes! Yes! Oh this is it indeed” he opened the box and began to wield the object inside, a thin purple glow emanating on his face.

“The sword of darkness” Skeletor held atop the sword swinging it around, “A mimicking of a far deadlier weapon, but of my purposes…A better fit”

Turning to the faceless one Skeletor bowed but it was one of sarcasm than respect.

“Thank you so much for your hospitality, oh and don’t worry your daughter is doing one heck of a job as an Evil Warrior, top marks and promotions arise, hehe”

“Fool!” The Faceless spat, “If anything this proves you are still the child I met all those years ago. If you think you can control the power you have, you’ll burn. 

Skeletor snickered and revealed that to wear a face would lie, instead a skull now lay, “Oh…I already have. You didn’t think I was born with this skull face, did you…Evil-Lyn! Take care of him”

“With pleasure”.

“Curse you Skeletor” The Faceless One hissed, “Curse you and the day you ever met my daughter, if I had my way I-”

“You’d what! Go back in time and kill an abandoned child?” Skeletor snickered, “Now that is Evil, and I’m the Overlord of it…Now, I bid you goodbye…BOOB!”.

The Faceless One could only watch in horror knowing that the power taken could be unleashed as Skeletor and his Evil Warriors walked off. Though the final sight, the sign of his daughter raising her magical staff standing before him now. A smirk crossed her lips, as the once powerful father was now powerless against the daughter.

“Would you doom your soul to this fool’s errand”

Evil-Lyn smirked, “Oh, believe me, it’s far more interesting than anywhere sticking with you would have taken me”

In the background, he could hear the high-pitched gloating of Skeletor declaring, “With the Sword of Darkness under my command, I Skeletor, Overlord of Evil…SHALL RULE ALL ETERNIA!”

With those last cruel words, a magical blast struck the Faceless One, and with that, he was gone, his last hope was that something would stop the Sword of Darkness from engulfing the world of Eternia”? 

Someone would rise to protect the power

Protect the Power of Grayskull.

Chapter Text

Adam, the Prince of Eternia, grandson of the great King Miro, the founder of the realm, and the ruler of the entire planet walked lazily down the streets of Eternia. The streets were quite crowded as usual, but the young prince didn’t seem to care, he had a certain spring in his threat as he continued his walk. The sun was shining bright this particular day.

Eternos was a magnificent city, that had for centuries, on and off again been the capital of the mighty planet for several centuries during times of unification. The latest iteration was restored under the reign of the great King Miro the Mighty, the last Eternian to reunite the whole planet under one leadership. Now the city was once again a thriving metropolis for all those from the far corners of the planet to thrive.

No other place was more prominent than Eternos marketplace, a Hodge podge of culture and delectable food. Row upon row of stands stood in the various aisles. Each had some unique items from the various cultures that made up Eternia. Eternos, Gar, Qadians, Aviorians, Caligars, and more, all of them together in one bustling city.

Eternia was made up of several different lands and people, a melting pot of different thoughts, ideologies, and feelings, it was honestly amazing his Grandfather had managed to unite them at all. His father was young when those events took place, but he watched as his family began to build a united planet of peace and harmony. 

All the various markets stand in neat little rows, selling fruits and veggies pucked from the farms outside the city walls. The various shops and bakeries litter the place alongside the homes and the local pub where people would hang out at night after a hard day of work. The people seemed content, minding their own business, or the kids playing in the town square enjoying their games and living life. 

Adam enjoyed this particular harmony today as he walked down the streets alongside his large talking green Cat cringer who followed him the whole while, as he walked he closed his eyes and just let himself be one with his thoughts. He began to tap his feet around and move his body swiftly to a rhythm as he kept walking down the streets.

“Adam? What are you doing?” Cringer asked.

“Dancing” 

“Dancing?”

Adam nodded, “Yeah, dancing”

Cringer paused for a moment before responding, “I don’t hear any music”

“I’m dancing to my music in my head Cringe”

“Oh, I don’t get it”

Adam just chuckled as he kept on dancing, he had a love of music and a love of dancing. To him, he considered everything with a musical flair, from the tapping of his feet on the concrete road, to the squeaky wheel of a food cart, to even just the general humming a thousand conversations at once. Everything in this world had music in it and what he loved about the world most of all.

Giving a twirl Adam just felt at ease, picking up an apple and tossing an Eternian coin to the vendor before taking a bite.

“Adam, should we even be out hear don’t you have training with Teela later?” Cringer asked.

Adam rolled her eyes, “Yeah, but it’s such a nice day, I rather enjoy the nice breeze than exhaust myself with sweaty-inducing exercises or hear someone drone on and on about good battle tactics. We’re not at war, it’s all nerd stuff anyway”

“I know but I don’t think your parents will approve Cringer’s tone was one of worry.

Adam gave an annoyed grunt, “Yeah, yeah, look we got plenty of time, I wanna take a moment to enjoy myself. Besides, as a prince shouldn't I try to be one with my people and all that stuff”

All the various markets stand in neat little rows, selling fruits and veggies pucked from the farms outside the city walls. The various shops and bakeries litter the place alongside the homes and of course, the local pub where people would hang out at night after a hard day of work. The people seemed content, minding their own business, or the kids playing in the town square enjoying their games and living life. 

“Good morning young prince” Called an Orc from the bakery

“Hey Mx. Ozgle”

“Young Prince, good day”, a local Avionian flew up

“What up Miss Zatos”

“Young Prince”

Adam just waved for that one.

Prince Adam Grayskull of Eternia was the son of  Crown Prince Randor and Crown Princess Marlena, the future rulers of the planet, as well as their only child. Messy blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a good build as well, as any royal should have. He was not a malicious boy per se, but he wasn’t the most productive either, again preferring to sleep his way through them, enjoying the comforts that were living in a large palace, with all the luxury and privilege that one could have to live in the capital Eternos.

Heading into the main square Adam found a nice open spot for him to stand. 

Going into the pocket of his jacket Adam took out one of his favorite items, a flute,  Placing the instrument to his lips he began to play. A beautiful whistle began to come from the instrument as it weaved a tapestry of notes that made a song. Adam felt his mind meshing with the song as he just naturally danced to the rhythm of its tune. One by one various passersby began to take notice and clap along the tale.

Adam loved performing in public, something always gave him a sense of pride, and it was one of the few things he was good at. It was a lot more fun than the constant training and studies he had to do back home

“So many people” Cringer whimpered, not liking the attention.

Adam though, loved it, not only just the attention but also the sense of giving a bit of joy with his music, it was a talent that he was proud of. If he wasn’t a prince of the royal family he would have been a musician, going the road and living life.

The rhythm of the song continued at a  pace, it wasn’t even a pre-written one Adam just made the tune on the spot. He was good at thinking swiftly on his feat and it was a skill that came naturally to him. 

Once the performance was done Adam took a bow to the applause of the crowd.

“Thank you, thank you,” Adam said as the crowd walked out, “Well that was fun”

Cringer shook his head, “Aren’t you worried you gonna get attacked or something”

“What cuz I’m the Prince, nah! Besides, we got guards around, not like they don’t know I’m here”.

“Fair enough” 

Adam rolled his eyes and smirked, “Come on, let go see Mr. Oppenheimer, see if he’s got any good sweats in the stands”

Mr.Oppenheimr was a local Gar baker, Adam always enjoyed getting some sweats and chowing down, they were always so tasty. He couldn’t wait to smell the sweat smells of freshly baked goods fresh from the ovens.

That was until they got to the stall.

Around Mr. Oppenheimer’s desk was a bunch of young thuggish-looking individuals, they all had very muscular builds. They surrounded the stand and the elderly Gar seemed a bit unsure of what to do. Adam felt something inside him tense up as he saw his favorite vendor in trouble, an urge to stand up and charge.

“Better give us some of that delicious fruit old man,” The leader of the thugs said.

“Yeah, Gar like you shouldn’t be in a city like this right Targ”

“Right Zlick, what about Tack”

“Got it Targ” Tack answered back

Adam frowned and tightened his fists in anger, he didn’t like seeing his favorite vendor getting bullied by a bunch of thugs.

“Hey back off!” 

In a rush, Adam headed over to the stand to try and pull them back but quickly found his arm twisted as he fell back onto the ground.

“What do you want blondie” 

Adam sneered, “I don’t like bad guys”

“Bad guys?” The lead thug Targ,  turned to the others, “We bad guys huh?”

Adam stood up clenching his first, “Yeah, I don’t like seeing my friends getting picked on”

“Oh yeah, you friends with Gar” The lead thug said sneering, “Well maybe I should show you a lesson in…”

“Woah, Woah, Woah” The second thug held him back, “I recognize him, he’s the Prince that is”

The thugs all looked at each other for a moment muttering to one another, Adam still held up his fist though ready to fight when he could.

“I don’t wanna get beheaded or nothing” The third thug spoke.

The lead Thug looked at the ground for a moment, biting his teeth, and groaned, “Eh…Fine! You’re lucky you’re all royal and stuff, otherwise, we’d teach yuh”

“Hey just because I’m royal doesn’t mean….

“Yeah, yeah” The lead Thug Zlick interjected, “No one cares, come on, let’s leave Princey here and his Gar friend”

Adam was pushed on the ground again as the thugs ran off laughing as they did.

“Ugh…great…” Adam took a deep breath as he stood up, he saw his old Gar friend shaking his head as he was picking up his fruits, “You okay Mr.Oppenheigmer”

“Yeah, I’m fine Adam, I’m used to things like this happening”

Adam frowned, “It’s not right”

Oppenheimer gave Adam a faint smile as he shook his head, “So, Adam my boy? I guess you want to fight bad guys?”

“Huh?”

Oppenheimer chuckled, “I asked, do you want to fight bad guys?”

“It’s not like I wanna fight but…I just don’t like bullies” 

“Well, good to know our future King will be fighting the bullies instead of being one?”

“Of course, I would never want to do that!” Adam sounded almost shocked by the statement

Oppenheimer smiled, “I know you would, but sadly not every person with power has those same sorts of views, the Gar, in particular, have never been quite beloved due to our people siding with less savory leaders in the past”

“Yeah…Uh….Sorry if Grandpa Miro was uh…Not pleasant when fighting yuh” Adam rubbed the back of his head nervously, it was not like he could single-handedly undo a few decades of prejudice. 

Eternia was a melting pot of various cultures, yes, but that didn’t mean everyone got along. He remembers his father having to handle various diplomatic missions to the lands that made up Eternia trying to bring peace from local factions.  

“Well one day you’ll have the power to undo any lasting damages, although I do think your father tries, he may be just a bit too close to events still”

Adam sighed, “I know…Not like he listens to me, barely has any responsibilities around the palace”

“Have you asked”

“Not, it always seems a bit too much anyway, besides gives me time to focus on cooking” Adam chuckled, “I mean my dad isn’t given responsibility and Grandpa Miro just does everything himself, if he isn’t trusted how can I be”

“So you don’t think you or your father are up for the job?”

Adam looked down, “I….” he couldn’t think of a way to finish that sentence.

“Well then, regardless of how you’ll be as a crown prince or King, I know one thing,” the old Gar gently tapped his heart, “You’re a… good …person”

Adam paused for a moment and smiled, “Thanks Mr. O”.

“So you’re saying that the future ruler of our whole planet has no responsibilities at all” Oppenheimer gave him a small smirk.

Adam blushed, “Well…” he looked up at the sky to tell the time, “Uh oh…”

“What?”

“I do have one thing today” Adam sighed as he waved him goodbye, “Well see yuh, Mr.O”

Adam only got a few feet away from Oppenheimer’s market stall before he was stopped immediately by a figure in a cloak. Looking down they seemed to be some elderly lady of a kind with white hair, a haggard tooth, and a long jaw. They had seen a lot of life but he wasn’t going to judge her for that.

“That was very kind of you, young man. Not many would stand up for a Gar these days. You have a good heart, so far removed from the sins of kin. Eternia could use more champions like you, Prince Adam”

Adam was taken aback and a bit confused, looking around as if expecting someone else to appear before pointing to himself.

Again Adam was confused, “Uh….Thanks”

This was becoming an awkward situation as she just stood there, Adam couldn’t see her face at all. Why was this person even here, what did she want with him, he had to get back to the palace and was taking up her time. Also, why was she spying on him in the first place? The whole situation was just confusing.

“Yep, people these days just don’t take kindly to others, nope, not like in the old times” The old lady continued as she followed Adam while he continued to walk.

“Uh huh,” Adam said, kind of getting annoyed about not wanting to be rude, “Look I’m sure…”

“Heck, I’m old enough to remember when people used to care for one another, hmm hmm, because we were united back then against a common cause, seems like those days are just slipping us by. Granted it was easier to get along when we all feared something far worse ahead of us. Finding something to agree upon, now that’s hard to do”

“Well my Grandpa being King for long will do that, he tends to make people agree” Adam muttered “Look lady I -”

“Oh, I hope I live long enough to see you be King, no offense to your papa of course” The old Lady chuckled, “I’m sure he’s good-hearted too, your parents raised a fine young lad” she pinched his cheek.

Adam frowned rubbing his cheek, “Uh yeah, thanks…Look I gotta-”

“Oh I’m sure you don’t have time to listen to old fuddy dudy like me” She waved him off, “Go, goes, be a Prince and all that”

“Uh….Thanks, come on cringe!”

“Coming Adam” Cringer began to follow “Bye Mr. Opphenheimer!”

With that, Adam rushed off seeing the old woman just stand there waving him off. Probably one of the strangers encounters he had in the market, but that’s what fame and life of a prince would do for yuh. Besides, where he was going, he wasn’t expecting that warm reception from the people he was about to meet next.

With a deep sigh, he took a deep breath knowing just what was next to come, time to face off against Teela.

-000-

Teela loved the feeling after her daily morning routine, the way her muscles pulsed after her exercises. She felt strong and confident knowing she could do these exhausting exercises and barely break a sweat.

Taking a deep breath Teela looked out on the training field, she had done just about every one of these obstacles at least once, although, in reality, it was many times. To be a knight of Eternia is to be the best of the best, there could be no room for error. It would be her duty to defend the realm against external threats and most importantly to protect the people of the planet who couldn’t defend themselves.

The knights of Eternia were the elite that the Kingdom had to offer, above even the standing Eternian army, they came under the personal command of the King. 

Ever since she was a child Teela wanted to join their ranks, hearing the great tales of valor that they had done throughout their history. Who wouldn’t want to be like that, helping people, aiding the helpless, being a hero of the realm? Thus she trained, she trained hard and well every day, being one of the top cadets in her class. 

Stretching Teela couldn’t help but be happy of how far she came but how far she still had to go. Today’s routine was getting ready to try out a special Frontload maneuver she had been studying about during her reading time

“Teela”

Teela turned behind her to see her father, The Man at Arms arrive, with his bulky look and big bristling mustache, even though he was second to the King she never used that to help her own rise in the ranks. Everything she did she wanted to earn through sheer merit and hard work, which she prided herself on.

“Father” Teela said giving a firm salute, he was her superior officer as well as the parent, “Just finishing up my exercises”

“Ready for that Frontload maneuver?”

Teela beaned with excitement, “Yep I’ve been practicing all week getting up early and everything!”

“That’s great Teela I’m sure you’ll be ready”. 

“You know father,” Teela said, slowly thinking of her words, “Considering I’ve been top marks in all my training exams, I do wonder, do you think I’ll still have to start all the way as private?”

“Thinking of command already?” Her father smirked.

Teela grimmaced, “Well no, but I do wonder if it’s a good idea to start as just another grunt”

“You're the prince’s bodyguard that is quite an honor beyond just another grunt” Her father reminded her.

“True but I’m not really an officer proper and-”

“Because that requires a bit more than grades”  Her father reminded her, “It requires a certain amount of fieldwork necessary”

Teela frowned, “Yes, and its field work that I haven’t really had yet”

“Soon Teela” Her father assured her, “I promise you will get your chance”

“But when?”

“When its time, and time doesn’t come for anyone” 

Teela groaned but nodded, she would just have to keep waiting

“Have you seen Adam” Her father continued.

Just like that Teela’s demeanor faltered as she frowned and groaned, “No, probably late as usual. Honestly Father, why do I always co-train with him? Wouldn’t it be more productive to train with one of the other guards or Defenders?”.

“Because you two have grown up together and I think it’s a good pairing, keep him motivated”.

“Alright fine” 

Teela didn’t hate Adam, but she never thought he was any good at being a warrior or future protector of the realm let alone a Prince of the Kingdom. He always was just so lazy most of the time, gliding through life and never taking anything seriously. It just made her annoyed, especially when she had to work hard to get where she was today. How could some just so…Adam, be related to King Miro of all people, one would think the apple wouldn’t fall far from the tree but perhaps being third generation something got missing. 

Taking another breath Teela calmed herself as she continued to wait for Adam, hopefully, he wouldn’t be too late, she had a little surprise waiting for him anyway during this session. Grabbing her battle staff she thought she do some practice of her own as she waited for her next challenge to arrive.

Speaking of the young Prince.

Adam began to run tripping on himself as per usual, and finally made his way onto the field. It was still amazing to her that he managed to live with this long without hurting himself.

“Your late” Teela muttered.

“Yeah, well I was um…Doing….Prince stuff” 

Teela raised an eyebrow, “Prince stuff?”

“Yeah, prince stuff” 

“Like what?” Teela smirked.

“Eh, you know, meeting the people, public service” Adam lied, “All that good stuff”

Teela just rolled her eyes, not believing any of it but honestly wanting to get the practice over with so she could focus on her own studies. She had another exam coming up and needed to get top marks so she could make an officer. 

“Well, now that you’re here we can begin,” Her father the Man at Arms said as he walked up towards them now, “The usual round of basic training, get on a hoverboard and try to take the other down”

Teela smirked, she loved hoverboard training, something about floating and fighting had a certain thrill to it.

“Ready…My Prince” she chuckled.

“A joke” Adam smirked, “Finally rubbing off on yuh”

Teela ignored him she was gonna win again.

-000-

“Breath….Just breathe”.

Adam stood out in the palace courtyard. He tried to remain incredibly still as he tried to balance himself on the hover pad in the gardens of the Eternos palace, it was always a bit scary being a few feet above the air, but that wasn’t going to let that stop him

These sessions help him with the duties of royalty but also Teela’s own idea for self-defense, Adam couldn’t rely on a bodyguard all his life.

Turning to his side, two figures caught their eyes as they sat on the seating that oversaw the training arena. His mom and dad, the Crown Prince, and Crown Princess  Randor and Marlena are sitting there, observing him. His father in particular with that strong build, rugged-looking beard, everything befitting a king, while his mother was far calmer and gave a faint smile and waved, it was a calming gesture, but that didn’t make him any less nervous right now. He was horrified that he was going to embarrass himself in front of them like usual.

No, not this time.

This time though Adam was going to be going up against a few other guards as well. A few cadets that Teela had managed to round up to give the young prince an added challenge. Three against one sounded unfair but being out in the field wouldn’t always have things play fair. 

“Okay, you two” Duncan stood in between them as their referee, “Remember, no tricks, and play fair, this is a chance to prove your work”

“Yes sir!” Teela saluted.

“Alright! Get them!”

In an instant, Adam was already bombarded by the three soldiers, and he wasn’t ready. They were faster, and more intense, with years of training behind them as well as taking many of their lessons. 

Adam tried to dodge the attacks from each section, however, he was feeling overwhelmed, and the group was fast and crafty.   

Some people would argue it was cowardice but he was someone who defended and rarely attacked. However, Teela was also aggressive, the fire in her eye as she tried to get him to lose.

Adam first needed a new way to move. He needed a rhythm.

Rhythm! That was it!

Adam thought back playing his foot in the pub. He thought of the music playing in his ear the whole time. The way he felt when he was dancing to the beat. Soon he began to use that method as well. No longer was he just going for blunt fighting styles and dodges instead he was dancing. Dancing to a song in his head, and using it to beat back Teela’s offensives.  

“What are you doing?” Teela asked as she stepped back confused.

“Dancing” Adam smirked.

Teela was taken aback, “Dancing? Adam, we’re sparing not dancing”

“Fighting, dancing, it can be the same thing if you think about it” Adam responded with a smirk.

On the side of his eye, he could see his parents giving an impressed look, he was getting them to notice him. They were happy with his progress, he had to keep it up now. This was going to be his big chance.

Still, he was determined to stay on and this time beat them.

“Go, Adam!” Cringer cheered as he lay on the grass watching, “You can do…B-But be careful, oh dear”

“Come on Adam punch back already” Teela called striking again, she was the attacker, “This is a duel it requires two people to participate” 

“Strong defense is a good offense,” Adam said nagging Teela, “I can do this all day”

Teela smirked, “Oh yeah…Let’s see”

The other guards left and that just once again left Teela, and boy was she brutal, but Adam was managing to keep his own. 

Teela hovered over him and sighed before hopping off and holding out a hand, “Need some help”

“Thanks,” Adam muttered, taking it and standing up.

“Lasted longer” Teela smiled, patting his shoulder.

Adam sighed “Thanks? I guess?”

“Come on Adam, I’m serious you did well for once but you gotta learn to put some actual thought into your attacks. Can’t just wing it”. Teela gave him a light punch in the arm, it was a sign of affection coming from her.

Adam shook his head, “And you can use more winging you're stiff as board sometimes”

Suddenly a flash of smoke appeared as a tiny creature wearing a large red hat and robe arrived. He had long gangly blue-skinned hands and he was floating in mid-air, the robe hiding whatever legs he might have.  

“Wow, you guys were awesome!” They spoke in a high-pitched voice that sounded like a child.

“Orko!” Adam jumped, “Don’t scare me like that, ack!”

“Whoops sorry” Orko blushed, “Still, very awesome I was watching the whole thing, although I found it hard to root for both of you, heh, it made my head hurt”

Orko was another one of Adam’s close friends as well as the royal jester. He was a Trollan, a strange species and honestly the only one of his kind on Eternia at the moment. He was a gifted magician but sometimes his spells tend to be a little bit over the top for everyone to see.

“No, sorry…ugh, my neck” Adam rubbed the back of his neck, “Guess that’s my bad for not sleeping properly”

“Oooh, can I give you some of my mother’s Trollan ointment?” Orko conjured up a bottle?

Adam shook his head stepping back, “Oh no, I’m not taking another thing, remember what happened last time”

“I gave you flower potion, not lotion” Orko argued, “Besides this is my Uncle Montork’s old receipt, which helped with his back pain”.

Adam cricked his neck, “Nah, I’m good, I’ll get a hot towel later”

“Eh, humans and their hot towers” Orko muttered, “Nothing like good Trollan water”

“This is what happens when you party all night” Teela scolded

“Still lasted longer didn’t I” Adam smirked.

Teela rolled her eyes, “Yeah, well the enemy isn’t going to care or let you live…because you stayed up all night performing the Violin in front of everyone”

“I know I know-”

“Hey, don’t explain it to me” Teela pointed in the other direction.

Turning over he saw his parents looking at one another, their expression not proud, or angry, just disappointed. Adam felt his heart sink as he knew that they were talking about him, and probably how much of a disappointment he was. Despite telling him stuff he didn’t care, every time he saw them look, all that bravado went out the window, and oh boy did he start caring. 

Adam sighed, “Oh boy…Here we go”

“Adam!” Randor said with a stern face, his mother Queen Marlena, “A bit more reckless than usual today”

Adam grimaced, “Sorry Dad, I uh…” he wanted to say sleepy but he knew that was not going to work, “I’ll do better next time I guess”

“You’re lucky you get the next time-”

“I know, I know….” Adam rubbed his head, “The evil will…yeah, yeah, yeah, what evil! We haven’t had any evil hear in decades! What could we possibly be scared of”

Before Adam could do anything his mother grabbed his father’s sword and nearly nicked him with it. He managed to step back before getting kicked in the shin by his mother. The tip of a sword was now near his neck.

“I think something like that is what you should be scared of son” Marlena smirked.

“Mom! That’s not fair” Adam whined.

Marlena shook her head, “You’ll find many things in life aren’t fair, but you have to make the best of it and sometimes make them fair. Any enemies you might have won’t be playing fair I assure you”.

“I…Uh…Ok” Adam groaned.

Randor frowned, “Adam…Just…Just try to focus okay son, I know you are capable if you focus”

“I know Father” Adam sighed, “I’ll do better”

Randor sighed patting his shoulder, “I know…You are improving”

Adam smiled, happy to get a bit of encouragement. 

“Majesties”

Soon one of the guards came down from the palace and rushed over to the group.

“What is it soldier,” Randor asked.

The soldier stood at attention and saluted, “Prince Randor, Prince Adam…King Miro has summoned you to the throne room, immediately”

Adam gulped if his Grandfather was summoning him, then he knew this couldn’t be good.

King Miro awaited them.

-000-

Adam felt a sense of dread as the massive doors to the throne room opened and there at the end of the hall was the old man of Eternia himself waiting for them, with his long gray beard, and a scar running down his entire face. Dressed, from head to toe in the armor of gold and green, while a massive staff was held in hand.

King Miro, was the founder of the Grayskull Dynasty and the grand old man of Ethernia.

The old King of Eternia was hitting Eighty now, yet despite his age, withered face, and long white beard he did not look like a man in decay. 

No, instead he was grizzled, seeing many battles, the man who united the people of Eternia under one single banner and created the first United Kingdom in generations. He always looked like he had a scowl on his face, and a scar going across his face.  But still, he was getting on in years, needing a cane to walk, wearing his heavy armor, but sharp as a tack and scary to behold.

That was how Adam felt as his family and Teela and Orko arrived at the throne room. While he loved his Grandfather, he was also terrified of him. That imposing presence of a man who had done far more than he ever did, who wouldn’t be intimidated. It was one of the reasons he was rarely invited to family dinners in their private apartment in the palace. Also, his mother hated him with a passion, a sign of her dedication to love towards his father.

“Don’t worry Adam I’m sure it’s only good things” Cringer said keeping close to him.

“Yeah Cringe, but I don’t have a good feeling”

The King was currently in a meeting with two of the lords of the distance realm under the Eternian banner as well as members of the Council. One is the rulers of Subternia, the leader of the Splenean Lord Dactys, and the leader of the Caligars Ceratus. Both looked how Adam felt, nervous and unsure as the old King gave them a stern look that came from years of experience and a certain amount of authority that only he Miro could muster.

The Calligers and Splean had been rivals for a long time, and despite being a united planet there were still the occasional skirmishes beyond the realms. The underground civilizations tended to be rougher areas than most, hence the tension. Of course, that is where King Miro would step in and ensure that ‘peace and stability’ would prevail.

“So let’s make sure we all understand each other” Miro spoke, voice booming and commanding, befitting of a king of his stature, “These will be the boarders, your people are allowed to pass freely on both of them if they wish, and an Eternian guard shall ensure unbiased supervision. Does that sound fair to you all”

The two leaders looked at one another and nodded.

“Agreed King Miro,” Lord Dactys said.

“Yes my King, these are good terms to ensure tensions simmer down” Ceratus added.

Miro nodded smirking, “Good, I’m glad we as rational lords of our respected realms can see things with sense and dignity, instead of squabbling away like children” his eyes turned to Adam and the others, “Speaking off…I need to tend to personal matters, my guards will escort you out, good day my friends”

Both leaders bowed as they passed by giving Randor a respectable nod.

Despite the peace that  King Miro had imposed Adam always had the sense that the united Eternian Kingdom was held together through his grandfather’s sheer willpower alone. Each realm had its own laws and traditions that were allowed to be upheld, some even had their own defense forces. While the United Eterian army was more used for Peacekeeping and apparently to keep the peace in case something beyond the stars struck. Though for the most part, they were used to deal with local disputes between realms should diplomacy be broken?

Although Adam felt in some cases it was just his grandfather imposing his will on those lords who would come to heel.

The man even at an old age managed to impose a sense of power and authority that no one else could seem to muster nor anyone ever could. It was something that he worried about the day his Grandfather passed, for while Adam knew his father was kind, was he tough enough to be the King?

“Father” Randor bowed getting to his knees giving a look of hope that he’d get the approval of the King.

“Son” Miro huffed.

“Your majesty” Teela bowed deeply like the respectable soldier she was.

“Guard Teela, your father sends me excellent reports on your progress, very good work,” King Miro said giving the faintest of faint smiles at her, “Eternia needs clever people like you to lead it into the future, truly worthy of succeeding your father one day when the time comes”

Teela gave a small squeak as King Miro said her name, trying to hold back a smile but Adam could tell that just that tiny complement probably made her entire year. She’d probably go outside later and stim the heck of herself to let out all that energy.

“Kiss up” Adam muttered.

Teela smacked him lightly, “Shut it”

Adam sighed as he approached the throne and gave a light bow.

The throne room itself was massive, with two large chairs of pure gold that sat at the end of a large hall.  One was for the passed queen, Adam’s grandmother, leaving Miro to sit alone in solitude. He always looked so isolated, and old, yet still as hard as a rock. The unwavering stone upon which this entire kingdom and era of Eternia had been forged.  

“Hey, Gramps”. 

Miro snorted like a beast of a man and Adam recoiled.

“Not in the mood today” Adam muttered before bowing, “Grandfather”

“Father” Randor interjected standing up, “I have read over the details of Avorians and have managed to design their dialect perfectly, I believe…

“Did my diplomats check your result?” King Miro interjected.

Randor seemed surprised but nodded, “Yes, yes they did, they said they were excellent”.

“And do you know why”

“Um…” Randor seemed visibly confused, “Because they were correct”

“No! You are the crown prince and no one is going to contradict royalty, never trust diplomats they will be sycophantic and say yes to anything you do. Give them to me, I’ll make sure they’ve been done right, and I’ll tell if you mucked it up as well”

Randor seemed taken aback and sighed, Adam hated how his grandfather would call his father boy, not only was it demeaning the man was in his forties. Yet his grandfather, the great King Miro still treated his adult son like a mere child who needed to be scolded. 

“Now question what is coming up soon in a few days,” Miro asked as if nothing had happened.

“Your birthday Father” Randor answered 

“I didn’t ask you, boy!” Miro responded sternly.

“Now….what is the significance of that day” Miro eyed Adam directly now

Adam felt nervous as he spoke, “Um, you become a year older?”

“Yes, and that means….”

Adam didn’t seem sure just what he was supposed to answer, because his Grandfather always gave these vague questions with answers he wanted specifically but never seemed to be blunt about. That normally meant he was trying to teach some lesson but wasn’t sure how to teach it.

“It means…You get old”

“It means I am one year closer to death!” Miro boomed slamming his cane, “And everything that we have built could crumble down easily if the line of succession was mishandled. So long as we have these withering and decaying forms, death will always be the greatest unbeatable enemy”.

“Okay…But isn’t that dad’s problem” Adam pointed to his father, ignoring his grandfather’s creepy ramblings on death “No offense Dad, sure you’re going to make a great king but, grandfather shouldn’t you focus on him instead?”

“Randor has nothing more to prove I’m sure he was a competent ruler once I’m dead maintaining the status quo…I’ve taught him as such, least he won’t ruin himself like others I’ve known in my life” Miro eyed Randor as if there was an unspoken conversation happening between the two of them before continuing, his voice booming and commanding “Being there by my side helps, but you Adam will be the next generation after me, and that is when things start to worry me”.

Adam grimaced and grumbled. “Great, more pressure on me” he turned to see his Mother frown, she was always at odds with Grandfather.

“The pressure is ensuring what was built does not come to collapse” Miro insisted glaring at his grandson, “Ensuring that the peace and perfection I strive for does not waver, and since I cannot do it myself. I must hope that others will continue…Believe me…It is agonizing to know one’s legacy is out of one's own hands. Knowing everything you accomplished can be swept aside or wores, undone by the wrong person”.

“We know Grandfather” Adam rolled his eyes, “You, history books, the entire education system tells that story, it’s kinda why we live here in a big palace”

“Don’t chuckle, boy” Miro hissed, “You wouldn’t survive in those dark days, the culmination of centuries of chaos, and civil war, Eternia is lucky to have survived at all. You all would have died. ” He sat back down on the throne, “But not me….No….I survived. I did not not die”

Adam sighed and nodded.

“Sorry Grandfather” Adam groaned, “And happy early birthday I guess”

King Miro always talked about the dark days before he established the Kingdom, how Etenria was always at war with one another on and off for centuries. Each land and fealty battling each other, nothing uniting them, nothing is keeping them together. Something though always felt fishy about it in Adam’s mind and given his grandfather’s demeanor something akin to an iron hand probably was what was keeping this Kingdom together in some ways. His mother Marlena hoped that when his father became King perhaps some of the more stringent rules would ease even more, although Randor had been reforming things as his grandfather got older.

“I’ve heard reports of you spending time in the pubs of Eternos” Miro paced around the room now, the sound of his cane clanging on the ground, “Pubs, that is where the local popular reside, we were once like them you know”

Adam nodded, “I know you’ve told us, you were just a local village man”

“Indeed I was, and on the one hand I am glad you are willing to spend time with our subjects, I fear that my children may have lost touch with our humble heritage,” Miro said glaring at Randor again before continuing to pace, “We need to connect with them, for we were once them, and it was an upbringing that allowed me to unite the people”

“I know Grandfather” Adam nodded.

“But while I too drank in pubs from time to time in my youth I also had initiative! I took my wits and used them to take charge when it was needed” 

“Yes Grandfather” Adam sighed.

The story was always the same, the one humble local villager Miro near the ruins of the old Castle Grayskull who united the people when a dark wizard named Miro tried to unite the realm. Of course the details of how that happened changed depending on who you asked. Even the King himself changed the story from time to time. Although there were still scars from those wars.

“You are twenty-one Adam, at your age, I had built and cultivated my land to farm and in a few years I would be leading the Kingdoms to war against evil and win!” Miro looked at Adam with a stern expression of disapproval, “What have you accomplished so far”

Marlena interjected now looking upset, “He’s just a boy”

“He is an adult!” Miro countered

“Fine but everyone goes at their own pace”  

Miro scowled, “But not at the pace needed to be a ruler. Look at young Teela, young and well on her way to succeeding Duncan as Man at Arms when it’s time”

Adam turned to see Teela embarrassed but a bit happy to be getting the praise.

Miro took a deep breath as if trying to recenter himself before speaking.

“When you become King Adam, Eternia will either enter a new golden age, or it will burn, for in the end, my legacy is what you will do and what you're successors and what your successors will do. Sadly I would not even be around to advise them, for that is the curse of death”.

“Don’t you mean my kids?” Adam asked.

Miro shrugged, “There is no law that said one’s heir has to be related by blood”

“That’s not fair” Marlena replied stepping up now, “Randor still has many years in him to enter that age too, and pass it to our son”.

“Oh, I’m sure good things will happen Marlena” Miro waved her off, “But we are two generations of royals now, I need to make ready for the far future, not just the near one. That is why I’m not sure Adam if you have what it takes to be King, where is your potential, where you spark”.

“Spark, Grand…Grandfather, I’m not gonna be king for many years”

“Doesn’t matter….King, Prince, you are the future Adam regardless of how long Randor reigns if you can’t shape up then it will be for nothing. Yet you have nothing in your name worth mentioning”.

Marlena huffed, “Way to put your son down”

“It’s okay Marlena” Randor took her hand, “Father is right Adam, you’ll be king after me and will lead the next generation, I hope you show initiative in that”

“Listen to your father for once my boy” Miro responded, “Believe me, something is coming…I don’t know what but I can feel it in my old bones, and I want to know that everything I built will be safe…Don’t become a lazy prince, Adam, our planet could not survive that”. He took a deep sigh before waving them off, “Go now children, I must speak to the Crown Prince and Princess immediately”

Adam huffed and nodded, Teela and Orko following him outside the throne, honestly, he was just glad to be out of there. Miro had a way with words that weren’t the most positive.

“Adam!” Miro called causing him to pause.

Adam turned to look nervous, “Yes Grandfather”

Miro gave him a stern look, “You are a Grayskull…Now start acting like it”

The last thing Adam saw was the King sitting down with a saddened expression on his face. Something must have worried him greatly, thought about what he didn’t know and didn’t want to think about it too much at the moment.

Once outside the throne room, Adam took a deep sigh, he was glad that one of his many fine conversations with his grandfather was over. They never ended well anyway, normally with some sort of backhanded compliment or seeing his father being drilled down for being “adequate” or “mediocre”. It was not like he hated his Grandfather, far from it, the man had done much for Eternia, but his parenting style was well…Terrible or not great. 

“Okay so, I was wrong, it didn’t go so well” Cringe muttered, looking down as he kept close to Adam his tail brushing up against him.

“ Grayskull, goddess, it was the name you gave yourself after you became King,” Adam thought to himself, trying to get over his grandfather’s words.

“King seemed extra grumpy today” Orko sighed, “None of my magic acts seem to be working”

Adam rolled his eyes as he leaned against the wall, “I don’t know if my Grandpa is capable of laughter, anyway now that that’s over I’m off to the pub, care to join me”

“What no! I have the training to do!” Teela huffed.

“Oh come on T lighten up a little” Adam smirked.

“I’m a soldier I don’t have time for drinks”

“I see plenty of soldiers at the pub, and even talk to some of them” Adam huffed, “Besides you get off duty eventually, right? You do take breaks I would hope”

“Oh, a party!” Orko responded grabbing Teela’s and as he rushed off dragging, “Come on let’s go!”

“Wait…Orko!”

Adam snickered, “Ah come on, you’ll love it, trust me”

Teela groaned.

“Also you’re my bodyguard so…You kinda have no choice in the matter” Adam snickered.

Teela groaned louder.

“Oh I don’t know Adam,” Cringer seemed unsure, “Those places always seem unsavory sometimes”

“Eh, not this one Cringe, it’s fun, plus you get to see me perform”.

-000-

The Stage, Adam always felt happy hear, second only to the kitchen.

After a day of lectures and history, Adam wanted some time to relax. What better way than by taking Teela and Orko to The Lucky Kitten, the pub was full of local customers, all of them clapping as he was in the middle of his performance, dancing to the tone of his music. Everything about this was perfect, the adoration yes but because he was doing something he loved, he was himself, not a prince, not a future.

Just Adam.

He was always happy when he was just Adam. Instrument in hand he played it as loud as he could to the crowd in front of him. The lyrics go with the beat of this flute.  It just made him happy, he loved music from a young age and when he got to express it he was at his best. 

“Go, Adam!” One patrol in the pub shouted.

“You go, boy!”

“Woo hoo!”

Adam stepped up the pace as his song continued, the cheering elated him. He could feel the love here tonight.

The pub itself was full tonight, filled with normal patrons from all over Eternos. The fun atmosphere and cheerful public made it always fun for Adam to be here, relaxed and appreciated for a talent that he enjoyed using. Far more fun than the stuffiness of the palace with all its rules, training, and all the other stuff he had to deal with as a future prince. His music filled the halls and the joyous feel was growing with every musical beat he did until it crescendoed into one final chord and then stopped.

“Thank you, thank you!” Adam bowed as he finished the music, “You’re all a lovely audience!”

Waving to a few adoring crowds he joined Teela and Orko at a private booth again, a wide grin on his face. His friends, however, were just giving him a disapproving look that was bringing down the mood.

“What?” Adam asked.

Teela sighed, “Is this what you want to do with your life Adam, you’re the future King, and you hang out all day singing songs and dancing in front of drunks…”

“First off some of these people are well-working citizens” Adam pointed to a few, “We have George the local school teacher, who just got married to a handsome-looking man, then we have Andria the smith, she celebrating big order shields and army to the Eterian army, Lance and…

“Okay, okay…” Teela stopped him, “They aren’t just drunks, but still….”

“Father said I should spend time with the people and that’s what I do” Adam responded, “I’m with the people and I hang out with them, don’t know why Dad thinks it has to be a big deal. Besides I’m happy here. Doing this, one of the few times I can be of some use to folks”

“Because hanging out with people and being a leader and future King are two very different things” Teela argued, her expression becoming one of annoyance., “Which is what I think King Miro is worried about”

“Alright, alright….” Adam sat back in his booth, “Yeesh you don’t have to be such a party pooper”

“Future Man or I guess Woman…Or Person of Arms…” Teela paused to think about it before shaking off, “Well future secondhand to the King and head of the Eternian Guard don’t have time for parties”

“No wonder you’re a stick in the mud” Adam muttered.

“Hey, I still have my staff and I still can hit you in the head with it”

“Fine, fine…You’re no fun”

Teela scoffed, “I can be fun…When I want…Just…Don’t choose to be right now”

“Because you can’t” Adam stuck out his tongue. 

Teela took his tongue and pinched it hard, “Wanna say that again”

“Okay…Okay….I give”

Teela let go allowing Adam to feel his tongue again, at least what little of it he could again.

“Look, Adam, all I’m saying is you are the future King one day, and you’ll have to be more than just a party playboy going around pubs playing your flute”

“That’s a long way away” Adam sneered, not wanting to think about that day.

“But don’t you want more in life than this?”

“What’s wrong with what I have now? I’m happy, shouldn’t that be enough”

Teela groaned, rubbing her head, “You’re impossible sometimes you know that”

Leaning back Adam just sighed, no one seemed to get him, not his grandfather, parents, not even his friends. Why was it so important to start stepping up now, he was third in line for the throne, and honestly, it felt like his grandfather was going to live for a very long time. If his father had long-lasting genes he wouldn’t be king until he started getting gray hair. What was wrong with having a little fun and just enjoying life to its fullest? Better than sitting in a stuffy palace all the time, learning about ancient history and ancient civilization that once dominated the planet, it held no interest to him. 

Not that he was against people learning, of course not learning what he wished, but that sort of academic stuff was not for him.

Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw the three thugs from earlier enter the pub, they were talking to one another.

“I say tonight we teach that Gar a lesson and burn his stand down,” The one called Zick said.

“Then let’s do it now, while everyone is distracted”

The thugs began to get up and sneak off, heading toward the door while no one else was looking

Adam’s eyes narrowed as he began getting up, “Excuse me”

“Hey, where you going?” Orko asked.

Adam didn’t even answer he began to head towards the exit outside the pub, and the back alley of the place. It was cold and dark, his eyes were slowly adjusting but he could see the outline of the three thugs begin to make their way out.

-000-

“Hey!” Adam shouted in anger

They all stopped at once as his voice echoed down the alley and turned around to face him. Adam had stepped outside to the dark corner alleyway near the Lucky Kitty, Eternos was pretty dark with only the torchlight to illuminate the city streets. It would have been dangerous for any royal to be out here this late at night but Adam wasn’t just any royal, at least that’s what he liked to think at least.

The lead thug Zlick paused for a moment and slowly looked at Adam as he recognized him and began to approach.

“So, the young Prince is back, dangerous for royals in the middle of the night” Zlick sneered as he slowly walked up to him

Adam clenched his fist, “You’re not gonna hurt Mr. Oppenheimer’s stand”

“Oh yeah, who’s gonna stop me” 

“Me”  Adam cracked his knuckles.

“You! How!”

Adam glared, “I don’t like bullies”

Perhaps it was foolish to let his own pride in protecting a friend get the best of him but he just hated seeing bullies, many considered it one of his finer qualities. Was he a party animal who didn’t take much seriously, very much so, but when it came to his friends he always wanted to have their backs no matter what, and this was one time he was gonna defend his friends?

Zlick sighed, “Your funeral” With a clenched fist he struck but Adam managed to dodge causing the thug to fumble and miss.

The other two thugs joined in as Adam dodged them, he couldn’t attack but he certainly could dodge. Much like his duel with Teela he played defense and didn’t attack but unlike his duel with her, he had a feeling they wouldn’t get the upper hand over him. Thankfully he was right for the thugs were uncoordinated and gangly.

Which was good because it would mean they would burn out sooner rather than later.

Adam knew when to not push too hard, and go with the flow. He just let himself avoid the punches as much as possible, seeing just the muscle behind the thug. The two members of his gang tried to get involved but they were just as uncoordinated as he was in all aspects. 

“Fight back you coward” Zlick sneered tossing a punch.

“Why I’m winning right now” Adam snickered dodging a punch.

“Coward”

“Or just smarter”

The dimly lit alley reverberated with the shuffling of feet and heavy breathing as two more thugs lunged towards him. Their movements were clumsy, a testament to their naivety in the art of combat. With a swift sidestep, he evaded their misguided assault, sending them careening into each other with an audible clash of bodies.

Seizing the opportunity, he exploited their momentary disarray, delivering a series of calculated blows that left them staggering. Their uncoordinated attempts to retaliate only escalated the situation, ensuring that their inevitable defeat loomed closer with each passing moment.

As the trio of thugs regrouped, a tense anticipation hung in the air. Their shared determination to overcome their adversary was palpable, but their lack of skill betrayed them. In unison, they readied themselves for another desperate attack, hoping to turn the tide in their favor.

Just as the tension reached its peak, a sudden, sharp SNAP reverberated through the alley. The trio's coordinated assault came to an abrupt halt as their bodies crumpled to the unforgiving pavement. Teela emerged from the shadows, a stoic figure with a staff in hand. The echo of her decisive action lingered, signaling the end of the confrontation. The alley fell silent, save for the distant sounds of the city, as the defeated thugs lay sprawled on the ground, their ill-fated plans thwarted by the swift and skilled intervention of Teela.

“Need help?”

“I was dealing with it” Adam argued.

“I don’t know Adam they seemed to have yuh cornered” Orko zoomed in looking at the whole scene from up high, “I mean you're were holding them off but for how long?”

Adam rubbed his forehead in exhaustion, “Well if you had let me continue my plan of offense, defense…”

“Oh this offense, defense stuff again, the good defense is an offense, Adam, just strike them when they’re down” Teela argued.

“Well, I…”

“My, my, my…This is quite a sight” An old raspy voice came, Adam took a moment to see it was the old lady from this morning, “You sure did a number on them young prince didn’t even toss a punch”

“Uh, I knocked them out actually” Teela scoffed.

“Yes, but if the Prince hadn’t distracted them then they wouldn’t have seen you coming” The old lady replied, “That to me is a unique skill that you don’t see in warriors these days, nope, haven’t seen them in my days”

“Right,” Teela took a step back, “This is getting weird”

“Look, lady, it’s dark you shouldn’t be here,” Adam said taking a step forward.

“Oh but I should because I want to show you something, if you’d come with me of course”

Teela stepped in front of Adam now staff at the ready, “Uh, old ladies asking young Prince to follow them at night is never a good idea”

“Your friends can come along too you know,” The old woman said.

Adam seemed taken aback.

“Yeah, I don’t wanna go either” Teela hissed.

“Hey, it could be fun” Orko suggested.

“Yeah, no” Teela frowned.

Adam sighed, “Look lady we-”

“Sorry but I really must insist” 

Raising her bony hand the old lady snapped her fingers and Prince Adam felt himself slowly becoming woozy and very sleepy, something was very much amiss here and all of a sudden, everything blacked out. He was completely and utterly, sound asleep.

Chapter Text

Snake Mountain!

Long ago this was a mighty fortress of the great King Hiss, an overlord of a race called The Snake Men. A powerful force that nearly dominated the entire planet before they disappeared into nothingness. But this mighty fortress carved into a volcanic mountain as a snake was their greatest monument and the last remains of a great and powerful empire. It was also here that Skeletor made his lair after being banished to the dark hemisphere years ago.

The eerie glow of dim torchlight illuminated the scenes unfolding within Snake Mountain's subterranean chambers. Evil-Lyn traversed the halls of this ancient place, wondering where her life had gone to get her to this place. It was old and run down, but its foundations were still as strong as ever. A testament to the fact that Skeletor had decided to make this his lair. However, it was also a testament to the fact that as usual, the Evil Warriors were just picking up the scraps of those who had come before.

The other Evil Warriors though have managed to make this their home and they have managed to build their little community here. Far off from the rest of Eternos and the reign of King Miro. Evil-Lyn witnessed some of this as he watched four warriors, the fury clade Beast Man, the idiotic Karokoni Clawful, the blundering Calagar Whiplash, and mutated stunk Stinkor all trying to play cards along with the Aquatacian.

The key word of course is, trying.

“Uh…anyone got any threes,” Beastman said.

“Go fish!” Whiplash muttered.

Merman frowned, “I feel offended right now”

“What that’s the name of the game?” Whiplash argued

“Yes, and it’s offensive, do we even get any Eternians from it, were we ever consulted, it could be hurtful you know”

Whiplash frowned, “You’re just saying it cuz you losing”

“Yes, but that’s beside the point!”

“Uh, what one is three again?” Clawful scratched his head confused and annoyed

Stinkor groaned, “Why do you join the games if you have a clue how to count to zero”

“I can count to zero!”

“You can barely speak let alone count” Merman added, leaning to Stinkor, “Last week saw this guy take three whole minutes to figure out to say hello while I passed him by the hall”

“Hey, give the poor guy a break he’s trying,” Whiplash said.

“Heh, takes an idiot to know an idiot am I right” Merman snickered.

Clawful took a moment to think it through, his face contorting, “Uh…one …oh wait wait comes before Zero?”

“I prove my point!” Stinkor groaned

Whiplash shook his head, and pointed to one of the cards in Whiplash’s head “That one”

“Oh….I don’t get it”

“Don’t worry I’ll help yuh”

Clawful blushed as he gave Whiplash a sweet smile. Evil-Lyn always suspected something more between the two, not that she cared. Both were idiots who deserved each other.

Evil-Lyn sighed, it had been like this for nearly twenty-one years, twenty-one years of mulling around this place with a so-called ‘community of evil’  or even more intimate ‘evil family’ had grown tiresome. When she joined all those years ago she wished for a life of conquest, glory, and power. Instead, she found herself spending most of her time babysitting a conglomerate of idiots that the leader of the gang had gathered over the years.

Turning to another hall she heard loud cleaning and annoyed muttering coming from another room, peaking her head she saw Tri-Klops the team mechanic working on something. He seemed rather annoyed as he swiftly moved various tools and machines on something with his cybernetic headpiece. Her curiosity was getting the better of her as she walked in.

“Ugh, curse you Skeletor, handing me another ungratifying job” He muttered to himself as he was deep into picking at something, “Why on Eternia does he think this is going to bring him victory is beyond me!”

Evil-Lyn just leaned back as she continued to watch the wily mechanic do whatever it was he did. Tri-Klops for all intended purposes was number three in the unofficial hierarchy of the Evil Warriors. A brilliant technician, he built several machines that Skeletor had tried and failed to use in the past to free themselves from the Dark Hemisphere. Along with him was Trap Jaw, a half-cyborg gar, who had many modifications made to his jaw and arm to increase his strength and 

“Seriously, it’s always Nyee Tri-Klops build this or, Nyee Tri-Klops build that”, Tri-Klops tried his best to imitate Skeletor annoying nasally voice, “ Never a thank you, nothing, and yet when he barely uses the remote, I’m the one who suffers for it”

“Yeesh do you do nothing but whine” Trap Jaw muttered as he handed him more equipment, “Seriously you’ve done nothing but complaint all day”.

“Well, you constantly be pressured every day by the bonehead with constant ridiculous inventions, and now the heck whatever this abomination is”.

“Hey, the boss barks at me too, don’t see me whining about it” Trap Jaw argued.

Tri-Klops groaned, “Yeah, to blast things I am constantly given notes and criticism on my wonderful inventions. Then he thinks he just invented the whole thing himself and then we always end up having to clean up”

“Don’t we make Beastman do it” 

“It’s still annoying to trick him with treats” Tri-Klops shouted, “The point is my head hurt and I need something to drink”

“Busy with something” Evil-Lyn snickered as she finally walked into the conversation.

Tri-Klops jumped, dropping his tools before glaring back at her, “What do you want Evil-Lyn can’t you see I’m busy here”.

“I can tell, you’ve been busy the last few days, talking to Skeletor and plotting something with him without my input”

“Skeletor doesn’t always consult you for everything” Tri-Klops hissed, “Not that he tells me anything worthwhile either”

Evil-Lyn sneered as she was about to lift the town that covered what he was working on 

“DON’T TOUCH THAT!”

Evil-Lyn seemed taken aback, “And why not”

“Skeletor doesn’t want anyone to know until he’s ready to make his grand reveal, something about wanting to end a dramatic moment”

“Of course he does” Evil-Lyn rolled her eyes, she had seen plenty of Skeletor’s dramatic moments and they never ended up well in the first place

“Please, he’ll kill me” Tri Klops begged.

“No, he won’t” Evil-Lyn sighed, knowing Skeletor’s bark was worse than his bite.

Tri Klops frowned, “Okay fine, he won’t, but I’ll still have to hear one of his many rants about this that, and the other thing if I showed anyone until it’s ready…Honestly I would rather be killed, please kill me”.

“No!”

“Then talk to him, please! End this suffering, it’s bad enough ever since Beastman moved into the room next to me! Do you know how bad his fur smells? He never bathes! Ever!”

“Fine!” Evil-Lyn sneered as she walked off, “I’ll ask him myself”

Whatever Skeletor was planning was becoming annoying to her no knowing, she had killed her father just to know. Not that it would have taken much for her to get him to talk, a few threats here and there and he would begin blathering. Or just getting him to speak in general and eventually, he’ll spill, whatever came first really.

Stepping out of the workshop she shockingly (Not) found Skeletor sitting in the throne room at the very heart of the mountain. There he sat on top of a throne in the shape of a serpent about to devour their pray The former ruler of this place, King Hiss, certainly had an undeniable motif, but for the Evil 

Warriors, it was adequate.

Skeletor for his part was obsessing at the Sword of Darkness, the weapon they had stolen from her father. He admired the thing and all its so-called power and glory, drawing him in. He probably didn’t even know she was in the same room as him.

A wicked grin spread across her face as Evil-Lyn decided to use this to sneak up on the leader of the Evil Warriors. She slowly walked to the throne’s side and climbed up to the top so that she was standing right behind him as she gently tapped his shoulder.

“SKELETOR!”

Skeletor jumped almost dropping the sword, fumbling for a bit before regaining his composure to notice her and glare, “NYAAA!! What! Who! Oh… Don’t sneak up on me like that Evil-Lyn, you know how much I hate it!”

“Yes, that’s why I do it” Evil-Lyn smirked back, she loved toying with him.

“Yes, well, don’t do it again unless you want consequences next time” Skeletor glared at her but ignored it.

Evil-Lyn chuckled. “Consequences, right? HA!” 

Their relationship had always been this way ever since the two of them met. Despite being called the “Overlord of Evil” and leader of the Evil Warriors, Evil-Lyn knew Skeletor could easily be a pushover when it came to her. A lot of his bark was worse than his bight at least when it came to his threats against his minions 

Though his enemies sometimes actually got a bight.

“You’ve been focusing on admiring that sword ever since you got it” She pointed to the sword, 

“Of course, I am admiring it, isn’t it amazing Evil-Lyn a true work of evil art from a time long before any of us or our ancestors were born? Made from material and magic that have been lost to the ages, blessed by ancient spirits of evil, now returned and entrenched in my hand” Skeletor said looking upon the sword, giggling with insane glee,  “This sword is the key, what will finally take our decades of stagnation and finally be the push we need for not only our grand return but to our ultimate victory over all who oppose it! To finally bring an end to the royal family and achieve solid victory once and for all!”

Evil-Lyn seemed taken aback but mesmerized nonetheless.

“It still looks like just a very long sword to me” 

“Just a sword” Skeletor chastised her, “Then truly gaze upon it Evil-Lyn, the craftmanship alone is enough too…

Evil-Lyn glared at him, for she didn’t care about this.

“Right…” Skeletor put the sword down and looked up at her, “Do not fear my dear Evil-Lyn, that will come to fruition soon” Holding out his free hand he summoned forth his other weapon, the Havoc Staff, his primary source of magic before standing up, “I didn’t get the Sword of Darkness as just simple tickets to a collection of artifacts. It too has a purpose that will lead to my ultimate goal: the total conquest and subjugation of all Eternia and bringing humiliation to the Grayskull family!”

“And exactly how will this sword give us all that you haven’t given us specifics,” Evil-Lyn said, giving Skeletor a skeptical look, “All we’ve done is take that thing from the faceless one and…”

“You killed him” Skeletor finished her sentence, giving Evil-Lyn a wily grin, “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it just a little, snuffing your old man, I mean come on, realizing the dream. The death of your father was something you’ve desired since we were young”.

Evil-Lyn huffed.

“Ha! Knew it!” Skeletor wagged his finger, “Don’t lie to me Evil-Lyn, trust me, this is going to be the plan that will lead to our ultimate comeback. Well, mostly my ultimate comeback but you’ll be there too I assure you”.

“How? Will it break us free from that accursed mystique wall?” 

“Indeed”

Evil-Lyn seemed taken aback. “Wait really?

The Mystic Wall, the magical barrier that kept her and the others trapped here in the dark hemisphere of Eternia with all the other undesirables that great King Miro had trapped over the years. Said to be created by a sorceress of great power. For the last few decades, Skeletor had been trying to break them free from the place, year upon year of failure and disappointment. It had driven her to the point of wanting to just leave the group, but something always held her back, for she had nowhere really to go especially now.

“What? I can have smart plans you know” Skeletor huffed, “But yes this sword is enshrined with a dark power that counters the magic that keeps us here. Despite what it might seem my dear Evil-Lyn, I have done my research”.

Evil-Lyn shook her head and groaned, “Yes well I’ll see it when I believe it”

“Well believe no more Evil-Lyn, for now, it is time to reveal my plan…BEHOLD!”

Evil-Lyn waited for something to happen, but nothing did.

Skeletor paused for a moment before sneering, “I said…BEHOLD”

Again nothing napped.

“Tri-Klops!” Skeletor shouted, “When I say behold I need something for Evil-Lyn to behold so BEHOLD!”

With an annoyed grunt, Tri-Klops came in with the same covered table from before, “Alright, alright, I heard yuh, yeesh, this thing is delicate, I can’t just get this thing moving you know”

“Yes well I’m trying to create dramatic tension here. get this thing to build up and you're killing the moment!” Skeletor huffed as he strutted over to him, “Come Evil-Lyn, it is time to BEHOLD what I am doing”

“Which is what exactly?” Evil-Lyn looked at the strange table

Skeletor took a deep breath “Okay, one more time…. BEHOLD!”

Lifting the veil Skeletor revealed what Evil-Lyn could only describe as a rotting-looking corpse. A strange light blue skin created with a mask covering their face. The mask itself was the skull of what looked to be a beaked-like creature with horns on the side of its head. It was probably the strangest thing Evil-Lyn had ever seen.

“Do you know what this is Evil-Lyn?” Skeletor snickered.

“A disgusting rotting corps” Evil-Lyn groaned.

Skeletor groaned, “No! Well okay yes! It is a disgusting rotting corps, but a disgusting rotting corps that will lead me to victory!”  

“How?” Evil-Lyn groaned, “I ask knowing I’ll hate what I hear”

“With this…” Skeletor held up the sword, “The Sword of Darkness isn’t just a sword made of ancient metal and steal, it also has other interesting abilities. Tri-Klops here spent a great deal rebuilding this random corps of a warrior long gone, but watch, this sword defies death itself!”

Skeletor held the sword over the corpse, Evil-Lyn watched as the thing began to glow a dark shade of purple. Dark magic in all of its majesty and glory, the kind of magic her father had forbidden her to learn when she was a child. Even after years of using it as an adult seeing it in action gave her a wonderful sense of joy.

“Watch as this once mighty warrior of Count Marzo is reforged!”

Finally, the dark magic began to affect the corpse as it began to rise, the bones resewing themselves together as it began to come to life. While the corpse’s rotting did not vanish it was enough to restore the thing to some semblance of life as it now stood before them, half dead, and half alive. Living dead in all glory.

“Okay so it’s not back to life-life, but this is good enough for what I need”

Evil-Lyn looked at the creature with disgust, “What is that thing”

“Yes, yes!” Skeletor beamed with excitement, “One more time…Behold….The Skelecon!”

Evil-Lyn was confused, “The what?”

“The Skelecon!” Skeletor declared with excitement, “The rotting corpses of the Gar army that Count Marzo used to conquer Eternia, we found one in the depths of the Fire Sands and brought it here, Tri-Klops had been trying to repair as much damage as possible before the Sword of Darkness did the rest! It will be the foot soldier of my army to take down the King and rule Eternia finally!”

“The name is stupid if you ask me” Tri-Klops huffed.

Skeletor groaned, “They are the footmen of Skeletor and shall be given a title worthy of it”.

“So like I said a stupid name, probably weren’t called that when they were alive”

“Yeah well, they’re gonna be called that when they’re dead”  Skeletor huffed ending the discussion, “Not like they care any way they’re a bunch of dead of Gar that joined Marzo. Now they shall serve me! Skeletor! Overlord of Evil! Now…”

“If you say behold one more time” Evil-Lyn snarled through gritted teeth.

Skeletor scoffed and then groaned, “Fine…Watch…Skelecon, kneel before your lord and master”

Evil-Lyn watched as the corpse began to kneel, groaning as it lowered its head.  The thing was disgusting, to say the least, she was not quite sure just what on earth that thing could do to help aid them in their quest to conquer all Eternia. The Sword of Darkness was said to have many abilities yet this was the best he could come up with.

“Now rise” Skeletor demanded

The Skelecon opened, and Evil-Lyn noticed that he was using the sword’s dark magic to conduct the creature’s actions. It was less alive so much as it was re-animated, but perhaps that is what it meant.

“You keep saying they, but I only see one” Evil-Lyn pointed to the walking living corpse standing before them.

“Because while we found one in the deserts we know by all accounts that Marzo buried his dead soldier deep in the tomb of his old fortress” Skeletor replied matter of factly, “If I could resurrect them all I would use them to sweep across all Eternia and take what is rightfully mine!”

“Oh great” Tri-Klops sighed “More corpses to deal with”

Evil-Lyn felt sympathy for her comrade in evil, knowing Skeletor it was a scheme that was going to get brutal before things got better.

“Come Evil-Lyn!” Skeletor rose from his throne, “Gather the Evil Warriors! We are going on a little journey”

-000-

“Ugh, how much I chug last night”

Adam’s head slightly hurt as he felt himself slowly beginning to regain his sight. He wasn’t sure just what happened, one minute he was fighting thugs and whatnot and the next an old lady was asking him to come with her someplace. Now his head hurt and he was very much sitting on something hard and uncomfortable. As his vision began to return to him he found his surroundings to be somewhere dark and drab. There was a decaying smell, and the echo of leaking water rang in his ear. 

Slowly Adam rose back up, his body beginning to recover as he took a good look at just where he was. He cricked his neck and stretched his arms, able to gain his footing again after a few moments of sitting up. Looking down he saw Teela and Orko sitting right next to him, still out cold but able to come through.

“Guys!” Adam got to his knees to help them up, “Hey, wake up”

Teela was the first one to wake up, her eyes fluttering open as she groaned in pain while standing up. 

“My head” She muttered, “What happened! The thugs! Where did they go!”

“Gone considering we aren’t even in the same place anymore”

Teela groaned, “Why did you have to attack them in the first place”

“They were gonna attack Mr. O I had to do something!”

“Adam you can barely make a basic attack at training let alone take on a group of thugs!” 

Adam frowned, “Well I don’t like seeing people I like getting hurt ok, I had do something?”

“Just be glad I was there to protect you,” Teela said, “Otherwise who knows what would have happened and I don’t want that on my conscious”

“Great!” Adam muttered, “Now where’s the old lady who-”

“Sorry hun, had to get you here one way or another”

Adam jumped to his feet as he heard the old laziness from an earlier voice echo around the castle, however, there was no sign of her. Just her voice which echoed across the castle, and rang in his ears. It just added to the spooky atmosphere of the whole place.

“Well, let us go” Adam called out.

“ Nope, sorry, can’t do that just yet, I gotta test yuh sweetie, but don’t worry I’m sure you’ll pass and I guarantee no one will die…I’m sure of it…well partially sure, Castle Grayskull can be dangerous”

“Castle Grayskull!” Teela jumped looking horrified, “Adam, we can’t be here this place is forbidden!”

“Well not like I wanted to be here in the first place but the crazy old lady brought us here!” Adam yelled back.

“ Oh I’m sure you can handle it, find the power young Prince, find the Power”

“Hey! Hey! Don’t give me cryptic foreshadowing, I want direct answers dang it!”  Adam groaned, finding the whole cryptic thing annoying.

This time there was no response and it was a sign that Adam was most likely not going to hear from her again until they found whatever this power was. Well, if that was going to happen, then he was going to need his friend’s help, speaking off they were still asleep.

Adam helped her sit up before going over to Orko.

“Woah, what happened, did I party too hard,” Orko asked as she slowly got up.

“No, it was that weird old lady who put us here” Adam stood up again to look around the entire place, “She wants me to find some sort of power?”

“Power?” Orko asked sounding nervous, “That’s not creepy at all”

“Tell me about it”

They found themselves standing in the middle of a large hallway that was made entirely of decaying brick. It was lit by torchlight but it was very difficult to see, the entire place seemed old and decaying as if made in a time long past, like an ancient ruin. Cobwebs were everywhere along with drabbed flags that were ripped and dulling in their colors. Adam wondered just what sort of decayed hell they found themselves in, and worried that one wrong move could have the whole place crumbling down on them.

Orko nodded, “It feels weird here”

“You're telling me” Adam nodded.

Everything about this place felt weird, and ancient yet also something alien. It was hard to tell just what lay within this place, however, that wasn’t going to stop him from getting his friends out of there. Whoever that old Lady was he was going to find her and confront her about it with a stern talking.

But first, they had to figure out how to get out of there which was the problem.

“Okay…” Adam clapped his hands together, “We are stuck in a creepy place and have no way out, which way to go?”

Teela sighed, “I don’t know…um…doesn’t seem anyway is a great way”

“Hmmm let me see” Orko lifted his hands moving them around, he seemed to be concentrating on something.

“Whatcha doing Orko?” Adam asked.

“I’m sensing a lot of strong magic here, oh boy yep, there is a lot of magic here,” Orko said as he continued moving his hands around as if trying to touch something invisible, “A lot of strong magic really”

“Really? You can sense magic?” Adam asked.

Orko nodded, “I’m Trollan Adam remember, we live and breathe magic”.

“Huh, you know in all the years I’ve known you that’s never come up”

“Well, shouldn’t we move AWAY from the magic, not towards it” Teela suggested.

Adam thought about it for a moment, his Grandfather once told him that when in doubt going towards the mysterious was the best approach. For why it as unknown it normally had better answers and is more interesting. More importantly, he really wanted to know what this place was and why it had magic in the first place.

“Orko, take us to the magic”

“WHAT!” Teela gasped.

Adam nodded, “I think we should find out where we are”

“Are you stupid! Don’t answer that I know the answer, but I didn’t know you were stupid!” 

Teela shook his head, “No, no I think we should, maybe the magic can help us get out”

“Or get us killed!” Adam shouted

“Maybe?” Teela shrugged, “But we’re stuck here anyway, might as well try right and find out a bit about this place”

It was a risk to explore this castle, which Teela was right about, but it was the only way they were going to get out of there was to explore the area in the first place. Orko was leading the way closer to the magic, and for a brief second Adam sensed something as well. This place was odd, and he didn’t know why, but all of it felt like he should be here, that it was all pointing to something. That old woman appeared before him this morning for nothing. 

Whether it was an intent for good or an intent for evil well…that was something that he was going to have to find out.

At least he had his friends by his side to help out on this one.

-000-

Teela kept her wits about her staff at the ready as if expecting an attack, this castle was old and ancient. The entire place felt like a maze of brick and torchlight. Hallways into hallways that led into corridors that led into other hallways. 

Orko continued to lead the way none less saying he could sense the magic growing stronger. If one thing is for sure this place did feel magical, although what kind of magic was hard to say.

As for Adam himself, he tried to keep calm, mostly curious just about what exactly this place was, and why they were here in the first place. Why would an old lady send them here and for what purpose? Granted as a Prince he was easy to target to be taken hostage, but at least it would mean there would be some ransom or something. 

“Wonder who built this place” Adam muttered as he looked around.

“Castle Grayskull was said to have been built in ancient times” Teela replied as she put her hand over the walls of the castle, “The bricks are firm and old, like they’re telling a story”

“Can they tell the story of how we got out of her” Adam groaned.

“Maybe” Teela leaned in a bit closer, “If I can get a read on them, though right now they tell the story of this place needs a good dusting”

“This entire castle needs dusting” Adam muttered, “Seriously no one heard of housekeeping”

“Isn’t this place abandon?” Cringer asked

“No excuse” Adam countered.

Teela leaned in closer trying to see if there was some sort of pattern, something that perhaps could get them out of this castle or find whatever Power they were looking for. She had always been fascinated by the ancient history of his planet, tales of ancient civilizations that came from another world and made their home on Eternia making it the center of an empire that spanned the star, and that Grayskull was part of that history. 

It was very fascinating, she would have loved to have been here if it weren’t for the fact this place was forbidden to enter under the law and she was violating so many rules right now. She put a hand over a brick as it pushed into the wall revealing a secret passage..

“Oh wow, yep the magic is strong in that direction” Orko pointed.

“Good thing Trollans are magic magnets” Adam chuckled.

“We don’t suck out the magic Adam” Orko countered, “We’re just naturally attuned with it and oh boy this place is filled with it”

Adam headed down Teela from behind, and they walked down the darkened hall until they entered another room.

This one was far more elegant than the halls before, one reason was that it was an entire room. A library by the looks of it, Teela’s eyes widened with the looks of all the books around.

“Nerd” Adam coughed.

“Books are the real treasure of the world Adam” 

Teela leaped for joy as she looked around, this was the room of her dreams, books as far as the eye could see and on so many subjects. Some of these books were ancient, and the dates detailing moments of Eternian history have yet to be dated pre-King Miro’s rise. There were even adorning the walls weapons, ancient weapons, weapons carved with metals she had only heard of in stories.

“No wonder this place is forbidden,” Teela said to herself, “There is some dangerous stuff in here, surprised the King hasn’t bothered to secure some of this stuff”.

“Yeah, but why are we stuck here!” Adam groaned casually looking at a book, “Dusty old castles aren’t really my thing”.

“Well this library is my thing” Teela beaned happily unsure what book to even look at, “I could live here”

Adam rolled his eyes, “Of course you could, but we really should be looking for a way out of here”

Teela groaned, “Look I want to get out of here too but when will we ever have a chance to have books and documentation before your grandfathers reign!”

“Woo” Adam groaned, “How fascinating”

“It is fascinating!” Teela argued, “Eternia in the dark ages is something we don’t know anything about! Not like I can ask the King about those days”

“You could he talks our ears off about it all the time” Adam muttered as he paced around the room, “Talks about the dread of surviving and all that”

“Well a more historical account would be something worth having” Teela said

Leaning back, Adam began exploring, somehow this place was a lot more relaxing than the dark hallways before. 

Adam continued to look around the place until he saw one book on the ground and picked it up, looking at it appeared to be some sort of animal of a sort.

“Horned Leopard” Adam read “Unique cat-like but mostly gentle creatures, who knew”.

Adam took another step forward until he found himself losing his footing and finding himself falling, down, down.

“Adam!”

With that Adam was gone from the room.

-000-

Soon he found himself landing on a large pile of grass he looked up to see that he was now in some sort of inside garden. It was like someone had taken a lake and put it inside the building. Yet all the comforts and majesty of a garden and its atmosphere of it seemed to shine. 

“Woah” Adam beamed, “Hey guys I -” he paused when he realized that Teela and Ork were not longer around.

This place was honestly quite comforting, like the gardens in the palace or in the capital city. Sometimes when Adam was stressed he would go to the local garden and relax. But this place, this place seemed magical, even down to the waterfall there. How did that even get inside a rickety place like this? Whatever it was, it was such a magical garden.

Paradise.

Except for the Horned Leopard that came charging at him.

“Uh oh”

The Horned Leopard looked angry as it was running toward him, Adam was used to cats because of Cringer but this one seemed a bit wilder than usual. Its massive claws extended as it tried to swipe him and rip him to shreds. Thankfully he was fast and able to dodge a few of the attacks, but the swiftness of the creatures was not enough for him to defend himself. There had to be something here to protect himself, some sort of weapon. 

As Adam ran around, he saw out of the corner of his eye a sword, just a metal sword standing there. He didn’t want to hurt the creature but he took it just to defend himself so that he couldn’t get hurt.

Grabbing it, Adam held tight like he would the practice blades at the balance to give him distance between himself and the creature. Thankfully the Horned Leopard realized what he was holding and stopped but still growled anyway. It did allow though for a semblance of calm and a way for him to think. 

The tension between the two was high, one wrong move and he was a dead man.

As Adam looked at the Horned Leopard he noticed that something was off, its left paw kept limping, as if they didn’t want to put too much pressure on the thing. He took a deep look and thought he saw a tiny little piece of wood on it. A splinter, the poor thing was hurt and probably lashing out in pain.

Adam put the sword down but stepped back holding out a hand, “Hey, hey there fella…It’s fine…Sorry for the sword…I notice your hurt” he spoke in a calm voice.

The Leopard continued to roar but a lot more calmly now.

“Heh yeah, sorry for picking up the sword just go scared you know,” Adam continued slowly approaching the show, “I can take it out for you if you want, do you trust me”

The Horned Leopard must have understood because they looked at Adam with suspicion, but not open hostility as before. He saw his chance to perhaps help the poor creature that reminded him of his beloved Cringer. He remembered how in the past Cringe would get a little wild when hurt and it would take a while for them to calm down. Despite being a more feral creature it still had to operate on the same basic principle.

Slowly ever so slowly Adam reached out his hand and took the Leopard’s paw, there he saw the deep wound in there and grimaced.

“Okay,” Adam took a deep breath “Here we go, it’ll hurt a little”

Quickly and without recourse Adam was able to take it out causing Leopard to yell. He jumped back hoping to not get swiped and attacked by its claws, though after a few growls and whimpers the poor cat slowly calmed down, giving him a sad but thankful expression.

Adam smiled at him, “Hey it’s an ok buddy I know it hurt see” he held out the splinter and held out his other hand, the Leopard giving him its paw “There we go see….All better”

The Horned Leopard looked up at Adam and honestly smiled holding out their head so it can be petted.

“They’re yuh go” Adam gently petted their head, “Sorry I didn’t notice sooner I bet it hurt like heck huh”

The Horned Leopard rubbed their head against Adam’s hand before stepping back.

“Excellent work hun!”

Adam jumped he recognized the voice, “You!”

Just as expected the old woman was standing right behind him a big toothless grin spread across her lips. She seemed almost giddy to see him as she walked over to him with a spring in her body step.

“Good work hun, good work, she said, I knew you could do it”.

Adam glared at her, “You have a lot of explaining to do lady, why am I here, why are my friend here…”

“Oh well your friends were not really supposed to come they kinda just got caught up in the middle of it, my bad, don’t worry I can reunite them with you”

The old lady snapped her fingers and in a minute Teel and Orko popped right in front of him, disoriented and confused.

“Huh what the” Teela looked at herself and then at her surroundings, “What the heck, I was reading”

“Did you even realize I was gone” Adam frowned, not enjoying Teela’ sarcasm at the moment.

“You were gone?” Teela asked, “No wonder it was quiet”

“We noticed, we noticed” Orko assured him.

“Seriously though what just happened?” Teela asked turning to see the old lady, she took out her staff “YOU!”

The old lady held up a hand, “Oh my, oh my….You know…It’s been a while, perhaps it’s time to get out of this old garb and into something fresher”

Adam, Teela, and Orko all exchanged looks, unsure of what would come next.

The Old lady cracked her neck before she stretched her arms as a wave of magic began to surround her. A transformation began to occur before their eyes, as something majestic almost alien appeared before them. The old woman turned into something far younger, taller, with still fair dark skin, wearing an outfit that was like a bird mixed with a gown, their arms looking like deaths. Adam gasped at never seeing someone like this before.

“Dang” Adam gulped, “Uh….Didn’t know you were magic”

The woman smiled dusting off some of the magic, “Yes, I am the Sorceresses”

“The Sorceresses?” Adam asked, “That’s your name”

“It is what you may call me yes”.

Adam was taken aback but nodded, “Okay”

“Oh yeah well…Sorceresses…” Teela grabbed her staff, still ready for a fight, “Where are we? Why are we here? If you’re kidnapping us we’ll-”

“Now now Teela” The Sorceresses held up a hand, “No one is kidnapped, although I am glad that you and Orko came, perhaps having some knowledge of what is to come may help unburden the young Prince here”

“Unburden me?” Adam didn’t like the sound of that.

The Sorceresses singled them to follow as she began to walk off “Come….Let me show you, oh and welcome to Castle Grayskull”

-000-

The Tower of Marzo in the Dark Hemisphere.

Once upon a time, this ancient tower was home to Count Marzo and the center of his own empire of darkness when he tried to unite the people of Eternia under his terrible rule.  He rallied the tribe of the Gar and, with a mix of dark magic and their own strengths, turned them into an army that would spread across the land. It wasn’t until the warrior Miro, managed to unite the various realms of Eternia, creating the united Eternian army and the first United Kingdom in centuries. Now the place was nothing more than an abandonment 

It was perfect for Skeletor’s needs, for he didn’t need to take the tower as a lair, he did need it and the context inside for his plan. Evil-Lyn was following all the way as she and the other evil warriors followed him into the tower.  

Tri-Klops, Trap Jaw, and Beastman all tagged along.

“Okay everyone I’ll scout the perimeter, Whiplash, Clawful you take the….

“Trap Jaw what are you doing” Tri-Klops groaned.

“I’m preparing our plan of attack” Trap Jaw argued.

“We just go in and attack, not much strategy to it” Tri-Klops replied.

“Hey, I was a strategist in the Eternian army, so let the professional handle it”.

“Didn’t you like commit a bunch of war crimes, and also get exiled for it” Tri-Klops stated.

Trap Jaw wanted to argue but remained silent, not able to come up with a good comeback.

“Not exiled, I was gonna be put on trial…and most likely executed”.

“Silence all you!” Skeletor hissed, “We march towards the tower and follow my will”

Evil-Lyn groaned, “That will make us succeed”

“Indeed”  

The main door was locked but that didn’t stop them.

Raising his mighty havoc staff Skeletor blasted it open knocking the wooden doors down onto the stone ground. A loud clang echoed across the room being caused by the room. 

“Well, that was dramatic” Evil-Lyn replied.

“Yeah…” BeastMan nodded, “I could have knocked it down with my head”

Skeletor groaned, “As fun as that would my dear BeastMan, the Havoc Staff was an easier task”

“Can we get moving” Tri-Klops pressed forward, “This place gives me the creeps”

Sensing something might be a miss Evil-Lyn stopped waiting for Tri-Klops to go through first and just as she predicted he accidentally stepped on a trap brick causing holes in the walls around them to appear. Quickly she formed a magical barrier as arrows began flying at them one after the other. The Evil Warriors huddled around the shield for protection while she merely glared at them, she was not about to let some old Count trick her so easily.

Finally, it stops and everyone is left unarmed, minus Tri-Klops who is shaking in his boots, a few arrows going through his cyborg parts.

“Ouch,” he muttered taking one out of his metal head.

“Tri-Klops you blithering boob! You nearly killed us all” Skeletor shouted.

“Yeah what’s up with that” Trap Jaw added, “Don’t you know these places are full of weird traps”

Tri-Klops muttered, “I didn’t see anything on my scanners”

“Marzo was a magical warlord” Evil-Lyn muttered, “He wouldn’t be using technology”

Tri-Klops folded his arms in a huff, “Well no wonder he failed, no lasers no tanks nothing”.

“Uh, we don’t have tanks” BeastMan commented.

“My point exactly” Tri-Klops sneered.

“I don’t get it”

Skeletor scoffed as he walked inside, Evil-Lyn following him feeling the trap was already triggered and it would be safe now.

As the group entered the hallway Evil-Lyn couldn’t help but admire the design of the place. Dark and gothic, which was very much to her taste, it oozed the power of someone who nearly did once conquer Eternia years ago. Legend said that his power was grand, sometimes she wondered if she had been born too late and if her lot in life would have been better had she been able to side with Marzo, instead of being stuck with a gaggle of misfits like Skeletor and the Evil Warriors.

“This place is dinky” BeastMan muttered

“It’s old Beasty, not gonna be the nicest place ever,” Trap Jaw said.

“No excuse if you ask me”

“Silence you blithering boobs” Skeletor barked, “The tomb is probably in the catacombs we need it in order for us to gain our prize”

“Uh, boss we may have a problem” Trap Jaw pointed.

Evil-Lyn was the first to look forward as napping there was none other than a Shadow Beast. A creature of darkness who according to the name, hid in the shadows. The large brute stood right in front of a door that seemed to be the one they needed to head to the catacombs. 

Slowly the beast began to shift as it opened up its eyes and slowly begin to move, it must have spotted them for it growled with an aggressive tone.

“Don’t worry I got this” BeastMan stepped up now and roared

Suddenly the Shadow Beast had awkward.

“What are you doing fool!” Evil-Lyn hissed.

BeastMan growled, “I control animals remember”

The Shadowbeats’ lumbering bodies began to move around the place. Growing in size and power, the other evil warriors began to huddle up again, Evil-Lyn preparing to blast the thing. But BeastMan was quick as he grabbed his whip and began to strike it, and instantly with a mix of his roar and his weapon the massive creature seemed to recoil. 

BeastMan seemed to be in tune with it, commanding it by force and aggression. It was no wonder why Skeletor made him the master of the creatures down in the catacombs of Snake Mountain. Though it was odd for Evil-Lyn who never considered him one of the smartest of the Evil Warriors nor the strongest was still able to control the beast sending him deeper into the shadows, and away from the catacombs of the door.

Eventually, the beast was away and the door to the entrance was free.

“See I told yuh,” Beastman said with a smug look on his face.

“I knew I kept you around for a reason Beastman,” Skeletor said.

Beastman looked like his life had been made by that one compliment, Evil-Lyn knew that he was a suck-up regarding Skeletor. Always wanted to prove that he was one of the more loyal of the Evil Warriors. Granted the two of them had known each other for a long time, he was part of the original gang that she had met Skeletor with.

For now, though the Catacombs awaited

As Evil-Lyn slowly made her way into the dark tomb, her footsteps echoed off the cold stone walls as she walked. The air was musty and stagnant, and the only light came from the faint glow of the torch she held in her hand.

As she walked further into the tomb, she could feel the weight of the centuries pressing down on her, as if the very stones around her were imbued with the memories of the dead. She could sense the presence of ancient spirits, lurking in the shadows, watching her every move.

The tomb was filled with rows upon rows of stone sarcophagi, each one etched with the names and inscriptions of the deceased. Some of the tombs were ornately decorated, with intricate carvings and symbols adorning their surfaces. Others were plainer, their surfaces worn and weathered by time.

As she walked, Evil-Lyn could hear the sound of dripping water, coming from somewhere deep within the tomb. It was an eerie, haunting sound that seemed to permeate the very air around her. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest as she made her way deeper into the darkness.

Finally, they arrived at the main tomb, with row upon row of empty sarcophagi Each one must have had a member of Marzo’s army buried.

“Lovely” Evil-Lyn sneered.

“Uh boss, we got a problem” Tri-Lops called out, “There no undead army?”

“WHAT!” Skeletor popped in now angrily, “What do you mean their’s no army!”

“In that this is an empty tomb, nothing is here, zilch, nothing”

Evil-Lyn walked in herself as Skeletor gasped.

Just as Tri-Klops said the entire place was empty, the tomb was nothing but a hollow of nothingness. Skeletor was taken aback as he dropped to his knees.

“HOW!” Skeletor cried out, “There is supposed to be an army of undead evil here! How am I supposed to conquer all of Eternia if have no army?

“The sword of darkness” Evil-Lyn muttered, “The reason we took in the first place!”

“The sword is insurance it’s not the whole plan!” Skeletor moaned rubbing his skull, “This was not how my grand return to Eternia was supposed to be!”

Evil-Lyn merely rolled her eyes.

“Oh! Why me!” Skeletor groaned as he got to his knees, “Why me! There was supposed to be an army of dead gar here!”

“Clearly not” Evil-Lyn snickered.

“No one likes to be pointed out the obvious Evil-Lyn” Skeletor hissed.

Evil-Lyn lifted her staff as dark energy began to emanate from it, once again it would seem that she would have to handle things herself if any of their plans had any hope of getting off the ground.

“What are you doing?”

Evil-Lyn smirked, “People have memories yes? So do places”

“What kind of poppycock is that!” he said as he stood now.

“It means my dear Skeletor, that we just need to know what happened to the bodies….and who took them”

With one last rise of her staff, Evil-Lyn summoned a magical viewing sphere as memories from the past began to appear. For even a place had an aura and that aura had memories and these memories were still quite potent. What looked to be early designs of the Eternian soldier uniform arrived and there overseeing the removal of the tombs was a far younger-looking King Miro of all things.

“Him” Skeletor hissed glaring at the image.

“Indeed”

Skeletor scowled, “Again! Just as I am about to clench victory I am thawed by that no good, arrogant ungrateful…ACK!”

“Use your words Skeletor” Evil-Lyn smirked as she sent the image away.

“I…We need to find the location of the army…It doesn’t matter where it is…we will hunt it down…someone must know where it is…Even if we have to confront the King himself!”

Evil-Lyn now seemed taken aback, “So…It’s time to break the seal”

Skeletor looked at her determination in his lidless eyes, “I had hoped we could launch an all-out attack when we did…But it appears even that is taken from me”.

“So, we can finally leave this place?”

“Indeed…Prepare the Evil Warriors! To the Mystique Wall!”

Evil-Lyn sighed but nodded, things were finally moving along….about time.

-000-

Adam was joined by Teela and Orko to reluctantly follow this so-called sorceress through the legendary Castle Grayskull. 

It was a shock to know that they were in such an old place.  As a child, Adam had heard stories of the old castle, that it was haunted and filled with hidden magic the likes of which people had never seen. Another reason was that it had a direct connection to his family, for while they did not build the Castle his grandfather Miro had decided to take on the name of Grayskull when he united the Kingdom of Etheria as an honor to the castle upon which he had grown up as a young child. So he had always known about this ancient place, even if he had never visited it before.

Why on earth would the Sorceresses of this castle want him here in the first place was still a mystery to him. Adam wanted to yell and get answers but somehow following her would probably give him some answers. However, a part of him didn’t even know if he wanted to have those answers at all.

“So… Couldn’t you have just shown us what you wanted in the first place,” Teela asked breaking the silence.

The Sorceresses chuckled, “Yes, but I needed to pick a good one before I showed Adam why he’s here” 

“Well, why am I here!” Adam asked, becoming exasperated “Seriously! I don’t know, I’d like to know please, and thank you”

“Very well”

The sorceresses pulled a lever and thus revealed another room that appeared to be a throne room of some sort. A grand entrance to one end looked like what appeared to be the castle’s main gate. In the center of it all though was something odd, something a bit more modern than the rest of the place.

A Sword

A large metal sword unlike the one back in the garden area, something about it felt different, more advanced than anything he seemed before.

Teela gasped, “Woah, look at this thing it looks ancient”

“It is, over a thousand years old, built in the time of the First One’s reign over the planet”

“Wow!” Teela gasped, “The ancient First One civilization, I heard they made some amazing feets in technology”

The Sorceress nodded, “Among other things yes”

Teela went out to touch the sword.

“I wouldn’t-”

Teela grabbed the sword and was pushed back by some sort of invisible force flying into the air and landing on the ground with a thud.

“I tried to warm you” The Sorceress smirked.

Adam helped Teela up, “What is that?” he asked.

“Ths young Adam is a relic from a long passed age, designed by a civilization long passed, this …is the Sword of Power”

“The Sword of Power?” Adam asked looking at the strange thing with a mix of fear and intrigue, “Never heard of it”

“That is because it has been kept hidden, I’ve been waiting for a long time for someone to wield it, and be our champion”

“Champion?”

The Sorceresses nodded, “Yes, like I said this sword was created by an ancient civilization that has long since been destroyed or scattered, however only a few with certain…qualities can wield it. You Adam may be one of those people”

“Me?” Adam blinked rubbing his head, “So you’ve been following me all day because I can wield a sword?”

“In a sense yes” The Sorceresses nodded.

Teela gave the Sorceresses a confused look, “Um? Why?”

“Yeah, why!” Adam nodded.

“Like I said I think you can be the next champion” The sorceresses replied

“Hold on, hold on,” Teela interjected now, “You said something about a champion…I’ve known Adam and he’s a lot of things, good and stupid-”

“Hey!” Adam sneered.

Teela rolled her eyes and continued, “But a champion…really?”

“Yeah!” Adam blinked confused, “Wait?”

“Champions can come in all shapes and sizes” The Sorceresses replied, “But let’s see what the Sword itself says, Adam, go ahead and take it”

Adam looked at Teela for some sort of guidance and then at Orko but both just gave him a confused shrug. With no other good options, it seemed that he might as well take the sword, the only he had to lose was his dignity if he got blasted by it. Plus the sword had a weird aura to it, both metal and something else, something completely alien.

Though something about this sword felt different, it gave him an aura, Adam wasn’t sure why he was able to feel it, but he did. It was mystical yet scary, he wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen if he touched it but something about the thing made him want to touch it as if it called to him.

“Careful Adam” Orko said sounding nervous, “That sword is giving me weird vibes”

Adam slowly outstretched his hand, he was being intentional when it came not taking it right away.  He felt a tinger as his fingertips neared close to the metal, but he was not pushed back. Carefully he wrapped his hand around the hilt and picked up the weapon, heavy as it was it also felt light, a paradox perhaps but to him, it was just natural.

“Woah,” Adam said moving the sword around, “So uh…Why can I hold it and Teela can’t?”

“Because Adam you are of ancient descent  to the civilization who made this weapon and thus can touch it?” 

Adam frowned, “And T isn’t I mean I know Orko’s Trollan but?”

“No, the ancestors come from your mother’s side” The Sorceresses continued, “But I assure you the sword taps into the great power of Eternia”

“The who of what now?” Adam was just confused, “Ok, backup lady what exactly do you want from me and this sword thing?”

The Sorceress sighed rubbing her forehead, “The sword is a conduit build by an ancient civilization that taps into the deep magic of the planet. When wielded by someone who can use it, they can become a great warrior and champion of the planet. Should they of course be pure of heart and worthy, for we have had a few…negative people who have tried to wield the sword”

Adam grimaced, “Yeah….Look I don’t wanna be a champion okay” he put the sword down, “Thank you for the offer, and goodnight”

“No Adam it has to be you, you have all the necessary qualifications” The Sorceresses insisted.

“Yeah well I don’t wanna be a warrior”

“And that is why you’ll be perfect in the task at hand”

Adam was confused, “Task what task, what is she talking about”

“Great evil is coming young Adam, and it’s only a matter of time before this planet will need a champion, and you will be that champion”

Teela grimaced, “Adam? You can’t be serious”

“Yeah, you can’t be serious” Adam agreed.

“I very much Adam, only you can wield the sword and become Eternia’s champion”

Adam huffed, “Yeah well…I don’t want it”

The Sorceress frowned giving him a disappointed look, the sort of look his father would give him when he wasn’t successful in a match. Adam would not let this stranger affect him the same way his parents did. She was a weird magic lady trying to get him to use a sword, he would not so easily be swayed.

“Very well if you want to leave” The Sorceresses responded opening up the gate, “But know that your actions may have consequences”

“Yeah, yeah, I hear that from my parents I don’t need it from weird magic people” Adam muttered as he began walking off “Come on Teela, Orko, let’s get going” 

“Well, goodbye Sorceresses” Orko waved. “You have a nice library”

“Thank you Orko”

Teela hesitated, “Are you sure you don’t want the sword, if it is powerful maybe the Kingdom could use it”.

“Oh no, no magic, no nothing”

“Besides it would be no use to anyone but Adam” The Sorceresses included, “Beleive me, those who have tried to take it have failed”

“Yeah great, now come on” Adam waved as he began heading to the main gate.

This talk of champions and responsibilities was just too much for him to handle. He was already getting enough heat for being a prince he didn’t want some weird ancient civilization sword to deal with. Adam was barely a prince, and he certainly wasn’t going to be a champion.

Right now, all he wanted to do was sleep.

-000-

Walking back home with the rest of the group Teela kept eyeing Castle Grayskull over and over again, none of this seemed to be adding up in her head at all. For one thing, Adam being the champion of Eternia didn’t make any sense given his own discretion for actually taking anything seriously, but even then, it felt wrong not to accept the offer. If there was great evil afoot then something needed to be done, their home, their families, all of it could be at stake.

Teela turned to Adam who just had his hand in his pocket and that calm look on her face it made her mad. It was one thing to be a bit of a slacker at times, but when it meant that could put other people at harm that’s when she drew the line. She didn’t understand why the Sorceress thought he of all people would be a champion. 

Adam was many things, lazy, yes, prince, technically, but he was not the champion type, unlike say someone like her who had trained and worked hard to be a guardian of the Kingdom. She didn’t know anything about magic but she felt that a sword of such acclaimed power should be in more responsible hands.

“So you’re not going to talk about it,” Teela said, curtly.

Adam shrugged, “Talk about what?”

“The fact some magic Sorceress just offered you the power to defend our home from evil” Teela argued, “And you are shrugging it off and rejecting it”

Adam laughed, “You buy that story? You of all people!”

“Well, no, yes, I don’t know, but I just feel like we have to say something, keeping it quiet feels irresponsible”

“It’s not, she’s a weird lady who lives in a dusty castle,” Adam said, sounding annoyed, “We keep it to ourselves, say nothing and have this whole thing blow over”.

“Blow over!” Teela shouted, “This isn’t something that you blow over!”

She did not like this, not one bit, Adam was irresponsible for sure but this was drawing a line. They had to tell someone, maybe her father, the King, Crown Prince Randor. Sure she might get in trouble for trespassing on forbidden territory but it seemed like a worse fate if she didn’t stop a coming evil from hurting their home. 

As for whether or not she bought the Sorceresses or not was another matter entirely. On the one hand, Teela never met this person so she had no real reason to trust her. On the other hand, something in her instincts said she should, it was a feeling, a deep one in that, like something she had never felt before. Being in that castle was like something she had never felt before, her whole body and mind telling her something that her head normally didn’t.

“Look Adam please think about it, maybe ask you're mom or dad or-”

Adam turned around now giving her a serious look, “Please! Don’t say anything okay, this was freaky enough as it is” he turned around to Orko and Cringer, “That goes for all of you okay? Please!”

Cringer and Orko exchanged an unsure look.

“Please T, don’t say anything about tonight” Adam gave her a look of desperation.

Teela was taken aback, he was really serious about this, scared even, she bit her lip and groaned, “Fine! But no we are not done talking about this okay, not by a long shot!”

With that Teela rushed off getting ahead of the group, she didn’t like keeping this secret but she was a guard of her word. She would not say anything, but she would now make it her mission to get the Prince to take responsibility for this one way or another.

-000-

All the Evil Warriors had gathered together, they just looked at the  Mystic Wall as if it was mocking them. Evil-Lyn just stood and waited as Skeletor gathered in front of all of them she had a feeling another one of his rambling speeches was underway.

“Evil Warriors!” He declared 

“Oh boy here we go” Trapw Jaw could be heard muttering to Tri-Klops

Skeletor held his arms,  “For two decades we have been trapped here in the accursed open prison separated from the rest of the world”

“Yeah, and it ain’t been easy being around you guys all the time” Beastman argued, “I mean I love yuh but a Beastman needs his space”

Tri-Klops groaned, “Not to mention space from the smells” 

Evil-Lyn couldn’t help but chuckle. 

Being trapped inside The Dark Hemisphere was one of the most challenging parts of her existence. Stuck with these fools and misfits, any chance to gain the power she so desperately craved was locked away behind a wall. That was all about to change though starting today,

“No more my friends! For now, we have a chance to reclaim our glory! To return to the world that shunned us. To pillage, to take what we want, and most important to continue the conquest of all Eternia!” Skeletor held atop the sword of darkness, “With this sword, I now have the power to break down the barrier that keeps us from our destiny!”

Beastman raised his hand.

Skeletor sighed, “Yes Beastman?”

“How are you gonna do it, boss? You gonna smash the wall!”

Tri-Klops groaned, “We’ve tried that remember, with your head…”

“Oh yeah…” Beastman smiled with pride, “I blacked out that day”

“Silence your boobs!” Skeletor shouted getting their attention, “I will use the power of the Sword of Darkness to destroy the wall, simple as that”

The other evil warriors oohed and awed as they nodded.

“Well let’s see it then” Evil-Lyn muttered.

Skeletor glared at her, “Fine, just need to get this thing ready hang on”

Evil-Lyn watched in some amusement as Skeletor began to ready the sword of darkness pointing it right at the wall, a look of determination on his skull.

“Now….” Skeletor sighed, “We shall begin”

Skeletor raised it high and cried out,

“By the powers of darkness….evil….and fear….I commend this wall…TO DISAPPEAR!”

Evil-Lyn waited for the wall to explode and for a new era of chaos to begin.

But nothing came.

In fact, nothing happened at all.

Evil-Lyn blinked to see that Skeletor was pointing the sword at the wall and nothing seemed to be happening

“Der I don’t think it worked,” Clawful said.

Skeletor glared at him, “I can see that!”

“So much for the all-powerful sword of darkness” Tri-Klops sighed, “Alright folks call it, back to Snake Mountain and depression!”

“Hey! It can’t work…I just need to uh…fine tune it…that’s all”

Evil-Lyn could tell Skeletor was having a panic moment, he shook the sword violently and could be heard muttering to it.

“Come on you stupid thing, I command you work! I am Skeletor! I am the Overlord of Evil!”

Evil-Lyn groaned and walked toward him, “Perhaps I can-”

“I have it Evil-Lyn I stole it I can figure it out!” He hissed.

Evil-Lyn rolled her eyes, she was never going to get out of here so long as he kept bumbling his way through things. She grabbed his hand that wielded the sword and already felt a spark of energy from it.

“It’s working!” Skeletor beamed, but Evil-Lyn kept her hand near it.

“Skeletor be careful it’s going to.…”

To late! 

In a loud BANG, the sword fired a large ball of dark energy causing Evil-Lyn, Skeletor, and the other Evil Warriors to fall back on the ground. She heard a loud rumble and the ground begin to shake near them as a pile of dust overcame them, blinding them for a few minutes 

Once the dust had settled Evil-Lyn slowly stood up and gasped in shock.

“The wall…It’d down” Beastman commented.

Skeletor stood almost immediately and gasped, but then smirked, “I uh…I meant to do that yes! See my Evil Warriors, the Sword of Darkness will bring us to final victory”

There was a brief silence before they all began cheering.

“SKELETOR! SKELETOR! SKELETOR!”

“Yes, yes…I am amazing! NOW! MY EVIL WARRIORS! CHARGE! It’s time to seize back our destiny. The glory days of conquest and destruction are once again ours! Eternia is ours for the taking! ”

Evil-Lyn rolled her eyes but didn’t care she looked out towards the mystique wall, an opening in it at last. Down in the corridors, she could see the forces they had revived begin to march. At least they commanded a real army. One that would bring down the royal family of Eternia once and for all.

Finally, she was free and so were the evil warriors, now the real fun could begin. 

The entire conquest of all Eternia.

Chapter Text

As the morning light spilled into the opulent chambers of his family's residence within the palace, Adam, though fatigued and drained, made his way into the exclusive confines of the private dining room. This intimate space was designed specifically for his family, a charming enclave meticulously crafted to foster a sense of genuine familial connection. These deliberate choices of a smaller, more personal setting aimed to dispel the impersonal atmosphere that often pervaded grandiose, cavernous dining halls capable of accommodating a hundred guests. The intention was clear – to create an environment where they could come together as a close-knit family, rather than occupying distant corners of a vast and echoing expanse.

“Glad you joined us for once, son,” Randor said as Adam sat down at the center of the table..

“Yeah, let’s just say a big fur ball helped,” Adam said, eyeing Cringer.

“Just doing my job”

“Well, good work Cringer” Marlena said patting his forehead, “Your method is probably better than mine?”

“Which is?” Adam asked, looking nervous.

“Blowing a bullhorn at your face every morning” Marlena smirked.

“Mom! I’d go def”

Marlena shrugged, “Eh, worth the risk” 

Adam let out a chuckle, knowing his mother would never do this, but she had enough of a wild streak that he was never quite sure.

Surprisingly even Adam himself was shocked to be joining his family for breakfast today. As he got older he started sleeping in more and missing it, normally having lunch, and normally NOT with the family. Today, he managed to wake up early enough, thanks in part to Cringer and decided to spend some time with the family. Something about his grandfather’s treatment of his father made him feel sympathetic to them right now. He wanted to be there for them at the moment.

“You look tired,” Randor said, “What happened last night”

Adam paused for a hard moment, he did not want to tell anyone about what happened at Castle Grayskull. The three of them had been transported back home by the sorceress and they all agreed to not bring it up to anyone except themselves. He wasn’t even going to tell Cringer of what happened.

Still, Adam was a bit shaken by what had happened, told he was some sort of chosen one who was meant to wield a magic sword. All of it sounded ridiculous, the very notion absurd, he was just a prince and not meant for much except for the responsibility of ruling a Kingdom. He was not about to add another layer of stress, he had to prove to his grandfather and his father, he wasn’t gonna add a magic lady to the mix.

Adam remembered what Teela said.

“ Adam are you sure you didn’t want to take the sword” 

“Yes!”

“But what about-”

“Eternia will be fine Teela, we don’t need any magic, and I certainly don’t”

It was a quick end of the discussion and Adam didn’t want to hear any of it. Teela had her own opinions for sure about using the magic, but right now they decided to not think about it.

“Oh you know…this that and the other thing” Adam muttered looking down, as he hoped that would be enough for his father.

Marlena brought some cooked food from the kitchen she had made herself. One of her rules was that as long as she could she would cook their food for them and not allow the servants to. It was a way of making sure that they were as normal a family as possible.

“Good to see my boys together, and my youngest having a good breakfast for once” Marlena snickered putting down some food, “Now if only my oldest could stop looking at the paper all day”

Randor looked up at the piles of paper surrounding him, “Sorry, just graphs and charts and…

“Honey, you aren’t King yet, sadly your father is still very spry for someone his age” 

“Marlena!”

“Kidding, kidding” Marlena snickered sitting down, and giving Adam a wink, his mother’s hatred towards his grandfather knew no bounds.

Randor sighed putting the papers away, “Sorry, Father just has been…intrigued by some of these plans”

“You mean being a slave drives over some birthday plans of his” Marlena sneered, “Seriously, you are going to be King one day you would think he would give you something real to do. Do you attend to military documents, no, do you attend meetings of important functions, no, all your father does is give you a birthday party to celebrate his ego and nothing else, none of this is real”.

“This is real Marlena, planning a party is just as important as a military strategy or a diplomatic summit, one wrong move could start an entire war that could doom us all because I can’t be a good king and I’m gonna destroy everything father worked so hard to build!”

“Way to think positively Dad” Adam muttered, he couldn’t but wonder why his father always defended his grandfather when he was a slave driver and a bully. 

Throughout most of his life, Adam knew that his father Randor would be king, yet he also knew that his grandfather King Miro kept his father at a distance. Never let him have any real responsibility or role. When it came to military matters he would always hear things from Duncan, who at least because of their friendships kept him informed on certain matters of state.

“So that being said, fathers birthday is soon, what should get him?” Randor asked, trying to sound cheerful.

“A coffin” Marlena muttered, “Not that his mother will ever die”

“Marlena” Randor frowned.

Adam grimaced, his mother tongue was as sharp as the finest dagger on the planet and did not hold back.

“What? He’s old, he said it himself he’s near the end, and soon Randor you’re going to be King, and one heck of one at that”

Randor frowned, “I don’t like talking about these things, I’m happy with the service I’ve given so far”

“And that means I’m next in line, and Eternia knows I don’t think we want that” Adam added 

Marlena sighed, “Nonsense Adam, you’ll make a great King yourself, and your grandfather is right you will lead the next generation to great things”.

“If I’m even worth it” Adam muttered.

“I think you are” Marlena smiled at him, putting a hand on his shoulder, “I think this whole family is worth, otherwise I wouldn’t be here now would I”

Randor chuckled, “All the years you’ve put up with my father”

“And the two of you” Marlena smirked.

Adam chuckled as well, “Yeah, how do you do it, Mom”

“Patients, lots of patients” Marlena winked at them.

Adam just smiled back at her, yet he still didn’t completely believe what his mother said, there was something about his grandfather’s words that felt daunting. The idea of that he would be the one who would either lead Eternia to a new golden age or to its doom. Not even King and the world’s weight was now thrust upon him. He also felt bad for his father who for some reason his grandfather acted as if he had no prospects at all. 

“I know both my boys will be great kings” Marlena smiled

Both Adam and Randor looked at each other and for a brief moment, a connection happened. A connection of understanding, for both, felt at that moment that they do not believe Marlena’s statement. Both had doubts and both felt they were always in the shadow of King Miro.

“Hey, uh…Hi” 

Adam looked up to see Teela standing by the door waving nervously.

“Hey T?” Adam waved, frowning, he had a feeling he knew what this was about.

“Teela, join us for breakfast would you,” Marlena said with a warm embrace.

Teela stiffened a bit “N-No Your Majesty it wouldn’t be proper for someone like me to join”

“Oh please Teela I don’t care about your family, not a soldier” Marlena smiled

Teela’s cheeks turned red, “Again! No! I-I wish to speak to the Prince”

“I see” Marlena smirked at her son.

Adam blushed, “MOM!”

“What I didn’t say anything” 

Adam groaned and got up, “Okay hang on, Cringer don’t touch my sausage”.

“No promises” Cringer chuckled.

Sighing, Adam got up from his chair and followed Teela outside the hall. The minute the door closed the argument began without a moment hitch.

“Adam, come on we need to talk about-”

“Oh no!” Adam stopped her mid-sentence, “Oh no, I’m not gonna go back there and take that magic sword, no way, no how”

“Adam! Come on! If someone gives you a magical sword and says you're going to be a great hero you take it!” Teela argued, rubbing her forehead in the exhaust, “I may not trust that Sorceresses but I do think that someone with authority should have that sorta power”

“Me?”

“Well now I would prefer King Miro but apparently it only works for you so…” Teela shrugs

“Oh I’m sure, but hey if you want the magic sword, go on to Castle Grayskull and take, you won’t hear me complaining”

“I tried to remember” Teela folded her arms in a huff, “Stupid thing zapped me”

Adam snickered, “I know, it was funny”

Teela glared at him and smacked him on the head.

“Ouch! Sorry!”

“My point is genius, if this thing is important to Eternia then I say it is your duty as Prince to take it”

“Oh don’t talk to me about duty Teela, I get enough of that Grandpa, I don’t need it from you” Adam groaned, “Seriously we’re not even related and he loves you!”

“That’s not fair” Teela sneered at him, now she was angry, “The King doesn’t show any favoritism to me or to anyone”

Adam groaned, “You see the way he treats my dad, he’s not ready to be a King let alone me, Eternos help him when he has to make public appearances, we’ve been lucky Grandpa lived this long”

“Excuse me”

Adam and Teela paused as they saw a local soldier standing in front of them.

“What is Private Parker’ Teela huffed.

The Soldiers stiffened, “Uh, King Miro wants to see you…Both of you”

Both Adam and Teela exchanged confused looks, if the King was summoning them, it could only be a bad thing.

-000-

Nestled in the expansive grounds of the Eternos palace, the backyard emerged as a serene haven, serving as the primary residence for a diverse array of livestock. Within this idyllic sanctuary, a symphony of majestic creatures thrived, each carefully tended to by diligent caretakers who meticulously crafted an environment conducive to their well-being. The air was filled with the harmonious sounds of content animals, and the landscape offered ample spaces for grazing and the release of natural bodily functions.

Despite the stern disposition of his grandfather, a man known for his formidable nature, a peculiar fondness for animals permeated his character. Horses, in particular, held a special place in his heart, becoming the epicenter of his affection. The monarch's obsession manifested in various forms—breeding these noble creatures, meticulously overseeing their care, and indulging in the exhilaration of riding them across the verdant expanse of the palace grounds. The backyard, thus, bore witness to the intersection of regality and the untamed beauty of the animal kingdom.

This is what awaited Adam as he saw his Grandfather on one of the many horses riding around the open track area. For an old man, he sure loved riding fast, one bad trip, and his father would soon be king. Yet the great King Miro continued to run across the field at a fast pace as if he was still a young man. 

Perhaps his mother was right and King Miro would never die.

Finally, the King came towards them with his white horse, stopping just a few feet from them, but still sitting on the Horse towering over them. Adam could tell this was a power move, the dominant if still aged King and the two young children whom he rule over.

“Adam” 

“Grandfather”

“Your majesty” Teela lowered her head, “An honor”

Adam rolled his eyes, it didn’t matter if he was king, something about the formality annoyed him.

Miro smiled, “At East soldier, I’m glad you came, we have things to discuss, come with me to the stables”

Getting off the horse Miro gently took the creature to the stables Adam and Teela following him. 

Adam still wondered just what his grandfather had called him for, it was strange to get an audience out of the blue. Teela for her part was being the perfect soldier that she always was when around the King, or how she always had been ever since they had been. Loyalty and duty above everything else, breaking the rules was never something she liked to do.

“Horses really are majestic creatures aren’t they”  Miro gazed at his horse as he walked, “Probably the most loyal creatures ever created by the goddesses”

“Yeah,” Adam nodded.

Adam knew that if there was one type of creature his Grandfather had shown genuine kindness to since knowing him it was horses. He had been raising horses for decades, riding them, and always talking about how majestic they were. He had once considered making the official animal of Eternia a horse had it not been for some dispute among the various regions. Regardless his grandfather’s love of the horse was legendary and sometimes Adam wondered if he loved them more than his own family.

“Your grandmother also loved them, to an extent, not as much as me mind you, always felt I obsessed with them. Constantly spending more time with them than my own children” Miro said continuing to look at the horse, “Then again a Horse is true than people, nobler, more worthy, more…” he paused for a moment and shook his head, “Regardless, treat a person like you would a horse child, if we were all more like horses, our planet would have a more secure future”

“Yeah…Right” Adam gave Teela a confused look, and she seemed just as confused, “Anyway, Grandfather, why are we here exactly”

They were in the stables as Miro started settling the horse, “Yes, of course, straight to the point, why were you at Castle Grayskull last night”

Adam’s heart skipped a beat as he froze, “Uh…..We weren’t?”

“Don’t lie to me boy, I keep spies around that place” Miro said sitting down on a stump, “I have had that castle spied on for decades, mostly to make sure vandals don’t destroy it. It is our family name after all”

“Adopted family name” Adam muttered.

“Yes,” Miro nodded, “Although not by blood, we are the heirs of Grayskull, by uniting the Kingdom, not only did I stake a claim to the planet but to the name of Grayskull as well. I continued the work lost when the original King Grayskull died over a thousand years ago”.

“Yes, I know Grandfather, we took the Grayskull name because…

“Because it was the Grayskull siblings who liberated this land with the aid of a mythical hero! They say the sister had mythical powers of her own before she vanished. The only reason they aren’t in charge now was that they never had or picked a successor and when the brother who became King Grayskull vanished didn’t do the same it was too late”. Miro barked, giving Adam a firm glare, “Something I did when I united this world against Count Marzo, the only difference is he vanished before he could name a successor, I will not ”

“We know, you always tell us” Adam held his smile hoping to ease the tension but it didn’t do much sadly.

“That castle was built as a symbol of the first liberation of the planet, so you better not have defiled it with…Whatever you were doing in there” Miro turned to Teela, “Which was exactly soldier?”

Teela stiffened, “I assure you my King we would never defile such a great monument” She bowed her head in shame, “We were just exploring I swear, heck I wanted to go, see the history, I’m so sorry”

“I see….Loyalty is a virtuous thing, my dear……. just don’t go into the old castle again”

“Yes, my King!”

Adam was shocked, either his grandfather bought the lie completely or he liked Teela enough to let it slide. Either way, it was something he knew he would never get away with if he even dared try. She had been one of the most blatant followers of the rule, and not telling the full truth to the King was high treason. So this was a show of loyalty to him.

Miro nodded, looking down at the grass, a moment of silence filled the room with tension, until he turned his gaze to Teela. “Tell me, boy have you heard of Adam’s uncle Keldor?”

“Keldor?” Teela asked, shaking her head, “No, the father doesn’t talk about him”

“He shouldn’t, the shame it brought to the family” Miro looked at nothingness but his face was that of someone deep in memory, “My other son, he had such talent, such promise, I almost considered making him King over you're own father. Yet he ruined himself, let his pride and vanity get the better of him and thus I choose not to?”

“What? I haven’t ruined myself” Adam argued.

“Not yet” Miro smirked, “But that’s where it starts, flirting, sneaking into places you shouldn’t, drinking then it grows, and grows, until one day…” he stopped unable to continue, “Well until one day you become a threat to not just yourself but this Kingdom and something has to be done, and so I did it, hence why you never grew up knowing him”.

“What did you do?” Teela asked.

“I exiled him” 

Teela grimaced.

“Harsh” Adam whispered, he felt like he was being threatened.

Miro stood up now looking at Adam now sternly, “I tell you this because I don’t ever…ever, want to do that to a member of the family again. For in the end that is all that matters, family…It is the family name that lives on, it’s all that lives on”

“ But it’s not even our actual family name, we don’t have one, you changed it” Adam wanted to argue but instead he nodded.

“Good, for one day I’ll be dead your father will be dead, and then you’ll be dead, but what lives on is the legacy we leave behind, and more importantly the people we put in charge of overseeing it, no matter how mediocre they are…Our Kingdom deserves perfection and I will tolerate nothing less but perfection! Understand!”. 

 Adam wanted to argue, scream, yell but all he could was, “Yes grandfather” and storm off.

“Remember, I picked your father for he was the only good option left, he’ll pick you because he trusts you. The crown of Eternia is not heredity, it is given, because we are chosen, and because of that, the name Grayskull has nothing to do with matters of blood, but of worth. You will either be worthy to have the family name of Grayskull or much like your uncle Keldor, you won’t”. 

Adam sighed, he wanted to argue but he knew he’d never be worthy of his family name….The name of Grayskull.

“Well perhaps then you’d like to come on patrol with me than in the outer villages” 

Adam was taken aback and looked at Teela.

“What?” They both said in unison.

“Time you two stop lounging around this ill-gotten city and its vises, time to remember where every Eternian once dwelled” Miro put on his gloves cracking his knuckles, “Pick a horse…It’s going to be a bumpy ride”

-000-

Teela did not like horses.

Nope, she certainly did not like riding a horse and knew she was gonna get some serious motion sickness adventure trying to keep up with the king as they road deeper into the countryside and further away from the city. She tried to hold in whatever was churning in her stomach from lunch. Why did the King have to be such a good rider? 

Still, it was better than Adam who looked like he was holding on for dear life as he rode by her side.

“How are you holding up!” Adam asked, tightening his grip on the poor horse’s head.

Teela didn’t wanna speak, afraid something other than words would come out.

“That bad huh!”

Finally, King Miro stopped and with him, the other two horses did as if on command.

Both Teela and Adam flopped on the ground with a loud THUD, she felt particularly relieved as she swallowed something that very much was her early breakfast. Taking a few seconds she tried to recover herself, taking some breaths, a technique she had read about when trying to ease the mind before a fight.

Looking up now Teela paused and was taken aback by the beauty of the countryside. Most of her life had been spent in the city, and seeing this vast open plain of grass as far as the eye could see was certainly a sight to behold

“Wow,” Teela whispered.

“Indeed” Miro nodded, “Now imagine nothing but fire and brimstone, with the sky covered in ash without a speck of sunlight. Then you will have my childhood, in the dark ages before I united this world and brought peace to it”

Teela grimaced now at that horrible image, was that really what it was like for the king growing up.

“Way to kill the mood gramps” Adam muttered.

“Be lucky you never grew up in my era” Miro said as he walked around, “You’d never survive what I have seen. Children like you would have died the minute you step out of any of the few safe havens that Eternia had left”.

Teela could only imagine, she had read about some of the histories of those dark times, and the chaos it brought. It was one of the reasons she wanted to be a guard to prevent stuff like that from happening ever again. Though the way he talked about it, made her wonder if she would ever be ready for such a thing should she ever confront it herself.

“So why are we here?” Adam groaned.

“As I said, on patrol, bandits and thieves love to use these empty areas to hide, and bring chaos” Miro muttered eyeing the plains, “For the last week I’ve been getting reports of incursion all along here, since the local garrison won’t deal it, though I deal with it myself”

“Alone” Adam was taken a back, “With no help”

“I started alone did I”

“Yeah, when you were young and not old” Adam muttered.

Teela remained silent not wanting to say anything this was not her place, she was just a guard on duty at this point.

“Besides we have a guard” Miro pointed to Teela, “Someone with such high skill and training, should be able to handle anything”.

Teela now froze, this was a lot of responsibility. Her thoughts were broken by Adam’s stomach growling loud enough to hear. 

“Heh, all that riding” Adam chuckled 

“Of course, you think with you're stomach” Miro scowled, “There a river down there, come will fish”

“With what?” 

“Our hands!”

Adam groaned.

Teela followed both of them down to a nearby river. It like the rest of the outdoors was peaceful. The sound of the water was easy on the ears. King Miro got to the edge and kneeled looking intently.

“Used to get food here when I was a boy, catching something meant I ate. If not then I  starved”

“Great fishing story Grandpa” Adam muttered with all his sarcasm.

“Were times really that bad?” Teela asked, letting her curiosity get the better almost embarrassed the moment the king’s stern face turned to face her.

“Yes, yes they were” Miro looked down into the river, “Warlords, bandits, and realms all bickering with one another, even if they knew full well they could be a united planet under one banner. No one having the ambition or the will to see it through”.

“Until you?”

Miro nodded, “Yes, till me” 

With a swift motion, the King grabbed his hands in the river and managed to grab a fish and with another swift motion slammed it on the ground killing it. Both Teela and Adam flinched at the snap before the king tossed it near a bag.

“That didn’t happen every time” Miro pointed to the dead fish, “There were days without food, farmlands getting attacked by whatever warlord at the time wanted his due, an average day. Many did not survive those days! You were lucky if you survived a month let alone get to my age”.

Teela again grimaced, the king talked about it so casually, yet it was so dark, that she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live in these times. The idea of not being able to eat for days, sounded almost impossible. Even the lowest rank soldier still got a decent enough meal to eat when in the barracks.

“Come you two, actually try to do something” Miro muttered.

Teela looked down at the water, it was very…filthy, for lack of a better term. Yet she couldn’t disobey her king’s orders. Getting down to her knees along with Adam she gently placed her hands over the water, yet something prevented her from touching it.

“It’s just water T,” Adam said gently giving her a splash.

“Adam stop!”

“Don’t discourage the fish” Miro hissed, “Otherwise they won’t come to this part of the river”

Adam frowned.

Teela kept looking down at the water, it was really hard to see if there were any fish in there or not. She thought she found one and quickly put her hands in the water and quickly grabbed them out, only to have nothing for wet hands. 

“ Ew ew ew ew ew,” she thought to herself.

Adam tried but he just tripped his face falling in the water instead.

Miro sighed, “Dead and dead, both of you”

“Sorry” Adam muttered.

“Sorry your Highness,” Teela said bowing, “I guess….I guess….I don’t have, much field experience”

“No, you don’t none of you do” Miro stood now looking at both of them, “The one sin I feel I feel I’ve committed to this world is that I’ve made it soft, I made it forget what it was like to feel real danger and instead it’s become lazy and complacent”  

“I mean isn’t that what you wanted, peace, isn’t that your legacy,” Adam asked.

“A legacy is nothing if it is not maintained, if this Kingdom doesn’t even last a hundred years then as far as I’m concerned it was a failure and needs to be seen as such. If all of this returns to what it was like when I was a boy, then it’s all for not, and that is something you and your father as disappointing as you two have been at times need to be aware of”. 

Adam sighed, “Yes grandfather” 

A long awkward pause as Teela stood in between them feeling like she was listening into something she really shouldn’t be.

“Go get some firewood,” Miro said, “I’ll keep watch here for anything, see if I can catch a few extra fish”.

Adam sighed muttering, “He’s always like this” As he passed by Teela, she quickly followed him.

They were finally a bit out of earshot before Adam started talking again in a normal tone.

“Hey keeps going on and on about the dark times, Give it a rest, we live in the here and now!” Adam groaned as he began picking up some firewood

Teela frowned, “He has experiences we never will, you don’t think that affects him a little”

“A little sure, I sympathize I’m sure it messed him up a bit, but judging us by it every day, it’s overkill!” Adam hissed, “I mean how does he know what would happen, Eternia has been at peace since I don’t know, how long he has been king which has been forever”

“And if we aren’t on guard then things could get worse again” Teela argued back, “That why you should have picked that sword in the first place”

“Oh don’t start with me and that sword, what if that sword is the trouble huh, ever thought of that” Adam looked so smug right now, “What if I took that sword and that causes Eternia to go to darkness and all that stuff grandpa talks about”

“But what if it’s not, I don’t want people to have to deal with anything your grandpa dealt with”

Adam rolled his eyes, “They won’t he’s just being paranoid”

Before Teela could argue Adam walked off to find more firewood leaving her standing their, taking a deep breath she decided to head off in her direction, hoping she wouldn’t get lost in this forest.

Venturing further into the heart of the jungle was far from Teela's usual concept of an enjoyable time. Her usual haunts consisted of the bustling urban sprawl, and the untamed wilderness held a mystique that seldom captivated her attention. Nevertheless, duty bound her as a guardian of Eternia, and she approached this unfamiliar terrain with a resolute determination to validate her commitment to both her monarch and the esteemed rank she held.

The dense foliage closed in around her, creating an immersive, almost primeval atmosphere. The air was thick with the scent of earth and vegetation, a stark contrast to the sterile confines of the city she was accustomed to. Every step was a negotiation with the tangled roots and uneven terrain beneath her boots, and the symphony of unseen creatures added an eerie backdrop to her solitary journey.

Teela, despite her duty-driven resolve, couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease that accompanied her. Her keen senses were on high alert, vigilant for any hint of danger that might lurk within the shadows of the ancient trees. The rustling leaves overhead seemed to whisper secrets, and the distant calls of unseen animals echoed through the dense foliage, heightening the tension that coiled within her.

The sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows that danced with every gentle sway of the towering branches. Teela pressed on, her gaze sweeping the surroundings for any sign of movement. Her fingers clenched around the hilt of her weapon, a tangible reassurance in the face of the unknown.

As she trudged deeper into the heart of the jungle, Teela's determination wove a delicate balance with the nagging uncertainty that clung to her every step. She was not just a city guard here; she was an intruder in a realm untouched by the trappings of civilization. The rhythmic cacophony of the jungle enveloped her, and the unseen dangers that might lie ahead remained a persistent concern in her quest to prove her mettle beyond the familiar walls of Eternia.

Carefully she walked until she finally did hear something, a twig cracking and what sounded like a horse. Heading in that direction Teela moved some of the twigs around her and saw what they were looking for.

“Bandits” Teela said almost squealing, this was her chance, the bandits in question were covered by cloaks and hoods as they had a local orc woman on her court hostage.

“Oye hand over the goods,” One Bandit said, holding a dagger to the poor woman Orc, “And no one gets hurt”

The Orc woman gasped and got off the horse, Teela watched, grabbing her staff and jumping forward causing everyone to jump.

“Stop this evil doer!” Teela said with all the force she could muster, staff at hand.

Both bandits and the orc woman turned in confusion as Teela stood there.

“Who are you?” One of them said,

“I am Teela, a guard of Eternia, stop this at once!” Teela held her staff at the battle position.

Both bandits looked at one another confused.

“Eh, are you lost”

Teela was taken aback, her bravado deflated, “What! No! I just said I’m one of the guards of Eternia”

“Oh, well that sounds like a nice job” The second bandit said, “Does it pay well”

“It’s not about the money” Teela hissed, “I’m here to arrest you, your bandits robbing this lady”

“Oh right then” The first bandit said now brandishing a dagger, “Then yuh gonna wanna put that stuff down girly

“Girley!” Teela clenched her staff, she tried to think of some of the battle simulations she ran and charged.

Fueled by an unwavering determination, Teela propelled herself forward with an intense burst of energy, aiming to confront the impending threat. However, her aggressive advance was abruptly halted when a swift blow from one of the bandits sent her staggering backward. Caught off guard, she found herself momentarily dazed as the menacing bandits swiftly encircled her, tightening the grip of danger.

In a state of disorientation, Teela instinctively retreated, creating some distance between herself and the encroaching adversaries. Despite her extensive training, the overwhelming pressure of the moment rendered her momentarily paralyzed, her mind struggling to formulate a coherent plan of action. In the midst of the chaos, she frantically searched for a strategy, but a mental block seemed to impede her usual clarity. Despite the wealth of training she had undergone, the urgency of the situation had momentarily robbed her of her ability to think decisively, leaving her with nothing but the instinct to inch backward.

“Stay back, I got a staff and I know how to use it!” Teela shouted, “I’ve trained”

Teela looked at the Orc woman, “Run!”

The Orc Woman got back on her horse as her carriage began to run off.

“Hey! That was our score!” The first Bandit sneered.

One bandit tried to stab her but she dodged, at least her instinct to defend was working.

Another tried to stab but she twirled causing him to miss.

Teela's mind flickered to life, a surge of clarity cutting through the mental fog that had clouded her thoughts. With renewed determination, she pushed herself upright, muscles responding to the call of action. Gripping her staff tightly, she rose, every inch the warrior ready for battle.

As Teela stood poised, her senses sharpened, anticipating the imminent clash. The air crackled with tension as she scanned the surroundings, eyes narrowing in on the lurking threat. Her staff, an extension of her skill and resolve, was held at the ready, a silent promise of the impending confrontation.

In a swift, practiced motion, Teela launched into action. Her movements were precise, a dance of lethal grace as she closed the distance between herself and the adversaries. The staff whirled through the air, a deadly extension of her will.

However, the adversaries, the panids, proved to be formidable opponents. They moved with an unexpected intelligence, countering Teela's strikes with agile maneuvers. It was a dance of blades and staves, each side seeking an opening in the other's defenses.

Teela's strike, though fierce, was met with a cunning evasion from the banids. Their collective movements were a synchronized ballet of evasion and retaliation, making it clear that they were no ordinary foes. The battlefield became a dynamic tableau of clashing weapons and elusive figures, each combatant testing the limits of their skill and cunning.

As the battle unfolded, Teela's realization sank in—this battle was not only a test of strength but also a contest of wits. 

The bandits though, they were more clever than she had initially gauged, were proving to be a formidable challenge, pushing Teela to dig deeper into her reserves of skill and strategy to overcome their cunning resistance. The fight raged on, a symphony of combat echoing through the air as Teela sought to unravel the mysteries of her adversaries and emerge victorious in this intricate dance of blades.

Teela was knocked down again.

Both bandits closed in now.

“We got yuh now girlie” They sneered

“What is going on here!” The voice of the king echoed.

Teela gasped as King Miro oh so casually just walked in now, so casually yet with a stern grimace on his face, both Bandits seemed confused and taken aback as he approached but they rushed all the same, only for the King to grab one by the arm effortlessly and crush it.

“Ack, my arm!” The Bandit said he was able to slip out but the damage was done.

Teela was taken aback by the King’s strength as Miro just stood there.

“Why are you attacking one of my guards?” He asked again, calm and stern.

The two bandits cowered in their boots before running off screaming deep into the woods.

“They’re getting away” Teela jumped up.

“Leave them” Miro muttered, “They aren’t worth it, just petty crooks, I broke an arm, they probably won’t return for a while”

Teela looked embarrassed and bowed, “Thank you for your aid my King”

Miro merely dusted himself off, “Well, looks like you’ll learn from this, training and simulations are nothing with actual field experience…remember that”

“Of course…I will”

Miro walked off without another word, Teela deciding to follow him back to the main sight where they were resting. Teela followed him, but looking down, this was probably one of the most embarrassing moments of her life. All the years of training and yet she was barely capable of doing anything. Well from now on that was going to change.

-000-

Night cast its dark veil, enveloping the surroundings and Adam was beginning to wonder just why his Grandfather had summoned him and Teela to come with him in the first place. There hadn’t been any bandits or anything, honestly, it felt like his grandfather just wanted to take him and Teela camping for…whatever cranky reason. Was this his weird sense of bonding, if so it wasn’t working. 

Seated by the crackling fire, Adam retrieved his flute from his pocket, its silver gleam catching the moonlight. The night air hung heavy with anticipation as he began to play a gentle melody, a nostalgic tune that echoed the lullabies his mother used to hum to him in the quiet moments of his childhood. The music, a balm to his restless thoughts, sought to infuse a touch of life into the otherwise somber forest.

His grandfather stood in silence not commenting while Teela came back with some firewood. That stern face of his just gazing into the flame, the cyan eyes twinkling a bit.

“So much for bandit hunting” Teela muttered.

Adam remained quiet and just kept playing.

“Not talking” Teela whispered.

Adam nodded as he kept playing.

“You getting good at that thing” His grandfather stated as he walked up to him, it was odd to hear a compliment, “Wish your fishing skills were as good, something actually good at surival”.
There was the insult.

Adam sighed as he put away his flute.

King Miro sat down next to them.

This whole day was so odd, now and then his grandfather would have a few moments with him, never pleasant moments but moments nonetheless. Yet he was always for the most part busy being King, ruling the Kingdom, dealing with the important dealings of the state, and whatnot. Yet this, this seemed odd, almost uncertain.

“I tried to get your father to do things like this, he hated it of course,” Miro said looking into the fire, “Forced him too, it was good for him, instead of being stuck in a library all day, nose in a book about who knows what. Hated me for it. But I wanted to ensure he would survive, as King that is his first and primary mission to survive, and ensure that when one moral coils break down that legacy goes on”.

“Did your father take you camping even in dark times?” Teela asked.

Adam froze, she didn’t know of course, but she might have opened up a hornet’s nest.

Miro for his part though just continued to look deep into the campfire lost in contemplation, “I had no father, no mother, not even guardians. Well at least not by the time I was able to survive on my own. Probably succumbed to their weakness and really, couldn’t take it. Your children are lucky to grow up in such comfort. Comfort is provided by the sacrifices made to unite the planet. Sacrifices we made in those times”.

“ Well why do you have to be so harsh to the rest of us then” Adam thought aloud, not wanting to make his grandpa angrier.

“Believe me, the dangers our world might face today are still nothing to what we face back then” Miro took a deep sigh and leaned back, “That’s the one failure in my life is that I couldn’t make you or your father truly understand what sometimes needs to be done in the times when it is necessary”

“I know, I know, legacy”

“Yes, sadly it seems maybe legacy is going to be one of failure” Miro replied tapping the fire with a stick, “Failure to prepare the world for what could come again if we are not ready. But more than legacy, more than that! Everything I do! Everything I will do till my last breath is to ensure that I, and the legacy I have built survive, and that includes you, boy! You may not appreciate it now, but maybe one day, you will!”

Adam watched as his grandfather took another deep breath.

“Your grandmother understood that too,” He said this time he said in a hushed whisper, “She understood how to survive, it’s why she and I were able to live through those dark times. Warrior in her own right, my beloved-”

Suddenly a crack in the air, something felt amiss.

Adam looked up as King Miro slowly began to stand. 

The grassy forest began to rustle violently as Adam thought he saw the movement of shadows around him. He noticed Teela taking her staff and holding it tightly, perhaps these were the bandits that his grandfather had mentioned form before.

Adam’s heart started to pound as he took a closer look.

All went quite.

Abruptly, sinuous ropes descended from the gnarled branches, entwining Adam and Teela in their malevolent embrace, and sending them crashing to the ground. Amidst the sudden onslaught, Miro stood alone, an ominous prelude to the impending threat hurtling towards them.

Adam struggled to rise, but invisible forces bound him to the earth, rendering him helpless. A cacophony of indistinct noises swirled around him, leaving him disoriented and clueless about the unfolding events. Desperation clawed at him as he longed to witness his grandfather's actions, obscured in the shadows.

From the murky darkness, a clash resonated—a duel between the aged king and their mysterious assailants. A sudden burst of light unveiled the scene, revealing his grandfather's anguished cry, followed by an ominous silence.

Grimacing, Adam forced himself to his feet, his eyes straining to pierce through the uncertainty. His grandfather lay defeated, wisps of smoke trailing from his battered form, yet resilience gleamed in the old king's eyes as he began to rise.

"Grandpa!"

Miro's gaze pierced the forest, revealing a cloaked figure adorned in regal purple, hood obscuring their visage. With an air of malevolence, they held a staff aglow with an eerie azure light, standing there with a chilling chuckle.

"Hello, Keldor," Miro spat disdainfully.

"Hello, father," the figure retorted, pulling back the hood just enough to expose a ghastly countenance. "And by the way, the name is... Skeletor!"