Saturday, April 21, 2012

Adora's Search for Honor Part 1: Chapter 8

Adora’s Search for Honor
Part 1
Chapter 8

Previously: Netossa could not find anyone at the remains of the sea side village known as Poft. It appears that Spinerella is at Brightmoon being looked over by a healer named Minwu and Perfuma. Mermista and Perfuma went on their way to bring a wounded Adora to the Whispering Woods. Catra learned she has some untapped magical power, and Shadow Weaver is going to help her unleash it. Adora also became She-Ra and learned some tidbits about the Horde and Etheria. Bow and Glimmer were also visiting Castaspella in Mystacor for some information and recources. As well as a brief respite.

Chapter 8

It is a bright and sunny day; Glimmer and Bow are heading back to the Whispering Woods after a glorious visit in Mystacor. This time around they are much more cautious. They were lucky that Castaspella was able to help them before, but this time around they would not have that help if they were to need it. Glimmer and Bow are riding his steed Arrow; a group of mages from Mystacor have already gone ahead to deliver resources to the Whispering Woods. Glimmer smiles and recalls the visit to Mystacor, “I feel so hopeful Bow; our visit with Castaspella was wonderful.” Bow nods in agreement, “I know Glimmer, I am glad we have resources and some tips on how to find Angella. This Peekablue woman sounds like a very interesting person.”

“I wonder what she is like. It must be lonely for her to be the only person living in that Sun Tower.”

“I know Glimmer, I am glad that Castaspella finds the time to visit her. It seems that Peekablue has sacrificed a lot to stay there.” Bow imagines what it would be like to not have his friends with him. He also thinks of Adora, he wonders if she ever feels lonely since she stayed with the Horde. He misses her…

Glimmer interrupts his thoughts, “Bow, could we stop for a second? There is a small spring up ahead and I’d like to refill my canteen.” Shaking the empty bottle, Glimmer makes a slight face as if to say, "I will need some water." Their trip back to the Whispering Woods is still a distance away. They certainly do not want to be without water. Peering through some of the trees, Bow looks at the spring and agrees. Glimmer hops off of Arrow and offers to fill up Bow’s bottle too. He hands his bottle to her and points towards the trail, “Thanks Glimmer, I’ll be the look out on the trail if that is ok?” Bow asks.

“Sure, I shouldn’t be long.” Glimmer makes her way down a small slope in the ground and passes a few trees eventually making it to the small spring. The water sparkles as some of the sunlight shines through the trees. Glimmer smiles at the beauty surrounding her. She wishes she could relax and have some food by the water, with Bow. For some reason Glimmer has been thinking of him more and more lately, she isn’t sure what her feelings mean. Or what she should even do about them.

Back on the main trail Bow looks around, they have been lucky. There have not been any problems. Unlike when they were making their way to Mystacor. Bow remarks to himself that they should make it back home before the sun goes down.

Glimmer is still filling up the canteens of water and is almost finished until she hears some footsteps rustling in the grass right behind her. “Bow, I am just about finished, so we can be off soon.” Standing up Glimmer turns to see Spikor in front of her. Not Bow. Her heart stops cold. Eyes wide in terror, Glimmer is about to call for Bow, when Spikor quickly places his hand over her mouth.

A short distance away, Bow is waiting and getting slightly nervous. He looks down the slope and tries to spot Glimmer at the spring, but he can’t see her. He motions for Arrow to follow him down the slope and stops. Horde Troopers start walking out of the woods completely surrounding the path, the sunlight shining against their silver metal exteriors. Realizing they are even more outnumbered than before, Bow curses to himself. They are in trouble.

Glimmer’s heart is pounding. She tries to break free from Spikor's grasp, the bottles of water drop and spill on the ground. Grabbing her by the waist, Spikor whispers, “Oh no my little rebel princess, you aren’t going anywhere." Still trying to shake him off, Glimmer manages to shout, “Let go of me! Bow!!” Screaming more, Glimmer manages to twist free. She runs, only Spikor’s arm extends out grabbing hold of her foot and dragging her to the ground. Glimmer screams again.

Bow has his arrows drawn and is trying to hold his own against the Horde Troopers, when he hears Glimmer scream. Thinking of a way to help Glimmer, Bow shouts back, “Glimmer fight as hard as you can, I’m trying to get to you!”

Spikor has Glimmer pinned beneath him, he smiles down at her, “We have unfinished business.” He grins and extends spikes from his upper body and face. Shuddering in disgust Glimmer looks at him, “If you want some of me, just ask nicely.” She releases her hands and throws out some sparkly light in his face like the first time. Spikor falls back trying to regain his sight. He screams at her as she gets up and runs towards Bow. Glimmer feels like she is free until Spikor’s metallic arm melts into a trident that quickly extends out to Glimmer. Part of the trident catches on to her waist, she is stuck.

Bow has taken down a few Horde Troopers, but he is still outnumbered. Managing to catch a glimpse of Glimmer, Bow sees that she is in grave danger. Spikor has her caught in some type of weapon that is attached to his arm. Bow tries to find a way to get to her.

Spikor turns his arm, and with Glimmer stuck in the trident prongs, he slams her against a tree. With his arm still extended Spikor slowly makes his way towards Glimmer, closing the gap. Trying to wiggle out of the trident prong, Glimmer finds that the tree is keeping her stuck in place. A few inches from her, Spikor sneers, “You rebels are all the same, fighting till the bitter end, even though you have already lost. I don’t know how you managed to get away the first time, but I have you now. And Hordak will be so pleased when I bring him the body of Princess Glimmer.”

Still struggling to get loose, Glimmer finds herself in pain. She refuses to give up, but is slightly caught off guard by a moving shadow above her. Briefly looking up, Glimmer sees nothing. Glimmer tells herself that she must be seeing things now that she is about to die. Waiting for the final blow to end her life, Glimmer hears a loud swoosh. In a flash of light a woman glides across the air with a sword, and slices Spikor’s extended metallic arm in half. Finally able to release herself from the trident, Glimmer falls to the ground.

Screaming out in anguish, Spikor tries to grab his arm. Bow comes running down the slope and grabs Glimmer. He helps her up and they both turn to look at a tall stunning woman with a flying unicorn. Spikor notices the woman as well and spits out, “Who are you?”

The woman stands tall and points her sword at Spikor, “I am She-Ra. And you need to keep her hands to yourself.” She-Ra charges at Spikor and grabs his good arm. She spins him around and tosses the monster towards a large tree. Hitting the thick tree hard, Spikor slumps to the ground. She-Ra looks at Glimmer and Bow, “He should be out for awhile and I will help you get to safety.”

The three head back to the dirt path, and Glimmer is in awe. All of the Horde Troopers that were gathering around Bow are all knocked around on the ground. Glimmer looks at Bow, “Did you do all this?” Bow shakes his head, still in disbelief at how lucky they were, “No, I had some help.” There is an energy in the air. Glimmer looks at She-Ra, “Who are you?” Responding with complete confidence the woman says, “I am She-Ra, and this is Swift Wind. I am a protector, here to rid Etheria of the Horde.”

That statement alone allows a great weight to float off Glimmer's shoulders. Something about the words... Glimmer can't help but believe them. Looking at She-Ra in amazement, Glimmer gasps, “This is crazy. I can’t believe this. I have long hoped for someone to help the Rebellion, and now here you are. Is this really happening?”

Smiling, She-Ra looks at Glimmer, “Yes, this is happening. There has been a change. The Horde is no longer going to be ruling over Etheria.” Bow extends his hand to She-Ra, “Let me just say it is wonderful to meet you.” Glimmer nods emphatically, “Yes! You must join the Rebellion, we are trying to stop the Horde too.” She-Ra looks at Glimmer and Bow, “I would be happy to join the Rebellion, stopping the Horde is a priority of mine.”

They begin travelling towards the Whispering Woods. Glimmer discusses the Rebellion’s current circumstances and explains who is who in the Rebellion. She-Ra looks forward to meeting everyone, though there are a few other matters of urgence that She-Ra says she must take care of. Eventually as the trio makes it to the outskirts of the Whispering Woods, She-Ra and Swift Wind say their goodbyes for the time being. Full of concern, Glimmer stops, “How will we find you when we need help?”

She-Ra smiles, “I will return. There is somewhere else I really must be right now. It is nice to meet you Glimmer, and Bow.” She-Ra waves and flies off. Looking at Bow in shock, Glimmer whispers, “Please tell me I was not just dreaming this whole time?” Grinning at Glimmer Bow hugs and kisses her cheek, “No, I think we now actually have a chance against the Horde!” Continuing to smile while holding back tears, Glimmer now has a lot of news to address to the Rebellion…

***

Meanwhile two other Rebels find their way on their own mini-adventure. Mermista and Perfuma are close to approaching the Crystal Falls. Perfuma looks at Mermista confirming the story she just heard, “And you are sure that Adora is ready to leave the Horde?” Recalling the story, Mermista nods, “Yes Perfuma, I am sure. Adora didn’t exactly sign over her life for the Rebellion, but trust me, after what Catra did to her; Adora is not going back to the Horde.”

Shaking her head in disgust, Perfuma groans, “My goodness Catra is such a bitc-” Before the sentence can be completed, Mermista jumps in, “Perfuma, why did you really kiss Minwu on the cheek when we left?” Rolling her eyes, Perfuma groans again, “Oh I have no idea Mermista! It just felt like the right thing to do. He is nice.”

Laughing at the idea of just kissing someone out of the blue, Mermista looks wistful, “You are such a free spirit. Able to run around and do whatever strikes your mood. Good for you, someone needs to be like that.” The thought of just rushing up to someone and planting a kiss on a cheek, or even a pair of lips, has never crossed Mermista's mind. That would require an amount of gumption that I am not even sure I possess, Mermista thinks to herself.

As if reading Mermista's mind, Perfuma chimes, “Oh you could be the same way Mermista! You just have to let go.” Stepping away from her personal thoughts, Mermista looks ahead, “I guess. Come on, we are close.” The two women make it to Crystal Falls. Mermista is concerned when they can’t find Adora or Spirit. Perfuma looks worried too, “You don’t think she died do you?”

Sighing, Mermista looks around the ground, “Perfuma, there would be a body. No, I left Adora with enough tonics to help with any pain and she didn’t seem like she was on the verge of death. Where could she be?” Perfuma walks around the area, stopping to admire the scenery, “Ya know Mermista, Crystal Falls could use some new flowers. It just looks sad with all these rocks and water everywhere.” Mermista rubs her head, “Perfuma, now is not the time to worry about planting flowers. We really need to find Adora.”

“I’m right here.” Adora calls out and walks slowly towards Perfuma and Mermista.

Perfuma’s eyes widen, “Wow, Adora! I am so glad to see you!” Perfuma gives her old friend a hug. Adora grimaces in slight pain. Jumping back, Perfuma brings a hand to her mouth, “Oh, I’m sorry! You are probably hurting.” Mermista asks if Adora is alright. Nodding, Adora rubs her lower back, “I am feeling better. I don’t look it completely, but trust me, I feel much better.”

Clapping her hands together, Perfuma smiles widely, “I am so happy to see you! I know you almost died and all, but I think Catra nearly killing you was a good thing.” Mermista widens her eyes and exclaims, “Perfuma!”

Perfuma smiles again, “Well because now Adora is going to be with us. We’ve missed you so much.”
Mermista and Adora look at each other. Adora is thankful for all that Mermista has done, while Mermista is glad that Adora is walking around. All three think about their friendships and they all get tears in their eyes. So much time has passed. Would they all be able to pick up where they had left off? Adora wipes her eyes, “Well I have missed you all too. Believe me. It is good to be here, with you all.” Mermista nods, “Ok. So let’s get going. There are a lot of people who are going to want to see you.” With that the women and Spirit begin their trip back to the Whispering Woods…

***

Glimmer and Bow have made their way back to the Whispering Woods. They have begun the task of unpacking and getting caught up with what has been going on in Brightmoon. Minwu informs them both that Mermista and Perfuma left suddenly. Glimmer hopes they will be alright. The rebels are also glad to see some resources were safely brought in by the Mystacor Mages.

Pulling Bow aside, Glimmer shares her ideas, “I plan on addressing the Rebellion once Perfuma and Mermista return.” Bow asks if he can help in any way as Madame Razz approaches the two.

Bow asks Madame Razz, “Do you happen to know where Mermista and Perfuma went off to?” Shaking her head, Madame Razz shrugs, “No, sorry Bow. I have no idea where those girls went. It must’ve been important if they left in such a hurry.”

The small group suddenly turns as some visitors walk into the clearing. Double Trouble and Frosta both stride towards Glimmer, Bow, and Madame Razz. Surprised to see Frosta, Glimmer waves,  “Frosta, how nice to see you. I thought you would be at Castle Chill?” Raising an eyebrow, Frosta sighs, “I figure darling that since half of my people are residing in this woodsy place for protection, I should be able to visit them.” Double Trouble laughs out of annoyance, “Now be honest Frosta.”

Brushing past Double Trouble, Frosta haughtily waves her hand, “Fine. I want to know what the Rebellion is planning on doing about my kingdom. If you all haven’t noticed, I have the Horde for a neighbor. And they are noisy neighbors at that, planning my demise.” Trying to calm the tension, Glimmer wants to help, “Frosta, we are aware of what is happening at Castle Chill. And we are preparing our own group to help fight against the Horde.”

Frosta looks around, “What group? You hardly have any resources. Most of the members of the Rebellion look as if they have missed a few meals. How on Etheria are they going to go up against the mighty Horde?” Bow jumps in, “Glimmer has a plan, trust her.”

Smiling sweetly at Bow, Frosta rolls her eyes, “Darling, I hardly trust anyone. Except for Mermista. We both come from royalty. Everyone else is running around like confused children. Especially Double Trouble.”

Double Trouble opens her mouth in protest, “What?” Pointing her icy fingers at Double Trouble, Frosta continues, “She is a double agent, yet I am supposed to trust her? For all I know she is going to practically be handling the cannons aimed at my throne.”

Throwing her arms up, Double Trouble shouts, “This is what I have been dealing with all the way here. Frosta, for the last time, I am going to know when Hordak is ready to make his first move. I am not going to let anything happen to your kingdom. We will all be prepared to stop Hordak.”

Frosta shakes her head and goes to take a seat on a tree stump. Pausing to look at the stump, Frosta decides to just stand.

Glimmer breathes slowly, “Ok, I understand that tensions are high. We are all in a state of panic and fear. Our world has been upside down for a very long time. There is some real hope though. Bow and I got some much needed help earlier today from a very powerful woman. Her name is She-Ra, and she is really strong. I also think she is meant to protect Etheria.”

Recalling some of the history of Etheria, Madame Razz listens and whispers, “A protector…” Bow is barely able to hear Razz's whisper. He asks, “What did you say Madame Razz?” Knowing she is caught, Madame Razz pretends to be confused, “Dearie, pay no attention to an old woman like me.” Having heard something too, Glimmer looks at her, “Madame Razz, what did you say? You are important to this Rebellion, we all are.”

Madame Razz closes her eyes, “I was thinking back to an older time when you mentioned this She-Ra person. There was once a time when there was a strong person protecting Etheria. Sadly he was killed by Hordak, so long ago. I just wonder if we are really lucky enough for someone new to fill that role…”

Bow smiles knowing that the Rebellion has a new chance, “She-Ra could help us. I was highly outnumbered by Horde Troopers and she took them out in a breeze.” Not one to be left out of a conversation, Frosta jumps in, “Ok so this She-Ra woman sounds like a great supporter, but where is she? How are we going to get help from someone who you two have only seen once? For all I know you both had way too much drink in Mystacor and were seeing things.”

Suddenly the group is interrupted by some more arrivals. Mermista and Perfuma walk into the clearing with Adora atop Spirit. Worn out from rushing to help Adora, Mermista says, “Could we have some help please?” Everyone is caught off guard to see Adora. After a brief pause, Glimmer and Bow quickly assist Perfuma and Mermista in getting Adora off of Spirit. They carry her towards Brightmoon. The meeting is temporarily moved.

Following behind, Double Trouble catches her breath, “Oh wonderful, she survived!” Listening to what Double Trouble said, Glimmer asks, “Cousin, do you know what is going on?” Nodding Double Trouble begins, “There was a plot to kill Adora. Catra thought that Adora was spying on the Horde and Hordak wanted Catra to kill her for being a spy. Or so they thought.” This knowledge is a scary reality. Glimmer’s eyes widen, “Spira!” Sharing the same thoughts, Double Trouble closes her eyes, “I know. That should be me. I'm the double agent, not her.” Glimmer hugs her cousins and says, “It shouldn’t have been anyone. Thankfully you are both here.”

Everyone makes it to Brightmoon. Minwu greets them, leading the group to a healing room. Minwu helps Adora settle into the room and begins looking over her wounds.

Stepping closer into the fold, Frosta looks down at Adora, “You look terrible darling. What happened?” Half smiling Adora says, “I forgot how refreshing you are Frosta.” Adora then discusses everything leading up to the fight she had with Catra and how she was flung off the side of the mountain. Mermista adds, “Then I found her by Crystal Falls, barely alive. I am amazed she is doing this well so soon after.”

Looking at Adora in wonderment, Bow can’t believe she is here. He is speechless. Double Trouble squeezes Adora’s hand, “This is amazing. Hordak asked me to look for your body and your sword. I now see why I had to lie about your death. I’m happy you are here Adora.”

“Ahem.” Minwu interrupts, “Everyone, I think it is best that you all leave for now. I need to try and look over Adora’s wounds. I am also sure she needs some rest.” Agreeing, Glimmer adds, “Alright, let’s let Minwu do his thing. As for the rest of you, follow me to the courtyard. There are some things we need to go over.” The courtyard at Brightmoon is a lush garden decorated with all kinds of beautiful flowers. Everyone exits the room saying their goodbyes to Adora and Minwu.

In the courtyard Glimmer gathers everyone around. Perfuma gets sidetracked by some flowers and helps them open and bloom. Looking at her friends, Glimmer begins the meeting, “The Rebellion has some challenges ahead. I need to address the Rebellion about where we are and where we are going. There have been some recent changes that have finally put some things in our favor with fighting the Horde.We need to work on a way to find She-Ra, and I am thinking there should also be a group that heads out to the Crystal Sands to the Sun Tower. Castaspella’s friend Peekablue should help us find my mom and Kowl.”

Knowing that Glimmer's plan is important, there is another issue that Bow firmly believes needs addressing. Standing up Bow asks, “Glimmer these ideas sound nice, but what are we going to do about Adora?” Slightly unsure of the reason behind the question, Glimmer tilts her head, “I don’t know what you mean?”

Bow is ready to speak some hard truths, “Have we all forgotten that until recently Adora was the head force captain of the Horde? How do we know that she isn’t going to go running back? Are we going to trust her?” Thinking of Adora, Mermista shakes her head, “Bow, after what she has gone through, I don’t think Adora is going back to the Horde. I trust her.” Double Trouble adds, “Adora was already questioning her role with the Horde before the mess with Catra and even before she stumbled upon our hideout in the Whispering Woods. Not to mention, Adora could have easily said that I was really the one spying. I believe that Adora is in a different place.”

Still uncertain, Bow continues, “I understand what you are both saying. It just isn’t enough. I get that we all care about Adora and miss the friendships we had with her, I just think we should take her being here as a possible threat.” Knowing just what to say to make things better, Madame Razz walks up and looks at Bow, “Dearie, I think you are just worried that we’ll all lose Adora again. It hit you all hard when she stayed with the Horde and everyone else left. I remember the looks on your faces. We had lost someone so important. She is back though. This is different Bow.”

“Is it though?” Bow asks.

“Yes it is.” Adora declares as she slowly walks towards the group. Forgetting the blooming flowers, Perfuma rushes to her, “You should be resting Adora!”

Adora smiles, “I am going to be fine. Trust me. That goes for all of you.” Adora looks straight at Bow as if to say, I am fine, and I am staying right here. Bow lowers his head, embarrassed that Adora heard his concerns.

Adora continues, “I am not the naïve person I once was. I have seen the Horde for what they truly are. I am not going back to the Fright Zone, I will not be following Hordak’s orders anymore. That monster has been responsible for so much death and destruction. He was responsible for slaughtering Frosta’s parents and blaming it on the Rebellion. He has somehow managed to wipe out an entire race of mer-people, leaving Mermista with no family. He has raided and destroyed villages, all placing the blame on the Rebellion. He has even kidnapped Glimmer’s mother.” Perfuma pipes up, “And Kowl too.”

Nodding, Adora continues, “I have been in denial about what Hordak has been capable of. I am no longer acting with a sheet over my eyes. He has hurt all of us, even me. You have to believe me when I say this. I am going to stay with the Rebellion, with my friends, like I should have done all those years ago. I will not lose this family after the family that Hordak has already taken from me.”

Thinking of family and loss, Frosta smirks, “Isn’t it odd how Hordak has a way of disrupting our lives with our loved ones?” Everyone hears what Frosta has to say. The statement hits Adora really hard, like a punch to the gut. Tears begin streaming down her face.

Looking to console Adora, Madame Razz asks, “Dearie, are you going to be alright?” Shaking her head Adora moves to sit on a nearby bench, “I don’t know how I will be alright. I have found out so many terrible things. I was not born on Etheria.” Adora proceeds to tell the story of her birth on Eternia and subsequent kidnapping by Hordak.

“Adora, that is amazing! You have a family out there.” Perfuma announces, pointing to the sky. “A family I may never meet. I don’t understand how Hordak can be that evil.” Adora says, wiping tears from her eyes. Mermista puts her arm around the bruised blonde, “You have us Adora. We are a family.”

Full of curiosity, Glimmer asks, “How did you find this out Adora?” The question puts Adora on alert. Pausing ever so slightly, Adora does not want to address her meeting the Sorceress. I can't let them find out about my dual identity, Adora says to herself. Another idea pops into her head, “A woman named She-Ra told me.” Glimmer’s eyes light up, “You know She-Ra?”

Adora nods, “Yes I do. After Catra tossed me off Skydancer Mountain, She-Ra was the one that helped me get safely down the mountain and to the falls. She told me everything was going to be ok.”

“Is that why you wanted to go back up Skydancer Mountain?” Mermista asks, wondering why Adora had wanted so badly to go back up such a dangerous place. “Yes, I wanted to find She-Ra. If it wasn’t for her, I’d be dead.” Adora can’t believe she is lying, but she has to keep her dual identity a secret.

“Do you think that She-Ra could help us? Would it be easy to find her?” Glimmer asks. Adora is trying not to further complicate her lie, “I think so.” The sentence is enough for Glimmer. The rebel princess smiles, “Oh Adora, Bow and I received She-Ra's help. If she could help the Rebellion, we’d surely stand a chance against the Horde.” Adora agrees, “I would think so.” Madame Razz is paying attention to Adora and realizes that something seems funny. There is more that Adora is not telling, Madame Razz says to herself.

Glimmer continues the meeting, “Alright, I am going to address the Rebellion and announce what is going on. Let us also plan on heading to the Crystal Sands.” Plans are soon set for Glimmer, Mermista, Perfuma, and Double Trouble to head to the Crystal Sands. Frosta naturally volunteers herself to go as well. Bow is going to stick around the Whispering Woods and watch over things. Finally Glimmer asks Adora an important question, “Do you think it would be possible for She-Ra to accompany us to the Crystal Sands?”

Adora stammers, “I could see… I guess, it wouldn't be difficult...” Madame Razz speaks up throwing Adora for a loop, “I can contact She-Ra.” Madame Razz tosses Adora a knowing look. Adora pretends not to notice.

Eyes wide with happiness, Glimmer asks, “Madame Razz? You know She-Ra too?”

Madame Razz explains, “No dearie, I’ve yet to meet this woman. However I do know a thing or two about contacting protectors on Etheria. As I may have mentioned, I once knew a great man that protected this world. I have just the slightest hunch that I will be able to contact this new protector of Etheria…” Madame Razz looks over at Adora and looks at her strangely. Adora looks away.

Glad about the news, Glimmer hugs Bow. She is feeling like the Rebellion is going to stand a huge fighting chance against the Horde. There is also a real possibility that they may find Angella and bring her home.

The group eventually starts to separate. Frosta wants to see how her people are doing in the Whispering Woods. Perfuma attends to her garden; she is cutting some flowers for those who are sick. Bow and Glimmer head off to prepare for Glimmer's speech. Double Trouble and Mermista walk away and catch up. Madame Razz and Adora are the only two left. Adora is nervous and does not know what to say. Breaking the silence, Madame Razz states, “Dearie, my legs have been walking this world for a long time. When things slow down, if that is even possible around here, we need to have a talk." Pretending to play dumb, Adora says, “What do you want to talk about Madame Razz?”

Hugging Adora, Madame Razz whispers in her ear, “This woman named She-Ra. I have a feeling the two of you are closely connected…” Adora stammers, “Madame Razz, I don’t know what you are talking about. I can’t talk about this…” Knowing that Adora must be feeling so alone if she has such a huge secret on her shoulders, Madame Razz is prepared to be there for Adora. Placing her hand on Adora’s cheek, Madame Razz says with love and care, “Dearie, of course you can talk to me. I’m Madame Razz, and I am here for you. Just like I was there for Light Hope.” The simple mention of Light Hope causes Adora to realize that there is much more to Madame Razz than she ever thought…

***

Meanwhile across worlds, a prince and a master of weapons are preparing to do something surprisingly dangerous. Prince Adam races into the weapons room of his family’s palace on Eternia. Man-at-Arms is not far behind. “Adam, you do not know what you are doing. Let me work on the device just a little longer so that more than one person can go through the portal!” Man-at-Arms calls out, trying to reason with the prince. Adam quickly turns around, “There is no time Duncan! I have to go to Etheria. I have to bring her back.”

Man-at-Arms sighs, “Adam, I know the importance of this mission, but you have never been to Etheria. It would make sense that you go with someone else.” Shaking his head, Adam knows he has all the help he'll ever need, “I will be going with someone. I will have He-Man. That is all I need. Look, Skeletor has been captured and finally imprisoned, Eternia is safe. The rest of the Masters are rounding up Skeletor’s minions as we speak. I am now needed elsewhere.”

“Adam, I understand, but really, waiting just a little longer…” Man-at-Arms tries to reason. The teleportation technology is so new, there is no telling what disasters could happen. Adam slams his fist on a table, “I’m not waiting anymore! My family has kept the secret of my sister for far too long. And to find out that she may have been a part of the most recent Horde invasion? There is no more waiting. I’m going to find my sister and bring her home.”

Man-at-Arms knows he has lost this argument, “I will ready the portal.” Adam is pleased and takes a deep breath; he has no idea what he is getting into. He doesn’t care. He has to find his sister. He wonders what she is like. Will they like the same things? Will they get along? Is she even alive?There is one more person though that is concerned about Adam's plans and rushes into the room.

“Adam, are you sure this is the right thing to do?” Teela says. She cares for him deeply and can't believe he is going to jump through a portal to a world he has never been before. I never thought Adam would be this brave, Teela remarks. Hugging Teela, Adam looks at her, “I am going to be alright, I have to do this.” Looking back at him, Teela half smiles, “But Adam, you usually run from danger. Now you are running right for it.”

Adam mocks being hurt, “Hey, I don’t think a girlfriend is supposed to say things like that!” They both laugh and Teela hugs him tight. She is very concerned that Adam is going to get hurt. For the longest time the two were simply childhood friends. However due to certain recent events, their friendship turned into an unlikely romance. She, the warrior goddess, falling for the cowardly prince; who just happens to carry a big secret. The prince who is always running from battle is actually the most powerful man in the universe: Prince Adam is He-Man. Adam kisses the top of Teela’s head, “I’m going to be back before you know it.”

Teela realizes that she may never get the chance to tell him her own secret, “Adam, there is something I need to tell you…” I kissed He-Man. I kissed the most powerful man in the universe and I liked it. I don’t even know why. I betrayed you Adam, but I do love you… Teela realizes that is not what she needs to tell Adam at the moment, she will have to tell him when he gets back. Teela goes on, “What I need to say is that I love you.”

Adam has the biggest smile, “I love you too Teela. I am very glad to hear that.” He leans in and kisses Teela. They have both recently been through a few hardships, but it has made their relationship stronger. He can't imagine life without her. The kiss lasts just a little longer than planned and Man-at-Arms makes a noise, “Ahem, alright now.”

Teela looks at Man-at-Arms and blushes. She whispers to Adam, “Did we just kiss in front of my dad?”

“I think so.” Adam says. Teela squints her eyes shut, “Wow this is embarrassing.” Giving Teela one last quick kiss, Adam watches as Man-at-Arms opens a portal. Teela and Adam are amazed at what they are witnessing. Adam slowly walks towards the swirling portal; he looks back at Teela and Man-at-Arms.

Man-at-Arms says to Adam, “I will try to have a team join you once I work through the kinks.” This was the first portal device that Duncan had made, and it was far from perfect. Nodding, Adam then walks through the portal, leaving Eternia behind and heading to Etheria…

The portal opens up on Etheria and Adam falls from the air hitting the ground hard. He gets up and dusts himself off. It appears to be night. The land seems barren. He has no idea where he is on Etheria. He looks over towards a lot of dark smoke billowing from a series of strange towers. Unknown to Adam, he is staring at the Fright Zone.

“I guess I should find a safe place to change into He-Man and start getting answers about my sister.” Adam walks around surveying the land trying to find an area less out in the open. As he walks around he steps on a trap, a wire gets caught around his foot dragging him to the ground.

Trying to struggle free, but failing, Adam curses as the wire begins pulling him towards something. He can’t grab his sword and has no idea what is waiting for him. The wire is being dragged towards a metal pole. The wire retracts into the pole flinging him into the air. Adam finds himself being strung to the top. Dangling upside down, Adam struggles to reach for his sword. A sharp electric shock goes through the pole and wire rendering Adam unconscious.

Eventually someone releases Adam and he falls to the ground. He is still unconscious as two figures loom over him. Mantenna and Grizzlor look at each other. “Looks like we managed to capture a slave.” Mantenna says. Grizzlor kicks Adam in the side, “He doesn’t look like a Horde slave.”
Mantenna shrugs, “Let’s get him to Hordak. He’ll know what to do with this guy…”

Next up…
Are you wanting some action? Get ready! The gals of POP go to the Crystal Sands!
Hordak has some delightful plans for Adam.
Plus, rumor has it that a tricky golden beauty may be making an appearance soon…

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