New Legacy Presents: The Secret of the Sword

[Mirage]

Your fiancee is quite the artist, W.


You should invite her to the party more often.

[Hordak Alpha]

Secret of the Sword is really going well. I'm glad to be a part of the magic.

[Meta Ray Mek]

Really like this series so far. =] I love the variety of artwork and everything!

By the way, if you ever need a fill-in artist, lemme know. I'll probably be really busy with college art homework (mostly that, math and reading are cakewalks) for the next 3 months, but I think I could make time for ya.

[thew40]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys.

We going to have a bit of a delay here. Some real life stuff has come up (I'm sick!) as well as some behind the scene issues has pushed the up-date back until probably Sunday-ish. So, just keep an eye out for this thread to pop back up!

~W~

[Hordak Alpha]

I'm sure everyone can wait. Besides, the longer the wait the bigger the anticipation and excitement. Get well soon.

[thew40]

Act Four: Battle

At dawn, they were joined with the Snake-Men. In the shadow of the Towers of Eternia, King Hsss lead his army into the staging area. Friction immediately stirred amongst the various races; the Caligars, Speleans and the Qadians inparticular.

“Keep your people from killing us for just a little while,” mocked King Hsss as he walked towards the stairs of Central Tower. By his side were Kittrina and the rest of the Snake Hunters, escorting him to their meeting place.

“Can’t wait until this over,” Lizard-Man started, “and we can go back to kicking your collective butts.”

King Hsss smiled viciously. “Accept our superiority and surrender. I hope this opportunity provides you with a way of seeing just how much more powerful we are.”

“Quiet down,” Dekker cut in, stopping Kittrina from responding.

“Uncle Dekker is right,” Clamp Champ agreed. “We have a job to do. Let’s do it.”

After a few more minutes, King Hsss joined He-Man, King Randor, and the rest of the leadership inside Central Tower.

An hour later, Skeletor, the Evil Warriors, and the Skeleton Warriors arrived at the Towers of Eternia as well.

Two hours later, the army of the united Eternia was unleashed, marching onward into the Dark Hemisphere . . .

***



Hordak watched from his perch on Doom Tower as the army approached over the horizon. How long had it been since they had first faced him here when Doom Tower and the Horde returned to Eternia? How long had been since their were defeated at Eternos?

Weeks . . . and here they were again. Defying him. He had grown weary of Eternia. Despite his thirst for revenge, the world was proving too much for him. His pride, more than anything physical, had taken the brunt of the war.

“Shadow Weaver, Morgoth!” shouted Hordak to his two greatest sorcerers. They joined him on the balcony. Below, the fortress was being evacuated. Horde Troopers and Mega-Troopers were splitting – half the forces moving into Doom Tower and the other half amassing outside the gate.

“Report.”

Shadow Weaver bowed before her master. “We have gathered all of the Horde sorcerers at the top of the Tower. The teleportation spell will encompass Doom Tower and the inner most portions of the fortress.”

Hordak snorted and pointed to the horizon. “The army marches towards us. Within the hour, the battle will be joined.”

***

Adora rode alongside He-Man as they Doom Tower continued to grow from being a dark point on the horizon to a massive building in the center of a complex fortress. A feeling of uneasiness passed through Adora as they came ever closer. Something didn’t feel quite right about this and it was far more than just Doom Tower being her home for so very long . . .

“He-Man,” she said to her twin brother in disguise.

“What is it?” He-Man asked.

“Something doesn’t . . . feel right . . .”

At that moment, there was a massive burst of thunder. The army of Eternia looked up and watched as huge lighting bolts began to wrap around Doom Tower. A glow was then seen from the top of the Tower. Something was going on, for certain.

“What is happening?” asked King Randor of Adora.

“It looks like a teleportation spell, but on a massive scale!” Skeletor answered for Adora.

“I don’t want Hordak to escape,” He-Man said then.

“Neither do I,” Hsss agreed.

Suddenly, explosions began to erupt around the army. Ahead of them, Horde Troopers were marching forward, weapons blazing hotly through the air.

“FORWARD!” yelled King Randor, the army behind him.

The two forces met head-on, violence beginning immediately. The battle had begun in earnest.

Buzz-Off and his Andreenid warriors were in the air, weapons at the ready. Blasts of laser fire came upon them from below, but luckily, Eternian forces had thrown the first lines of Horde Troopers into the chaos of battle.

Stratos and the Avions joined, launching their weapons with full ferocity. Joined in unison with the Qadians, the left flank of Horde Troopers was quickly overturned. Between the battle in the air and the battle on the ground, the Horde Troopers were reduced to scrap.

The Caligars pushed forward, into the center of the lines. Their battalions were coupled by the strength of the Speleans. King Randor felt some satisfaction, able to work alongside both former enemies. He, Ceratus, and Lord Dactys fought side-to-side, rendering Horde Troopers into slag as they moved forward.

The Snake-Men and the Skeleton Warriors converged on the right attack wing, struggling hard with the Horde Troopers. It seemed, for a while, that the robotic warriors were going to get the upper hand. However, the Snake-Men priests moved, almost gliding in a slithering kind of way. They powers, combined with the continuing attack from the Snake-Men and Skeleton Warriors, overturned the right wing.

“WE’VE BROKEN THE FIRST WAVE!” shouted King Randor, moving to the top of a large jutting rock. Below him, Man-At-Arms, General Rattlor, and Sssqueeze ventured through the shattered Horde Trooper lines.



“We still have trouble,” Adora said, eyes on the massive lightning bolts streaking across the sky and striking the glowing Doom Tower. The second attack wave had been unleashed, this one led by Grizzlor.

“We need to stop Hordak while we still can,” Skeletor said to He-Man and King Hsss.

“Agreed,” He-Man replied.

Hsss only nodded. He lifted his staff. Skeletor then pressed his Chaos Staff against King Hsss’ viper one. There was an intense burst of energy as both forces converged and joined together. An instant later, all three were gone.

In their wake, Battle-Cat rushed to the edge of the fighting and made for the walls of Doom Tower as fast as he could . . .

In the meanwhile, the battle waged on.

---------

The battle continues! I'll up-date probably on Wednesday-ish.

~W~

[Hordak Alpha]

Things are heating up towards an interesting confrontation. Hordak has already fought He-Man one on one as well as fighting Hsss one on one. Hordak was met by great resistance by both warriors, having even been wounded by both. Now, I'm curious to see Hordak not only having to take on He-Man and King Hsss at the same time but add Skeletor to the mix and Hordak is going to have some problems big time.

[Hordaks Henchman]

what a cool picture. with all that enemy united against the horde

[thew40]

I really have no idea when we're going to see an up-date. I have the next couple parts ready, but we're having some major behind the scenes problems, so I'll be waiting to put this up until I have more material behind that.

I'd say, expect to see an up-date later this week (Wednesday-ish, I'd say).

~W~

[Hordak Alpha]

Yow! You've written quite alot of fan fics. I'd wager our fan fic counts are about the same give or take. I know this isn't New Legacy related but I looked around on your blog and your fan fic list and just had to comment.

[thew40]

Yow! You've written quite alot of fan fics. I'd wager our fan fic counts are about the same give or take. I know this isn't New Legacy related but I looked around on your blog and your fan fic list and just had to comment.

Thirty-Eight, to be precise, with more to come. Thanks for checking it out!

~W~

[Hordak Alpha]

Just counting the MotU/Mineternia stories I've written I've got 30 with two stories completed and on the way which brings my tally up to 32. Nice tallies for both of us.

[thew40]

I just learned that Mike Bock was involved in a bad car accident . Luckily, he's doing okay.

Best of luck and health to you, my friend.


Up-date coming this weekend . . . I promise!

~W~

[Hordak Alpha]

I just learned that Mike Bock was involved in a bad car accident . Luckily, he's doing okay.

Best of luck and health to you, my friend.


Up-date coming this weekend . . . I promise!

~W~

Mike will be fine; just a minor setback. He'll be back drawing art for New Legacy soon, and hopefully for a possible future episode written by me hopefully.

Can't wait for the update. The battle with Hordak Vs. He-Man, Skeletor and Hsss should be interesting.

[Cheshire Moon]

any chance of an update?

[Meta Ray Mek]

any chance of an update?

There'll be one soon, don't worry. ;]

[thew40]

any chance of an update?

Yeah, it's coming. We've had some problems come up internally that has really pushed us back.

Look for an up-date next week. Hopefully.

~W~

[Meta Ray Mek]

Yeah, it's coming. We've had some problems come up internally that has really pushed us back.

Look for an up-date next week. Hopefully.

~W~

Hey thew, check your PMs in a few minutes btw.

[Cheshire Moon]

Can't wait guys

[thew40]

Act Five: Beneath Burning Skies

He-Man, Skeletor, and King Hsss appeared in the throne room. Immediately, before any of them could react, twin energy beams blasted out from Hordak’s hands. He-Man was struck and went flying back into a large Horde flag.

“You don’t honestly think I wasn’t prepared for you, do you?” Hordak questioned, energy fuming from his hands.

Skeletor and Hsss went to work. Serpentine energy rushed out from Hsss’ hands, slamming into Hordak’s chest, where He-Man had struck during the battle at Eternos. Skeletor blasted out with his Chaos Staff, striking at Hordak’s head.

Hordak went flying backwards, slamming into his throne and smashing it to bits. Skeletor and King Hsss went in for the kill . . . but then, shockingly, the floor beneath their feet gave way. They feel into a pit below and the floor suddenly returned.

Hordak stood up, heaving just a little bit, running his hand across his wounded chest. His eyes fell on He-Man, who slowly stood up as well.

“Just you and me, boy.”

***

Skeletor and King Hsss both landed on their feet. At least fifty feet up, the ceiling closed up on the pit they now both stood in.

“Something is wrong. I am having trouble teleporting out,” Skeletor snarled.

“A magical field is in place. It dampens our power.”

Just then, a door slid open and in walked Manteena, Multi-Bot, Leech, Modulock, and Dragstor.

“Doesn’t matter,” Leech mocked. “You’re both not going anywhere.”

***

Outside the walls of Doom Tower, the battle continued. Avions, Andreenids, and Speleans held the skies as the intense conflict ceased to find a proper ending. Horde Troopers were sliced into pieces, but there was no end in sight for the many kingdoms of Eternia that had invested themselves in this war.

Grizzlor was the Hordesman in charge of the defenses and he held quite nicely against the on-coming onslaught. The warriors of Eternia moved towards, Tri-Klops the first to approach the beast. Eye beams blasted out, but for all his bulk, Grizzlor was surprisingly fast. He avoided being struck and leapt at Tri-Klops before the warrior could draw his blade.

“Puny creature,” Grizzlor snarled, drool dripping off his long fangs. Tri-Klops went to fire. Just as he, Tung Lashor tongue came flying out and wrapped around Grizzlor’s wrist. Grizzlor was pulled back, and Tri-Klops beam went flying up into the air.

Energy beams from Trap-Jaw then barraged against Grizzlor, causing him to drop Tri-Klops. Grizzlor leapt away and got into a more defensible position. He reached for his axe and sword, but stopped suddenly. Unknown to the others, a telepathic command was being broadcast to him.

Grizzlor roared loudly, turned back to Doom Tower and started running.

“What do you think that was all about?” asked Trap-Jaw, watching as Grizzlor ran off. “Retreating?”

“Of sorts,” Tri-Klops responded, and watched as a massive burst of energy exploded above Doom Tower. “Something tells me that the Horde won’t be sticking around for much longer.”

Nearby, Adora paused in the middle of combat and looked helplessly at the teleportational energy that fumed and exploded above and around Doom Tower itself. “Come on, Adam,” she whispered before going after another Trooper. She didn’t want to loose her brother after just finding him.

***

He-Man slammed his Sword of Power against Hordak’s staff. Hordak blocked it and pushed forward. He-Man pulled back, then swept in with fast arc that slammed against the staff. The staff remained intact and Hordak muttered a swift spell that produced an energy beam. He-Man was struck hard and went flying across the throne room.

“You defeated me once, boy!” Hordak hollered, hand brimming with energy. “Why don’t you try it again?”

He-Man stood up once more, but was blasted with the energy from Hordak’s hand. He-Man did his best to shield himself, but found it harder and harder to do so. This was Hordak’s domain – his power was stronger here.

He-Man surged forward, running faster than Hordak had expected. He-Man struck the staff again, but this time went in for a strong punch across Hordak’s face. Hordak stumbled, which allowed He-Man to kick Hordak heavy in the abdomen, then strike him in the chest that had become Hordak’s weak spot. He-Man slammed Hordak again, which sent Hordak spilling back.

At that moment, the freshly victorious Skeletor and King Hsss arrived at the entrance to the throne room. The battle with the Horde hadn’t lasted long, but it was very intense. Both Hsss and Skeletor were weaker than either would ever admit.

“Seems as though He-Man has Hordak taken down. For now,” Hsss grunted.

There was a sudden loud ‘thoom’ and the building shook a little.

“As much as I despise the idea of retreat, Hsss, we’re looking at an opportunity to get rid of two of our greatest enemies. With teleportation mere minutes away, there’s no chance either one will be able to make it out of here.”

Hsss hissed a little. “I agree. Let us depart.”

And with that, King Hsss and Hordak left He-Man and Hordak to rot together.

He-Man and Hordak did nothing of the sort, of course.

He-Man punched Hordak at double-speed, stunning the master of the Horde. He was constantly impressed by He-Man’s powers, despite absolutely hating him. Hordak was in danger now. But He-Man made a critical error.

As before, He-Man pulled back just a foot or two and lifted his Sword of Power, ready to evoke the power of Grayskull and have the blade open up again. But Hordak moved fast and slammed his hand against the blade and pulled it down, at the same time surging his power into and into He-Man.

He-Man gasped in pain. This was then followed by a strong magic blast which rattled He-Man’s shield. Hordak then slid forward and slammed his magic-energized fist against He-Man’s face. The power shuddered through He-Man and the Sword of Power dropped.

The building started to vibrate then, as the teleportation spell that Shadow Weaver, Morgoth, and the other Horde mages were conjuring reached its critical end.

He-Man went in for a blow, but Hordak blocked his fist and sent power racing into He-Man. Hordak then grabbed He-Man’s face and did the same. He-Man roared in agony and then collapsed, his body smoldering. As he began to pass out, his eyes drifted to a small window that sat above a ledge. He could Battle-Cat’s face looking at him, and then Hordak. He-Man shook his head ‘no.’ Battle-Cat seemed to understand crouched down below the window. He-Man then lost consciousness.

Outside, Battle-Cat’s claw dug deep into the ledge as magic raced and cocooned around Doom Tower. The mighty beast looked down and saw a vacant balcony. There was a large statue at the edge of the balcony which would cover him. Battle-Cat leapt and landed on balcony. He rushed behind the statue and hunkered down, ready for a command from He-Man to rush in and save his master. His best friend.

***

Skeletor and King Hsss appeared on the ground near King Randor, Man-At-Arms, and Princess Adora. “What happened?” shouted Man-At-Arms.

“He-Man ordered us to go,” Skeletor lied. “So very heroic of him. I always admired that,” Skeletor added with a chuckle.

Man-At-Arms gritted teeth and began to shout at Skeletor, but the overlord of evil was in too good a mood to deal with the rantings of the stupid inventor. He turned back towards his abandoned Ram Chariot and began to order the recall of his forces. Hsss did so as well.

Adora stood there, at the front of the lines and watched wide-eyed as the spell was at long last completed. Avions, Andreenids, and Speleans came to ground as massive bolts of lightning went off, all striking the bottom and top of the central tower. A vortex of crimson red swirled open above the tower.

Doom Tower seemed warp as it was lifted up, the top seeming to become heavy as the bottom shrank. The lightning moved into the base that had surrounded Doom Tower, and blasted portions behind the great walls. The walls themselves were struck, entire portions left open.

All of a sudden, with a huge sonic boom, the vortex dropped from the sky and Doom Tower lifted up from the ground. Doom Tower vanished into the vortex. Adora fell to her knees. There was rumble of thunder and lightning that started at the vortex, then spread out; out above the army and out a few miles. Then, the rumble of lightning and thunder moved back, coming over them once more and then colliding with the vortex. There was tremendous white and red light and crack of thunder that shook the very ground they all stood upon.

And then . . . it was gone. The clouds began to dissipate, the magic faded, and all that remained of the Horde was a broken heap of an abandoned base and a field of destroyed Troopers.

They were gone. And with them went the hero of Eternia.

--------

~W~

[2-bad]

Love the story!! Another great piece of work!!

[thew40]

Another great piece of work!!

It would have only been an "okay piece of work" if it weren't for your amazing and inspiring art!

It feels good to finally have it up. I've been wrestling with these Act for weeks, just trying to get it right. Finally, I just plopped down, pulled your art up and said to myself "write what's happening in this picture, then pull out to the rest of the battle." I tossed in a good CD, pressed "Play" and that was that!

~W~

[Cheshire Moon]

*gasp* what will become of He-man?

more more more more more more

[He-Salvo]

great as ever! hey man you've got messeges elsewhere!

[Hordak Alpha]

A long awaited act but no three on one battle with Hordak as I was hoping. Oh well, I can feel even bigger things coming into play soon enough, eh w40?