Masters of The Universe II: The Sword of Power!

[bskcase]

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE II
The Sword of Power


By
Ren Evezcha

Novel Based on the Sequel

PRELUDE

Keldor looked up. Through his mask, his eyes were wide with pain and panic. “Take me to the edge!” Keldor tried to walk, but his strength was quickly fading. She gently placed Keldor on the ground. He pressed his mask to his face. The enchantment within the mask was fading quickly and his face was beginning to corrode away. “Ignite the pool!” Keldor commanded. His voice was desperate and hollow.

From her belt pouch, Evil-lyn extracted the small empty acid vial that brought on Keldor’s doom. She looked at the vial. It still had some magical essence. She could see the residual energy from the broken class and obsidian carvings. She threw the vial into the magma pool. As she waved her left hand, a wave of flames appeared and covered the pool. A sudden sense of fear and great magic began to overwhelm her senses. As a magic wielder, Evil-lyn could sense magic. As an expert magic wielder, Evil-lyn knew she was feeling magic that was ancient, primal, and dark. Cautiously, she walked backwards and edged her way behind a support column. She looked up and all around her. The magma in the pool was in flames and the magma behind the walls and tubes appeared to be boiling and flowing in a rush. From the lava pool, the fires began to rise, twist, and turn.

“Arrrrgghh!” a roar of power ripped through the entire chamber. The sound was unearthly and horrible, like the gates of the black dimension were actually opening. All Evil-lyn could do was cover her ears and fall to her knees as she hid to the side behind a stone column. The scream shook the ancient Temple of Hordak. Keldor was able to ignore the deafening sound; his own pain was over riding anything occurring in the outside world.
The flames began to combine and give form to a face, but not a human one. The flames formed long pointed vertical ears down his head, a flat nose of a bat, and eyes that were deep and red. The face of Hordak laughed as it gazed down at Keldor. Slowly, the flames began to slow down and solidify into white bone.

*SNORT!* “The eternal acid is burning through your flesh. That mask is only slowing the eventuality of the torment,” Hordak snorted again after his remark. His voice was unnatural and heavy. Hearing it brought feelings of cold and death. “Yet that acid will keep you alive for an eternity and it will burn.”

“Save me!” Keldor’s voice was muffled.

“Do you give me orders?” Hordak mocked, “my pupil?” Hordak enjoyed the power he had on Keldor. Hordak has taught much to Keldor in the ways of magic and alchemy. At this moment, Keldor realized there was much Hordak had hidden from him.

“Please!” Keldor begged, “Save my life!”

“I can grant your request,” Hordak replied, “but I will require a great price.”

“Anything!” Keldor could no longer stand the pain.

“Your voice is much muffled,” Hordak smiled at the whimpering body of his student, “Maybe you should remove that mask and ask more clearly.”
Keldor held his golden mask against his face. Hordak gloated over Keldor. Every inch of his will screamed out in protest, but Keldor had no choice. With his arm violently shaking, Keldor pulled down the golden mask. He screamed in everlasting torment as his face began to melt away at an accelerated pace. Keldor looked up at Hordak as his right eyelid melted off.

“SAVE ME!!!”

Parts of Keldor’s face and were already burned straight to the bone. A flew patches of his long flowing black hair remained, but the acid was quickly spreading. His skin was bubbling and sizzling. His lips were nearly gone on the left side. His blue blood turned green as the acid touched it. Droplets of melted blue flesh mixed with green blood dripped on the ground and sizzled. His left eye was already burned through and the acid was corroding and melting the flesh behind it.

“A bargain is made,” Hordak’s eyes began to light up with a red fire, “So shall it be!” The creature glared it teeth with delight as it fired two red flames straight unto Keldor. Evil-lyn turned and looked upon Keldor. The energy encompassing him rose him up on the ground. His body felt as if he was being torn apart. The red flames moved and encompassed Keldor’s head. He screamed as much as his throat would let him.
His face was consumed by fire, yet he did not die. Keldor continued to feel every second of the unbearable fire on his head, but the burning went beyond the physical. In his madness, he placed his hand on his head and tried to restrain the agony of feeling his mind burn. Every thought he had was consumed in a fire. He could feel his very soul burn down. He did not care that his very flesh was burning away. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to beg for death, yet it would not come.

Keldor could see his life in his mind. A fading image of a beautiful gar woman flashed in his mind. She held a blue infant in her arms. The image of his mother burned away. A blury image of a white haired woman waiting for him in a bed chamber surrounded by candles burned away. People, feelings, and memories all became distant and blurry to him. It no longer mattered that his hands and feet were burning and twisting. His armor tore apart leaving only fragments that were melting and reforming on his body. His eyes burned leaving nothing but fire.

All Evil-lyn could stand to do was close her eyes and wait for the end to come. She remained behind the column. The screaming abruptly ended. Evil-lyn turned around. Keldor was on the ground. His cloak was over his head. His burned body slowly began to regenerate, but it began to change. His hands no longer appeared human. They had long and narrow fingers with long black fingernails. His feet were now clawed with three toes.

“K-Keldor?” Evil-lyn asked.

“No,” a low animalistic voice responded. Gradually, Keldor began to rise from the ground. His body was still smoldering from the fires, but he was alive. His newly remolded purple armor began to cool. His legs were now bare except for the new bracers on his chins. His arms were extended and fingers were now longer and decrepit with long black fingernails. An emblem of a green bat formed on his armored chest.

“You have a task to complete,” the Hordak looked down at his new creation. Keldor’s armor began to glow and in a flash, Keldor vanish through a magical portal. Hordak laughed as the flames that formed his head began to dissipate.

Evil-lyn stepped out from the column. The magma flows slowed down and the walls began to dim. The magma flow from the hands began to slow to a stop. Evil-lyn’s expression of fear vanished. She removed her helm and wiped the sweat from her brow. She pushed back her white bangs and took a deep breath.

“Delivered,” Evil-lyn began to walk up the long steps, “as promised.”

 

CHAPTER I
PART 1

Legends told that when the Ancients created Eternia, they used the bodies of fallen gods to create the celestial planet. When a god dies, they do not cease to exist. They return to spirit form and leave their broken and still living bodies behind. Their breath is the winds that we feel. Their tears are the oceans and their blood is the fire that flows. With the small sparks of life still residing in the bodies, the Ancient used their powers to create life on Eternia, not just on the surface and the ocean, but far below into an underworld called Subterinia.

Only the hardiest and willful creatures thrived in the underground world beneath the surface of Eternia. Underground lakes, oceans, and rivers provided water. Subternia’s warm temperatures came from flowing magma tunnels and heat rocks. Exotic plants and animals roamed wide underground fields and narrow caverns. Ruins of forgotten civilizations stood amid long forgotten cities and passageways.

Through an empty carved passageway, a city of the ancient Snake Men lay in ruins and decay. Glowing green and white stones around the walls and ceiling illuminate the long forgotten city. Subternian vines and plants have long overrun. Dilapidated buildings spread throughout the empty city leaving nothing, only signs that the city operated like a nest for snakes. A small creature scurries through a dark passageway to be unexpectedly consumed by a larger predator. Primitive drawings on buildings and walls showed praise the snake king.

At that moment, a Reptilian was fleeing through the abandoned. The scaly snake-like humanoid stopped a moment. His green skin held a slight sheen to the glowing stones. His body was lean and fit like an acrobat. His chest was covered in green scales with a two lines of brown scales coming down. The reptilian wore a brown scaled leather torso cover with a belt and boots for his clawed feet. His slit eyes moved to the side and narrowed. With a quick flick of his small forked tongue, Kobra Khan instantly turned his body lowered his head narrowly avoiding a deadly flying arrow. Kobra Khan turned and faced his attacker. The creature quickly pulled out a blaster from his side holster and returned fired. The Tundarians did not fear the blaster fire; they merely raised their shields as they continued to give chase.

“Stop him!” a bearded Tundarian shouted. The warrior was large and muscled. His clothes were simple animal fur over his chest and waist. He carried a deadly spear in his hands a variety of weapons around his belt. Following behind him, a small group of Tundarians followed with similar weapons and gear.

Kobra Khan saw his escape. The collapsed ruins blocked a passage way, but his snake eyes focused on a ten inch wide opening. The reptilian charged into the ruins. A female Tundarian warrior aimed her bow and released her arrow. The reptilian creature moved his shoulders down and twisted his torso causing the arrow to completely miss him. Kobra Khan dived into the ruble and appeared to have vanished into the ruins.
“How did he do it?” the female Tundarian asked. Her frustration was clearly showing. The Tundarians reached the rubble. The fallen stones and rocks were secured. The Tundarian warriors tried to move the stones and a few tried to smash them, but the ruins were too strong.
The bearded Tundarian pulled on a large stone, “Those Reptilians can fold and twist their bodies!”

“Quickly, move the pillars!” another Tundarian shouter.

Everybody suddenly noticed the rumbling on the ground.

“Get out of my way!” a husky male voice shouted. The Tundarians turned around to see an armored head and shouldered large man charge straight at them. The new warrior was of a bulked and heavy set body, but he moved with the speed of a train. The Tundarians rushed out of the way. With a roar, Ram-man crashed head first into the ruins. The dust settled and Ram-man found himself standing at the newly cleared entrance with rocks, dust, and debris all around him.

“You’re late,” said the bearded Tundarian.

“These tunnels are a bit confusing,” Ram-man replied, “You all lost me back there at the right turn.” Ram-man was one of the newest Masters of the Universe warriors. His body was almost unnaturally tough. His armored helmet and shoulders let him smash through walls and enemies. He wore red leather armor on his body with green molded pants and black thick boots. He has also been known for not contemplating his actions and his low intelligence.

Teela and a blue tech armored warrior ran to the tunnel’s entrance. Teela had dirt marks on her face and uniform. It was clear from looking at all the warrior’s clothing and faces that nobody was having an easy day. She looked at the confused Ram-man and Tundarians, “What are you all standing here? Kobra Khan is down these tunnels!” The female warrior quickly stepped into the tunnel.

“You know, Rammy. You can’t solve all our problems by just charging at it,” Man-E-Faces said. He raised his blaster and stepped into the open passageway.

“I can try,” Ram-man replied and looked at the Tundarians, “After you, I guess.” He motioned for the entrance. The Tundarians charged down the tunnel and Ram-man followed.

“Father and Adam went after Whiplash,” Teela said. She looked down the tunnel and could find no trace of Kobra Khan, “I hope they are having an easier time than us.”

End of Part 1

[bskcase]

It took me a while, but I'm finally getting the sequel out. For those who have not read my previous story, this is the sequel to my first novel. Everything started from a writing project. I created a screen play with what I wanted to see in a MOTU film. I wrote the script and then I wrote the novel. I did the same thing with this one. I wrote out a screen play and I'm adapting it to a novel.

This story is part of what I consider my cannon. I mixed a lot of what the bios said and then I turned it up a few notches. I hope you guys will check it out and I would appreciate any comments and questions.

[bskcase]

CHAPTER I
Part 2

Nearby, Whiplash ran through an empty cavern near the ruins. A warrior stopped at the corner, “He went into the right!” Man-At-Arms and a squad of Eternian guards chased the villain into a wide corridor. Prince Adam held his crimson sword and followed close behind.

“We don’t need much to track him,” Adam looked down. Large tri-toed impressions left very clear marks on the ground. Whiplash was a primal creature in essence. He was large and dangerously strong, but he was also surprisingly quick. His tail was strong enough to crush the strongest stone and bend the hardest metal. Very few stood against Whiplash and survived.

On the surface of Eternia, Whiplash was dangerous. In Subternia, Whiplash was lethal. All Caligars knew the underworld of Subternia by instinct, and Whiplash had no doubt of his destination. Adam shook his head and remembered the last time his alter ego dealt with Whiplash. He-man stood toe to toe with the creature and was able to take any beating it offered, but Whiplash was also able to take most of what He-man through at it too.

***

On the other sides of the ruins, Teela and her forces entered a large cavernous chamber. Man-E-Faces looked at the tall stalactites and stalagmites. Large glowing mushrooms rested on the walls and the ground; they provided some illumination to the area.

“He led us into a maze,” Man-E-Faces raised his hand blaster and aimed it as he looked around. He reached into a compartment on his blue belt and pulled out a palm sized flash light. Man-E-Faces did not dress like the other Masters and Tundarians. He wore no animal skins or warrior marks, only his blue tech suit. He wore an advanced armored waist guard with leg and boot attachments. His arms where partially armored from his shoulders to his gloved hands. He was bare-chested except for two pairs of light purple tubes crisscrossing around his chest and back. They were attached to his helmet which covered his entire head except for his exposed face.

The Tundarians quickly ignited their hand torches and moved around. Teela and the warriors looked around.

“He could have gone anywhere,” Teela’s snake staff glowed with enough light to look around. The stalagmites were spread out in some parts and others were fused together. From the high ceilings of the stalactites, Kobra Khan peered out from the darkness. His snake tongue flickered out and sensed the area around him. This was the time to act. Kobra Khan moved down silently in the shadows.

A Tundarian moved behind Teela and the group. “I don’t see anything here,” The Tundarian looked around. He thought he saw something, but the open flames of their torches were moving shadows. Teela turned her back to the guard and looked into a small hole. The guard turned around just as Kobra Khan moved forward. A hood extended out of Khan’s neck and head. He opened his mouth and a set of large fangs protruded from his mouth.
The Tundarian looked to his left and came face to face with Kobra Khan. A stream of green venom mist flew out.

“Aaaaggghhh!” The Tundarian’s face and eyes felt like it was suddenly caught on fire. From the sudden pain and panic, all the Tundarian could do was scream and fall to the ground.

Teela quickly turned to face Kobra Khan; but the Reptilian was already spraying another stream. Teela’s instincts were finely honed and she quickly raised her left arm bracer in front of her face, but some of the venom struck her face and her right eye. Ignoring the sudden loss of sight in her right eye and burning sting sensation on her face, Teela quickly swung her staff, but she struck nothing. Kobra Khan quickly stepped aside and dodged Teela’s attacks.

A large wall suddenly collapsed. “You ready for me, slimy?” Ram-man stepped forward. He wielded a big hand axe. The other Tundarians followed through, each one wielding their weapons. The female Tundarian had her bow ready.

Man-E-Faces stepped forward from the new doorway and aimed his blaster, but Teela moved in the way. The Tundarian archer trusted her aim more and fired an arrow just as Teela moved out of the way. An arrow pierced Kobra Khan’s left shoulder. The reptilian moved to the side and dodged the other arrows. Ram-man and the Tundarian warriors charged in. Kobra Khan moved with quickness and flicked Teela’s staff to the ground and wrapped his cold reptilian arm around.

“HOLD!” Kobra Khan put the deadly end of his plasma blaster to Teela’s head,

***

On another part of the ruins, Whiplash ran down an empty corridor with his spear in hand. Whiplash was large, strong, and very dangerous. As a Caligar, he was a cold blooded creature. His species lived and thrived in Subternia. Whiplash’s body was large and naturally armored with thick green leathery skin. His muscle showed brute strength and his face showed the fierceness of and coldness of a lizard. His tail never touched the ground, it was always held up and appeared ready to smash and lash out. In the great cavernous passageway, Whiplash moved with great speed, but his heavy feet left deep imprints on the ground. Behind him, he could hear the sounds of warriors running.

“I see him!” Man-At-Arms ran ahead of the Eternian guards. Whiplash turned left into a magma lighted passageway. The veteran warrior tapped on his wrist and a holo-map of the area appeared in front of him. “Don’t touch the walls!” Man-At-Arms yelled out, “We’re near a magma river.” He knew the Adam was trained on Subternia survival, but his own guards had little experience.

Whiplash was in his sights. Man-At-Arms pulled up his laser rifle and fired a straight beam of energy. The beam slightly struck the creature on the left shoulder just as it turned a corner. The burning wound on Whiplash’s left shoulder did not slow the evil creature down. It only fueled his rage, but Whiplash continued to run.

Prince Adam appeared from behind the guards. He ran with fierce determination and ready for battle.

“Stay back, Adam!” His mentor, Man-At-Arms, ordered.

“I can fight!” Adam countered. He sudden felt deflated.

“We can take him your highness,” a guard interjected. Prince Adam knew what they meant. His reputation as a coward and inept fighter had spread.

“There might be more of Skeletor’s forces ready to attack us from behind,” the guard added. The sword’s true colors flashed before him.
Whiplash saw an orange light at the end of the tunnel. He was nearing his destination.

“He’s going toward the great fire river!” the guard threw his spear into the air. The spear flew swiftly and fiercely at its target, but missed. Whiplash jumped down from the cavern and landed firmly on the great stone bridge of the fire river.

Man-At-Arms ran past the guards. His years of experience taught him to learn the terrain. “He’s heading for the surface!” Man-At-Arms yelled. He reached the end of the tunnel and looked at the massive fire river. A magma bubble exploded high into the air. The Eternian Guards stepped back, but Man-At-Arms just turned to his side. Small droplets of maga touched his armored shoulder and smoldered. The Tundarian warriors did not hesitate and jumped toward the bridge. Man-At-Arms ignored a second fire burst and jumped down with the warriors.

The natural stone bridge arched across the great magma river. Whiplash was already halfway across. Man-At-Arms continued running toward the bridge with the guards close behind. Prince Adam stopped at the edge of the drop. He noticed Whiplash was not moving at the fast pace as before. His mentor and the Eternian guards were already on the bridge and rushing over it. Whiplash stopped at the end of the bridge. He had a menacing smile as his tail rose up in the air.

“GET BACK!” Prince Adam yelled, but the rush of the magma river was making too much noise.

Man-At-Arms heard Adam’s voice but did not comprehend it. He looked back and saw Adam waving.

Whiplash turned his back to the bridged and smashed his tail down on the ground. The impact quickly left cracks and moved the ground.
Man-At-Arms looked down and noticed the cracks and the bridge slightly shifting.
Whiplash lifted his tail again and brought it down with more force.

“Turn back!” Man-At-Arms commanded. He and the guards felt the bridge move again. The guards raced back to the edge, but the cracks quickly spread all through the bridge and the edge fell off. With no way to get back, Man-At-Arms turned around and raced up the bridge. All around him, the bridge was collapsing. The Eternian Guards made a desperate leap as the bridge collapsed below them.

“I’m getting too old for this!” Man-At-Arms leaped just as the bridge collapsed. He could feel the intense heat from the flowing magma. From his front armor, he pulled out his grapple gun and fired.

END of Part 2

[bskcase]

CHAPTER I
Part 3

“Ssstand back! Eterniansss!” ordered Kobra Khan. He pressed his plasma blaster harder on Teela’s head. The Tundarians and Ram-man stood back. They had a hostage situation and none of them were going to put Teela’s life at risk. Man-E-Faces moved further back. He lowered his blaster and turned off his flash light. His face disappeared in the darkness of the caverns.

“Put the gun down!” Ram-man ordered.

“The human doessss not order me!” replied Kobra Khan.

“Hurt her and I skin you into a belt!” Ram-man yelled. He held his hand axe ready.

Electronic eyes were focusing on Kobra Khan’s weapon and scanning Teela. A side readout showed Teela’s heartbeat was fast and her eyes had possible permanent eye and facial damage.

The eyes focused on Kobra Khan. His heart was beating faster and the scan read out high intense fear. The targeting system was focusing on the most optimal shooting location without hurting Teela.

Teela focused her thoughts. Her eyes were burning badly, but she had to concentrate on the moment. She tried to force them open, but she could only see blurry twisted images.

Kobra Khan took his pistol away from Teela’s head and pointed it at the sudden blue lighted visor that appeared in the darkness. Ram-man held his hand axe ready. He wanted to tear into the snake creature, but he had to wait for his chance. “Get out of the sssshadowsss! Now!” Kobra Khan screamed.

“As you command,” Man-E-Faces’ voice was hollow and cold. His words were in synch with lighted white flashes where his mouth should be. Man-E-Faces stepped into the lighted area. His body was stiff and rigid. He held his arm in a straight manner holding his hand blaster straight at Kobra Khan. His face was no longer human; it was a metal robot. A blue lighted visor was now his eyes. Man-E-Faces was now Man-E-Robot. “It is your move.”

In her mind, Teela knew Kobra Khan was pointing his blaster out. Teela moved with swift speed and grabbed Khan’s blaster. Kobra Khan extended his hood. Man-E-Robot squeezed the trigger and unleashed a precise shot. His hostage was too much trouble, but the heroes would stop to aid the damsel if he unleashed a full dose of his venom.

Suddenly, an energy blast struck his left hood. Man-E-Robot found the most effective target. The creature howled in pain as his body retracted his snake hood.

Teela saw her chance. Kobra Khan tried to back away, but he suddenly received a swift kick to the face. Although without sight, Teela could sense where her enemy is. This reptilian smelled bad. Teela pushed Kobra Khan’s arm down to the ground. Kobra Khan was stronger and held on to his blaster. In the struggle, the blaster went off in the ground. Teela was about to step back, but the ground underneath began to give way.

Ram-man jumped into the air. Teela was in danger and the heavy rocks from the ceilings were collapsing all around. Time seemed to have slowed down. The ground had already given way and she was falling. She saw Ram-man in the air and reaching out to her. Teela’s momentum was too fast; she slipped through just as Ram-man closed his hands. He was too late. Her scream dissipated as she vanished into the darkness. Ram-man fell on the edge of the sunken hole and looked down at the abyss.

“Teela!” Ram-man screamed into the hole, but only his own echo came back.

***

“By the Power of Grayskull!!!”

Prince Adam held the Sword of Light up; the sword’s crimson disguise was gone. Adam could feel the power of Grayskull within. His body grew in size and strenght. His blonde hair grew longer and his skin became tanner. His princely garb morphed into his animal skin waist cover and boots. The techno-vest appeared over his strong muscled chest. Prince Adam was now He-man: The Most Powerful Man in the Universe!

Man-At-Arms hanged on the edge of very hot wall. He held on to his grapple gun, but the line was not moving. He tapped on the ascend button, but the line was not moving. “Stupid junk,” Man-At-Arms hit the grapple gun out of frustration and the gun suddenly extended the line and dropped him two feet down. “Better not do that again,” He told himself and began to grip the line instead of the gun.

Below him, the magma river flowed quickly. He was drenched in sweat, and he felt like he was roasting. He slowly began to climb up. His foot touched the wall and he felt a sudden surge of heat. Quickly latching the rope around his other foot, Man-At-Arms put his other foot on top. “Just like training camp,” Man-At-Arms thought out loud and began to climb up, “but I was a lot younger then.”

Suddenly, and energy blast zoomed past him. Man-At-Arms looked to his side and looked over. Trap-jaw was on a on a perch further down the river. He stood on the hot ground and paid no attention to the smoke coming from the bottom of his armored boots. A young private had his hand on one of his fellow guards, but he was too heavy. His comrade on the wall held his grip to the private, but was also reaching out to his fellow female guard just below him.

“This is too easy!” Trap-jaw laughed as he casually fired. His energy blast reached out and struck one of the guards still hanging on the wall. The Eternian guard did not even have time to scream. His body landed on the flowing magma and was instantly dissolved. The female guard could only watch in horror.

Man-At-Arms reached back and pulled out his energy pistol. He was not going to let his other soldiers get killed. “How about somebody who can shoot back!” Man-At-Arms returned fire.

An energy blast struck near Trap-jaw’s leg. He did not flinch as Man-At-Arms’ laser bullets streaked passed him. Trap-jaw aimed carefully and looked through his arm cannon’s telescope. He fired a single concentrated blast and struck Man-At-Arms’ right hand, instantly causing him to drop his damaged pistol into the magma river. He winched at the pain and looked at his hand. The armor protected it, but his hand was still smoldering.

“I liked that gun,” Man-At-Arms quickly realized he was too exposed. The veteran warrior quickly gripped his feet on the rocks and tried to flatten himself against the rocks. He ignored the burning. His armor could handle it for a while. He looked over at the guard still clinging to the wall. Trap-jaw fired another series of energy rounds at Man-At-Arms. He tried to flatten himself more, but a blast struck near his grappling cable. Man-At-Arms saw the cable. It wasn’t a direct shot, but his cable was damaged. “I have a problem here,” Man-At-Arms said into his communication unit in his helmet. He knew the underground caverns had metals that blocked his radio signals, but he had a hope somebody was listening, “You’re cutting it short again, boy.”

The remaining guard on the wall was losing her grip. An Eternian guard was trained to handle all types of situations and environments. Her armor was built to withstand all temperatures, but the heat and weight was becoming too much for her. She tried to get a footing on the side, but he had no luck. She tried to reach out again as his fellow guard reached for her, but she could not reach them. She could feel her hand slipping. Her hands gave out but a strong hand gripped hers. The guard looked up to see He-man holding her hand. He was over the edge holding her with one hand and him with the other. With ease, He-man pulled her up.

“Are you ok?” He-man asked. The Eternian guard was in awe of seeing He-man. The legend of the great warrior had quickly spread for the last few months since he arrived, but the guard never expected to be rescued by him. The female warrior found herself adjusting her helmet and straightening her gauntlets.

“I’m fine now, thank you,” the female warrior replied. She gave him a smile and fluttered her eyes.

He-man looked over at Man-At-Arms and saw his mentor’s situation. He looked to the Eternian guards, “Find a way around. I have my own way of getting there.”

“There’s a way around further back in the other passage,” He-man said. The guards had no qualms taking orders from He-man. He carried a presence of power. They quickly moved back in to find a way around.

With determination, He-man ran into the tunnel. He gave himself a good distance in. His legs tightened as he turned around and ran out the tunnel at full speed. He focused on his breathing and keeping a fast steady pace. He hit the edge and leaped out of the tunnel with all the speed he had mustered. He-man rose high into the underground canyon. His legs kept moving.
Trap-jaw saw He-man leaping over the fire river. The cyborg screamed with rage as he opened fired at his hated enemy. He-man gave no reaction to the energy blasts scorching by him. He-man hit the entrance and rolled on the ground. He quickly stopped himself and ran back to the entrance.

“You took your time,” Man-At-Arms said. A stream of energy blasters from Trap-jaw shortened their conversation. He-man tapped on the iron cross in his chest harness and instantly formed his shield on his left arm. Using his shield, He-man deflected the energy fire away from him and moved further out into the remaining pieces of the destroyed bridge.

“Get to cover!” Man-At-Arms ordered. To him, it looked like He-man was making himself into an open target. Three more energy shots flew out, but He-man’s shield kept deflecting them.

“If I’m out in the open, he’s not shooting at you,” He-man deflected another blast, “Besides, I have a plan.” He-man held his ground. He knew Trap-jaw hated him more and would take any opportunity to kill him. He was counting on Trap-jaw’s rage.

“That boy is going to get himself killed,” Man-At-Arms said to himself as he began to climb up.

Trap-jaw had his enemy in his sights. He kept on firing his energy blaster. In a blood rage, he ignored the orange glow forming on the tip of his blaster. He-man held on to his shield and waited. He tried to be quick and moved with the stream of fire, but a streak of energy fire nicked him on the side of his right thigh.

“Ah!” He-man winced at the burn mark, but kept his shield up. Man-At-Arms reached the edge of the cave entrance. He-man looked over and saw Man-At-Arms was moving out of danger. He-man smiled at Trap-jaw and began to ran for the entrance.
“NO!” Trap-jaw pushed his energy blaster to fire again. The attachment was too hot. His blaster exploded from overheating. Trap-jaw fell to the ground. His mechanical arm was completely shattered. The remaining parts of his arm were trying to move, but sparks and broken gears kept the arm still. Trap-jaw screamed in frustration. He wanted to pursue and fight them single-handedly, but that was not the plan. Instead, the cybernetic warrior pulled out a small hand remote and clicked on a lighted button.

Out in the surface, Skeletor watched his remote device blink, “They are coming.” Skeletor waited for his prize on the rocky shores. He looked out at the Sea of Rakash. The sun was on the verge of rising in the east. “My patience grows thin,” Skeletor declared.
Beastman was moving back and forth by a cave entrance. He looked agitated. The beast creature was primal. It had no patience for planning, only the hunt and kill. Tri-klops sat on a rock and held his sword ready. The optic warrior was more suited for patience. He was a master swordsman and He turned his visor to scan for any heat signatures in the entrance. He saw a figure he recognized instantly.

“Whiplash is coming,” Tri-klops stood up and held his sword ready. Whiplash was running which meant trouble is following.

He-man and Man-At-Arms ran through the great speed. Man-At-Arms held his holo-pad on looked through a map of the terrain. “There’s an exit around that corner!” Man-At-Arms yelled. He-man turned the corner and saw the beginning light of the morning dawn.
“Wrong exit!” Skeletor announced as he raised his Havoc Staff and released a stream of green fire.

End of Part 3

[bskcase]

CHAPTER I
Part 4

Teela awoke to the sensation of cold water moving across her face and body. As she slowly rose, she coughed up some of the water. Her whole body ached. She remembered the ground giving in around her. She tried opening her eyes again, but they burned. She could tell there was some light in the cavern. She gently touched her face and felt the stinging blisters of Kobra Khan’s venom. If Teela had her sight, she might be able to see a large cavern region with illuminating plants and a small creek flowing in the middle. Teela cupped some water and tried to wash her eyes, but it did not improve her vision. She tried to look around, but only saw fuzzy light images. Teela was fortunate enough to make out her Snake Staff just a short distance away. The snake head was still lighted. Grabbing her staff, Teela closed her eyes and tried to focus on her other senses. She could hear the creek run. Then she felt a gust of fresh air coming from her left side. Teela began to slowly walk in that direction.

Teela did not sense she was being watched, but she knew something was amiss. The area was too open to get a sense of her surroundings. High in the ceiling of the massive cave, Kobra Khan hanged on to a stalactite next to the large punctured opening of the ceiling. He had a bloody gash on his left face. He was hurt, but his reptilian senses kept him aware of his surroundings. He flicked his forked tongue several times in the air. Kobra Khan had a way of escape. The reptile creature put his hand over the opening and felt the wind. He could easily crawl out of this hole, but he turned his head and looked down on the warrior woman. Khan smiled and he pulled out his blaster. He was going to collect a bounty on killing one of the Masters. Skeletor would surely trust him now and move him up in the ranks. Kobra Khan extended his right arm and held his blaster out. His arm was unsteady, but he counted on the wide range his blaster contained.

Khan pulled the trigger. Withing a millisecond, the trigger ignited the plasma loaded into the blaster’s holding chamber creating a super heated energy sphere which launched out of the blaster’s barrel. Within one millisecond of pulling the trigger, an energy bolt blasted straight at Teela.
A sudden inexplicable sensation flashed through Teela’s mind causing her to leap forward. She felt the heat of an energy blast burst on the ground behind her. Kobra Khan fired again. Teela moved with incredible agility as she dodged the blasts. The human was moving very fast for Kobra Khan. Leaping from one stalactite to another, Kobra Khan was having difficulty keeping track of the human female. Teela ran down the stream. She could hear her feet striking the water and something moving on the ceiling. She quickly tapped on the side and the ground with her Snake staff. Feeling a sudden sense of alarm, Teela jumped back again and barely dodged an energy blast, but the stalagmite next to her exploded from the blast. A large piece of rock struck her on the head and Teela felt herself becoming disoriented.

“Damn,” Teela gritted her teeth. Her vision was fading. She was going blind and she knew she was losing unconsciousness. She fought to stay awake but it was a losing battle.

Kobra Khan released his hold on the stalactite and dropped down to the ground. His feet made a splash sound as he landed on the creek. Teela’s back was toward the reptilian. Khan raised his energy blaster and pulled on the trigger. His blaster did not fire. Kobra Khan examined his blaster. He pulled out the blaster’s energy clip. It was drained of plasma gas. “I will have to do thissss with a more persssonal touch.” Kobra Khan tried to extend his reptilian hood, but he winched in pain on his left side and fell to his knees. The blast from Man-E-Faces still burned. Kobra Khan stood up. Since he could not extend his hood, he could not release the venom stored in them. Khan opened his hands. His sharp talon nails slowly extended out from his fingers and thumbs.

***

He-man raised his shield and absorbed the magical fire from Skeletor’s Havoc staff. Man-At-Arms moved to He-man’s side and through a handful of nitrogen pellets. The canisters exploded between the heroes and villains. The sudden cold blast caused Skeletor and Tri-klops to step back. Tri-klops’ optic visor rotated to his blaster. His vision zoomed in on Man-At-Arms and opened fire.

“Argh!” the veteran warrior pulled back and gripped his damaged left arm. He-man stepped forward and deflected another optic blast with his shield. He-man pushed his mentor behind a group of iron rocks.

“Wait here,” He-man turned and charged at Skeletor. The evil leader remained calm and did not raise his weapons. In a flash, Whiplash leaped in front of Skeletor and swung his spear to the attacking hero. He-man and Whiplash locked their weapons together and used their great strength against each other. He-man’s sword was at a standstill with Whiplash’s metal spear.

Skeletor’s glowing red eyes looked down at the small leather pouch tied to Whiplash’s belt. The red eyes glowed and the pouch flew out from Whiplash’s belt and straight into Skeletor’s open hand.

Tri-klops jumped down on Man-At-Arms as the veteran warrior emerged from the cave. The optic warrior swung with his deadly blade, but Man-At-Arms quickly blocked with his battle mace. Tri-klops moved and attacked. Man-At-Arms was focused and blocked each strike, but Tri-klops was relentless.

Skeletor turned his back on the battle and walked to his roton fighter. Beastman followed close behind. “Now,” Skeletor commanded. Beastman roared into the air. Skeletor turned his head and watched the battle with his soldiers.

“Whiplash was as strong as He-man, but not as skilled,” Skeletor analyzed, “Tri-klops and Man-At-Arms are evenly matched.” He did not trust his underlings anymore. “He-man will finish this battle.” They were good for service, but they would not win him the war. Skeletor knew he needed something larger and more powerful. Beastman was already on his own roton fighter and preparing to flee. Without further concern for his forces, Skeletor climbed into the pilot seat of his roton fighter.

He-man looked over and saw his enemy escaping. He-man quickly punched Whiplash across the face. The blow hit the evil creature hard. Whiplash spun back and collapsed into the sand. “Skeletor!” He-man screamed as he charged toward the rising roton fighter, “Fight me!”

Skeletor laughed as his ship lifted off. The rotary blades of the ship blew the sand all around. Skeletor aimed his Havoc staff down. A bolt of green magical energy flew down from his staff and mixed into the sand.

He-man had to turn away and raise his shield to his face. The flying sand became more intense and sharp. The sudden whirlwind of sand overwhelmed Man-At-Arms and Tri-klops. Tri-klops quickly back flipped back as Man-At-Arms tried to adjust.

“Next match,” Tri-klops said. The evil mercenary withdrew from the battle and vanished into the rising sandstorm. Man-At-Arms’ helmet lowered a set of goggles around his eyes and his armor’s face guard rose up. The veteran warrior looked around. Tri-klops and Whiplash were nowhere to be found.
The ground near Man-At-Arms began to shift and move. On his roton fighter, Beastman let out another roar. Man-At-Arms looked around and noticed an object moving through the sand. The sandstorm was making things difficult to see. He tried to get ready for an attack, but the creature was too quick. A sand serpent quickly overtook him in the sandstorm and pulled him into the ground.

He-man moved with his sword raised toward his enemy. Suddenly, He-man’s Sword of Light began to vibrate and appeared to resists He-man’s grip. He tried to raise his sword, but he found it to be very heavy, even for him. Skeletor did not notice He-man struggle with his sword. He simply opened the leather pouch and held up a red glowing vial. He gently tipped the vial and a single red droplet fall into the sandstorm. “My command,” Skeletor’s eyes suddenly flared as the red droplet began to dissolve into a mist in Skeletor’s hand. “Destroy my enemies.”

Man-At-Arms tried to raise his weapon, but the large serpent that was entangling him was too strong. He wanted to call out, but the serpent had him around his neck. His armor was protecting his chest from the serpent’s squeeze, but it was still trying to suffocate him. The red specks of liquid fell on the creature and dissolved into his skin. Bits of flying sand began to attach itself to the serpent’s body. The serpent began to grow in size. The veteran warrior pulled against the serpent with as much strength that he could muster.

“He-man!” Man-At-Arms screamed out in the sandstorm. The serpent suddenly reasserted its grip around his waist and began to squeeze righter. The serpent was now bigger and stronger. Man-At-Arms tried to scream again, but he was gasping for air.

He-man could not lift the Sword of Light anymore. He helplessly watched as Skeletor and Beastman flew away and vanish through the sandstorm. Amidst the rushing sound of the sands and wind, Man-At-Arms called out for help. He-man left the sword on the ground and ran.

The sand serpent was growing before Man-At-Arms. The creature had no eyes, but it certainly had fangs that were growing longer and sharper. From the sand dust and violent winds, He-man leapt down on the serpent. He-man gripped the creature’s head and pulled back with great force. The veteran warrior was able to take a deep breath and fill his lungs with air.

He-man grabbed the serpent’s head and threw it back into the sandstorm. He-man reached for Man-At-Arms and pulled him up. The veteran checked his armor. It was dented and crushed in some areas, but it was still intact.

“We’re not done yet,” Man-At-Arms could feel the ground shaking. The sands were beginning to die down.

“The storm over?” He-man looked around. He had his sword raised and ready.

“No,” Man-At-Arms reached into his back and pulled out a handle that ignited into a laser sword, “Something is eating the sand.”

***

Much to Khan’s surprise, Teela opened her eyes. The blisters and acid wounds on her face began to disappear. Khan looked at her in fear. Not because she was awake, but her eyes glowed with green power. Teela was stronger than what he anticipated.

Kobra Khan found himself in a green energy bubble. He tried to claw, kick, and punch his way out, but nothing worked. “Begone!” Teela’s voice echoed with another woman’s voice. Teela’s body began to release a green glow all around her. With a quickly kick, Teela sent Khan flying across the chamber in the energy bubble and smashed him into a large stone stalagmite. The bubble exploded on impact and Kobra Khan felt the shock and hardness of the stone. The reptilian tried to rise, but more rocks fell down from the stalagmite and broken stones from the ceiling.

The green aura around Teela’s body began to fade. As her power faded, Teela began to slip back into unconsciousness.

End of Part 4

[bskcase]

CHAPTER I
Part 5

***

A giant sand serpent moved toward He-man and Man-At-Arms. The two Masters stood ready as the creature was coiled and ready to strike. The serpent was now almost three times bigger than a battle ram.

“Get ready,” Man-At-Arms held his energy blade ready. The creature uncoiled itself and flung its head straight at them. As large as the creature was, it moved with a high velocity.

“Now!” He-man yelled. He and Man-At-Arms jumped in opposite directions. The sand serpent crashed head first into where the Masters stood a second ago. From the sides, Man-At-Arms and He-man brought down their blades.

Man-At-Arms’ laser sword failed to penetrate the hardened sandstone skin of the serpent. He-man swung down, but a sudden jolt of electricity coursed from the sword and into his hands and arms. Unable to wield his sword, He-man dropped the sword into the ground. The serpent took its opportunity and sharply spun is body. Man-At-Arms and He-man flew out in opposite directions. Man-At-Arms struck the nearby shore grasses, while He-man plunged head first into the ocean shore.

Man-At-Arms rolled on the grass land for a few moments and quickly stood up ready for combat. “Come get me!” he yelled but the serpent was nowhere to be found. Then from the sands of the beach, the serpent roared. It was growing large in size. He watched it moved toward him. As the serpent moved, it gathered more sand into its body. When he was thrown through the air, Man-At-Arms lost his laser sword. His mace was gone and his armor was damaged and crushed. He had only one weapon left. He reached into his right leg bracer and pulled out a simple dagger, “Come on!”

He-man rose from the shore. He could see the sand serpent moving toward Man-At-Arms. As he ran, he noticed the clumps of wet sand on his chest and legs.

“I got an idea!” He-man screamed. He didn’t know if Man-At-Arms could hear him, but he needed the sand serpent’s attention. He-man looked around and noticed a large piece of stone.

Man-At-Arms was not going to go down easy. With his dagger, Man-At-Arms swore he do as much damage to the creature as possible. The large stone that struck the serpent abruptly ended the veteran warrior’s would-be last stand. The serpent roared in pain and in anger and struck its head straight toward He-man.

As fast at the creature was, He-man was faster. This time, He-man did not move or flinch. He simply held out his hands and arms as the creature moved in for the kill. The creature raised its deadly fangs for the strike, but He-man caught the two fangs into his mighty grip and held the creature in place.

The monster moved and twisted with incredible ferocity, He-man still held the serpent in place. He-man’s muscles tightened as he pulled the serpent back. With a great amount of force, He-man pulled back and began to drag the serpent with him.

“I hope this works,” He-man focused all his strengths and threw the sand serpent into the shore. The tide was coming in. The ocean waves climbed on the struggling serpent. It roared as it struggled to get back onto the sands. As each wave struck the serpent, the sand began to turn into mud and drip off.

“Did you lose something?” Man-At-Arms walked toward He-man. He had the Sword of Light in his hands and carried it like a common sword over his shoulder. Without thinking, Man-At-Arms tossed the sword at him. With a slight face of concern, He-man caught the sword. He was expecting it to shock him or give him some more trouble, but the sword was dormant in his hands. Man-At-Arms looked at He-man’s face, “What happened back there?”

“I don’t know,” He-man looked to the shore as a small regular size sand serpent reached the beach. The serpent quickly slithered into the sand and disappeared. “A sand serpent is harmless on its own,” He-man gently tapped Man-At-Arms’ shoulder. The entire shoulder armor fell apart.

Man-At-Arms checked his damaged armor. “I’m sure it is,” he remarked as he picked up a few pieces of his armor, “but I don’t want to see another one for a while.” Man-At-Arms gave a laugh as he walked back toward the underground entrance.

“You think Teela and the others are ok?” He-man inquired.

***

Teela could feel a creek of water flowing through her face and body. She awoke and stood up.

She was no longer in Subternia. She was on the surface in a lush forest with the on high penetrating the thick leaves and branches. A small creek flowed just below her feet. She could feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness in her feet. She found a piece of quiet piece of paradise.
Suddenly, something moved behind her. She turned around.

“Teela?”

Teela heard a familiar friendly voice. She slowly opened her eyes. She was back in Subternia and in the cavern. Her eyes focused on an unconscious Reptilian covered in rocks. She could see Kobra Khan perfectly. Then Teela touched her face. She realized she could see perfectly. A few speckles of dirt fell from below.

“Hi,” she said. Teela looked up and smiled.

He-man smiled back, “Hi there.” He-man looked at her face. He was descending down on a sky board. “Are you ok?” he asked.

Teela realized she could see He-man clearly. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She couldn’t help but think about how handsome he looked. His face was rugged, yet he was refined as a king.

He-man looked a little confused, “They told me Kobra Khan hit you with his venom spray in the face. His venom can blind people and leave burn marks.”

Teela looked over at the unconscious Kobra Khan in the pile of rubble. “What happened?” she asked.

“I was hoping you would tell me,” He-man replied, “There doesn’t appear to be any burn marks on your face.”

Teela tried to remember, “The ground gave way when I was fighting with Kobra Khan. Then I guess I got knocked out.” She looked over at the unconscious reptilian, “I guess he got the worse of it.”

“Here, let’s get you out of here,” He-man reached underneath Teela’s shoulders and knees. To Teela’s surprise, He-man lifted her up into his arms.
With a little chuckle, “You know I can stand. I feel fine,” she said.

“Well, let’s just be careful. I don’t want to be on your father’s bad side if something is wrong.”

“I can stand,” Teela said. She smiled at He-man’s attention.

“It’s no trouble. Let’s just be safe,” He-man said.

Teela surrendered as He-man rose on the hover-board. She looked over at Kobra Khan. “What about him?” she asked.

“Oh, they’ll bring him in. Don’t worry about him,” He-man looked over. Kobra Khan is not moving at all. “He’s not going anywhere,” he said, “The
Tundarians are climbing down right now. He’ll be ready for his dungeon in no time.” With Teela in his arms, He-man locked his feet on the hover-board and began to lift off.

END OF CHAPTER I

[bskcase]

I got Chapter 1 out. Like all big epic stories, this iwas just a small encounter. I can promise that we are going on a wild ride filled with action and danger. Stay tuned for Chapter 2 coming soon.

[monstarmaster]

Really great story so far!!!

I hope that Khan frees King Hiss later on (after having earned the support of Skeletor). It would even be nice if he talks Skeletor into releasing King Hiss while fooling him to think that he can force the snake king to submit to the "Overlord of Evil"...

But let s see what's coming next!

Keep it up!

Your fan

mm

[bskcase]

CHAPTER II
Part 1

The Mystic Mountains have often been called as one of the most wondrous and magnificent regions of Eternia’s Light Hemisphere. The sheer size of the region was enough to awe and inspire any traveler who traversed the high mountains. The land appeared barren with sparse plants and ice, but many creatures roamed the mountains. Like Subternia, the Mystic Mountains were filled with passageways and hollow caverns that contained secrets and dangers. In hundreds of years of recorded time, a few explorers have returned with tales of hidden alcoves, fantastic creatures, and hollowed mountain ruins. Other explorers have never returned to tell their tales.

The grand city of Avion stood in the highest peak of the Mystic Mountains as a bright pearl in the skies. Many parts of the city were embedded into the mountains with structured extensions reaching out high into the sky. The entire city was circular in design made with smooth grey marbled stones with blue titled roofs. The tall circular buildings held no windows, only open clearings. A few buildings had carvings into the marble with designs of great Avian people and historical moments. Beautiful colored plants and trees covered buildings and hanging gardens. Several species of birds made their home in Avion as well. The entire city seemed to have been built for birds. Small bird houses were embedded into the city’s buildings and gardens. Large statues of Avian heroes and honored citizens were embedded around a few of the largest building at the center of the city. The ground was open and skies were free. Pearled marble fountains throughout the city poured crystal clear water. Avion was a beautiful city of peace.
The people of Avion lived in relative peace in their garden city. The children soared through the air following their Avian instructor and guardians. Avian gatherers flew up to nearby floating islands to gather food as warriors patrolled through the city. Gardeners flew through the hanging gardens and buildings taking care of the lush colored plants and vines.

The great hall looked down on the entire city. In an open balcony, King Randor stood at the edge and observed the city of Avion during their morning time. The sun gave the clouds a golden glow and the water from the giant fountain below sparkled liked diamonds.

The city held no real ground. It was all supported by beams and structured around the mountain peaks. The air was not thin as it normally should be in high altitudes. The Mystic Mountains was almost barren, but what life existed in the region was robust and strong. The natural growing plants in the Mystic Mountains produced five times more oxygen and other life giving properties than any other plants in Eternia. The animal and insect species were also known for their strength and survivability. The strength and power of the Avian people was enough testimony for anyone. Even the rarely seen Andreenids were known for their strength and endurance. King Randor was glad the people of Avion were allies.

***

The Dark Hemisphere was always in perpetual darkness. The skies were constantly clouded or darkened by the eternally flowing volcanoes of the lands. The ground was barren and dead. For plant life, only a few sparse dried weeds and thorn bushes survived the harsh lifeless land of the Dark Hemisphere. For everything else, only the most savage and bloodthirsty creature could ever survive and thrive in the unforgiving lands.

Panthor moved with stealth and fierceness in a dark lands outside of Snake Mountain. His ears were coiled back and he narrowed his green glowing eyes. The black dylinx feline turned his head slightly. Hunger did not drive this creature. His master kept the beast well fed. At the moment, the desire to kill and prove oneself to be superior motivated him. Panthor leapt up to high rocks. He gave a low growl and flared his teeth.

With a deep hiss, a heloderma lizard leaped toward Panthor from the tall rocks. The spiked reptile was almost as long as Panthor. The heloderma extended is sickening long claws and readied for its kill.

Panthor moved with an almost unseen quickness and embraced the heloderma in a grapple of survival. Both creatures yelled out in battle and clawed at each other. The heloderma struck at Panthor’s left back leg, but the dylinx did not retreat. He found his opening and bit his sharp teeth into the heloderma’s throat. The reptile tried to fight back, but Panthor held on and tore into the creature’s flesh until it gave its last desperate gasp of air. Before the feline tore more from his prey’s flesh, Panthor looked up at Snake Mountain. Something was happening back at the mountain. Panthor dropped the reptile carcass and strolled back to Snake Mountain.

Afterall, heloderma meat tasted bad.

Deep within Snake Mountain, Skeletor sat at the head of his dark smoke table. The Lord of Snake Mountain sat on a large grey stoned throne with the seat covered with the thick hide of a long extinct dragon. Skeletor’s body was mostly covered in his dark purple cloak and his hood covered most of his face. He held a large gold goblet of red wine in his withered and long nailed hands.

Skeletor’s warriors sat on open curved chairs around his table. Raw and charred meat was spread over the table with bowls of bubbling green stews and breads. Sudae servants moved around them filling goblets of wine and putting more meat on the tables. Evil-lyn casually sat next to Skeletor and quietly observed her cohorts. Beastman sat restlessly on one end of the table. He grabbed a large piece of meat and tore into it with his sharp teeth. Evil-lyn turned her gaze away from him. If she continued watching him, Evil-lyn would just have to kill him so Beastman wouldn’t make her nauseous anymore.

Skeletor took the wine to his mouth. He took a drink and placed the wine on the table. “We have much to discuss,” he declared.

END OF PART 1