Author’s Note: The songs “Wishing On Telstar” and “My Side Of The Bed” belong to Susanna Hoffs.
PART 3: PLANS
At Snake Mountain, Whiplash was sent flying by a blast of magic. His Havoc Staff smoking, Skeletor yelled, “Fool! I told you not to sleep on the job, and what did you do? You fell asleep! And because of that, our prisoner escaped!”
“It makes no difference, Skeletor,” reasoned Tri-Klops. “With our new battle drones at our disposal, they won’t stand a chance.”
“And with the Legion of Apocalypse at the disposal of Lex and myself, we’ll make certain of it,” added Rita.
“And how exactly are they going to come to Eternia?” asked Trapjaw. “I may not be the brightest one in here, but even I know that’s impossible.”
“Oh, but you don’t know Lexy,” laughed Rita. “Chances are he’s putting the finishing touches on a new transportation device even as we speak.”
The JLA, Rangers, and Power Angels were gathered with the Masters as well as the Royal Family in the meeting room. The heroes were providing whatever information they could to each other concerning their enemies. A holographic projection of Lex Luthor was on display as Superman explained, “Alexander Luthor grew up dirt poor in the rural town of Smallville, Kansas. But even as a child, he sought a way out. A prodigy, he impressed many college professors with his scientific skills and inventive genius. He went to one of the best schools money could buy, learning all of the skills he needed to make it big in the business world. The money he made from patenting his inventions made him a billionaire by age twenty.”
Sabrina continued, “Unfortunately, Luthor was anything but a benevolent business man. There was no low he wouldn’t stoop to in order to get what he wanted, even if it meant hiring assassins to eliminate competitors-permanently. The man has absolutely no sense of right and wrong except what’s right or wrong for Lex Luthor. After finally being exposed as a criminal mastermind, he teamed up with Rita.”
The image now changed to that of Rita Repulsa. This time, Jason took over, saying, “Six years ago, two astronauts were exploring Earth’s moon when they came across a small space dumpster. Curiosity getting the better of them, they opened it, releasing Rita and her minions after a 10,000-year imprisonment. When that happened, Zordon, our mentor, sought out Kimberly, Zack, Trini, Billy, and myself to become Earth’s first Power Rangers. Tommy and Samantha joined months later. Rita’s kept us on our toes ever since.”
Tommy then said, “While physically, Rita is no match for any of us Rangers individually, her magic is very powerful, as I can personally attest to.”
After taking in the information, Adora said, “I’m sorry to cut my visit short, father, but I think it would be best if Glimmer and I returned to Etheria. The other Rebels will need to know about this.”
King Randor nodded, saying, “I understand.” He then walked over to his daughter and hugged her, saying, “Good journey, Adora. I am very proud of you.” Adam hung his head after hearing this. Not once had his father ever said that to him. When Adora and Glimmer were gone, Randor said, “We’d best fill you in on the evil that we face.” With that, the image changed to that of Skeletor.
Adam, however, began to walk out. Seeing this, Queen Marlena asked, “Adam, where are you going? Why are you leaving?”
“Because nobody wants me here,” answered the Prince. “You all can get along just fine without me.” He then left without another word.
Seeing this, Randor frowned and said, “I don’t know what I’m going to do with that boy.”
“I’ll go talk to him,” said Man-At-Arms. Once Duncan had left, Randor proceeded to fill in the visiting heroes on Eternia and Etheria’s villains. Batman, however, kept his eyes on Adam and Man-At-Arms the entire time. As the King spoke, Batman slipped out of the room unnoticed-almost.
Man-At-Arms found his student and prince sitting alone on the fountain, rubbing Cringer behind his ear. Man-At-Arms cleared his throat, causing Adam to look up. Duncan asked, “Care to tell me what’s wrong?”
“Everything’s wrong!” exclaimed Adam as he threw his arms into the air. “I have been He-Man for four years now and nothing has changed! Nothing! My father still scolds me every time I have to run off, and Teela still refuses to acknowledge me as anything more than her charge! ‘Adam, you’re such a coward. Adam, you’re so lazy.’ It’s as if our friendship means nothing to her anymore. And every time I hear father tell Adora how proud he is of her, I resent her more and more! How is it that she’s able to keep her secret as She-Ra without losing the friendship and respect of everyone around her and I can’t? She has my father’s pride and she’s gotten the man she loves to love her in return-all without revealing her secret. She has everything I want. She has everything I need. She has everything that I have to live without!”
“Adam, you know why you must keep your secret,” said Man-At-Arms as he put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “It’s to protect the people you care about.”
“But what’s the point?” asked Adam. “What’s the point of protecting the people I love if the people I love don’t love me in return?”
“But your father does love you,” countered Duncan. “Fathers don’t always say how they feel. Besides, if he knew the truth, I know he would be just as proud of you as he is of Adora. But the fact remains that telling them the truth is not an option. Remember, we cannot give the forces of evil any advantages of any kind.”
“But why, Duncan?” asked Adam. “Why do I have to lie to them?”
“Think about it this way: At least you have somebody to lie to.” Adam and Man-At-Arms turned in surprise as they saw Batman stepping out of the shadows.
“How much of that did you actually hear?” asked a surprised Duncan.
“All of it,” answered Batman. “I first suspected back at Greyskull when He-Man and She-Ra were the first to depart. And when I heard the prince and princess say that He-Man and She-Ra had told them what was going on, I became more suspicious. Normally, I would say that I believe the two of you have some explaining to do… but considering what’s going on with your feelings towards your father, I have this bit of advice-maybe you could try and tell him how you’re feeling-and maybe about He-Man. In any case, you need to talk to him, don’t let those feelings destroy you from the inside out.”
“How can I-?” Adam started.
“Let me tell you something-there is a difference between you and your sister. You are on a planet that is relatively safe and free. Adora, on the other hand, for her, the battle is constant. She rarely gets the chance to talk to her parents-or you. Randor is worried about her. And even though it doesn’t seem like it now-he worries about you, too…and he does care about you. The both of you have something I would gladly give anything to have-a family. You at least get to know your parents as people. I never got that chance. Don’t let jealousy and resentment ruin that for you,” Batman finished.
“I agree on that point,” said Superman as he approached. “Still, Batman, you and I both understand the importance of secret identities. So, you can’t and shouldn’t begrudge the prince for having to keep his own secret, even though the reasons for it are valid. Come on back to the meeting room. There is still much we need to know.”
Batman frowned at Superman before turning back to the Prince. “We’ll talk later. At the very least, think about it.” Batman and Superman then walked away.
After leaving the meeting room, all the heroes were walking through the palace when two small flying creatures approached. One was male and holding a picnic basket, the other was female. The female asked, “Hey, what’s going on here?”
“Who are they?” asked Kimberly in surprise.
“WHAT are they?” asked Elle.
The male answered, “Hi, I’m Orko, the court jester. And this is Dree-Elle. She stopped by to visit from my home world of Trolla. We just got back from a picnic. Who are all you people?”
Queen Marlena smiled and said, “They are the Justice League of America. They come from my home planet Earth. With them are the Power Rangers, the ThunderCats, and the Power Angels.”
As everyone shook hands with Orko and Dree-Elle, Tiffany said a little apprehensively, “Nice to meet the two of you-I think.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t hurt you,” said Dree-Elle.
“Hey, why don’t we show you some magic?” asked Orko.
Man-At-Arms stopped him, saying, “I don’t think now would be a good time, Orko. It’s almost dinnertime and we also have to make sleeping arrangements for our visitors. Come with me, I’ll fill you in on what’s going on while we fetch Adam.”
A short time later, the visiting heroes were enjoying a nice dinner with the Masters and the Royal Family. Adam, however, seemed unenthusiastic as he mostly played with his food with his fork, a somber look on his face. Both Randor and Teela frowned at him the whole time, but said nothing out of respect for their guests.
After dinner, Adam was sitting alone in his room, his head down. He just sat there, brooding, thinking about everything Batman told him when Teela walked in. Clearing her throat, Adam looked up to see the redhead frowning at him. Finally, Teela asked, “Adam, what is wrong with you? First, you walk out of the meeting, then you totally blow off our guests at dinner. For four years, Eternia has been in jeopardy. Now, we face a greater threat and what have you done? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Do you honestly not care about the fate of Eternia?”
Adam sighed and responded, “I do care, Teela. I just wish I knew my place in this world. I wish I knew where I fit in.”
“You’re the Crown Prince, for crying out loud! You’re the heir to the throne! You’re supposed to be king someday, and yet you show absolutely no interest in anything! How are you supposed to be the king if you won’t lift a finger to save your people?”
“Why don’t you just name He-Man the heir to the throne?” asked Adam with a frown of his own. He then added sarcastically, “I’m sure he’d make a great king.”
“You’re right, he would,” agreed Teela. “But since that doesn’t seem possible, it comes down to you. Just tell me why, Adam? Why are you such a coward? How can you be so-so-heartless?”
“Teela, all I want is to be accepted as I am, not for who you think I should be. And I’m a lot of things, but heartless is not one of them. My heart breaks every time you and my father berate me. But there’s nothing I can do about it. The fact of the matter is, I can’t tell you why I do the things I do. If I did, everyone I love would die.”
“Die? Please, Adam, you don’t really expect me to believe that, do you?” scoffed Teela. “The Masters and I have sacrificed so much to keep Eternia safe. And Adora, Sweet Bee, and Clamp Champ have sacrificed much to help Etheria as well. Father once told me that for good to overcome evil, sacrifices have to be made.”
This caused Adam to shoot up out of his chair. His face now red, he screamed into Teela’s face, “SACRIFICE? YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT SACRIFICE, TEELA? YOU DON’T KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD SACRIFICE! I MADE MORE SACRIFICES ON MY SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY THAN YOU HAVE IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS!”
Shocked at the Prince’s outburst, Teela fell into a stupor. When she finally regained her voice, she stuttered, “Wh-what are you talking about?”
Adam turned around and hung his head as he answered, “On my sixteenth birthday, I made a sacrifice-a sacrifice no one should ever have to make-a sacrifice that caused the people I love to stop loving me. A sacrifice that everyone has benefited from-everyone but me.”
Now curious, Teela asked, “What? What is it? Adam, you know you can tell me.”
Sitting back down, his head still down, Adam said, “No, Teela, I can’t. It’s like I said before, if I tell you, everyone I love would die. I can’t tell you.”
Frowning again, but without anger, Teela asked, “Can’t or won’t?”
Looking back up, Adam answered, “Both. I have to be given permission to tell you. The problem is I don’t know when I’ll be given permission, or IF I’ll be given permission.”
Teela had more questions now. But seeing the look on Adam’s face, she decided now was not the best time to ask. So, without another word, she left.
Teela walked down the hall, thinking about what Adam had said when she bumped into the King. Randor said, “Teela, there you are. Have you spoken to Adam?”
Nodding, Teela answered, “I have, Your Highness. Unfortunately, I was left with more questions than answers.”
“What do you mean?” asked Randor.
Teela considered her words. “Well,-he said something about making some kind of sacrifice on his sixteenth birthday. He said it caused the people he loved to stop loving him and if he tells us, we’ll die. He said that’s why he acts the way he does. I think he’s been putting on some kind of act.”
“An act?” asked the confused King. “Why would he do that?”
“I don’t know,” admitted Teela. “I guess-I guess I just assumed Adam was happy, but I guess he really wasn’t.”
Randor was even more confused. However, he said, “I’ll get to the bottom of this. I’ll get the truth out of my son if it’s the last thing I do.”
“With all due respect, King Randor, can it wait until morning? It’s going to be bedtime soon, anyway, and I don’t think he wants to talk with anyone.”
The King considered this. “Very well, Teela. For you, I will wait.”
Etheria
Etheria is a planet where its people live in slavery. For many centuries, Hordak’s forces have kept an iron grip on the planet, stripping the people of hope and spirit. After Hordak’s escape from Despondos and eventual return to Etheria, it appeared that there would never be hope for the people-but She-Ra had followed him. Ever since then, the Rebellion’s numbers have grown and many kingdoms and villages had been set free. But there was still much to do before Etheria would be free from the Horde’s tyranny.
The Horde’s primary headquarters is known as the Fright Zone. In Hordak’s absence, Shadow Weaver, a powerful sorceress in her own right, is in charge. Via a magic cauldron, Hordak communicates with Shadow Weaver. “Are the plans for the invasion in place?” asked Hordak.
“Yes, my lord,” answered Shadow Weaver. “Once the new battle drones are completed per your orders, we will use them to attack the Whispering Woods and other parts of Etheria as well. And while they’re doing that, we can begin the invasion. The people of Earth will never know what hit them.” Hordak and Shadow Weaver begin to laugh, unaware that their conversation had been heard. A woman in green known as Double Trouble frowns and walks away.
At the Rebel Camp within the Whispering Woods, Adora and Glimmer had just filled in the other members of the Great Rebellion about what they had learned on Eternia. Bow, an archer and Glimmer’s boyfriend, said, “Well, that certainly explains why Hordak’s been gone for so long. But I still don’t understand why he would team up with Skeletor, let alone these two others.”
“There is much we still don’t know about Luthor, Rita, or this Legion of Apocalypse,” admitted Glimmer. “But right now, all we can do is remain on our guard.”
“Oh, boy,” said Kowl. “Hordak is trouble enough. I don’t even want to think about what more Luthor and Rita could do.”
“How do we know this so-called ‘Justice League of America’ can be trusted?” asked Clamp Champ.
“He-Man and Superman met a few years ago,” answered Adora. “And the Sorceress seemed to think highly of him, too. So, if he’s good enough for He-Man and the Sorceress, he’s good enough for me.”
A buzzing sound got everyone’s attention. They turned to see a woman who was half-human and half-bee fast approaching. As she landed, Netossa said, “Sweet Bee, please tell us you have some good news.”
“I’m afraid not,” said Sweet Bee. “I just found out that the Horde is building some new kind of battle drone. I don’t know when, but according to Double Trouble, Shadow Weaver plans to use them to attack the Whispering Woods as well as other parts of Etheria. But what’s really disturbing is that apparently, it’s just a distraction for an invasion.”
“An invasion?” asked Snout Spout. “Of where? Eternia?”
“Brightmoon? Mystacore?” asked Castaspella.
“No,” answered Sweet Bee. “Of Earth.”
“Earth?” asked Frosta in surprise. “But how do they plan on getting there?”
“That I don’t know,” answered Adora. “But I’ve got to contact my family and let them know what’s going on.”
“You do that,” said Glimmer. “In the meantime, the rest of us need to get to bed for the night. We’ll scout out potential attack spots tomorrow.”
As Glimmer and the other rebels prepared to retire for the night, Adora went to a secluded spot. She pulled out her sword and said, “Sorceress?”
An image of the Sorceress’ face appeared in the stone of Adora’s sword. “Yes, Adora? What is it?”
Eternia
The Legion of Apocalypse had arrived on Eternia via a warp gate created by Luthor. He hadn’t told Skeletor or Hordak about how he built it as he didn’t trust them enough with it. As the Legion members walked around, getting a look around Snake Mountain, the Joker said, “This place is dark. I like it!”
“You would,” grumbled Luthor as he walked alongside the Clown Prince of Crime.
“A rather curious bunch, eh, Luthor?” asked Hordak.
Luthor stopped and turned to him with a frown, saying, “Nevertheless, Hordak, I trust them more than I trust you.”
Hordak smirked and said, “Perhaps you are as smart as you say you are.”
Modulock then said, “Master, is it time for us to go back to Etheria yet?”
“Yes, Modulock,” answered Hordak. “Once we decide which Legion members are to accompany us, we can begin our plans to finally take the Power of Greyskull. Go, get my ship ready.” Modulock bowed respectfully and left.
Meanwhile, on Earth-
Isis & Zordon had been in contact with the Sorceress. The League had arrived on Eternia, joining forces with the Masters of the Universe and the Great Rebellion. But Kris had found out that Rita & Luthor were both there, and had summoned the Legion Of Apocalypse. “THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN, WE MUST SUMMON OTHER HEROES IN THE ABSENCE OF THE LEAGUE. I HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT SOME OF ETERNIA AND ETHERIA’S WORST FOES, LED BY SHADOW WEAVER, PLAN TO INVADE EARTH.” Zordon spoke.
“No way in hell! I’ll contact Earth’s other Rangers and Heroes right now! We’ll make sure this never comes to pass!” a determined Isis shouted.
Titans Tower:
Green Lantern Kyle Rayner shouted, “Titans, get in here!”
“We’re needed!” added Rocky DeSantos.
RPM looked at both and spoke up, “Cool it, let Isis speak.”
“Thank you, RPM. It seems that some of Eternia & Etheria’s worst villains are planning to invade Earth while the JLA is on Eternia. I need all the help I can get,” Isis finished.
Nightwing and Troia had called in Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, Supergirl, and Red Arrow, along with the Zeo Rangers. “Just how serious is this threat we’re talking about here?” Tanya Sloan asked.
“Possible enslavement of the Earth, that’s how serious. I’m going to try and contact other Ranger teams,” Isis added.
“Way ahead of you, we contacted the Outsiders and the Lightstar Rangers, they’re contacting other Ranger teams right now,” Adam Park spoke.
Point Place, Wisconsin:
“We need to get to New York, Titans Tower, now!” Ethan James shouted.
“Isis just contacted us, and asked us to get in touch with the Mystic Force Rangers on the way,” Kira Ford added.
“Hyde & Jackie are with the ThunderCats on Eternia, so it’s Donna & me. Fez found out about us, but he can be trusted, he’s also keeping Kelso in the dark about this,” Eric Forman told them.
“Sounds good to me. Kelso’s a complete dillhole,” Conner McKnight stated.
“Dillhole doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Donna Pinciotti added.
“Let’s morph, guys!” Trent Mercer finished.
“DINO THUNDER, POWER UP!”
“WHITE RANGER, DINO POWER!”
Turtle Cove, California:
Taylor Earhardt spoke, “Anyone get in touch with the Jungle Fury Rangers yet?”
Cole Evans said, “They’re meeting us at the Tower. Alyssa, Max, Merrick, Paige, Danny, are you ready?”
Merrick Balitou said, “We’re ready to go.”
“Then let’s do this,” Alyssa Enrille spoke
“Let’s Roll!” Max Cooper shouted, as they teleported away.
San Francisco:
“Prue, Piper! Isis wants us at the Titans Tower-” Phoebe Halliwell started
“We know. Leo’s getting us ready for the teleporting. Paige called us first,” Piper Halliwell stated.
“OK, Let’s do this,” Prue Halliwell commanded.
Titans Tower:
The meeting room was packed with the Zeo, Geo, Lightstar, Lightspeed Rescue, Time Force, Wild Force, Dino Thunder, Mystic Force, Operation Overdrive, and Jungle Fury Rangers, along with the Titans, Young Justice, and the Outsiders. The Legion Of Super Heroes, from Time Force’s era, were busy with their own invasion.
Isis looked over the sea of heroes and spoke: “In the absence of the Justice League, we are Earth’s first line of defense against invasions-and we are facing an evil force from a planet called Eternia. I have summoned Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, the Huntress, and the Elongated Man, they will be arriving shortly.”
“Just how bad is this threat?” Starfire asked.
“The worst of the worst-as Superboy would say. Supergirl is trying to make contact with the Legion Of Super Heroes-and Time Force is attempting to reach SPD. We must all make plans to battle these fiends-” Isis continued, when a time portal appeared-bringing Space Patrol Delta.
“How can we help, Isis?” Jack Landors spoke.
“I would like to know how myself.” Hercules, Iolaus, and Gabrielle were standing before them. “Xena is talking with Zordon right now. She may be teleported to Eternia to aid the JLA,” Hercules added.
“Batman is sending us info on the invading villains. We have to be ready in any case. Nightwing, you must become my second-in-command. Let’s get ready,” Isis finished. As she walked away, Isis thought ‘Mystacore? Udonna & the Mystic Force’s HQ is called Mystacore. Time to contact Briarwood.’
In minutes, Udonna and Daggeron were at the Tower. “On what you were asking me earlier-there is a connection between Earth’s Mystacore and Etheria’s-though it has been lost in time. Maybe Eternia’s Sorceress can figure it out.” Udonna told the Goddess of Egypt.
“If that is still the case, we can join magics and stop the villains. It is worth the effort,” Isis smiled.
Eternia:
At Castle Greyskull, Isis filled in the Sorceress about what she had learned from Udonna. The Sorceress said, “I do not know what the connection could possibly be between Earth and Etheria’s Mystacore. But there may be someone who does: Light Hope. I will inform She-Ra of this in the morning and she can go speak with him.”
At the Royal Palace, Kris was standing on the balcony of the room she was sharing with Sabrina, Kelly, and Jill when she heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” she said. Dan walked into the room and walked up behind Kris, putting his arms around her waist. Kris turned just enough to see who it was. She smiled and said, “Hey.”
After a quick kiss, Dan smirked and said, “Not exactly how the two of us planned on spending our one-month anniversary, huh?”
Shrugging, Kris said, “Oh well, the best-laid plans. But I’m sure we’ll find some way to make do.”
As the two of them watched the sun set, Dan asked, “Remember our first date? The double-date with Keith and Eve?”
“Like it was yesterday,” answered Kris.
Flashback
Dan, Kris, Keith, and Eve were at an Italian place in Angel Grove. The four of them laughed at something before Kris smiled and asked, “So, Eve, you’re a blue belt in Jiu–Jitsu, right?” Eve nodded before Kris asked, “So, tell me, who all’s felt the wrath of Eve at the dojo?”
Eve smiled and responded, “Who hasn’t? I make men tap all the time when I’m there. I think it’s very empowering as a woman when you can trap a man in a hold that he can’t get out of, no offense, guys. I have a brother who used to do that to me and I wanted to learn how to do that myself.”
“Is there anything you can’t do?” asked Dan.
Eve smiled and said, “Sing. It’s kind of funny, because I know you can sing, Keith, and I’ve heard that you can, Kris, not to mention the fact I’ve got a lot of relatives who are musically gifted, including my younger brother, Phil. And speaking of Phil, you know that I graduated with honors, but Phil’s no slouch himself. He was on ‘Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader’ a couple of years ago, and he won $100,000.”
This caused Keith to look up as he realized, “You know, I think I saw that episode.”
“No surprise, considering it’s hosted by Jeff Foxworthy and your mother’s dating Bill Engvall,” said Dan. “What about you, Keith? We all know how you and your family became famous, but you’ve been out of the spotlight for a couple of years now.”
Keith smiled and said, “Yeah, mom thought it would be best to take a little break. But we have plans to close out the year by going on the road again. We plan on doing a series of ten concerts, starting next month at Staples Center in L. A. We could try and save you all front-row seats if you’d like.”
“We’ll be there,” said Kris with a smile.
“Laurie and I also plan on doing our own solo projects,” continued Keith. “They’ll be available both in stores and on iTunes. After moving to Angel Grove, we converted one of the rooms of our house into a small, private studio. Which is great, because that way, we can do everything in the comfort of our own home.“
Eve looked at Keith in surprise as she said, “I didn’t think Laurie ever sang lead.”
Keith shrugged and said, “She’s always been too shy to do so. However, she hopes to change that soon.” Looking at Kris and Dan, he asked, “But what about you two? I know your lives have most definitely been turned upside down.”
Kris and Dan looked at each other before Kris responded, “Well, I plan on continuing to work at SFPD as normal as possible. As Power Angels, you and I don’t exactly have the luxury of secret identities, Eve.”
Eve nodded in agreement as Dan said, “As for myself, I just plan on continuing my service in the Air Force as normal as possible. What about you, Eve?”
Eve smiled and said, “Well, I’ve actually got a lot on my plate. As far as WWE goes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll get to be the Divas Champion again. I’m also going to be getting my very first action figure next year, which I can’t wait to see. Outside of WWE, I’m working with the Gracie brothers on a set of women’s self-defense DVDs entitled ‘Women Empowered.’ I’m also going to be doing some teaching for the first time, which I’m really excited about.”
It was then that their food arrived, ending their conversation.
End Flashback
The other Power Angels were talking to Queen Marlena. Many of them were fascinated by her story of how she had crash-landed on Eternia, fell in love with Randor, and became queen. They also talked to her about their own lives and how they ultimately became the Power Angels. Marlena smiled and said, “Alright, Sabrina, you, Kelly, and Jill are private investigators, Tiffany, you, Megan, and Kris are police detectives, you, Julie, are a part-time model, and you, Elle, are a former special agent. But what exactly do you do for a living, Eve?”
Eve smiled and chuckled before saying, “Well, believe it or not, I’m actually a professional wrestler.”
Queen Marlena raised an eyebrow at this as Eve explained how she had gotten into the WWE (formerly the WWF). She said, “Well, it seems a lot has changed since I went on that disastrous NASA mission. But it all worked out for me in the end. And I’m proud that Earth has such great people defending it. I just hope no one has forgotten me.”
“Oh, you’re definitely not forgotten,” said Julie with a smile. “We’re just glad to see that you’re alive and well.”
Tommy and Kimberly were walking through the palace with Billy and Trini. “How long do you think we’ll be here?” asked Kimberly.
“I wish I knew, beautiful,” answered Tommy. “But the sooner we can get Rita, Luthor, and the Legion away from Eternia, the better.”
“What about Etheria?” asked Trini. “I’m sure some of us will have to go there.”
“We’ll worry about that in the morning,” said Billy. “In the meantime, I think a good night’s sleep will do us some good. We’re going to need it.” His friends nodded in agreement as they made their way to their bedrooms.
The King and Man-At-Arms had just walked up to them when another teleportation beam appeared, taking on the form of a woman. “Xena!” cried Trini in surprise. Xena smiled as her descendant hugged her.
“What’s going on here?” asked Randor.
Trini smiled and said, “Your Majesty, Man-At-Arms, I’d like to meet Xena, Warrior Princess-and my ancestor.”
“What are you doing on Eternia anyway?” asked Billy.
“Zordon filled me in on what’s been going on and sent me to help,” answered Xena. “Hercules, Gabrielle, and Iolaus are going to be helping out on Earth in case of an invasion.”
“You don’t really think Skeletor or Hordak would want to invade Earth, do you?” asked Man-At-Arms.
“I wouldn’t put it past them,” said Zack as he approached, holding hands with Wonder Woman.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time in man’s world, it’s to expect the unexpected,” said Wonder Woman.
The Partridges and Hyde were playing a song, using some spare instruments that they had kept in the Javelin. Jackie watched as Laurie sang.
I had a lover, but haven’t we all?He had to leave so sometimes I’d callI was lost and living in the real worldI’d call.
Satellites are blinking all through the nightWishes like this don’t seem rightRising and falling as I make my requestHello, operator, can I make this collect?
Higher and higher, burns the fireLove’s lost on the telephone wireToo high to reach, too hot to holdWishing on Telstar, should’ve been told.Lyrics from: .com/lyrics/s/susanna_hoffs/wishing_on_ ]Person to person, looking for affectionDo I just break through or do I have to wait?(Person to person) It sure hurts when you get awayMy long distance lover, can I make you stay?
Higher and higher, burns the fireLove’s lost on the telephone wireToo high to reach, too hot to holdWishing on Telstar, should’ve been told.
Hello? Operator?Hello, hello? Operator?Hello, hello? Hello, hello?
Wishing on TelstarShould’ve been, should’ve beenWishing on TelstarShould’ve been told.
Higher and higher, burns the fireLove’s lost on the telephone wireToo high to reach, too hot to holdWishing on Telstar, should’ve been told.
Wishing on Telstar (Hello, operator? )Should’ve been told (Hello, hello, operator? )Wishing on, wishing on Telstar (Operator? )Should’ve been toldWishing on Telstar.
Hello? Operator?Hello?
Laurie launched into another song-
I want to show you the picture I drewWhen I was on the phone talking to youI made a heart and I colored it red‘Cause I want you hereOn my side of the bed
Oh oh, oh ohOh oh, oh oh
I’ve been dreaming since I was bornAnd in my dreams I see eyes like yoursI’ll be the pillow where you lay your head, lay your headIf you’ll come and sleepOn my side of the bed
Lay downThe sheets are white like the moon, my loveDream with me in my roomLay down
Lay downThe sheets are white like the moon, my loveDream with me in my roomLay down
I know you hurt, I feel the painTake my hand and come out of the rainWe all need to be comfortedYou can get yoursOn my side of the bed
On my side of the bed
Lay down on my side of the bedCome lay down
Tra-la-la-la-laSha-la-la-la-laLay down (ooh ooh ooh ooh) lay downSha-la-la-la-la (I made a heart)Sha-la-la-la-la (I colored it red)Lay down (I colored it red) lay down
Sha-la-la-la-la (lay down)Sha-la-la-la-la (lay down)Lay down (ooh ooh ooh ooh) lay downSha-la-la-la-la (oooh)Sha-la-la-la-la (oooh)Lay down (ooh ooh ooooh) lay down
Sha-la-la-la-la (I made a heart)Sha-la-la-la-la (I colored it red)Lay down (I colored it red) lay downSha-la-la-la-la (lay down)Sha-la-la-la-la (lay down)Lay down, lay down (on my side of the bed)
The music stopped when they heard a clapping sound. All turned to see a smiling Queen Marlena. She said, “That was wonderful.”
The Partridges blushed as Chris said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Marlena said, “Look, I know we have enemies to deal with, but do you think you could perform for us some time before you leave Eternia? I’ve always wanted my family and the Masters to experience Earth music.”
The six of them looked at each other as Keith smiled and said, “If we can find the time, sure.”
Hyde then stretched and said, “Right now, though, I want to get about forty winks.”
The next morning, as Adam got out of bed, he was still thinking about what Batman had said to him. He finally decided that he would at least attempt to tell him how he felt about their strained relationship. However, as he got dressed, he heard the Sorceress’ voice in his head. “Prince Adam, you must come to Greyskull at once. But come as He-Man.”
Sighing, Adam said, “I’m on my way.” He then nudged Cringer awake and said, “Come on, Cringer. Duty calls.” He then picked up his sword, oblivious that his doorknob had just been turned. “By the Power of Greyskull!”
Two pairs of eyes widened in shock as Adam transformed into He-Man. The door was barely cracked open, but they were able to see enough as He-Man’s deep voice cried out, “I HAVE THE POWER!” He-Man then pointed his sword at Cringer, changing him into Battle Cat. He-Man then jumped onto Battle Cat, who promptly jumped out the window.
When He-Man and Battle Cat were gone, the door was opened, revealing a shocked and surprised King Randor and Teela. Teela asked, “Did we just see-what I think we saw? Adam is He-Man?”
“It-it all makes sense now,” said Randor. “But why didn’t he say anything?”
“I can’t believe he lied to us like that!” said Teela in anger. A thought occurred to her as she asked, “Hey, do you think that’s why my father always stands up for Adam like that? Do you think he knows?”
Randor frowned and said, “I’m sure of it. Your father has a lot of explaining to do.” The two of them then walked away to find Man-At-Arms.
Etheria
After being informed by the Sorceress of Isis’ discovery about Earth’s Mystacore, She-Ra was flying on Swift Wind towards Skydancer Mountain. As she flew through the clouds that covered it, the Crystal Castle came into view. Upon entering, She-Ra stepped off of Swift Wind as Light Hope appeared before her. “Welcome, She-Ra,” said Light Hope in a deep, gentle, fatherly voice. “I’ve have been expecting you.”
“Then you know why I’ve come,” said She-Ra. “What is the connection between Etheria’s Mystacore and Earth’s?”
“Many centuries ago, when Hordak left to conquer Eternia, he left Shadow Weaver in charge of his forces here on Etheria,” explained Light Hope. “A short time after that, Mortella and Shadow Weaver struck a deal that would allow Mortella to take control of Mystacore for herself and make slaves of the people. As Castaspella kept Shadow Weaver and Mortella busy, the other magic-makers of Mystacore combined their magics to cast a spell that would take the people of Mystacore away from Etheria, leaving their homes and the castle behind. They were taken to Earth.”
“Casta told me about that,” said She-Ra with a nod. “The people were able to escape, but Casta was overpowered and reduced to an old woman. She remained that way for centuries until Snout Spout and I defeated Mortella.”
“There is more,” continued Light Hope. “Casta’s parents were among those that departed Etheria, along with her newborn baby sister.”
“What was the name of her sister?” asked She-Ra.
Light Hope’s answer: “Udonna.”
She-Ra’s jaw dropped.
TO BE CONTINUED