Chapter Ten

"Destiny's Battle"

Doom Tower rocked with an explosion. Hordak ignored, and remained on his throne. The room had been darkened, and no one dared enter as per his orders. Hordak brooded while the Snake Men's siege roared on outside his very walls. A display to his left showed just how much damage his headquarters had taken and just how many of his Horde Troopers were now destroyed.

There was a sudden beep from his communicator. Pulling himself away from his thoughts, he answered. "I asked not to be disturbed," he snapped.

"Our western wall is under heavy fire," Mantenna reported. "My apologies, but I thought it best for you to be informed. If the western wall falls - "

Hordak snarled. "Our flanks will be fully exposed to any Snake Men coming in. Have the effects of the EMP worn off?"

"Yes, master."

"Energize the main cannons on all western towers and provide strict protection to the wall."

Mantenna acknowledged the order and Hordak clicked off. In the darkness of the throne room, Hordak's thoughts turned to an inescapable conclusion. Then Snake Men have been attacking Doom Tower for over twenty-four hours. In another twenty-four hours - if things continue on the present course - Doom Tower will fall. With reinforcements now marching out of Brightmoon, it may soon be over.

"I have no choice, then," Hordak whispered. He pressed his communicator. "Mantenna, prepare the teleporter."

***

King Hiss watched as the remaining 3,500 Snake Men marched out of Brightmoon towards Doom Tower. Tung Lashor was commanding them on, forcing them to move rather quickly. A smile crossed Hiss's face. "This is going work out just fine."

"I can't say I agree with you," Queen Angella replied. "In fact, for me it feels as though I'm handing over my kingdom to you."

"And just why is that . . . ?" Hissed groaned.

"Because despite the fact that you have marched your troops out of Brightmoon, but have still left enough of them to occupy my land."

"500 Snake Men hardly count as an occupational force, my lady."

She squinted and shook her head. "Curse you, Hiss, I've had enough."

Hiss laughed. "The sad thing is that there's nothing you can do about it!"

***

Skeletor stood atop the sand dune and looked out upon the swirling sea below and beyond him. A smile crossed his boney face - if that were possible - and he cackled a bit to himself. "I knew you would come, Hordak," he said.

"Don't rub it in, Skeletor," Hordak sneered from behind. "Name your price, then give me what I've come to retrieve."

Skeletor turned around. "I want a Horde Trooper processing machine. Now."

"Why? So you can build your OWN robotic army?"

Skeletor nodded. "Exactly."

Hordak snorted and then paused before finally nodded in consent. "Fine, fine. Just a moment." He pressed his communicator and was in immediate contact with Doom Tower. After he gave the order for immediate teleportation of the processor, he received a report on the situation. It could easily be another 18 hours until the Fright Zone fell.

As he closed up the communication, there was a sudden burst of light and energy. And then, a large, rectangular machine appeared behind Hordak. Skeletor walked over and examined it for a few moments before nodding and grinning.

"Excellent. Tri-Klops! Get Karg and order him to begin working on the Centurions!" Skeletor barked. He turned to face Hordak. "As for what you seek . . ."

Skeletor dug deep into his belt and pulled out a green orb set in a metal frame. He tossed to Hordak, who caught it. "Good. Now this will rid both worlds of the Snake Men for good."

"Enjoy the blast from the past, Hordak," Skeletor fired. "It's good to know all those years you told me that you learned nothing from the Elders was all a lie."

"I never said that."

"Oh yes you did," Skeletor countered. "But let's not worry about that now, Hordak."

Hordak snorted. "This is a dangerous game you play, Skeletor. I hope your ruse pays off in the end."

"You'll be the first to know, Hordak."

Hordak snorted again, then took off on his steed, the Mantisaur. He made for the west, and moved fast. The Mantisaur was one of the fastest creatures in the galaxy. He would soon reach his destination. For what he was about to do - he would need the help of those he least wanted it from.

***

Two hours later, He-Man and She-Ra raced towards Castle Grayskull, as per the telepathic request of the Sorceress. Whatever it was that she wanted, it was obviously quite urgent. She-Ra was very impressed by Battle Cat. While she flew in the air the back of Swift-Wind, Battle Cat kept one step ahead of them while on foot. The power of Grayskull was mighty enough to grant Cringer these incredible gifts. Very impressive.

As Castle Grayskull came into view, She-Ra set down and joined Battle Cat and He-Man on foot. They cleared the forest and saw the great Castle looming before them. The drawbridge was open, and a figure stood at the entrance waiting for them.

Hordak.

Both Swift-Wind and Battle Cat stopped and sneered at the villain. He-Man and She-Ra drew out their swords.

"I'm not here for a fight," Hordak spoke.

The Sorceress emerged behind him. "Hordak speaks the truth, He-Man and She-Ra. For what he knows and possess may just put an end to this war once and for all. Enter please."

The four followed Hordak and the Sorceress into the door of Castle Grayskull. He-Man was apprehensive at once, but reassured himself that the combined strengths of the Sorceress, She-Ra, Battle Cat, Swift-Wind, and himself could probably handle Hordak.

But still . . .

Entering into the Throne Room, the Sorceress motioned to Hordak. "Speak Hordak, and tell them of what you are and what you were. Tell them the story you spoke to me of."

Hordak nodded and straightened up. He pulled a small green-colored amulet. "This is the Gate of the Void. An ancient Amulet created by the Council of the Elders. It is what they used to open up the gateway into the Void and trap King Hiss and the Snake Men."

"How did you come about it?" questioned He-Man.

Hordak snarled. "1,000 years ago, Horde Prime sent me on an information-gathering mission to Eternia. I became an apprentice to the Council of Elders and learned their ways, while the entire time I passed the information onto Horde Prime. During my time with the Elders, King Hiss declared war on Eternia and sought the Great Towers with all of us might.

"Myself, the other apprentices, and the Great Council fought against King Hiss and used this Amulet to trap him in the Void. The Amulet was then given to me for safekeeping. A few years later, I betrayed the Elders and went back to Horde World. I took the Amulet with me.

"When I returned to Eternia, I took command of the stronghold of my former enemy - King Hiss- and lead an attack on the entire world. As I was forced to retreat, I accidentally left the Amulet at Snake Mountain. Skeletor must have found the Amulet after I left and that is most likely how he discovered the Snake Men's fate."

"And just how can that Amulet help us now?" asked He-Man. "It took so much power to force them into the Void the first time, why would it work a second time?"

"Because I plan on communicating and using the power of the Elders that is stored within these walls," Hordak answered.

"No," She-Ra snapped. "I will not stand idly by while this evil consorts with the power of Grayskull."

"That is not your decision," Hordak replied sharply. "Where is Adora? Her I can talk some sense in to."

"I speak for Adora," She-Ra said, looking hard at him. Hordak was a little thrown off by this. Before he could reply, the Sorceress cut in.

"I must commune with the powers of Grayskull, as well as others that are involved in the fate of Eternia. I will have an answer for you in just a moment."

The Sorceress got off the throne and walked in a door on the left wall.

She closed it, then reached deep down with her mind and touched the heart of Castle Grayskull. Suddenly, she was in communication with a large number of entities.

"Light-Hope . . . what say you?" she asked.

A living rainbow appeared in her mind. "I disagree. Hordak is of great evil. He will only taint the power and spirit of Grayskull."

"Zodak . . . what is the will of the Cosmic Enforcer?"

The red-armored alien arrived in her brain. "My only role is to observe the forces of Good and Evil. But . . . this development does serve the good of the many and the balance. I agree."

"Procrustus . . . what is your decision?"

The visage of the Ancient at the center of Eternia became apparent. "It is for the good of both Eternia and Etheria. I agree."

"First Ones . . . what is your casting vote?"

The fiery forms arrived in her thoughts. "We disagree. Let Hiss destroy the Horde, and then deal with them."

"Elders . . . whose forms are now great energy and power guiding Eternia and Grayskull through times certain and uncertain, whose power is now being asked of - what is your decision?"

The twenty-four members appeared to her and gave her the Sorceress's answer.

A moment later, she walked out and joined the others in the Throne Room. "It has been decided," she stated. "You will have access to the power of the Elders . . . but there is a price."

"What kind of price?" asked He-Man.

"One day after Hordak is given access to the power of the Elders, the Great Eye of the Universe will open on Grayskull. Whomever is in the seat of power when that occurs, will be given the incredible power of Grayskull. My power."

Hordak snorted. "I suppose that'll just mean you'll have to be sitting there when the moons rise."

The Sorceress nodded. "I must. This is a very dangerous game, Hordak. One that must be played very carefully. Now, take a moment and place the robes of the Elders on. Remove that armor. I must change into a different outfit that will best allow for the transfer of power."

"We'll need a distraction while I do this," Hordak stated clearly to He-Man and She-Ra. "I highly recommend that you strike while you can."

He-Man nodded. "Agreed. Good thing he had this planned out." He pulled out his communicator. "He-Man to Man-At-Arms. The word has been given, but with some slight alterations."

"Oh? How so?"

"I want you, Teela, and the Royal Guard here at Grayskull. I'll explain it all on the way." He then turned to the Sorceress. "Any way you can muster one more portal?"

"To Brightmoon?" questioned the Sorceress. "Yes. Who all is going?"

"Clamp Champ, Snout Spout, Extendar, Rio Blast, Rotar, and She-Ra."

Hordak laughed. "Only? You'll all be killed!"

"No we won't," snapped She-Ra. "Not if your little plan works."

***

One hour later, King Hiss watched as the streaming reports came in from Doom Tower. The western wall had fallen, and victory could easily be gained in a matter of hours. "Success!" he shouted. "You never should have gone to war with me, Hordak. Never ever. But I bet you're happy about this, Angella?"

The Queen sneered. "No. I'm not."

"I already told you, Angella. There's not a damn thing you can - "

At that moment, suddenly, a golden portal opened in the Brightmoon throne room. She-Ra and Swift-Wind flew out, along with Clamp Champ, Snout Spout, Extendar, Rio Blast, and Rotar. Hiss leapt out of the way, making for a corridor.

"You people! Secure the Castle!" shouted She-Ra. "Queen Angella, let's free your people! Again!"

Angella unfolded her wings and followed She-Ra and Swift-Wind out of the throne room and off a balcony. "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" She-Ra yelled down.

Glimmer unleashed her energy beams at the Snake Men, as Bow did the same with his arrows. Madame Razz and Broom zipped across the kingdom, casting all the wrong spells the right way. The Twiggets launched themselves into battle. She-Ra released a telepathic cry to the animals of the Whispering Woods for their help and they came a running and fighting.

King Hiss slinked out of the shadows and watched as his diminished forces began to crumble. He turned to Kobra Khan. "Take command of the situation, Khan. I'm going to Eternos. Begin to withdraw and make for Doom Tower. You'll regroup there after we claim victory."

King Hiss pressed a button on his wrist, and he was instantly teleported away from Brightmoon and the chaos occuring there . . .

. . . To Eternos and the chaos happening there. King Hiss' jaw went slack as he witnessed what was happening. The Heroic Warriors not on Etheria were here, launching an attack. It was so . . . so foolish! Brightmoon was understandable. He had a smaller amount of troops stationed there, but here at Eternos . . . the Heroic Warriors were greatly outnumbered. Unless . . . unless Hordak was up to something.

"No . . . NO!" King Hiss reached in his pocket and retrieved the Snake Amulet that Marzo had given him. He had feeling he was going to need it.

***

Man-At-Arms and all of the Royal Soldiers from the Great Towers stood stationed outside of the Castle Grayskull. Teela rechecked her weapons. "I'm still not sure about this," she told He-Man as he passed her by.

"Neither am I, Teela. But we have no choice any more. Besides, as long as the Sorceress is sitting on the throne tomorrow at moonrise, everything will be alright."

She nodded and took hold of his hand. "Be careful, He-Man."

He smiled at her. "You too."

Teela leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. He-Man blushed, then walked inside Castle Grayskull.

The Throne had undergone an incredible transformation. The statues of the Council of Elders had appeared along the sides. Two long tablet had been raised on both sides of the throne, the Great Eye sat closed behind it. Four pits leading into lava flows had opened.

Hordak stood in the middle of all this, wearing the robes on the Elders. The Sorceress was dressed in a white gown with crystals along the headdress. It allow her access to how much and what kind of power Hordak would be receiving.

"I'm ready," He-Man stated.

"As am I," Hordak replied.

The Sorceress nodded and placed her hands on Hordak's shoulders. Hordak held the Amulet of the Gate up and closed his eyes.

"I accept the power of the Elders."

He-Man gripped his sword as a wind began to take the room. The statues of the Elders began to groan and glow and the wind picked up. He looked towards the Sorceress, who looked like she was glowing a bit herself.

"As the Sorceress of Grayskull, I grant you access to the power of the Council of Elders. As keeper, I open the gates to allow you - Hordak, the former apprentice of their knowledge, the power of the Elders. MAY IT OCCUR!"

The entire castle began shake. Hordak and the Sorceress closed their eyes as the winds began to encircle them. Streams of energy shot forth from the walls - from the statues of the Elders - and struck Hordak, the Amulet and the Sorceress.

There was sudden burst of light and energy, and He-Man shielded his eyes as it centered on Hordak and the Sorceress.

And then . . . it was over.

The Sorceress let go of Hordak. Hordak opened his eyes and gasped. He stumbled back, his entire body coming aware of the power and responsibility within it. The Sorceress stepped back, but fell to the floor with exhaustion.

He-Man ran over and helped her up. "Are you okay?" he questioned immediately.

"Yes . . . yes . . . I need a few moments to rest."

Hordak turned to He-Man. "He-Man, we must move quickly. I have to confront King Hiss at Eternos if this power is to channel correctly."

"Right."

***

Skeletor stood proud and mighty as the Horde Troop processor marched out robotic warriors of HIS design. One wave was almost completed, with the second nearing its quota. He turned to Tri-Klops. "Report," he ordered.

"Hordak is on his way to Eternos with He-Man, most assuredly to confront King Hiss. Scouts on Etheria report that the traitor Kobra Khan is withdrawing the Snake Men towards Doom Tower."

"Have the Snake Men taken Doom Tower yet?"

"No."

"Too bad. But at least that will put the Horde out of commission for a little while. How fairs the combat at Eternos?"

"According to my Doom Seekers, the Heroic Warriors are holding their own for now."

Skeletor laughed. "Get the Cosmic Key prepped. As soon as this ends, we strike."

***

He-Man rode Battle Cat alongside Hordak on Mantisaur as Eternos came into view. Smoke clouds billowed from the city and the Palace as evidence that battle was taking place. He-Man hoped the Ram Man, Mekaneck and the other Heroic Warriors were up to this battle and were still even alive.

Suddenly, then, King Hiss jumped out in front of them. He leapt up into the air and kicked He-Man off of Battle Cat, then used the momentum of throw Battle Cat onto his back.

He then blasted Hordak with his magic. The Mantisaur screeched and Hordak was thrown off. "He-Man!" shouted Hordak. "Get to Eternos! You do not want to be here as Hiss and I do this!"

He-Man nodded, shocked at Hordak's sudden concern for him. He helped Battle Cat to his fight and hopped on his back. The pair made for Eternos.

Hordak and King Hiss circled each other, Amulets glowing. "So . . .this is it . . ." King Hiss seethed.

"Indeed it is."

The two lunged at each other. Just as Hiss grew close, Hordak grabbed hold of the Amulet and pointed it at him.

"BANISHMENT!" Hordak shouted. The Amulet exploded in energy. Hiss was blown away as streams of energy surged from the Amulet. A mighty wind whipped about, throwing King Hiss into the air. But it wasn't just King Hiss.

As He-Man arrived at Eternos, he was shocked to see all of the Snake Men lifted up into the air, all being linked by a stream of energy that surged from above.

On Etheria, She-Ra stood in amazement as streams of energy latched onto all of the Snake Men with the exception of Kobra Khan. They were then lifted into the air.

At Doom Tower, Shadow Weaver watched at the Snake Men fell to streams of energy, and then were lifted up into the air.

And then - in an incredible flash of light and sound - all of the Snake Men were gone. Hordak fell to his knees as King Hiss vanished from sight. The energy dwindled back into the Amulet.

"Incredible . . ." Hordak breathed. He stood back up, and turned around.

And then he heard. It sounded like a whisper at first, but then it grew in volume and intensity. Hordak's Amulet felt heavy as the voice screamed itself back into existence.

"NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

King Hiss pushed himself back onto Eternia, his Snake Amulet burning with energy. Behind him forced his Elite and the entire Snake Men army. "We will not be forced to return to the Void!" shouted King Hiss.

"YES YOU WILL!"

Hordak spun around, unleashing the power of his Amulet. It unleashed its energy streams once more, and attempted to swallow up the entire army. But then King Hiss moved forward with his own Amulet, which repelled the attempt.

The powers of both Amulets wanted to push the pair apart, blast them far away from each other. But King Hiss and Hordak both walked towards each other, the power of both Amulets flaring and igniting all around them. As Hordak and King Hiss marched to the other one, everything seemed to fade away except for the incredible power the Amulets were producing.

Closer and closer they walked, the power conflicting and contradicting each other as they neared one another. It was all crashing together . . . more and more . . .

And then . . .

And then the Amulets slammed into each other.

And both shattered.

A white-hot intensity exploded. Pure, incredible, ancient power weaved and smashed into the wide, uncontroling open. Both Hiss and Hordak were blinded by this . . . and then . . . then . . .

Hordak flew backwards, the energy dissipating. His robes tore from him, and he now lay naked and powerless. A form appeared behind him - Shadow Weaver - and she took him into her arms. In a flash, they were gone from Eternia.

King Hiss fell to ground, his false skin seered off from his viper-body. All that remained of his Snake Men was Tung Lashor, Rattlor, Sssqueeze, and Snake Face. They lifted the body of their master and marched off with him.

***

He-Man nodded and smiled as the Snake Men moved north. "Should we follow?" asked Mekaneck.

"No, don't bother," He-Man replied. He started up the stairs towards the Palace. "Get to work on freeing the civilians and Royal Guards. Contact Man-At-Arms, too, and tell him to remain at Castle Grayskull until the Sorceress is secured with its power."

"Yes sir."

Just as He-Man was about to enter the Palace doors, he heard a peculiar sound. It sound like a strange sort of song. He turned around . . . just in time to see a large blue portal open. Dark armored robotic warrior marched out, followed by Tri-Klops and Trap-Jaw.

"We have you surrounded," Tri-Klops shouted. "Surrender."

He-Man pulled out his Power Sword. "Never!"

And that's when two more portals opened . . .

And somewhere, out there, Skeletor cackled in victory.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

Look for "Masters of the Universe: The Crossroads of Destiny - Book Three: Beyond" coming soon!