Well I'm gonna make a crazy assumption that everybody has read the first part of TheW40's new storyline Masters of the Universe: New Legacy entitled "Diamond Ray of Disappearance" that had some fine artwork from Sha.

The story is also here because you can't truely appreciate the meaning behind the pics without it, and....because I'm too lazy to start describing why did I make them the way I did.

So now the story continues! :)

Previously:
During a battle with Skeletor, the Sword of Power was destroyed (see: From the Inferno Within).  Adam set off to reforge it, claiming to be going on a mission to find He-Man.  Stunned by his courage, Teela kissed him.  After defeating Skeletor and restoring the Sword of Power, Teela and Adam started dating. 

Last week, during Adam's birthday and on the 1st anniversary of him having the power of Grayskull, he was thrown in to the deminsion of Despondos thanks for to the Diamond Ray of Disappearance (see: The Diamond Ray of Disappearance).  It was there he came face-to-face with the mysterious Force Captain Adora and her master, the ruthless Hordak.  He-Man escaped Despondos thanks for to the Sorceress and the Masters.

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Classic Cowboy and Jukka present . . .

Masters of the Universe: New Legacy
Episode 1-2
"My Heart’s Desire"

Part One: “You Get Over It”
 
Back then, when we met,
It was all awkward.
We went the long way, didn't we?
We got there in the end.

“Dearest” – third ending theme “Inu Yasha: A Feudal Fairytale”

The sun rose over the Palace of Eternos as another day came to the people of Eternia. Most shops were just opening as people began their day. Among them was a redheaded young woman jogging among the still quiet city. She was dressed in her old training clothing, green tee shirt and boxer-like shorts and a set of comfortable running boots. Her long red hair was tied up in her trademark ponytail wagging along behind her as she jogged at a comfortable pace.

“Morning, Teela!” a shop keeper waved at the girl who responded in kind. She took a small turn into a small alley and leaned against the wall to rest a moment, and take a drink of water from the pouch on her belt. But as she took a large gulp, a hand clamped down on her shoulder.

“BOO!” The intruder screamed as he was thrown by his arm and landed hard on his back wheezing.

“By the Ancients, Adam,” Teela scolded Prince at her feet, her fists planted on her hips. “Just because we’re dating doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to sneak up on me, idiot.”

“Sorry, Teela …” Adam laughed looking up at her with the smile that used to frustrate the redhead, now seemed to be a contagious condition.

“You’re forgiven … I guess.” She said with a forced frown as she pulled Adam to his feet.

“Would this help?” Adam said holding up a single purple flower.

“Adam! That’s a Perpehian Lily, where did you get it?” She asked taking it in her hand and bringing the flower to her nose to breath in its fragrance.

“Only grows in the Plains of Perpehia,” Adam said smugly, “And here I thought it was your favorite flower.”

“It IS my favorite flower, but when did you have a chance to go and pick one?” Teela asked with her eyes closed enjoying the smell of lily.

“Simple, Teela, remember last night I was supposed to go with Stratos for a trade embargo with Avion?” Adam asked, and Teela’s shot open accusingly.

“You didn’t skip did you?” She asked with narrowed eyes.

“No, no, I’d have had to sneak away without telling anyone to skip.” Adam said holding up his hands defensively. “I just told them that I wanted to pick a fresh flower for the most beautiful girl in all Eternia so they let me leave a bit early to head toward the plains, that’s all!”

Teela flushed slightly and turned her attention to the lily. “You … you think I’m beautiful?”

“Hey, I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it,” he said turning a slight pink himself.

“Thanks,” Teela nodded with a small smile, before sighing. “I have to get back. I have to have breakfast with Father, and then I have a short patrol. Want to meet for lunch?”

“Sure, meet you in the garden?” Adam smiled with a nod.

“Great, see you then,” She said moving closer and catching his lips in a quick kiss. “Thanks for the flower, my prince.” She said with a wink before gingerly jogging out of the alleyway. 

“Heh …” Adam leaned back against the wall of the alley with a goofy smile on his face.

***

Man-At-Arms silently chomped at his breakfast at the kitchen table in his and his daughter’s private flat just inside the Royal Palace gates. His silence was interrupted when the sound of humming echoed through the flat. Then much to his surprise his usually very serious daughter came bouncing into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Daddy,” Teela beamed, as she plopped down in the seat across from him, and began to … study the flower in her hand.

Man-At-Arms tried to force back the smile at the dreamy expression his adopted daughter was showing. “So, have a good jog this morning, Teela?”

“Ahuh …” Teela replied, still staring at the purple petals of the flower.

“All set for your patrol then?” Man-At-Arms asked again, seeing her dressed in her uniform.

“Ahuh …” Teela replied in the exact same dreamy tone.

“Did you hear the war is over, Teela?” Duncan asked again, not hiding the smirk at all. “Skeletor and King Hiss have ran away together. It seems Hiss has gotten Skeletor pregnant with their first child and they are to be wed.”

“Ahuh …” Teela sighed again. “Wait, what did you say?” Teela said coming out of her daydream.

“To be young again,” Duncan shook his head. “So have you and Prince Adam became an official couple yet?”

“Yes, no, I don’t know,” Teela shook her head frustratedly, “We haven’t really talked about it yet, but ever since that kiss at Grayskull, it’s like a dam has opened up and I can’t get him out of my head.”

“I knew this would happen eventually,” Man-At-Arms openly smiled.

“You knew me and Adam would date?” Teela questioned with a cocked eyebrow.

“Ever since you two swam naked together in the royal fountain, I knew it was coming,” Duncan smirked.

“Daddy!” Teela covered her face with her hands. “We were five years old!”

“Even so,” Duncan crossed his arms and sat back in his chair. “A parent knows these things. You will too when you have a child or children of your own.”

“It’s a bit early for that, and me and Adam haven’t done anymore then kiss really …” Teela glanced away with a blush, which intensified at her father’s laughter.

“Who said anything about Adam, Teela?” Duncan teased leaning forward. “Unless you’re already thinking about baring royal children?” Teela only thought she was red in the face before.

“Father, stop it! I have to face troops in a few minutes!” She said hiding her purple cheeks, “I can’t do it looking like a tomato!”

“I’m sorry, Teela, I’ve just been waiting for this for a long time,” Duncan cleared his throat. “In all seriousness I hope it all works out. Adam’s had it harder on him the last few years then many realize. A little happiness can go a long way for him; can go a long way for the both of you.”

“So you’re ok with this?” Teela asked in an almost child-like tone.

“As long as I don’t see our prince coming down for breakfast from your bedchamber any time soon,” Duncan smirked, when she went red-faced yet again. “Yes, I’m happy for you both. Now eat, you have to patrol soon.”

***

 Teela took a glance at her chrono as she ducked behind a overturned tree with Mechenek and Ramman.

“Short patrol … yeah right …” She complained as she peaked up, but ducked back down to dodge Tri-Klop’s blast. She muttered a curse before pulling out her com. “Teela to Eternos, we’re pin downed just south of Grayskull. Doesn’t look like much. Tri-Klops and a small force of Skeletor’s men. Probably a scouting patrol. We need back up right …”

She drifted off as Battle Cat leapt over their position going full speed toward the villains. “Never mind.”

He-Man leapt from the red saddle of the massive tiger and as he landed he forced one of the skeleton-like soldiers into the ground. “Anyone else want to be grounded?” He-Man asked standing up and drawing his sword. 

“What kept ya?” Ramman asked as the three Masters joined the champion on the battlefield.

“Was in the middle of giving … Battle Cat a bath when I was warned of the trouble,” He-Man smirked at Battle Cat’s angry growl and quick death glare.

“Can we cut the chit chat?” Teela snapped at them, “I’m going to be late if we don’t hurry.”

He-Man could only smile as he turned to the Skeleton forces, then reared back and slammed his fists into the ground taking all of them down in the shock wave.

“Thing about Skeletor’s soldiers: little pounding and they go all to pieces.” He said glancing around at the piles of broken bones.

“Where did Tri-Klops go?” Makenek asked glancing around the defeated soldiers.

“He’ll turn up; I’ll have Father start a search of the area when we get back to Eternos.” Teela said quickly, glancing around herself. “But first … um, before you disappear again He-Man can we talk for a second?” She asked as He-Man started to mount Battle Cat.

“Sure, but what’s with the rush,” He-Man said stepping away from the large green tiger.

“I know, I should be more thorough but … well, I told someone I’d meet him and I don’t want to be late,” Teela sighed, “That’s kind of what I want to talk to you about …” she said, glancing at Makenek, Ramman, and Battle Cat’s curious gazes. “Privately?”  

“You guys see if you can see which way Tri-Klops went.” He-Man suggested and followed Teela a little distance from the group.

“He-Man …” Teela started, gnawing a bit on her lower lip. “We’ve gotten pretty close since we met, at least I liked to think we had.”

“We are good friends, Teela.” He-Man said trying not to smile.

“Yes, but … I just wanted you to know I’ve found someone …” Teela gulped, averting her eyes from the hero. “He’s not you. And he’s far from perfect. But … but he knows how to make me smile and he has as big of a heart as you do … if not bigger.”

“Prince Adam right? I’ve heard that you and he have started a relationship.” He-Man smirked slightly. “Didn’t you use to call him a coward?” He-Man crossed his arms slightly when Teela refused to answer, feeling slightly put off by it. “It’s good to have at least one member of the couple to have a sense of bravery …” He never saw her lift her arm till her open palm brushed his cheek in a hard slap.

“Don’t you ever talk about him like that again,” Teela hissed at her former crush. “I know. I know I’m the last person with a right to say something like that, but I would think a hero of your magnitude would have more sense then a stupid teenaged girl.”

“Um I was referring to Adam …” He-Man said, before being slapped again.

“I … I can’t believe I actually THOUGHT I had feelings for you,” Teela said her shoulders rising and falling rapidly as her face flushed angrily. “You … stupid, stubborn, MUSCLE HEAD!”

She turned on her heel and stomped off. “Went better then I thought,” He-Man chuckled slightly as he called Battle-Cat to him.

***
 
“And she called you a ‘Muscle head?’” Man-At-Arms chuckled as he put down his tools on his desk.

“Yes, she called me …er . . . He-Man Muscle head,” Adam shook his head, “And slapped me … TWICE.”

“Women are the strangest creatures on Eternia, Adam,” Duncan turned his chair to smile at the young man. “Teela is no exception. But look on the bright side, at least her feelings for you has bypassed her crush on … you.” Duncan openly laughed at that.

“You would find this funny.” Adam rolled his eyes.

“It could be worse, she could still have feelings for He-Man and that could cause even more grief for her … and for you when she finds out.” Duncan shrugged, cocking an eye when Adam turned a faint pale color.

“W-When she finds out …” Adam repeated shakily, “I thought Sorceress said I couldn’t tell anyone.”

“Adam if you are seriously going to have a relationship with Teela, It would probably be best to tell her soon, or else it would break her heart,” Duncan rubbed his mustache, “And she’d probably then break your arm … or worse.”

“But …” Adam gulped at the mental image of Teela’s worse response to learning the truth.

“Teela is crazy about you, Adam,” Duncan clamped a hand on his shoulder. “It might make her upset, but it’s better to let her in on it now then wait till later and let keeping this big of a secret hurt your relationship.”

“But the Sorceress …” Adam tried to argue but Duncan cut him off.

“She’s said it was ok to tell her,” Duncan said avoiding eye contact with the prince. “You don’t need to broadcast it and tell everyone in the palace, but she agrees this is a special case.”

“Are you sure …?” Adam looked unsure.

 “Sure I’m sure,” Duncan smiled patting the boy’s back. “Now go meet your girlfriend and tell her all when you’re ready with mine and the Sorceress’ blessings.”

 “Thanks, Duncan,” Adam beamed at his mentor before briskly walking out of Man-At-Arm’s workshop.

 Duncan smiled to himself and looked toward Grayskull. “Sorry, Teelina, but … Teela’s happy now. You can get over it.”

***
 
Teela looked around the garden courtyard of the Palace as she sat on a small fence. She was beginning to get a bit worried, as Adam should have been there by then. “Sorry I’m late.”

The captain turned quickly and smiled as the young Prince approached her with his skittish tiger trailing along behind. “What kept you?” She flashed a shy awkward smile.

“Oh you know, this, that, gave Cringer a bath, talked with Man-At-Arms,” Adam shrugged, Cringer giving a slight hiss at the part concerning him.

“So, what do you want to do for lunch?” Teela asked, as Adam sat down beside her. “We could go to the royal dining chamber again, or there’s always that eatery Stratos and Manefaces talks about all the time.

“I was thinking of something a little more personal,” Adam shrugged again, twirling her ponytail in his fingers. “Are you off duty the rest of the day?”

“Does it matter?” Teela blushed slightly as he played with her hair.

“No, not really, one of the perks of dating the commander in chief’s son, huh?” Adam smirked sliding his hand down to link fingers with hers. 

“Alright then, what do you have in mind, your royal highness,” Teela asked with a hint of bravado as the couple hopped off the fence.

“How’s a picnic lunch and then just spend the rest of the day together catching up sound?” Adam asked glancing to the redhead. “I want the first date done right.”

“First date, Adam?” Teela made sure she brushed against his arm as they started walking. “We’ve been dating since we were six. We just didn’t know it.”

“We have?” Adam blinked in thought.

“Yes, haven’t you realized it yet?” Teela couldn’t help but laugh a bit. “C’mon, Adam, don’t show off the hair color too much on my account.”

“I guess your right,” Adam mused rubbing his chin. “Still, for the first date which will go down on record, I want it properly done.” Adam stated with a nod.

“What ever suits your fancy, Your Worship,” Teela mock-bowed. “So … where we headed?” she asked but blinked in confusion when Adam placed a blindfold in her hand. “What’s this?”

“It’s a surprise, put it on and when it comes off I think you’ll like the result.” Adam gave a mischievous smirk while Teela gave him a weary look. “Do you trust me, Teela?” He asked almost pleadingly.

“You know I do.” Teela said without hesitation.

“Then put the blindfold on, and trust me, ok? Ok.” Adam said taking it from her hand and putting it over her eyes before she could respond.

“This better be good or I’ll kick your butt.” She said as Adam took her hand and began leading her what she believed to be toward the rear gates of the palace away from the city.

After several minutes of walking Teela was begging to wonder where Adam was taking her. She knew they were somewhere in the forest surrounding Eternos, as she could hear the leaves and dry grass crackle with every step they took. “Are we there yet?” Teela sighed as he continued to lead her farther away from their home.

“Actually … yes we are,” Adam said in amusement. She felt Adam reach around her head and began untying the blindfold and when it came off she blinked to adjust her eyes. As soon as her vision became clear her eyes widened in shock and her hand went to her mouth in disbelief. “Oh Adam …”

End of Part One