Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Price Of Power ❯ Chapter: 16 ( Chapter 18 )

 

Even though the conversation happened right outside her door, Teela found it hard to make out exactly what was being said. All the young warrior knew were that two people had what appeared to be a spirited argument. The voices didn't seem familiar to her, but given the wooziness she was feeling, Teela knew everything would feel funny and unfamiliar until she was feeling better.

 

Teela's memory of what happened the day before was very vague. She remembered Adam transferring some of his power to her and the horror she felt as it seemed to consume her soul, but everything after that was a complete and utter mystery to the young warrior. She tried to sit up in her bed, but the moment she did her head began spinning like the room had suddenly become a giant Ferris wheel.

 

Slowly, Teela lowered her head back unto her pillow. Any immediate movement she saw wouldn't be possible any time soon, so she just laid there like a lifeless log contemplating why she was in such bad shape.

 

` I bet Adam's power transfer had something to do with this. I still can't believe he did that to me …-- `

 

Teela suddenly clutched her head as an excruciating headache suddenly came over her. Her skull began throbbing and throbbing like someone was hitting her in the head with a club. The teen let out an excruciating cry, as maddening amounts of pain continued to bombard her skull.

 

Adam chose that very moment to enter the room and just stood there shocked as Teela was tossing back and forth in her bed while continuing to clutch her skull. Quickly breaking out of his shock, he instantly ran over to his love and tried to gently restrain her, and at the same time find out what was ailing the young warrior..

 

“Teela what's …--“

 

“It hurts!! … Help me please!! Please!! …” Teela begged, as she continued her violent movement.

 

“Teela what hurts, what's wrong?!” Adam nervously asked.

 

“Help me!!” the tortured teen begged.

 

For the first time in what seemed like ages Adam felt fear. Teela's sudden and totally unexpected behavior perplexed the young teen leaving him frantically searching his brain for a way to help her.

 

` Dear GOD what could be doing this to her …-- `

 

Before the young prince could finish his statement, a single word was suddenly spoken to him telepathically. Adam was in shock as he heard the voice. Especially when he realized it didn't belong to Kakarotto or anyone else he thought he knew with telepathic abilities. At first he was thinking Teela's troubling situation was causing him to hear things. But then the voice spoke again, repeating the same word as before.

 

` You? …' Adam said to himself.

 

You, was the word the strange voice spoke to him. Adam quickly realized that whomever was speaking to him was apparently laying the blame for Teela's torturous situation on him.

 

` That's nonsense whoever you are! Nothing I did caused this …-- `

 

Suddenly a deep forgotten memory unearthed itself from Adam's mind. The young Prince stared in shock at the memory. It was back when Kakarotto was training him in The Room of Spirit and Time, and of a serious warning the Saiya-Jin gave his young protégé.

 

' But I followed teachers instructions to the tee about transferring power and followed all of his guidelines to insure the persons safety ... '

 

The memory continued and after a few more seconds the heir to the throne of Eternia saw why the mysterious voice blamed him for Teela's suffering.

 

` I-I forgot … how could I forget?! `

 

Without wasting another moment, Adam placed his right hand onto Teela's forehead and released a little bit of his energy into her body. Almost instantly the young warrior settled down as the pain eased up. About ten more seconds passed and the pain was completely gone from the relieved teen. Teela immediately sat up once seeing it was safe to do so. A big and relieved smile was plastered on the teens face as she rose, glad that the agonizing ordeal was finally over.

 

“Sorry Teela ... I should of healed you completely and saved you from the pain you just suffered ... Forgive me for being so careless and stupid,” Adam said as he extended his hand to her.

 

Teela accepted Adam's gracious gesture, taking his hand as she rose out of her bed. Adam gave his love a warm smile as she stood and was once again going to ask for her forgiveness, but that was until the blanket came off her body and he saw her dressed in only a sports bra like brassiere and a pair of scanty underpants.

 

' Oh no ... not now! I don't need this now! ...'

 

Another of the warnings Kakarotto gave him, one of the many one should say, was to be extremely careful in the company of women. Adam was no fool. He knew by women, Kakarotto really meant Teela. Kakarotto knew how deeply Adam's love for Teela ran, but he also knew of the danger his new power would put Teela in if his young student wasn't careful. And now the young prince saw exactly why his teacher warned him so sternly.

 

' To always keep your emotions and hormones in check, because your new power will heighten every aspect of your being, especially your sex drive ... You could hurt someone Adam. You could hurt them, her … very, very bad ...'

 

Adam continually repeated Kakarotto's warning in his head, trying to calm his hormones before they began to rage even more fiercely. But sadly, it seemed the more he tried to fight, the more they raged and increased the chance of him hurting the one he loved.

 

“Why are you looking at me like that? …” Teela asked nervously as she saw his lustful gaze.

 

Adam in turn slowly raised his right hand, stopping directly in front of her right breast. Every carnal craving inside his body was screaming for him to rip her bra off and have his way with her. Like the flames of hell, they raged unrelenting, wanting Adam to show no mercy or regard towards his love and what the possible impact would be if he were to indeed rape her.

 

` That is what the desires are telling me to do, and sadly a part of me actually wants to follow these evil cravings and do that to Teela. Lord Patamawos help me … ` he thought trying with all his might to resist the urges.

 

After about a minute of the two just standing like statues staring at one another, Adam's prayer worked, as he found the strength not to listen to the more evil cravings. In turn, Adam slowly moved his right hand away from Teela's chest and instead raised it towards and eventually onto the right side of her cheek. Gently he began brushing the back of his hand against her cheek, despite the obvious fear which was written all over Teela's face.

 

“Tell me … how did it feel to have my power? …” he said seductively. “Did it make you feel alive, like the world was in the palm of your hands? ... Did you feel like you could do anything, or go anyplace without the slightest bit of fear? ... Tell me Teela ... tell me how it felt ...” Adam said trying more to take his mind off the near case of dishonor he had almost perpetrated on his love.

 

Given the fact her fear was now growing by leaps and bounds with each passing second, adding onto her already partial amnesia of the previous days events. Teela had no reply to give her love. But strangely the teens heart began to race as Adam spoke. Beating with a strange sense of excitement at his words.

 

“Why the look of confusion my love? Certainly you couldn't of forgotten all that happened considering you were search a large part of it?” he asked as Teela simply shook her head, while continuing to give him a scared and confused look. “Well then ... if you truly have forgotten then I will help you to remember ...”

 

Adam gently moved his hand from off Teela's cheek and onto her temple. A warm sensation suddenly came over the Eternian captain, causing her to immediately tense up.

 

“Don't worry Teela I'm not repeating what I did to you yesterday. I will never do that to you again …” he said solemnly. “This is just a means to jog your memory …” he said before giving her a warm smile.

 

His statement served to calm his loves nerves, but only slightly. Adam was still unpredictable in her estimation, unpredictable and dangerous.

 

“Adam wh…--” Teela stopped her statement as all of the days events suddenly flooded into her head. She stood there in shook at what she saw, from the incident with her mother to what followed after.

 

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-- Flashback --

 

Teelana slowly opened her eyes to find, to her great shock, that she was still alive. She immediately sat up and began looking around for her daughter's and Adam's whereabouts.

 

“Right here Sorceress,” stated Adam.

 

Teelana immediately turned her attention directly above her, only to be met with the sight of Adam floating twenty feet above her, with Teela draped over his shoulder apparently unconscious.

 

“I'm glad you've awaken so soon. For a while there I was thinking that perhaps Teela had taken a larger toll on your body then I had estimated.“

 

Adam slowly floated down, and positioned himself fifteen feet away from the former guardian of Grayskull. Teelana stared at him with pure hate. For in her mind he, and no one else, was responsible for the further deterioration of herself and Teela's relationship.

 

“I suggest you remove that look from your face woman before I set her loose on you again ...”

 

Teelana's rage exploded after Adam's statement, causing her to gather what remained of her power into her right fist, and then launch herself at the cocky heir.

 

“Don't say I didn't warn you …”

 

As she closed the gap, Teela's eyes suddenly snapped open, and stared venomously at her charging mother. Then in another surprise move the teen placed both hands against Adam's chest, and then launched herself off his shoulder connecting with a spear-tackle to her shocked mother. Before she knew what was happening Teelana's spine and the back of her head crashed violently to the ground causing a small crater to form from the impact. The Sorceress let out a spine tingling scream as her back was instantly broken.

 

“Does it hurt mother? …” Teela asked as she slowly stood and looked with disdain at her parent.

 

Teelana was unable to move let alone answer her daughters' malicious question. Pain beyond anything she had ever felt coursed through her entire body, so much so the former guardian would of gladly welcomed death if it meant relieving her agony.

 

“The mighty Sorceress unable to move and on the ground helpless like a new born child … Perhaps I should help you … spare you from the pain you're in now … After all you did bare me. Carried me in your stomach for months … until deciding to abandon me upon my birth.”

 

Teela then kicked the Sorceress straight in the ribs causing her mother to cry out in more excruciating pain.

 

“Oh … did that hurt? …” Teela asked with a sadistic look. “Perhaps this will make it feel better?”

 

Teela then reared back her leg and once again struck her defenseless mother in the ribs. A loud cracking noise was instantly heard the moment the teen connected with her attack. An eerie smile crossed Teela's lips as the Sorceresses rib broke. She lifted her leg again, but this time drove the heel of her boot into her mothers' stomach. Then with only the same evil look, Teela drove her heel into the middle of the Sorceresses face, breaking Teelana's nose instantly.

 

“How do your ribs feel now, better? …” Teela asked before letting out a chuckle.

 

The teen then knelt down and horridly began punching her mother in the face. Teelana now more then ever wished for death. With each passing moment the pain flowing through her body only increased. Words nor cries could no longer escape from her lips because of the pain. She wanted a release from her physical and emotional torment, and the only one she saw that would ease her pain was the one with final absolution.

 

' No!! ... I mustn't think like this! The cowards way out will never be my ...--' Teelana's thought was interrupted as she took another vicious punch to the left side of her jaw.

 

Teelana's head violently snapped to the side causing her to have a case of whiplash. Teela smiled evilly at seeing the result of her handiwork. Then further adding onto her evil behavior she grabbed her mother by her crushed jaw and forced her head back to its original position.

 

“I bet you're wondering if I even feel the slightest bit of remorse for what I'm doing to you,” Teela told her mother as she placed her left hand over the Sorceresses mouth and nose in an attempt to cut off her oxygen.

“Or perhaps you're wondering if this is all some kind of horrible dream and at any moment you're about to wake up and continue on with your dreary existence inside Castle Grayskull.”

 

Teelana looked into her daughters cold eyes, pleading with her without words to stop. Teela though gave a sadistic smile before removing her hand from off her mothers face, only to a second later deliver another merciless punch to the Sorceresses exposed jaw.

 

“I know you think I'm psychotic and suffer from some sort of delirium ... But know this whore, I suffer from neither of those two things ...” Teela said as she once again grabbed the Sorceress by the jaw and forced her head back to its original position so that they were face to face once again. ”I'm enjoying every moment of both...” the teen said with an ominous smile.

 

Teelana saw clearly she was going to die unless a miracle took place. Teela's look and mannerism showed the former guardian her worst fears about her daughter were indeed true.

 

' Her mind has become so corroded by her hatred of me, I doubt anyone or thing could offer up any type of reasoning in which she would adhere to. I truly have lost her ... ' Teelana thought, as tears began to run down her battered cheeks.

 

But before fate revealed more of what was planned for her, the elder wizard made her mind up in that very moment to try one last thing in an attempt to put an end to her misery.

 

'I-If I am to die, then I will correct my mistake before I do …'

 

Even though partially paralyzed and almost completely out of power, Teelana had enough control of her body and enough power remaining to focus all of what was left into the tip of her right index finger.

 

'Forgive me my daughter ...' 'Teelana sadly thought as she waited for the right opportunity to unleash her last attack.

 

The former guardian knew her time in the land of the living was about to be over. Whether by Teela's merciless beating or by the fact that unleashing her attack would deplete her energy, and given the injuries she suffered would be too much of a strain for her body to endure.

 

'And so it ends ... I can't believe she's going to go this far …' Adam thought to himself.

 

The young prince watched in silence as the Sorceress slightly raised her right arm, then with her index finger still glowing released a thin laser like beam as Teela was rearing back her fist for another punch.

 

-- End Flashback --

 

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“Yes ... I remember now! ... “ Teela said with an apparent twinge of anger in her voice. “S-she shot me right through the chest! ...”

 

“Yes ... when it happened I feared you were dead … but thankfully my power managed to save you.”

 

“That b...--”

 

“Be calm Teela ... Your mother was desperate, and obviously wasn't thinking straight. If she were I highly doubt she would of done such a thing.”

 

Adam could see Teela was so filled with anger that the teen was beginning to tremble. He searched his mind for a way to calm her down before she rushed out and tried to finish what she started with the Sorceress.

 

“Before you totally condemn your mother, just remember that you were trying to kill her. Even the most timid of animals will fight to any extreme if they feel their life was in danger. So how much more would a person?”

 

Even though Teela knew the truth in Adam's words, her pride refused to let her acknowledge it. She hated her mother, or more exactly a part of her did. Teela's real feelings towards her parent were exactly split fifty-fifty. And for the life of her she couldn't realize what was keeping her from hating the Sorceress completely.

 

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-- Flashback --

 

Adam continued to watch in silence, as the beam pierced right through the middle of Teela's chest and burst out from her back. The young captain's eyes went wide with shock as her mother's hand dropped to the ground. The Sorceress let out a small chuckle as Teela slowly lowered her right hand towards her chest and put her index and middle finger on and into the silver dollar sized wound.

 

“And now my daughter … we die together … “ the Sorceress said with an eerie smile.

 

Teela slowly pulled her blood-covered fingers out of the wound and stared in disbelief as the red fluid dripped to the ground like a leaky faucet.

 

“You acted like I was a plague in your life. So now I have remedied that problem, just like you wanted …”

 

Teela flew into a rage after her mother's statement and viciously grabbed her around the throat with both of her hands and tried to choke the life out of her. The Sorceress didn't flinch in the slightest, she knew no matter what her time was over and nothing herself or Teela did would affect that truth.

 

“You are too quick to give up woman. If you both die then what will that accomplish?”

 

() Freedom from you … ()

 

“Is that so? …Don't you mean freedom from accountability, responsibility and duty?”

 

() Die you self-righteous bastard! You hear me die?!! ()

 

“Such venomous words considering I'm the only person at the moment who can save both your lives ...--”

 

() I would rather die then accept your ...-- ()

 

“Really? ...You are a terrible liar woman, and before you chose to interrupt me again let me tell you how I know you're lying. But first ...”

 

Sensing that both women were only seconds away from dying, Adam caused Teela's entire body to go into a state of paralysis. Almost immediately the Sorceress felt the pressure around her throat loosen, much to her relief. But, the former guardian knew it was only a brief pleasure as she could feel that the cold hand of death was upon her.

 

' Everything is starting to turn dark ... and with it comes the end of my misery ... ' the elder wizard thought as a cold chill went up her spine.

 

“You once told me we were connected because of the power of King Grayskull flowing through the both of us. So you knew about my life both on the battlefield as He-Man and also about my life inside the Royal Palace. Did you know Sorceress that the connection worked both ways? Actually I shouldn't ask that question because I know you did. Even though I'm sure you tried your best to keep the connection from flowing both ways, there were things that managed to leak through your mental wall. For instance, when we almost made love. It really didn't surprise me that the incident took place.“

 

The Sorceress suddenly felt a familiar warm sensation inside her battered body. Seconds later she felt her broken bones starting to mend along with every cut and bruise.

 

`Blast him! Can't he even leave me be in death?! …'

 

Teelana snapped her eyes open, determined to give Adam the biggest tongue lashing of his young life. But as she tried to raise herself from off the ground and subsequently free herself from Teela's grip, the former guardian saw that she herself could no longer move. Panic began to immediately resonate in her mind, fearing that Teela's merciless beating had rendered her paralyzed. But a few seconds later she realized her fears were premature and that instead of being paralyzed, her body was instead pinned to the ground by an invisible force.

 

“Let me go you ...--“

 

“Calm down, calm down, I just wanted to make sure you didn't get hurt again, like the last time you rushed me.”

 

“Oh thank you for your concern o wise and benevolent prince!” Teelana said sarcastically, to which Adam let out an amused chuckle.

 

“Cute response woman, maybe I should awaken Teela and see if she finds your sense of humor as entertaining as I do?”

 

“Awaken? …”

 

For the first time Teelana noticed that Teela wasn't just frozen in the same position as before, but also seemed to be in a deep asleep. She also noticed that the wound she caused her daughter was also completely gone with no sign other then a hole in her chest-plate that anything had happened.

 

“I knew your feelings towards me long before the incident two months ago ever happened. I knew you fell in love with me even though you tried to keep it a secret …” Adam then let out a small smirk as he saw his statement caused Teelana's eyes to go wide with surprise.

 

“You see woman, every time I was in your presence certain emotions always seemed to come across from your side of our little link. At first I thought I was imagining things, that it was just the hormones talking of a teenage boy towards a stunningly attractive older woman. But after a few times, I realized it wasn't me. That you were the one ...-- ”

 

“I told you the reason for that and also for why I tried to sleep with you!”

 

“Oh yes the excuse you gave me about how the feelings of the previous guardians still affect you to some degree or another, but none more then the first, Veena, the wife of King Grayskull.”

 

“That's right … Even though her soul has moved unto the next world, her spirit, memories and power still abide within me,” Teelana said suddenly turning her attention back towards her daughter. “I never slept with Adam … It was just in a moment of weakness, I let the desires Veena felt for her husband over take me, and myself and that manipulative dog just shared an ordinary kiss ...” she said hoping the truth would reach Teela even in her asleep, and hopefully would appease her daughter's rage once she eventually awakened.

 

“Manipulative dog? … Woman let me remind you that kiss we shared was far beyond ordinary. You kissed me like we were long time lovers. Trying to pry you off was one of the greatest feats of strength He-Man ever had to perform. You can only use Veena as an excuse to a certain degree Teelana ... Her memories can't force you to do what you didn't feel like doing in the first place.”

 

Teelana was about to respond until she saw that Adam had moved within a few inches of where she lay. The young Prince stood over his love and her mother looking down at both with a small smile. He then knelt down on one knee and slowly began brushing the back of his right hand against Teelana's cheek.

 

“Get away from me ...” Teelana threateningly growled out.

 

“Why? ... Isn't this what you always wanted? To feel my touch, to have me touch you in the way a man touches a woman he loves ...”

 

“Take your hands off me!”

 

“Again why? I'm just going to give you what you want ...”

 

Despite more warnings, Adam leaned down and kissed the Sorceress gently on the lips. Her head began to swirl with all sorts of thoughts at the princes' bold action. Her heart ran wild with forbidden emotions as the kiss suddenly turned from a shocking act to that of pure unbridled passion in mere seconds.

 

() Dear Elders what am I doing?! ()

 

The Sorceress swore she must of gone crazy. Insanity was the only thing, which made any sense to her at the moment, as to why she was actually enjoying and worse of all in her mind reciprocating Adam's kiss.

 

() Why do you even try to resist woman? You know this is what you want ... You know this has been burning inside you almost from when we first laid eyes upon each other. ()

 

Teelana tried to stop herself from further indulging in the lust filled kiss. But as the seconds continued to pass, her hormones and secret desires began to over power her willpower.

 

() Veena ... Veena ... hear your husband ... ()

 

Upon hearing his words the Sorceresses heart was instantly filled with fear. The former guardian had an idea what her former champion was trying to do and she desperately tried to use what remained of her quickly eroding willpower to fight against it.

 

() Swear loyalty to your husband Veena ... ()

 

() Bastard, get out of my mind!! ()

 

() Swear loyalty to me and avoid death. Swear loyalty to me and we will rule all of Eternia together, like we did before Hordak attacked and caused us to separate from one another. ()

 

With every passing moment Teelana's common sense was quickly eroding. Her predecessors' memories were flooding into her mind rapidly. Clouding her mind too such a severity she started to believe the memories were of the present reality instead of the past.

 

() Now tell me my Queen … Do you serve me like in the days of old, or do you wish death at the hands of Teela? Do you wish for us to be together forever, or for us to part once again, and for you to die heartbroken and alone like before? … ()

 

Gently Adam released the lip lock on the Sorceress and slowly raised himself back upright. He then looked down into the Sorceresses now glossed over eyes and saw that his plan had worked.

 

“You belong to me now ...” he whispered softly, before releasing the restraining force he used to keep her pinned to the ground.

 

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The minutes following his seduction of the former guardian of Grayskull were tumultuous to say the least for the young prince. He chose to release and awaken Teela, a move which saw the Teen being rather reluctant for lack of a better word in accepting that she shouldn't continue to try and rip her mothers head clear off her body.

 

“Let me go so I can finish killing her!!” Teela screamed out, as Adam had his right arm around her waist, stopping the teen from running over and inflicting more harm on Teelana.

 

The Sorceress watched the scene in silence with the same glossed over zombified look. Veena's personality along with her own hidden desires were now in full control, as she stood facing the two from six feet away.

 

“What a strange little girl my love, where did you find her?” the Veena controlled Sorceresses asked Adam.

 

“Little what?!!”

 

Teela became so incensed after hearing her mothers question, Adam was forced to bind her from head to toe with rings of Ki energy, making the teen take on the appearance of a mummy.

 

“She is a friend ...” Adam said right before dropping the encased Teela to the ground.

 

Even though encased, Teela was writhing violently on the ground trying to break free. Adam gave a quick glance to make sure she was all right and started wondering if awaking her was the wisest of things to do. But after a few seconds of silent deliberation he knew there was really no other choice.

 

` I need her awake at the moment if I truly want to gain complete control of the kingdom. `

 

Adam's plan even though risky was quite ingenious for someone so young. Instead of a violent coup which he easily saw coming the moment he would asked his father to step down from the throne. Adam was slowly assembling pieces to make the transgression of rulership go more smoothly.

 

` Just one more piece to go and then this will all be over … `

 

 

-- End Flashback --

 

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Teela slapped Adam across the cheek while giving him a tempestuous look. Her anger threatened to completely boil over after seeing how her love manipulated her mother into bowing to his will. Adam to his credit took the slap without even the slightest hint of retaliation, understanding the reason why Teela did so and partially agreeing that he deserved to be struck if not worse for his actions. But in the depths of her heart, Teela was being tormented by guilt at her own shameful actions in spite of her attempts to ignore the feelings.

 

` The dog deserved what I did to her! Why should I feel guilty about it?! …`

 

But in spite of another attempt too suppress the guilt, Teela's conscience refused to let her bring justification to her actions. Contrary to her mothers' belief that Adam was controlling her during their dire incident, Teela knew Adam was not the driving force in what took place. Her own hatred of the Sorceress and refusal to forgive her mothers past failures were what spurred her to commit the crimes she did. Hatred and bitterness were in control of her during their sad battle and not the manipulative prince.

 

' I will not feel sorry for what happened ... I refuse ... refuse to feel anything ...-- '

 

Teela suddenly slumped to the floor to overcome with guilt. She let out an ear-piercing scream before starting to cry with such severity the droplets hitting the floor resembled blood. She began to pound the floor in frustration as everything which had happened lately was becoming far too much for her to endure.

 

Slowly Adam knelt down putting a comforting hand on his loves shoulder. His hormones immediately went into remission at seeing her so distraught. He now more then ever seconded guessed himself for igniting the incident between Teela and her mother. He was hoping it would bring about resolution, hoping they would use the incident as a means to vent. But looking at Teela's state greatly worried him, and he just hoped that what he saw before him was just another step in getting the embattled pair back together.

 

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What do you do when the person who would have been one the most important elements in your life was not there when you most needed them? What would you do while growing up you were lead to believe this person was dead, then all of a sudden they unexpectedly show up in your life seeking forgiveness for past wrongs? Would you welcome them with open arms, showing compassion and a willingness to forgive? Or would you curse and hate them? Refusing to excuse the past wrongs?

 

Around eleven in the morning, two people stared coldly into each other's eyes. Both pair of eyes were bloodshot after hours of crying, each being the cause of the others pain. Both now stared at each other seeking one thing. The only thing which could be accomplished given all which had happened.

 

“To use a phrase mother once told me people on her planet use to settle differences, it's now time for you two to bury the hatchet,” Adam said giving Teela a weary look.

 

The now King of Eternia stood positioned in-between mother and daughter acting as a deterrent incase either decided to get violent. But he had the feeling though violence wasn't on either persons mind at the moment. He hoped that the day before had given both their share of pain and maybe they were ready to put aside their differences and at least attempt a conversation.

 

“Okay now ...--”

 

“Go Adam ...” Teela calmly stated.

 

“No way wi ...--”

 

“Yes ...leave us ...” stated the Sorceress.

 

Adam gave them both a perplexed look. He couldn't believe that they actually thought he would let them be alone with one another. That was the furthest possible thing from his mind and he had no intention of doing so.

 

“Look … You wanted us to meet and talk and so we're here just like you wanted. You've done your part, now it's time to let us finish it …” stated Teela, as she continued to look coldly at her mother.

 

“She speaks the truth …you received your wish, now let us have ours ...” the Sorceress calmly chimed in. “ If you're concerned that one will try and injure the other don't be. I believe we are both beyond that point …” Teelana said looking directly at Teela, pleading with only her eyes that she also felt the same.

 

Adam continued to have doubts but he clearly saw that both wanted to deal with their situation with no outside help. Letting out a small sigh he decided, though hesitantly, to let them have their way, or at least for the moment.

 

“Just keep it civil, I'll be keeping an eye on both of you.”

 

Adam then disappeared from in-between them, leaving the two alone in the now rubble of what was once Castle Grayskull. The Sorceress let out a deep sigh, trying to gather the strength needed for what she figured would be a lengthy and undoubtedly difficult conversation. She looked around for a suitable peace of debris to use as a seat to rest her weary body. She was tired, frankly anyone would be if they stayed up virtually the whole night doing nothing but crying and beating herself up mentally for the wrongs in her life.

 

“Well … who starts? …” Teelana stated as she found a suitable piece of rubble in which to sit upon.

 

“Does it truly matter?” Teela replied choosing to remain standing, sounding as if she could careless what her mother had to say.

 

“No … I guess it really doesn't,” Teelana said sounding a bit dejected after picking up Teela's tone.

 

The two now stood only six feet apart with only rock and air between them. If either wanted to attack the other, nothing would get in their way. And frankly that was what Teela wanted to do. Run right over and put her fist through her mothers face. But given her breakdown hours earlier the young captain knew that would not happen, or at least not yet.

 

' I swear by the Elders, I will kill her if she even says anything remot...--' Teela stopped her thought as another wave of heart wrenching guilt swept over her. She clenched her right fist in frustration, quickly putting it behind her waist so her mother couldn't see it trembling.

 

“When I was your age my daughter ... myself and my entire village were under siege and enslaved by a disciple of Hordak named Xuun and his minions. For years I had heard stories about Castle Grayskull and of the power of ages hidden within its gates. To save my home, I one day managed to escape and began searching for this power. I searched for days without food or water, with only the hope that the power of Grayskull could set my people free as my nourishment,” Teelana paused, trying to gather herself after remembering the physical and mental torture she put herself through in her search.

 

“Moments from my death, I saw through the thick trees of the Evergreen Forest, and gazed upon the outline of the fortress in which I was searching for. Drawing upon my last bit of strength, I walked up to the gates and tried to enter, but passed out right in front of them. I'm not sure how long I was unconscious, but when I opened my eyes next I was confronted with the site of a strange, but yet majestic old woman dressed similar to how I am now. Kodak Ungor was her name. She informed me that she found me unconscious outside the gates of Grayskull and nursed me back to health.”

 

“Why would she do that? You could have been an emissary of evil sent to infiltrate and steal the power of Grayskull,” Teela asked in a surprisingly calm manner, which filled the Sorceresses heart with hope that maybe there was actually a chance for them to repair their relationship.

 

“I asked her why she helped me, considering I was filthy and so close to death I could feel myself slipping into the next world. Her response changed my life from that point and I could never forget her words ... “ Teelana paused again, this time though with a small smile at the pleasant memory.

 

“Never does the Guardian of Grayskull look down on the poor or turn away when they can do good upon the helpless … Even though I was a stranger she could not turn away from helping me … “

 

“And? …there must of been another reason for her to save someone as worthless as ...--” Teela stopped herself again as the guilt threatened to sweep back over her if she continued with her statement.

 

The Sorceress hesitated, waiting fearfully to see if Teela would continue with her insult. But after her daughter didn't respond for a few seconds she saw it was safe to proceed, or so she hoped.

 

“Kodak also saved me because she knew it wasn't by chance that our paths had crossed. She believed the Spirit of King Grayskull had chosen me: a former slave girl, to succeed her. Some days later, once I had fully recovered, she informed me of the role of guardian, and after a few hours of deep thought I agreed to become the next Sorceress ...”

 

“And Kodak, what happened to her?”

 

“Before I even finished saying the words I accept, Kodak Ungor disappeared like a vapor …”

 

“So she left you to fend for yourself like you left me. Tell me, how did it feel?” Teela condescendingly asked.

 

The Sorceress quickly picked up on Teela's patronizing tone and braced herself for whatever situation that might come of it.

 

“Scared at first … but as the generations passed, and I learned more about the power of Grayskull, my fears subsided.”

 

“Lucky you ... Perhaps if you were a helpless child then maybe you would of had a different outlook on things,” Teela said with huge amounts of contempt dripping from her statement.

 

The Sorceress easily saw where Teela was trying to lead the conversation and with all the courage she had within her, decided to oblige her daughter and forgo with the pleasantness and get straight to the heart of why they were there.

 

“Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones Teela …unless you want me to bring up a certain emotion altering device you use to deal with your pain …--”

 

“Shutup!! Don't speak to me about that, especially when you're as guilty as I am regarding why I used those!!” Teela screamed, as she became so incensed the teen threatened to fly off in another rage similar to the previous days.

 

Teelana could literally feel the anger radiating from off her daughters body, and knew she had to tread lightly if another violent episode was to be avoided.

 

“I will not ... I've stayed silent for too long. Far too long my daughter ...”

 

“Stop acting like you care! If you actually did, then you wouldn't of let that being do what it did to me!”

 

“You chose Teela ... You … and no one else. You could of said no when whomever was in your room first placed that disk on you. You come off like you were forced and in a way your right. But as for as I can tell if you would of just decided to face the pain of dealing with what happened between yourself and Adam then your addiction would never of happened.”

 

After being reminded about how she got into her substance abuse, Teela started to tremble from head to toe with rage. The Sorceress knew things were getting bad quick., and that Teela might explode at any moment.

 

' But I had to say something. All her life I've stayed away because of fear. I've neglected my responsibility as a mother for far too long and it is now time to make things right, even if another violent incident like yesterdays comes about because of it. '

 

The elder wizards proactive attitude shocked even her. The night before, she had spent it mostly crying and wallowing in self-pity. Her self-loathing became so bad at one point she seriously considered leaving during the night. Where she would of gone so no one would be able to find her, Teelana had no idea. Her dimensional mirror was destroyed with Grayskull, so inter-dimensional travel was off limits. Unless of course she used the spell to open a gateway to Despondos, but even in her depressed state she knew that idea was completely ludicrous. So the mighty Sorceress was ultimately forced to stay in the land of Eternia and deal with her problems.

 

` Running away is what got me into my present predicament. Perhaps the generations of knowledge within me kicked in at some point during the night and helped me to realize this. Other than that I don't know where I'm getting the patience and strength to deal with this. `

 

Teelana looked on silently as Teela with fists clenched began walking towards her. The teen stopped a foot and a half away, looking down at her mother with a look which was void of empathy.

 

“What do you expect, you pathetic excuse for a parent? I am after all your daughter ...” Teela spat out bitterly.

 

“Yes you are …” Teelana said letting out a small smile. “In every possible way you are my daughter, even down to the faults,” Teelana calmly replied.

 

Teela was a little taken aback by her mothers statement. She wasn't expecting the Sorceress to agree with her or for that matter to act so calm after the previous day. The teen was sure another brutal encounter was what awaited herself and the Sorceress once they managed to get Adam to leave them alone. But so far it didn't seem like that was going to be the case, and that greatly confused the young captain.

 

“Teela ... I'm sure a part of you is wondering why I told you about my past. Well here is the reason why. I wanted you to know a bit of your family history, and also help you at the same time deal with your addiction ... I escaped from the hands of an enslaver. I freed myself from his grip and returned to save my people. I told you my story in hope that it would show you it is possible to escape slavery to someone or something ... ”

 

Teela remained silent, waiting to see what else her mother had to say.

 

“I'm not asking for your love Teela ... I will admit to you that I don't deserve it. All I want is a chance to show you the love I have for you in my heart ... Give me this chance please. If I fail then do with me as you wish. I won't try to stop you from killing me if I fail again as your parent. But please, just give me the chance ...”

 

Tears started to fall from Teelana's eyes before she even finished her statement. She looked up pleadingly into Teela's eyes hoping/praying her daughter would give her the chance to redeem herself. But after a minute or so with no reply, the elder wizards hope began to waver.

 

' I must not give up, despite my fear. Fear will only bring about more generations of pain and regret ... '

 

At the same time Teelana decided not to give into her fears, she also decided perhaps her daughter just needed a little push to break through her hesitance.

 

“Here ...” Teelana said, offering her staff to Teela.

 

Teela looked at the gesture with confusion but after a few seconds hesitantly took the weapon, all the while wondering why her mother wanted her to have it. The teens confusion grew even more after a few seconds as Teelana suddenly moved from where she was sitting and knelt on both knees directly in front of her.

 

“If you truly hate me, then strike me down ... Strike me down and you will never have to worry about seeing me every again. You will never have to worry about my interference in your life. I will only be a memory, a passing thought as you continue on in your life,” Teelana said with her head and eyes fixed towards Teela's feet.

 

The risk Teelana was taking was immense. Putting your life in the hands of the person who only a day ago tried to snuff it out. The move was foolish, but in her present state Teelana knew she had to take a risk. Even if it could cost the former guardian her life. And the end of her life was what she thought was going to happen, as Teela slowly raised her mothers staff so that the bottom end was directly over the top of the Sorceresses head.

 

“Strike me down Teela! Strike me down if you hate me so much! ...” the Sorceress screamed as the tears were now freely flowing down her cheeks. “Strike me down!!” she said defiantly, deciding regardless of what she would stick with her plan to the very end.

 

Memories new and old flooded into the young Eternian's mind. All the times while growing up she secretly wished to have a mother. The times where she silently cried herself to sleep at nights wondering why all the other kids had two parents yet she only had one. Why the Sorceress wasn't there for either of the times Adam struck her? Why her mother wasn't there to protect her against Fitelh? Why in the teens mind, Teelana just wasn't there for her, ever?

 

“WHY?!! ...” Teela screamed, as with all her might she drove the staff down.

 

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A/N: Iflirted with continuing the last flashback scene and also the scene above. But hey, I have to save stuff for the next chapter. Well, I hope you guys and gals enjoyed it. Let me know. Till next time. :)

 

P/S:The story will be coming to an end soon ... REPEAT! The Price of Power will be coming to an end soon. I would say it has ONE maybe TWO more chapters left. Thank you all in advance for your support. You guys and gals have been great in your support

and I appreciated all of your comments (keep them coming). Some might be sad to see the story go, but trust me it's better that it ends, so other things can have the chance to grow from its demise. :)