The second episode of the story was considerably easier to write than the first. There were no new characters to introduce, the plot was simple, and (perhaps best of all) it was designed to be a comedy. (After the tragedy of the first episode, I knew the second would have to be considerably lighter in tone. This was fine with me, as I like to strike a good balance between the serious and the silly.)
It gave me a chance to look at several questions which interested me. For one, I was curious about how Duncan and Orko had first learned He-Man's secrets; for another, I was interested in exactly what Skeletor would have found if he had ever discovered "the secrets of Greyskull". There were also some mundane questions which deserved consideration, such as: Why did "He-Man" end up with such a singular, foolish-sounding name? And how was it that Adam and Cringer, a blond man and a large cat, could vanish and be replaced by He-Man and Battle-Cat, a blond man and a large cat, over and over again without anyone noticing and putting the pieces together?
Most interesting of all, though, was a chance to look at He-Man's beginnings in a way which no other episode had done... and to do so in a way which was a hell of a lot of fun to write.
FADE IN:
EXT. GREYSKULL - NIGHT
Establishing shot.
INT. GREYSKULL - NIGHT
ADAM and the SORCERESS stand before the Mirror of Knowledge.
SORCERESS
...Now you have heard the story of Dannon,
Adam. Because of him and his sacrifice,
Eternia was left in peace for most of your
life. Skeletor was cast out of this dimension,
and was exiled for many long years.
ADAM
But he did finally return.
SORCERESS
Yes, Adam - he did return. He returned on the
same day that you became He-Man for the first
time.
(a very slight smile)
I'm sure you remember.
ADAM
(with a laugh)
Do I! It's be hard to forget that day. When
I first found the Sword, I thought it was a
gift from my mother...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PALACE ETERNIA - MORNING
Establishing shot. The rest of this episode, except for the tag,
takes place as a flashback - about three years prior to present day.
ADAM (voice-over)
I remember it was a beautiful day, even by
Eternian standards... I had already eaten break-
fast, and I was looking around for Cringer - -
we were going to go fishing.
EXT. AN OUTSIDE HALLWAY OF THE PALACE - MORNING
Queen MARLENA stands by the railing, looking out over the Eternian
countryside. Adam steps into shot.
ADAM
Hi, mother!
MARLENA
(turning)
Oh, hello, Adam.
ADAM
Beautiful day, isn't it?
MARLENA
(rolling her eyes)
It's always a beautiful day on Eternia.
Doesn't it ever snow here?
ADAM
Only in the Ice Mountains.
MARLENA
It used to snow all the time, on Earth... It
would always snow at home, around Christmastime,
and we'd go out and go skiing and build
snowmen...
ADAM
(with genuine concern)
Snow Men! Like Ice Trolls? Wouldn't that be
dangerous?
MARLENA
(laughing)
No, Adam! Not like Ice Trolls. Snowmen were built
by children... and adults too, sometimes.
It was fun... and quite harmless.
ADAM
"Christmastime". Is that the time you talk
about, with the presents and the feasts and
celebrations?
MARLENA
Yes, Adam, it is.
(smiling at the memory)
It was quite a time - but somehow it wouldn't be
quite the same here, without snow.
(the thought strikes her)
We'll have to go visit these Ice Mountains some-
day.
ADAM
That could be interesting. -Oh, have you seen
Cringer anywhere?
MARLENA
I'm afraid not. If I see him, I'll let you know.
ADAM
Thanks.
Adam leaves. Marlena watches him, smiles, looks upward in slight
exasperation.
MARLENA
(amused, but not thrilled, by the
idea of:)
More fish for dinner.
TRANSITION (stock)
EXT. GREYSKULL - MORNING
Establishing shot.
INT. GREYSKULL - THRONE OF THE SORCERESS
The Sorceress sits reading a book of ancient magic. A sparrow
sits on her shoulder, looking about randomly.
A squirrel appears under one of her arms, scampers onto the open
book, glances up at her in feigned surprise.
The Sorceress sighs - this has obviously been going on for a
while - and pets the squirrel, smiling. The sparrow flaps
its wings for a moment.
A wyla - a peculiar form of Eternian rabbit - leans against
her ankle and purrs.
She reaches down to scratch behind the wyla's ears. As she leans
forward the sparrow flutters down and lands on the book, looking
at the Sorceress nose-to-nose.
SORCERESS
You three make it very hard to read.
But she says it kindly, and lifts the wyla onto her lap. She sets
the book aside, watches the sparrow move to an armrest, and looks
to see where the squirrel is hiding.
As she finds it, a cold wind suddenly blows through Greyskull.
SORCERESS
The Chamber... I am needed.
She stands, and her three companions look at her.
She goes down the stairs and across the floor of Greyskull, her
three friends keeping pace as best they can, looking up at her
with puzzlement.
INT. GREYSKULL - THE INNER CHAMBERS
Doors on all sides. The Sorceress enters, stopping just inside the
entryway; she turns to the three animals.
SORCERESS
I'm afraid you'll have to wait here for now.
I must go alone.
They don't completely understand, but they do stop and wait,
protectively watching her every move.
The Sorceress turns away from them and walks up to one particular
set of doors - very old, and very ornate after their own fashion.
She raises her hands, palms together.
SORCERESS
Mystic and ancient Chamber of Secrets - I, the
Sorceress of Greyskull, command you - open!
The ancient doors open. Nothing inside - just a plain round
room, stone floors, walls, and ceiling. Whatever riches and powers we
may have imagined inside this room, they aren't here. It is, really,
rather a let-down.
The Sorceress walks to the middle of the room.
SORCERESS
Mirrors of Fate...
Suddenly the room brightens to a blinding
SOLARIZATION:
INT. INSIDE THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS - THE MIRRORS OF FATE
The Sorceress hasn't moved, but everything else has.
Mirrors fill the room, standing at odd angles to one another,
creating gaps and hidden alcoves everywhere like the hall of
mirrors at a carnival. Reflections of the Sorceress appear in
every direction - one image on each mirror. Each and every image
reflects a path which the Sorceress might have taken in this
life - one reflects her as a warrior, another reflects her as a
beggar, the next as a musician - and yet they are all unmistakably
our Sorceress, and they all have her eyes.
Every reflective surface also shines back light - the room is
bright as though the air itself were crafted of light.
SORCERESS
(without missing a beat)
...why have I been called?
After a pause, the Mirrors speak - each in its turn.
THE SORCERESS AS A WARRIOR
Skeletor is returning to Eternia.
THE SORCERESS AS A SCHOLAR
He has re-cast, and re-forged, his mystic powers.
SORCERESS
No - it's not possible!
THE SORCERESS AS A PEASANT
He has sworn revenge - on King Randor, on Greyskull,
on Eternia.
THE SORCERESS AS A POWER OF EVIL
And he is more powerful now than before.
SORCERESS
(distressed)
Then he is as strong as I - stronger, even with
Greyskull behind me.
ANOTHER MIRROR, FURTHER IN (voice-over)
There is still hope.
SOLARIZATION:
INT. THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS - THE ROOM OF GALAXIES
A much larger, more spacious chamber. Still more mirrors, further
off in the background this time. The floor and ceiling are no longer
stone; they are themselves whirling, high-speed images of vast
galaxies spinning through darkness. Seen against the steady, bright
mirrors, and the Sorceress who stands evenly on the spinning ground,
it is dizzying, disconcerting.
Somehow the Sorceress can still watch the Mirrors in spite of the
galaxies spinning under her feet.
THE SORCERESS AS A MINER
Once again, the Power of Greyskull shall be used.
THE SORCERESS AS A PRIESTESS
Seek that which the Ancients made in their glory...
THE SORCERESS AS A SLAVE
...and majesty...
THE SORCERESS AS A QUEEN
...and might.
THE SORCERESS AS A SAILOR
It lies to the West...
THE SORCERESS AS A HARLOT
...and to the North...
THE SORCERESS AS A HEALER
...and in the shadows.
The Sorceress frowns, follows these directions towards a small
alcove between the mirrors. It's hard for us to keep our balance,
watching her walk across this floor. The Mirrors continue to speak.
THE SORCERESS AS A THIEF
It goes to the son of the King who is threatened...
THE SORCERESS AS AN ARTIST
...so he may find his power...
INSERT SHOT of one particular mirror.
THE SORCERESS AS A GODDESS
...And his enemies shall name him.
The Sorceress steps into the alcove.
INT. INSIDE THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS - ETERNAL DARKNESS
The Sorceress stands in the midst of vast darkness. She looks
around her.
Lightning flashes several miles away. It briefly lights the
Sorceress. Nothing else. There is nothing else to be lit.
The Sorceress sees something, walks a short distance, kneels to
pick it up.
SORCERESS
So the time has come...
MATCH DISSOLVE:
INT. CASTLE GREYSKULL - THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
The setting changes; the Sorceress doesn't. She stands once more
in the round, empty room, having (it appears) never moved from her
original spot. In her hands is a sword.
SORCERESS
...for the Sword of Power.
TRANSITION (stock)
INT. PALACE ETERNIA - AN OPEN ROOM - MORNING
Or anyplace adjoining a corridor, so long as it has a window.
TEELA leans on the sill, watching the sky, completely absorbed
in some seagulls that are flying by. Adam approaches.
ADAM
Hi, Teela.
TEELA
-What...? Oh, hello, Adam.
ADAM
What are you doing?
TEELA
(turning to the window again)
Oh, just watching the gulls... Do you ever dream
of being a bird?
ADAM
Uh, no, I can't say I have.
TEELA
(once again completely absorbed)
I've dreamed of becoming a bird ever since I was a
baby. I don't know why... To be able to fly,
through the air, across the mountains, to the
sea...
(realizes what she is saying,
and who she is saying it to)
I guess it must sound pretty silly.
ADAM
(yes, Teela, it sounds damned silly)
No, Teela, it doesn't sound that silly... Have you
seen Cringer anywhere?
TEELA
(indicating the corridor)
Uh - yes, he was just down the hall. He was looking
for you.
(suspiciously)
Are you two going fishing again?
ADAM
(subtext: yes)
Uh - no! No. No, Cringer and I were just going for
a walk by the lake.
Adam realizes that the words "by the lake" were a major tactical
error. CRINGER and ORKO appear in the background, and listen to
the rest of the exchange.
TEELA
By the lake...? Are you sure you're not just
going fishing?
ADAM
No, honest!
TEELA
Good - because everybody's getting sick and tired
of fish!
ADAM
(walking to Cringer and Orko)
Okay - hey! No problem.
TEELA
(to herself; disgusted)
Fish...!
INT. PALACE CORRIDOR - DAY
Adam, Cringer and Orko head away, towards Adam's bedroom.
ADAM
(to Cringer)
You hear that? You're gonna have to eat the fish
today.
CRINGER
Fine with me...
ADAM
(opening the bedroom door)
Just let me get the pole, and... hey, what's this?
INT. PRINCE ADAM'S BEDROOM - DAY
Adam, Cringer, and Orko enter. On the bed is a long, ornate wooden box;
a note is attached.
ADAM
Heeey...! I'll bet this is one of those Christmas
presents my mother was telling me about!
ORKO
What's the note say?
ADAM
(taking the note)
"By the power of... Greyskull"? Hm. Must be a
pretty weird holiday...
He hands the note to Orko, who briefly examines it and then
sticks it into his hat. Adam takes the wooden box and opens it.
ADAM
Hey...! It's a sword!
Adam pulls out the Sword of Power, experimentally waves it around
once or twice, forces Cringer to duck, breaks a lamp.
ADAM
Ooooops...
CRINGER
I think you'd better put it away.
Orko approaches the sword, holds his hands next to the blade. The blade's
tip glows slightly.
ORKO
Heeey, I think this is a magic sword!
CRINGER
Oooh, now I really think you'd better put it
away.
ADAM
Orko, you said the King's plate was magical
once.
ORKO
Yeah, well...
CRINGER
Yeah, and you spilled his food all over the
floor.
ORKO
Nobody's perfect...
ADAM
Well, let's go thank my mother, and then we -
(as the ALARM goes off)
-what's that?
INT. PALACE CORRIDOR - DAY
Adam, Cringer, and Orko emerge from the bedroom; Adam still carries
the sword. An ALARM can be heard.
ADAM
The alarm! The Palace is being invaded! Come on, you
two - we've got to help my father!
INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM - DAY
King RANDOR, Queen Marlena, Teela, and DUNCAN are here. So, too,
are their uninvited guests: SKELETOR, EVIL-LYN, BEASTMAN, MERMAN
and TRAPJAW. Beastman and Trapjaw are pointing weapons at
Duncan and Teela, preventing their interfering.
SKELETOR
So, Randor! The final victory is mine!
RANDOR
You might think so, Skeletor - but my guards will be
arriving any moment!
SKELETOR
Oh...? We'll see!
Skeletor raises his havoc staff, points it at an open doorway.
Several GUARDS are about to come through that doorway, but they are
blasted back as the door is suddenly blocked by a gigantic slab of
stone.
Skeletor blocks a second door the same way.
Adam, Cringer and Orko are about to come through the third door when
a third stone appears, knocking them back.
RANDOR
Adam!
INT. BLOCKED CORRIDOR
Adam is sprawled on the floor, looking stunned. He picks up the
sword and stands unsteadily.
ORKO
I'll try moving the stone!
Orko gestures magicaly at the stone. Maybe a pebble falls from it.
ADAM
Orko, can't you move it?
ORKO
I haven't got the power!
The sword sparks in Adam's hand.
ADAM
Ouch!
(looking at the sword)
What did you say? "Power"...?
(it sparks again)
-By the power, uh...
A brief line of sparks ripples down the sword. Adam looks at it hard,
turns to Orko urgently.
ADAM
What did that note say?
ORKO
I've got it right here!
Orko produces the note from his hat. Adam reads it. He looks at
the sword lying horizontally in his hands.
ADAM
(tentatively)
By the power of Greyskull...
The sword lights up in his hands as though it were wrought of
living fire. Adam stares at it, amazed. He obviously feels
something happening, but we see no change - except, maybe, for his
astonished face.
The sword's glow fades.
CRINGER
(firmly)
I really think you ought to put that thing away.
ADAM
(raising the sword)
By the power of Greyskull!
And for the very first time, Adam transforms into HE-MAN.
HE-MAN
This is incredible! I - have - the - power!
He points the sword at Cringer. Cringer transforms into BATTLE-CAT.
(Unlike the stock footage, Battle-Cat doesn't growl after the
transformation; he just stands there in stunned silence.)
The transformation is complete. For a brief moment they all just
stare at each other in amazement.
ORKO
See? See? I told you it was magical!
BATTLE-CAT
(in the understatement of the century)
I feel very strange.
INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM - DAY
Skeletor is standing next to King Randor, leaning forward, making
his point.
SKELETOR
Now, Randor, perhaps I can make my point a little
more forcefully...
(a muffled THUD from one of the doors)
What was that?
The stone blocking the third door suddenly breaks into fragments.
He-Man has punched it away; he now examines his fist in
surprise.
HE-MAN
Hmmm... didn't break any fingers...
SKELETOR
(impressed as much as surprised)
Who is this musclebound he-man?
He-Man is at a loss for an answer, and says nothing.
MARLENA
I don't know - but I think he's on our side.
SKELETOR
Beastman! Merman! Take care of them!
Beastman and Merman step forward. Beastman lunges at He-Man;
He-Man grabs him in midair, turns, and throws him... much too
hard.
Beastman crashes through the wall. And the next. And the next.
And one more beyond that.
HE-MAN
(looking at his hands)
Did I do that?
Merman and Battle-Cat are a short distance off, each staring at
the other in complete puzzlement. Each is completely outside the
other's experience.
MERMAN
What in the world are you?
BATTLE-CAT
Me? What about you?
MERMAN
(to Skeletor)
I can't deal with this.
Battle-Cat jumps forward and rams Merman, throwing him across
the room and into the far wall with a violent THUD. He then
turns to the camera. The angle makes him look particularly strange.
BATTLE-CAT
(in reference to Merman)
Now he was sure weird-lookin'...
Wider shot of the room. Trapjaw fits an extending grabber to his
shoulder, and uses it to reach across the room for He-Man;
He-Man seizes the end of the grabber and throws it into the air.
A moment later, Trapjaw is yanked into the air after it - much like
a whip being snapped.
Another angle reveals the grabber wrapped around the chandelier,
where Trapjaw now hangs on for dear life.
HE-MAN
Oooooops! Sorry...
SKELETOR
(aiming his staff at He-Man)
Must I do everything myself?
Skeletor fires three deadly bolts of energy from the staff; He-Man
deflects all three with his sword.
SKELETOR
Hmm... Very impressive. Perhaps you'd care to
join me! You're more powerful than these pigs
I'm going around with now...
HE-MAN
(shaking his head "no")
Uh-uh. You'd better leave, Skeletor, before I
throw you out...
(glancing in the direction
Beastman went)
...I seem to be pretty good at things like that.
SKELETOR
(contemplating this)
Very well...
(practically spitting it out)
...he-man.
(raising the staff)
But you'll be hearing from me again... soon!
Skeletor and his cronies vanish into thin air. The inhabitants of
the throne room are justifiably pleased.
RANDOR
Thank you, stranger!
(looking behind He-Man)
Orko! You're safe! -Now, where is Adam?
HE-MAN
Yes... where is Adam?
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM - NOON
Much as before, except that a state of anxiety permeates the air.
Marlena is out of the room. The doorways are cleared, but debris
still litters the room. A PALACE GUARD enters with her report for
the King.
PALACE GUARD
We've searched most of the Palace, your
Majesty. Still no sign of Prince Adam.
RANDOR
Keep searching!
Marlena enters, obviously worried.
MARLENA
I've looked all over. I've tried his bedroom, the
courtyard, the kitchen... I can't find him any-
where!
RANDOR
(taking her hand)
He'll turn up - he has to!
He-Man kneels next to Battle-Cat. The SOUND of a falcon in the
window. It is ignored.
HE-MAN
(quietly)
Should we tell them?
BATTLE-CAT
Rrrrraowr... are you crazy? They'd lock us in a
rubber room and throw away the key! Look at me:
if I told you I was Cringer, would you believe it?
HE-MAN
No, I suppose not.
Another FALCON CRY from the window. This time, He-Man notices.
HE-MAN
What is that?
INSERT: HE-MAN'S P.O.V. - THE WINDOW
ZOAR the falcon stands on the windowsill.
SORCERESS
(telepathically)
If you come to Greyskull, many of your questions
will be answered.
BACK TO THE THRONE ROOM
Duncan looks at He-Man, follows his gaze to the window.
DUNCAN
(to himself)
Zoar... Teelana!
(looking at He-Man again)
I wonder...
The falcon turns, flies from the window.
HE-MAN
Your Majesties - I think I may be able to discover
what's happened to Adam.
(to himself)
I hope.
RANDOR
Then go! And good luck. And, thank you for your
help... He-Man.
HE-MAN
I'm glad I could help. Come on, old cat... you'd
better come along too, Orko.
As they walk out the door, Duncan steps forward.
DUNCAN
Excuse me, your Majesties... I have to check
on...
(tries to think of an excuse; fails)
...uh... something.
As he exits, Randor and Marlena exchange a glance.
TRANSITION (stock)
EXT. GREYSKULL - BEFORE THE JAWBRIDGE - AFTERNOON
He-Man, Battle-Cat, and Orko stand at the end of the path to
Greyskull. They look at it, and at the closed Jawbridge. All
three are a little on edge.
Nothing happens.
They look at each other. An awkward pause.
BATTLE-CAT
Well! What happens now?
Abruptly the Jawbridge opens. Our three heroes stare at it with
some degree of trepidation.
HE-MAN
I think we're being invited in.
INT. GREYSKULL - AFTERNOON
The three of them enter, look around, see nobody. Abruptly the
Jawbridge slams shut behind them. They turn around.
ORKO
Hey! We're trapped!
BATTLE-CAT
Well, that just tears it.
SORCERESS (out of shot)
Don't worry, my friends...
The voice startles them; they turn around again, and this time the
Sorceress stands before them.
SORCERESS
...you have nothing to fear.
It takes the others a moment to decide how to proceed.
HE-MAN
Who are you?
SORCERESS
I am Zoar - and I am Teelana. I am the Sorceress
of Greyskull.
BATTLE-CAT
(sarcastically)
Well, that was a lot of help.
HE-MAN
Quiet, cat... Now - who am I?
SORCERESS
Skeletor called you... "He-Man". Presumably,
that's who you are.
HE-MAN
I used to be Adam.
SORCERESS
And you still are.
BATTLE-CAT
Ahrrrr... he doesn't look like Adam! And I
sure don't feel like Cringer!
SORCERESS
But with the sword, you can change that. Take out
the sword... hold it aloft...
(after a beat, He-Man does this)
...close your eyes, and think of Adam...
Close-up of the Sorceress. A brief flash of light reflects across
her face.
SORCERESS
...and you are Adam.
Adam and Cringer now stand where He-Man and Battle-Cat were a
moment ago. Adam has this "oh, yeah, sure, now I'm Adam" look on
his face, until he looks at himself and sees that it's true.
The change is startling for its speed. He lowers the sword.
CRINGER
Oooooohhh... I don't like this at all.
SORCERESS
You are Adam and Cringer... and, by using the sword,
you can become He-Man and Battle-Cat. You may use
the power of the sword for good, or evil, as you
choose.
(a beat)
I'm gambling that you'll use it for good.
ADAM
I understand, Sorceress. I won't misuse this
power.
SORCERESS
Don't say so yet - you do not yet know what
temptations you will face.
The Sorceress ascends the steps to the Throne of Greyskull, where
her three animals silently await her. She turns halfway up.
SORCERESS
There is one last thing. You must keep your
powers a secret. Both of you - and you too,
Orko. If your enemies were to learn of this,
they would destroy you - and all that you love.
ADAM
We can't tell anyone?
SORCERESS
The sword has a way of protecting its own
secrets - your comings and goings, and He-Man's,
will never be questioned too closely. But you
cannot depend on this alone! Only one more person
may learn the secret of He-Man - and that person
already suspects.
(a beat)
Now go - and be careful.
The Jawbridge opens. Adam, Cringer and Orko give the Sorceress
one more look, and then depart. She watches silently as they leave.
EXT. GREYSKULL - BEFORE THE JAWBRIDGE - AFTERNOON
Adam, Cringer and Orko emerge. Duncan, standing on the path, awaits them.
DUNCAN
(almost nonchalant)
I thought I might find you here, Adam. Cringer.
Hello, Orko.
ADAM
(taken aback)
But - but - how'd you know we were here?
DUNCAN
(cryptically)
Let's just say a little bird told me. Come on...
He leads them down the path. Adam exchanges a glance with Cringer.
TRANSITION (stock)
INT. INSIDE SNAKE MOUNTAIN - AFTERNOON
Skeletor and his cronies are not in a good mood. Evil-lyn, in the
background, is a notable exception; she is trying to restrain
her laughter.
SKELETOR
Fools! We had Randor in the palm of our hands -
and you let yourselves get beaten by one muscle-
bound he-man!
BEASTMAN
Ahrrr! But you saw him, Skeletor - we didn't
have a chance!
MERMAN
He was stacking us up like cordwood!
SKELETOR
Yes, cordwood! And I'm ready to make a bonfire
out of you! You incompetent, bungling fools -
you all got stopped by one man!-
It is finally too much for her, and Evil-lyn begins roaring with
laughter.
SKELETOR
What do you find so funny, witch?
EVIL-LYN
You! You may be a conqueror of dimensions,
Skeletor, but you don't know very much about
magic!
SKELETOR
(standing)
Why, you...
EVIL-LYN
Morlok taught me the art of recognizing magical
auras - you could use a lesson in it yourself!
Didn't you sense it?
Skeletor evidently did not.
EVIL-LYN
This... he-man of yours had an unmistakable
magic aura around him. And the magic was that
of Castle Greyskull, where ultimate power lies!
SKELETOR
Greyskull! Are you certain?
EVIL-LYN
Of course!
SKELETOR
Hmmm... you had better be right about this,
witch. Let us go - to Greyskull!
TRANSITION (stock)
EXT. WOODS NEAR GREYSKULL - AFTERNOON
Duncan is standing next to the Attack-Trak, holding a microphone.
Adam, Cringer and Orko look on.
RANDOR'S VOICE
(on the radio)
Thank goodness you found him! Where is he?
DUNCAN
(looking at Adam as he recites
this obvious lie)
In the Evergreen Forest. He was heading for the
city of Drisdos to get help.
RANDOR'S VOICE
Well, bring him back, Duncan - tell him the
danger's passed.
DUNCAN
I will, your Majesty. We'll be back in a few
hours.
As Duncan puts the microphone away:
ADAM
But I wasn't heading for Drisdos!
DUNCAN
Oh? Then what were you doing?
Adam and Cringer exchange a look. Then they watch incredulously
as Duncan sits down, stretches out.
ADAM
I thought we were going home!
DUNCAN
Plenty of time! I told King Randor we'd be back in
a few hours. There's no hurry! Now, if you'll
excuse me...
(with a slight smile)
...I'm going to take a little nap.
Adam stares.
TRANSITION (stock)
EXT. GREYSKULL - BEFORE THE JAWBRIDGE - NEARING SUNSET
Skeletor, Evil-lyn and Beastman look up at Greyskull.
SKELETOR
Sorcerer of Greyskull - come forth!
The Sorceress comes to the window.
SKELETOR
So - it's still you! I never thought I'd see
your face again. Don't think I've forgotten
how your husband sent me into exile!
SORCERESS
And don't think I've forgotten who hatched the
plot that led to his death.
SKELETOR
Oh no! No, Sorceress, I don't think you've
forgotten. All the more reason why you should
open the gates - lest you suffer the same fate!
SORCERESS
Never!
SKELETOR
So be it!
Skeletor points his staff towards Greyskull, and focuses his power
on the Jawbridge. Evil-lyn does likewise, focusing her power with
her hands. Beastman throws a grappling-hook on as well, and begins
pulling on the line.
SKELETOR
Even you cannot match our combined powers...
(to his allies)
Pull! Pull the Jawbridge down!
The Sorceress casts her power to keep the Jawbridge shut, but in
spite of her it slowly begins to open.
SORCERESS
I cannot hold off the three of them alone.
He-Man - hear me!
EXT. WOODS NEAR GREYSKULL - NEARING SUNSET
Duncan relaxes. Adam doesn't. Orko and Cringer pace.
ORKO
This is really boring... I wish I'd brought a
pack of cards...
ADAM
(abruptly, sensing the message)
Quiet!
Duncan sits up as well. He, too, hears the message.
SORCERESS (voice-over)
(telepathically)
Hear me, my friends! I need help - Greyskull
is under attack!
ADAM
(to Cringer and Orko)
We've gotta help her!
He starts to draw the sword, but stops as Duncan stands.
DUNCAN
Oh, don't mind me.
ADAM
Man At Arms!- I, uh, didn't know you were awake-
DUNCAN
Look, Adam. I don't know what this is all about,
and I don't know what your connection is with
Greyskull or this He-Man, but I know that if you
can help the Sorceress, you must!
ADAM
But, I, uh-
DUNCAN
Your secret is safe with me, lad! Do what you
have to!
ADAM
Oh-kay...
CRINGER
(to Duncan)
Ohhh, I wish you hadn't said that-
ADAM
By the power of Greyskull...
(undergoing the transformation)
I have the power!
Duncan stares in disbelief. He was expecting a surprise, but
this wasn't it.
DUNCAN
I don't believe it. I've just seen it, but I
don't believe it.
He-Man points the sword at Cringer, who changes into Battle-Cat.
HE-MAN
Ready, cat?
BATTLE-CAT
Ahrrr! Let's rip their LUNGS out!
TRANSITION (stock)
EXT. GREYSKULL - NEARING SUNSET
The Jawbridge is already open as our heroes approach.
DUNCAN
Look! The Jawbridge is down!
HE-MAN
That means they're already inside. Come on!
INT. GREYSKULL - ENTRY AREA
Skeletor, Evil-lyn, and Beastman are indeed inside; the Sorceress
stands before them.
SORCERESS
I cannot let you pass further, Skeletor!
SKELETOR
I'm not so sure it's your choice to make, Sorcer-
ess! There's three of us - and only one of you!
HE-MAN (out of shot)
Better count again, Skeletor!
He-Man and his allies stand in the entryway. Skeletor does not seem
particularly surprised.
SKELETOR
Ah! Greetings, He-Man! No doubt you've come to join
us! Am I right?
HE-MAN
I wouldn't count on that.
SKELETOR
(raising his staff)
You may as well join us, He-Man... because
you'll never be able to stop us!
Skeletor's staff lights up, several times brighter than the sun.
Our heroes cover their eyes, momentarily blinded. When the light fades
Skeletor, Evil-lyn and Beastman are gone.
HE-MAN
Ah... I can see again.
SORCERESS
Skeletor is heading for the Inner Chambers. He
must be stopped!
The Sorceress teleports out of the room.
Duncan points towards an opening to another room.
DUNCAN
I think the Inner Chambers are down this way -
come on!
They run for the door, Duncan leading the way. As he enters the
doorway an energy field suddenly appears, trapping him and holding him.
DUNCAN
(it takes effort for him to speak)
It's - a Paralysis Field! You've got to stop it -
if you try going through - you'll be trapped too!
HE-MAN
I understand. How do I shut it off?
DUNCAN
There - should be a control box - near the door -
He-Man looks down, sees a black box on the floor about a cubic foot
in size.
DUNCAN
Inside you'll see - a short, golden rod. Pull
it out - don't use your hands! There's a pair
of spanners on my belt -
He-Man takes the spanners (they're something like delicate electronic
pliers) from Duncan's belt.
BATTLE-CAT (out of shot)
Don't crush 'em with those big fingers of
yours.
He-Man opens the box, looks inside, and spots the golden rod.
INSERT: INSIDE THE PARALYSIS BOX
A hell of a lot of dangerous-looking components. The golden rod,
no more than an inch long, is towards the bottom of the box in the
least convenient location possible.
He-Man reaches in with the spanners. His hand obscures the view -
we can only guess if he's going to electrocute both
himself and Duncan.
DUNCAN (out of shot)
...carefully...
HE-MAN
Got it!
BACK TO OUR HEROES
He-Man pulls the gold rod out with a SNAP, the paralysis field
collapses, and Duncan falls out of the barrier.
HE-MAN
Let's go!
BEASTMAN
Not - so - fast!
Beastman stands before them in the next room, looking supremely
self-confident.
BEASTMAN
Fools! You have forgotten me - and my ability
to control animals! Battle-Cat - come to me!
Before his friends' looks of astonishment, Battle-Cat stirs, looks,
walks over to Beastman.
BEASTMAN
Lift up your paw.
Battle-Cat sits down before Beastman, lifts up one forepaw.
BEASTMAN
Now beg - beg, before your new master!
Battle-Cat lifts both of his forepaws to Beastman. Before Beastman
has a chance to gloat, though, Battle-Cat places both forepaws on
Beastman's chest - and hammers him to the ground.
Extreme close-up of Battle-Cat standing on Beastman's chest.
BATTLE-CAT
(furious)
Whaddaya think I am, anyway - a poodle?
(shouting into Beastman's face)
Sit - up - and - BEG? For cryin' out loud!
(the thought strikes him)
As a matter of fact, let's see you sit up and
beg.
He-Man, Duncan and Orko are already rushing for the next room.
HE-MAN
(over his shoulder)
Battle-Cat, you hold him here!
BATTLE-CAT
(disgusted)
Delighted.
INT. GREYSKULL - THE INNER CHAMBERS
Skeletor looks at the many doors.
SKELETOR
The secrets of Greyskull must be behind one of
these doors...
The Sorceress appears at the opposite side of the room.
SORCERESS
Stop, Skeletor! You'll go no further!
SKELETOR
Oh! You really think that?
He fires a lightning bolt at her; she deflects it with a shield of
magical energy. He fires a second bolt, which she likewise deflects,
but she is forced to take a step backward.
SKELETOR
You can't protect yourself forever!
As he fires a third bolt -
INT. GREYSKULL - ANOTHER ROOM ENROUTE TO THE INNER CHAMBERS
He-Man, Duncan and Orko run into the room. A fireball hurtles
towards them, narrowly missing He-Man's head.
Evil-lyn stands before them, laughing.
EVIL-LYN
Fools! If you think you can defy my magic, you
are sorely mistaken! I'll turn you both into
snakes, and cast you into another dimension -
As she speaks, she raises her hands and begins weaving the spell...
but suddenly her hands drop to her sides like iron, and she is
unmercifully pulled to the floor.
EVIL-LYN
Wh-? The gravity! It's INCREASING! What kind of
treachery is this-?
He-Man and Duncan exchange a glance, the gravity being just fine
where they are.
Evil-lyn is now crumpled to the floor. Orko drifts into shot.
ORKO
I was trying to make her float.
He-Man and Duncan take to their heels.
HE-MAN
Hurry! There's not much time!
DUNCAN
Good work, Orko!
ORKO
(who doesn't get a compliment
from Duncan every day)
Really? Hey, thanks!
INT. GREYSKULL - THE INNER CHAMBERS
The battle goes on. Skeletor's final lightning bolt sends the
Sorceress spinning to the floor. She is unhurt, but can no longer
defend herself.
SKELETOR
Ha-ha! The final victory is mine! Now,
Sorceress, prepare to meet your husband - in
oblivion!
But before he can throw the fatal lightning bolt, he is seized and
lifted from behind.
SKELETOR
He-Man!
HE-MAN
That's right, Skeletor. I think it's about time
I threw you out.
SKELETOR
Before you do, stranger, consider where you are.
We stand at the threshhold of ultimate power.
It's not too late to join me - we can share that
power, together!
He-Man looks at the many doors...
HE-MAN
I know this room. Though I've never seen it before,
I know these doors well.
SKELETOR
Because it was your destiny to come here -
to the Halls of Ultimate Power.
(as persuasive as we've ever
heard him speak)
Think what you could do with that power! You
could accomplish whatever you willed - build
worlds - change entire dimensions to suit your-
self.
(spotting a possible weakness)
You could turn Eternia into a paradise.
(a beat)
All this could come true - if you share this
power with me!...
He-Man considers it. Incredibly, he sets Skeletor down.
The Sorceress and Duncan are amazed by this development.
DUNCAN
Wait, He-Man-
HE-MAN
(ignoring Duncan)
Sorceress - stand aside!
The Sorceress looks at He-Man for a long moment. Pauses. Nods quietly.
She moves slowly aside.
SORCERESS
(quietly)
Very well, He-Man. Do as you will.
He-Man and Skeletor step forward, in the direction of the ornate
doors. Skeletor begins to laugh. Certain victory is his. He is
thus particularly surprised when He-Man places a hand on his shoulder
and gives him a shove - full-strength - into a doorway on the other
side of the room.
SKELETOR
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaarrrrgggggh!
He-Man smiles in an amused sort of way as the door slams shut.
DUNCAN
(on our behalf as well)
Sorceress - where does that portal lead to?
The Sorceress only smiles.
INT. HALL OF THE COUNCIL OF EVIL - NO PLACE OR TIME
An octagonal table of stone. The Council of Evil is meeting:
eight exceedingly evil creatures. The Council's head, MORLOK, is
speaking.
MORLOK
...we here on the Council of Evil have have no
reason to help him escape from his exile. He has all of
Hordeworld to draw off of; I don't even see why he
would ask for our help. He's as much of a traitor as-
SKELETOR
-eeeeeeaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!
Skeletor comes hurtling through the room, slamming through the
table, the drinks, the maps, everything, hitting the far wall with
a terrible THUD.
Morlok just looks at him. Half of him wants to scream with laughter;
the other half is boiling with terrible rage. He is perfectly on
balance... and that balance is excruciatingly precarious.
MORLOK
Skeletor... this had better be good.
Skeletor stands. He is not afraid of the Council, but he's also
not very happy about his unorthodox entrance.
We leave him there standing silently.
EXT. GREYSKULL - SUNSET
The Jawbridge is open. He-Man, Duncan, the Sorceress, Battle-Cat
and Orko stand upon it, looking to the west.
Throughout this scene the sparrow stands on the Sorceress' shoulder,
looking at the world; the squirrel occasionally climbs up and down
her arm. This business is played down.
SORCERESS
Thank you, my friends... thank you.
HE-MAN
It was little enough. Too little - Skeletor will
be back, and soon.
SORCERESS
That's true. But today, He-Man, you passed the
test. You have used your powers, as they were
needed - and just as importantly, you did not
misuse them.
Perhaps the squirrel jumps over to He-Man's arm.
DUNCAN
That's right! Today, you proved yourself worthy
of your new powers. Now, when Skeletor does
return, we'll be better able to handle him.
BATTLE-CAT
In the meantime, I think we'd better go back
to being Adam and Cringer for a while. I'm
hungry! I think we'd better go fishing!
HE-MAN
You're hungry enough to become Cringer again?
BATTLE-CAT
Hah! I'm even hungrier than that! I swear,
if anything edible were to come along right
now, I'd devour it without a second th...
During this line the Sorceress' wyla comes up to Battle-Cat, leans
against one of his forelegs, and purrs joyfully.
Battle-Cat just stares at it.
BATTLE-CAT
Oh, for cryin'-out-loud...
And we see that Battle-Cat does have a heart, even if he
does hate to admit it...
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. CASTLE GREYSKULL - BEFORE THE MIRROR OF KNOWLEDGE - PRESENT DAY
Adam and the Sorceress have been watching the long tale of years
unfold in the Mirror. Now the Mirror slowly fades; the tale is
complete.
SORCERESS
...That's the story, Adam, up to the time when you
first used the Sword of Greyskull.
ADAM
Quite a story! And since then, the power of the
Sword has given us strength.
SORCERESS
To an extent, perhaps. But it's really our trust in
each other that has strengthened us.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE WOODS NEAR GREYSKULL - AFTERNOON
Duncan regarding Adam suspiciously, while Adam and Cringer exchange
nervous glances.
SORCERESS (voice-over)
At first, you were unsure of your power - and others
were unsure of you.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GREYSKULL - DOORWAY
Shot of He-Man freeing Duncan from the paralysis field.
SORCERESS (voice-over)
But in time, you earned the trust that had been
placed in you...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GREYSKULL - THE INNER CHAMBERS
The Sorceress stepping aside, and He-Man shoving Skeletor
through the wrong door.
SORCERESS (voice-over)
...and trusted us as well; and working together,
we were able to overcome all odds.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GREYSKULL - BEFORE THE MIRROR OF KNOWLEDGE
SORCERESS
So you see, Adam, the story of He-Man is not really
a story of power - it is a story of trust.
ADAM
(this is, perhaps, a new idea to him)
That's something I'll have to think about...
Well, I have to go. Thank you, Sorceress, for
telling me the story.
SORCERESS
(we see it has done her good to
relate the tale)
Thank you, Adam... for asking me to share it.
FADE OUT.