Author's Note

What you are about to read is something slightly different than the usual fanfic fare. First and foremost, it is a companion piece to two other fanfics I have written - "The Final Adventure" and "A Winter's Heart." While you don't necessarily have to read those to understand this fic, it maybe good idea. For those that decide not to, this is a prequeal to "The Final Adventure."

"The Final Adventure" chronicles the events of He-Man's return to Eternia after a five-year stay in the Tri-Solar System. However, upon his return, nothing is the same. I'll avoid spoilers, of course, and just tell you that what you read here has a heavy impact on "The Final Adventure." "A Winter's Heart" is a short story set between Chapters 15 and 16 that deals with some events that I sort of ignored in "The Final Adventure."

Whether or not you read, these two fics doesn't really matter. You see, while I did write both of those, I didn't completely write this one. In late August 2004, I e-mailed, PMed, and IMed a number of my fellow writers, wondering if they'd like to dabble in my little universe. I had responses almost immediately.

Princessadora, Classic Cowboy, Fusion Blaster, General Stingrad, Deltara, Ashley and myself fashioned this incredible story. This fic is divided into smaller stories, each one tying into the other. In some cases, the guest writer and I wrote a story scene-by-scene. In other cases, it was all the other writer. There was only one story in which I wrote alone.

Each story will have a byline, as well as the guest writer's credits. I highly advise you to check out their works. These are all talented writers who have inspired many times in the past to continue writing these fanfics.

So, I'm done blabbing for now. Without further ado, let the show begin . . .

"Farewell, Dear Brother" By Princessadora

The sun had only began to rise as She-Ra, the princess of power entered the portal to Eternia. Why she had been asked to go to Eternia this early she didn't know, but she did know that going to Eternia was rare enough. Upon arriving into Castle Grayskull she was greeted by none other then her brother who embraced her with open arms.

"I'm sorry I had to call you so early, sis, but we have a situation," He-Man started.

"I was about to get up anyway. It sounded important so I came as fast as I could," She-Ra replied as she and her brother arrived in the sitting room. "What kind of situation?"

"Well I have been asked to accompany an alien rebellion to defeat a race of mutant overseers. At first, I declined. But when Skeletor decided to aid the mutant overseers, I realized that I have no choice."

"What about Skeletor?"

"You won't have to worry about him, he's already gone. He stole a shuttle and left late last night."

"Wait, a minute - you're not going to do this alone if I have anything to say about it," She-Ra interjected. "I may not know a lot about Skeletor but I'm not going to let you do this on you're own, I'd worry too much."

"This is very hard for me, sis, but I have to do this alone. Besides one of us is going to have to stay to keep an eye on the Horde. You've been defending Etheria for over a while now and I think you're the right one for the job."

She-Ra gave a sad smile and did her best to hide her emotions, but soon a river of tears flowed down her cheek. "It breaks my heart knowing I won't be by you're side but I understand -- at least I'm trying too. But that doesn't mean I have to like it."

She felt the strong arms of He-Man go around her shoulder. Then he pulled her into a tight hug.

"Nobody said you would, sis. I don't like it anymore then you do. If there was a way we both could go we would, but right now Hordak still posses a threat to Etheria, and the rebellion won't be able to watch him without your help. Besides you'll probably stop missing me after a month or so."

She-Ra glared at her brother. "There is no way I could ever forget about you -- ever. But you're right, someone has to stay on Etheria."

"And take care of the King and Queen, and Teela. They are going to need someone to confide in."

"Yeah, that too. How are you going to tell them?"

"I haven't exactly got to that yet," He-Man confessed. "You were the first person I told."

"Well I suggest you do it soon. Mother wasn't exactly thrilled when I told her about my decision to go to Etheria."

"To tell you the truth sis, neither was I. I liked having the extra pair of hands and when you were living here. I wasn't tired all the time. That's one of the reasons I followed you after you left, getting the rebellion off to a big start was only my excuse to spend some more time with you. And I know what you're going though, I felt the exact same way. I would feel better if you were there."

"Prince Adam and I are going to Primus to help against evil forces threatening to destroy it," He-Man told his friends on that dismal, rainy afternoon. The Great Hall of the Towers of Eternia was filled to the brim with old allies, new friends, and great warriors.

A wave on uneasiness came upon them all. Teela was the first to speak. "What about the forces of Skeletor?" she asked, hoping to find some way of making him stay.

"Skeletor has already left. He stole a shuttle and made it there. When he learned that the power of Grayskull were going to transferred to me, he stole one of the ships shuttles and headed through time/space," He-Man explained.

"Then, I suppose you have no choice," said Man-At-Arms. "You must defeat Skeletor. I only hope that your victory is swift and your return is soon."

"I hope so too, Duncan."

Duncan then turned to She-Ra "Are you alright?"

"She's not happy about this either. She's not going to be able to come with me." He-Man put his arm around his sister.

The starship Eternia floated above Castle Grayskull. The rain from the previous day had moved on and the bright, sunny day was ending with a beautiful sunset.

Adam stood before his closets of friends. Adora, Man-At-Arms, Orko, Teela, Cringer, and the Sorceress. As well as his parents King Randor and Queen Marlena. They each held a strong and very certain sadness for this day.

"I will miss you all," said Adam. He shook Man-At-Arms hand. "Take care of everyone, Duncan."

"I will, Adam. By my honor and my heart, I swear I will."

Orko immediately flew over and grabbed hold of Adam's leg. "Don't go! I'll miss you too much!" shouted the Trollian.

Adam bent down and hugged his old mage friend. "It'll be alright. I'll be back in no time."

"You promise?"

"Of course I do!"

Orko smiled. Adam was then confronted with his oldest and most trusted of dear friends - Cringer.

"I don't want you to go," said Cringer.

"I know, Cringer. I'll miss you."

Cringer bent his head close to Adam's ear. "I'll come with you. I'm afraid, but I'll come with you."

"No, my dearest friend. I'm sorry. But I'll see you soon. Watch over all of them. Be brave."

Teela walked over. "Adam, I . . ." she started, her words only seeming lost to her.

"Shhhh," he reassured. Adam wrapped his arms around her. "I'll be back. Me and He-Man."

"Right. Good journey, Adam," Teela replied, kissing him slightly on the cheek.

King Randor stepped next to Adam. "Son, be careful."

"I will father. I will."

"Represent us well, Adam," said Marlena. "I will miss you on your long journey. I am saddened to have both my children on entire different planets!"

"Not to worry, Mother. I will return as soon as He-Man and I are completed in our mission."

Marlena kissed her only son and stood back.

Adam looked into his twins eyes, a tear running down his cheek. "I don't want to go sis, but I have too. I have no other choice."

Adora smiled as a tear ran down her own,

"I know. I wish there was a way I could go with you, but Hordak's not likely to follow. I'm going to miss you very much. It's bad enough that I don't see you as often as I'd like."

Adam took his sister in a tight hug. It was time.

"Farewell," said Adam then. "Until our next meeting!"

Before they were able to respond a shower of light surrounded him, teleporting him to the ship -- leaving his friends and family watching not one of them having a dry eye.

Princessadora has also written: Princess of the Sword; I'll be home for Christmas; Powers of Grayskull; Island of Terror; and For the Honour of Love