Author's Note: This is a work of fanfiction. The story is mine, as are the characters Pelicor, Woodsman, and Prometheus. The rest of these characters belong to Mattel and are the property of them. I do not make any money off this.

This fanfic serves as the conclusion of a line of fanfics – being Preludes and Beginnings, Year One, The Day That Nothing Happened, The Elfsong of Eternia, The Return, The Crossroads of Destiny, Prophecy & Changes, Just Another Day, Liberty and Valor, Manifest Destiny, Roots, Dues Ex Machina, My Blue Reflection, The Last Battle, Return to Eternia, A Winter's Heart, The Shroud of the Horde, Prelude to Hope, and Across All Worlds. It is the final part of Endings and Epilogues. For better understanding, please at least check out the "Previously" found in Endings and Epilogues – Book One: Protection.

Reviews are encouraged, of course.


Previously:

The Horde Empire has fallen. Horde Prime is dead and the once mighty military has fallen under the control of the Galactic Council – which just recently divorced itself from the Cosmic Enforcers after evidence appeared that they had tampered with Eternia's past to help them recreate the cosmos in their own image.

King Hiss and Hordak are dead following a duel created by Skeletor. Before he died, Hordak passed along crucial information to Skeletor that would help him claim the power of Grayskull.

As Skeletor unleashes an army of such size and magnitude that none like it has ever been seen on Eternia before, King Adam is trying to counter it . . . with not nearly as much luck.

It was just revealed to Teela her destiny and parentage. Immediately after this, Skeletor's vast army arrived at Grayskull . . .


Chapter One: "The Gathering Thunderclouds"

The waves crashed, foamy and clear against the sand, blasting the smell of saltwater into the breeze and across the beach. Adora loved the smell of the ocean. It reminded her of SeaHawk – or maybe it was the other way around. It didn't matter, though. She loved them both.

She walked across the beach, the teleportation stone hanging around her neck, dangling from its leather strap. Her clear blue eyes locked onto Spirit as he left the jungle – left his family.

"Thank you for allowing me to visit my family before the battle, Adora," Spirit told her.

She stroked his mane gently. "Not a problem, my old friend," she replied. "I more than anyone know what it's like to be separated from loved ones for so long."

He nodded. "Thank you. Are we going back to Eternia now?"

"Not yet. Queen Angella is assembling her army as we speak. They'll be making camp at Eternos before the battle tomorrow."

"Battle. Such a terrible thing."

"I know, Spirit, but we can't help it."

The pair started down the beach, the portal opening before them to take them Brightmoon. They stepped across the threshold of the portal, going from the sandy beach to the grassy lawn before the vast golden castle of Brightmoon. Adora's eyes met with the soldiers lined up not far away.

Queen Angella was heading towards Adora when – out of nowhere – Adora's mind was filled with the image and voice of Light-Hope of the Crystal Castle.

Adora! he shouted to her.

"What is it, Light-Hope?" Adora asked, her brain hurting for just a moment as she could sense the intense urgency of Light-Hope's telepathic voice.

You must come to the Crystal Castle at once! There is great danger! Skeletor has struck!

Adora nodded and turned to Spirit. "Ready?"

"Ready, Adora."

Adora lifted up the Sword of Protection. "FOR THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL!" she shouted. Golden light poured out from the sword. The crystal lit up and unleashed a rainbow arch. Power flowed over Adora, transforming her into She-Ra. "I AM SHE-RA!"

She turned the Sword of Protection to Spirit. Energy blasted out from the crystal and struck the horse. He was transformed instantly into the mighty Swift-Wind.

She-Ra leapt onto Swift-Wind and the pair took to the skies, heading a few miles southeast to the Skydancer Mountain and the Crystal Castle.

Minutes later, she was bid entrance to the Crystal Castle. Light-Hope was shimmering in his chamber.

"What has happened?" She-Ra asked, her voice tense.

"I have been watching Castle Grayskull in anticipation of an attack," Light-Hope replied. "A shroud of darkness has been draped upon it by the Sword of Darkness. I peered at Eternia to see what I could find . . . and witness what I have seen."

A disc in front of She-Ra appeared. Her eyes went wide. An army numbering in the tens of thousands were standing around Castle Grayskull. The jawbridge was not yet open, but She-Ra could see massive chains sitting at the land bridge.

"I . . ." She-Ra began, then cut herself off. "I need to contact Adam immediately."


The Orcs were adjusting their armories. The Goblins were muttering amongst themselves. The Shadow Beasts were snarling and growling in low tones. The Ilkorts were surveying the lands nearby. The Spiders were waiting patiently, eyeing the others. The Snake-Men were hissing loudly, ready for battle. The Reptons were lying low, sharpening their weapons. The Lobsterites and Mer-People were sitting a small portable pool, soaking up water as much as they could. The Kobloids were looking around anxiously. Bats circled in the air, watching the land and the skies. Centurions, Hover Robots, and Mutant Troopers all stock still, awaiting their next command.

Skeletor walked along the interior lines, flanked by Beast-Man, Tri-Klops, and Marzo.

"Status?" he demanded.

"The Centurions and Mutants Troopers have established a perimeter. We are secure," Tri-Klops reported. "The others are in position, just awaiting your orders."

Skeletor nodded. "Excellent. I am more than certain that Adam and his pitiful allies will be here soon. Let them come. Let them feel the might of this army; let them bare witness to my rise to power. Let them fall and kneel to my feet." He turned to Beast-Man. "The girl?"

"Melog is still in her cage," Beast-Man replied.

"Keep her alive, Beast-Man."

At that moment, a shadow over came them all. Shadow Wing appeared, though in far worse shape than he had the first time he and Skeletor teamed up. He was missing his front right leg, his left eye, and had several deep scars.

"How much longer, Skeletor?" demanded Shadow Wing.

"Soon, my friend. When I breach Castle Grayskull, I will give you what you desire: restored strength and the ability to destroy Granamyr once and for all."

Shadow Wing snarled. "My patience grows thin, Skeletor."

"We have a pact, Shadow Wing. Trust me."


Teela walked out from the stairwell and back into the throne room. "The portals are all either sealed or the doorways are all dark and cold."

The Sorceress lowered her fingers from her temples. "The Sword of Darkness is being used in ways we couldn't have known were coming. Skeletor spent almost thirty years studying it. Our ignorance of that fact may just be our undoing."

"We'll make it through the day," Teela grunted.

Man-At-Arms entered. "Don't let your mother damper your spirits, Teela," he told her. "She's just being realistic. Besides, you're the same way."

Teela didn't answer. The Sorceress was avoiding her gaze, instead spent most of her time sitting on the throne and concentrating.

"Any luck?" asked Man-At-Arms of the Sorceress.

"My telepathy has been blocked, but Light-Hope was watching Castle Grayskull. He must have contacted the others by now."

"What now?" asked Teela, looking to Addison, who had just returned from the washroom.

"We have two options," her father said to her. "Option number one is we find every weapon, lower the jawbridge for a few seconds, and make run for it. We have Zoar carry Addison while we fight our way through an entire army. Option number two is we hunker down and wait for He-Man and company to save us."

Teela looked to the doors to the foyer. "The mood I'm in, I could really go for option one . . . but obviously . . ."

"Option two," Duncan sighed, sitting down on the stairs before the throne. He glanced to the Sorceress, who was back to concentrating on contacting Adam. "Got any more doughnuts, honey?"


Queen Angella nodded to She-Ra, then walked towards Castle Brightmoon. She had been informed of the attack on Grayskull just after She-Ra reached Adam and Eternos. Angella was rushing to get everything in order, but luckily, there was barely anything left to do.

Angella to Micah, who was standing under a stone arch, looking at his wife with a face knotted with concern.

"Let me go in your place," he asked of her. "Please."

She shook her head. "The kingdom needs you now, Micah," she said, placing her hands upon his chest. "They needed me while you fought the hard fight. They needed me with Dark-Hope sought to wipe out the world. But now . . . they need you to lead on."

Micah sighed. "I . . ."

She leaned in and kissed him as though it would be their last. Micah braced her against him, their kiss growing more and more passionate. After a hard breaking, Angella stepped back. "I will return to you, my love," she said to him.

"And I will be waiting," Micah answered her.

Angella took the air then and landed next to She-Ra and Swift-Wind, the Sword of Uriel in her hand.

"Ready, your majesty?" asked She-Ra, the stone glowing in her hand.

"Yes, your majesty," she replied with a smirk.

A glowing white portal opened wide and large before them. She-Ra and Queen Angella entered it, followed by the army of 800 soldiers of Brightmoon.

Adam watched as She-Ra, Swift-Wind, and Queen Angella arrived in front of Eternos. Grimly, he turned to his father.

"800 more, Father," Adam stated. "That puts us at around 8,500. Up against 27,000. How do those odds sound?"

Randor sighed. "Poor, but let's not throw in the towel yet. The kingdoms of Men have yet to arrive."

"We don't have time for them to arrive, Father. You didn't see the images Light-Hope sent me. Skeletor is more powerful than ever before. Not taking the fight to Grayskull now is foolish." Adam left the balcony and entered the throne room. A table was placed in the center, with Fisto, Mekaneck, Sy-Klone, Gwildor, Miro, Marlena, Sebrian, Hydron, Pelicor, SeaHawk, Glimmer, and Lizard-Man standing around.

"Status?" Adam asked.

"Stratos is at Avion, preparing to launch their sky fleet," Mekaneck reported.

"Same with Buzz-Off, though it looks he'll be joined the some of the other Insectoids," Sy-Klone followed up. "Moths, Ants, and Beetles will all be joining in the fun. It should put us up around 9,000 now."

"That's something," Adam sighed.

Marlena pointed to the map. "Stephan and his army from West Eternos will be meeting us at Sweetsville. The army of North Eternos will be in place when you get to the city."

Randor nodded. "Who will command the North Eternos army?"

Adam looked over at Fisto. "I'm placing Lord Fisto in charge of the North Eternos army."

Fisto blinked. "Sire?"
Adam smiled. "I do believe you've more than made up for your incident with Skeletor."

Fisto's beard parted as the old warrior smiled broadly. "Thank you, sire. Thank you very much."

Adam simply nodded, then turned back to the map. "Back to business. We'll be taking the army here – Busta Valley – where we'll unite with the armies of Avion and Insectia. Three Bells in the afternoon. So let's get moving."

"I had a thought," interjected Miro.

"What's that, father?"

"While the army moves against Skeletor, why don't Gwildor and I use the Cosmic Key and gather the kingdoms of Men?"

"Excellent idea, Miro!" Marlena shouted.

"I agree," Adam said, grinning at his grandfather. "Join as quick as possible."

"You have my word on that, my boy," Miro returned.

"You know who could really do some good?" remarked Sy-Klone off-handedly. "The Fire-People and the Centaurs."

No one really acknowledged the comment . . . except Miro.

As most of the group spread out, She-Ra and Angella arrived. Randor and Marlena went to greet Angella, while She-Ra made a bee-line to Adam.

"We need to talk," she said to him.

"Little busy right now. Gathering an army for what could be the final battle of my life – with the lives of my adopted son, my fiancée, her father and my mentors sitting the middle."

"Adam . . . listen to me," She-Ra said, placing a hand on his arm.

"What?"

"You have to accept something. Something I was unwilling to do with Hordak . . . but should have."

"What is that?"

"You may have to kill Skeletor."

Adam started, but didn't say anything.

She-Ra continued. "I've been thinking about it and thinking about it . . . and I just can't see any other option. What are we going to do? Hold him on trial? It would only allow him another chance to escape."

"I . . . I don't know," Adam said simply.

She nodded. "I thought you'd say something like that. Adam, then you need to know, that if you can't do it . . . I will."

Adam gasped a little. Was he really than surprised? Adora had changed since her exile in the Crystal Castle. She had gotten edgier, harsher. Would she cross the line he had been so unwilling to cross?

"I also have another thing I want to talk to you about."

"What's that?"

She spoke rather quickly. Adam paused after she was finished, then turned to Pelicor. "Pelicor!" he shouted to him. "Fetch Woodsman and come here. We have a mission for the two of you."


An hour later, the armies of Aquatica, the Cave-People, the Tree-People, Lizards, and Eternos were assembled and ready to be mobilized. Fleets of vehicles were at the ready – Battle-Rams, Air Chariots, Wind-Raiders, Talon Fighters, Attacks Tracks, Road Rippers, Dragon Walkers, Bashasauruses, Blaster Hawks, Laser Bolts, and Jet Sleds. This was in addition to the crab-like ships of the Aquaticans, and the low-to-the-ground tanks of the Lizards.

The Heroic Warriors, Great Rebellion, Galactic Guardians, and Meteorbs were all situated at the front of the army, prepared for battle.

At the city gates stood those that were being behind: Alcon, Gepple, Meloc, Krex, Drissi, Caz, U-R, Gleep, Malik, Kareen, Starchild, and Dree-Ell. Before them all was Queen Marlena, who spoke with King Randor.

"Every damn time you go into battle," she said, wiping away tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry."

He ran his hand across her cheek. "Don't be, my love. Don't ever be," he said to her and kissed her lovingly. "I love you."

"I love you too."

He took in a deep breath. "Remember what we discussed, Marlena. If we fail, take the Starship Eternia and the Starship Colossus and get off the planet. Get as much of the royal family – and anyone else, really – as you can aboard and get off this world. Get to the Galactic Council. There are other worlds with mighty champions that might be able to pick up where we left off. Those robots or those cat people or . . . well . . ."

"I know," she said sadly. "Be careful," she told him, throwing herself onto him. "Come home to me, Randor. Please. Come home to me."

Randor only kissed her again, said 'good bye' again, then leapt atop Stridor and rode to the front of the army.

Adam, meanwhile, was walking to the front of the army as well. His heart was thundering and his only thought was of Grayskull and his loved ones that stood within it.

"Ready, Cringer? Ready to save the world again?"

"No," Cringer replied. "But Battle-Cat is."

Much to his own surprise, Adam smiled. He lifted the Sword of Power. "BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL!" he shouted. Power and energy came upon him and King Adam was transformed into the mighty He-Man, most powerful man in the universe. "I HAVE THE POWER!"

He-Man turned to Cringer and let loose a lightning bolt at his quaking friend. Cringer changed into Battle-Cat . . . for the last time.

"Ready to go, Cat?" asked He-Man, hoping onto his faithful companion.

"Ready!"

Battle-Cat charged forward and as he carried He-Man, the army came to attention. They came to a stop next to She-Ra and Swift-Wind. Both of them swung their swords in the air. Horns blew, drums were beat.

The army began their march to war. Not everyone would be coming back.