Epilogue

Adora walked out of deserted Crystal Castle and right to the edge of the mountain. She placed the Sword of Protection onto the ground in front of her and looked out upon the black landscape that held her world in suspended animation. Light-Hope was busy working to free this world, but Adora suddenly wish it wasn't and that Light-Hope was here to offer her kind words. Or Angella. Or Kowl. Or Frosta.

Heck, at this point, she'd even take Madame Razz or Broom!

She wasn't sure just how to feel, to be honest. Hordak . . . for years she had known him as a such a strong father-figure. Despite the spell she was under, she couldn't deny those feelings from years ago. And maybe, to some obvious extent, those feelings were still there. Adora sighed, really not knowing how to feel.

He killed for her? Because Horde Prime was evil, he was supposed to die? For her? As a gift. It made the most sense, she supposed. Maybe Hordak had come to some sort of realization. Maybe he was making up for being so evil all his life - perhaps this was his redemption. And his wish that things could have been better.

Adora laid back onto the ground and looked up into the blue sky. She had heard that the Sorceress had helped out during the battle. Adam still wasn't speaking to her, but Adora was going to take yet another shot at talking to her about the missing races.

A new treaty had been signed this morning, creating a non-aggression pact with the Kobloids, the Bats, and the Kingdoms of Men and their allies. So far, no incidents. Adora felt better, and laid alone on the mountain until she felt rested enough to continue the good fight.

Orko kissed Dree-Ell one more time before she entered the transport and left Eternia. They had their own responsibilities to go. Orko's were here, helping the royal family rebuild. And Dree-Ell's were on Trolla, helping to recover after the war. They promised to see each other as soon as they could.

Adam gave Mara a hug, wishing her luck on her return to Primus. He then offered his good journey's to the Galactic Guardians and the scientists.

"Tell Master Sebrian I miss wise consuel," Adam said.

Flipshot smiled and smacked Adam on the shoulder. "I will. Good bye, Adam."

"Good journey, Flipshot, Mara."

The pair entered the Starship Eternia. Hydron shook Adam's hand. "Take care of yourself, King Adam. We'll try and keep in touch." Adam smiled and said good bye.

Finally, Rokkon and Stonedar met up with Adam. Adam cleared his throat. "You saved my life," he said.

"As I told you," Rokkon explained. "Our loyalty is yours."

"We did it in your service," Stonedar continued. "Despite what we had done, we always have and always will follow you."

Adam nodded. "That counts for something, I guess. You saved my life and you did indeed serve me loyally. So . . . Eternos shall always greet you with friendship. But I have you know, I will get to bottom of this. If there's anything more you can tell me . . ."

"We've told you all we know," Rokkon answered.

"We didn't even know half of what you did," Stonedar followed up.

"And if you did know everything - would you have done things differently?"

Rokkon and Stonedar looked to each other, unsure of the answer. "I don't know," Rokkon replied. "But it doesn't matter now. What does matter now is not what happened in the past, but what happens in the future."

"Words to live by," Stonedar stated.

Adam took a breath, realizing it was that same kind of talk that probably got the pair into this mess. "Well . . . whatever happens, happens. You two, farewell and good journey."

"Good journey."

"Farewell."

The pair walked off then and joined with the final transport. A moment later, it took off and followed the rest of the fleet as they all left the solar system.

Adam paused in thought, and then smiled. This whole mess was over with now. All of the aliens were gone. And thanks to the new Horde and the Primians, the prison was back up and running, with both King Hiss and Hordak secure inside. The treaty had been signed, uniting - to a certain extent - the peoples of Eternia.

There was still much to face . . . the eventual trial of Hiss and Hordak, the missing kingdoms and races, the search for his parents, Zodak's manipulation . . . but Adam felt as though he could handle it. As Adam walked through the Palace, he felt his body grow tired, but his faith grow stronger. With the help of the scientists, they were a little closer to getting his parents back.

Adam entered into his chambers and let out a sigh of relief. He felt better. He felt better than he had since the defeat of Hordak. And despite all that still laid before him and all the things that he learned, it all felt easier to handle.

"Hey there, king . . ." a female voice cooed from his bedchamber.

Adam walked to the bedchamber's entrance and smiled at the sight before him. Teela lay there in a red robe with white furry trimming. On her head was a Santa Claus hat.

"Merry Christmas," she said with a cute smile.

Adam chuckled and sat down next to her. He took the woman into his arms. "Merry Christmas," he replied, kissing her forehead. "I'm surprised you remembered."

"Me? Of course not," answered Teela. "The way your Mother used to go on about the Earth holiday, I don't think I could ever forget."

Nodding, Adam moved forward and took her into his arms. "I love you," he confessed, the words holding more impact than any other time before.

"I love you too," she returned, her voice carrying the wonderful words to him.

They pulled back, and moved forward to kiss. Together, they kissed and held each other underneath the stars, safe from the dangers around them, huddled in loving arms.

THE SAGA CONTINUES IN "THE SHROUD OF THE HORDE!" NOW REVISED AND EDITED TO FIT THE NEW CONTINUNITY!