EPILOGUE

That was, essentially, the end of it all. Jinx and Dree Elle returned to Grayskull's roof and placed the crest back into position. As they had hoped, Orko and the Sorceress had been too busy keeping the magic stabilized and did not know what had transpired below, so the exchange of secrets would remain a secret itself. With the crest returned it took only a few moments before the universe became fully stabilized and all the heroes could take a well-earned rest.

She-Ra returned shortly thereafter to report that she had not needed to engage in battle at all. As soon as the Cobra forces had vanished from their ranks, the remaining evil warriors had turned around and retreated in fear.

There was a moment of panic when Duke was brought in. His body was caked with sweat and his veins were turning green as the venom ran through his body. But, with a quick dose of She-Ra's healing powers, he was back on his feet in less than a minute. With everything taken care of at Grayskull they headed back to Eternos. Even The Sorceress came, deciding that it was safe to leave Grayskull long enough to join in the celebration and to say good-bye to the Joes.

When they arrived they found that the city was well aware of their victory and Randor and Marlena had already called for a huge banquet in celebration. The Joes had never partaken of such a feast and the celebration lasted well into the night. All too soon however it was time for them to go home.

"I wish we could stay longer," Duke said, "but our world needs us. We have to get back before Cobra starts trying to conquer Earth again."

"I understand," said Randor. "Then I will bid you all Good Journey."

"One thing before we go," Duke added. "What's going to happen to The Crest of Infinity?"

"Zodac is taking it with him," said the Sorceress. "The crest will be hidden among the cosmic waves where no mortal can reach it. The only ones who will be able to reach it are the Cosmic Enforcers, and they are the only ones who can be trusted never to use its power again."

Jinx nodded in satisfaction. "That's for the best. the Crest is too powerful to risk it falling into the wrong hands. Vypra proved that."

Many of the newly formed friends found it very hard to depart.

"I'm going to miss you," Mekaneck said to Cover Girl.

Cover Girl sighed and gave him a long passionate kiss. "Take care of yourself Mekey."

Storm Shadow shook hands with He-Man. "Farewell my friend. Truly you are a most honorable warrior."

"You're a great man Storm Shadow," said He-Man. "I hope you find peace of mind soon."

The ninja master smiled. "I will. The fact that I am still here proves that. Now that I know my soul is pure I have the will to fight. And I shall win."

Of all of them though, no two had a harder time parting than Jinx and Dree Elle.

"I'll be going back to Trolla to perform Yuckers' funeral services," Dree Elle was saying. "But after that… well it was just me and my brother back there. Now that he's gone, I don't think I could take living alone. Queen Marlena has offered to let me come and live here on Eternia in the palace. I'm going to take her up on that."

"I have something for you," Jinx said. "I talked to Storm Shadow and he agreed you've earned it." She handed her a small armband. On it was a hexagram design of six bars atop one another. Three split three whole.

"This is the symbol of our clan," Jinx explained. "You still have a lot to learn about the ways of the ninja, but you've proven yourself enough to wear this. Dree Elle, you are now an official member of the Arashikage."

Dree Elle's eyes opened wide and nearly filled with tears of joy, "Thank you!"

Jinx sighed, "I can't believe this is good-bye."

"Then don't say good-bye," Dree Elle offered. "Say Good Journey. There's an old Eternian proverb. 'Live the journey, for every destination is but the doorway to another'."

Jinx nodded, but was still saddened. "I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll keep in touch," Dree Elle said handing Jinx a rolled up piece of parchment and a quill. "This is a magic letter. It's how Orko and I have kept up over the years. When you want to talk to me just write on this paper with that quill. The words will then be magically sent to mine."

"Sort of like instant messaging."

Dree Elle didn't fully understand the reference but it sounded about right so she simply nodded.

"It won't be the same as being together though," Jinx said. "Will I ever see you again?"

"Of course you will," Gwildor said coming into the room carrying two Cosmic Keys. He handed one to Jinx. "Here, I got it working. Sort of anyway. It only has a few tones stored in it, so all it can do is open a doorway between Earth and Eternia."

Jinx was shocked. "Gwildor… thank you. I don't know what to say!"

"You just said it," the Thenurian chuckled. "The same goes for all of you. If you ever need our help, feel free to call on us. Or if you just want to come by for a visit you're always welcome."

"The same to you," Duke said.

Gwildor punched in the code on his Cosmic Key and the swirling gateway opened taking the Joes home. Jinx was the last to leave and as she reached the portal she turned back one last time to Dree Elle.

"Good Journey!"

Dree Elle waved and called back. "Yo Joe!"


Later that night Sorceress sat alone on her throne in deep thought. She was well aware that she was no longer alone, but did not even move. She simply spoke softly and without emotion.

"You came."

"You have unanswered questions," said Zodac as he stepped out of the darkness. "Understand that my position prevents me from giving you all the answers you seek, but I will try to tell you what I can and ask you forgive me if I cannot."

Sorceress nodded. "First, is Vypra truly dead? She fell into the great abyss, but the abyss is bottomless. She would keep falling forever. If she was not dead wouldn't she be pulled back to Earth by the crest's power?"

"Alas," said Zodac. "The first thing you ask me I cannot tell you. I can only say that yes, it is possible she still lives. However for reasons I cannot reveal, and you would find hard to understand, I am unable to confirm if she is alive or dead."

"Shouldn't Jinx know she may still live?" Sorceress asked.

Zodac shook his head. "It would be unnecessarily cruel to burden her mind with unproven possibilities."

"Fair enough," Sorceress shrugged. "Now tell me, who was that mysterious bounty hunter She-Ra told me of? The one who saved her at the Slime Pit? Is she friend or foe?"

"She is called the Road Queen. She is not evil by nature, but whether she proves to be an ally or enemy remains to be seen. It all depends on how She-Ra reacts the next time they meet." After pausing he added, "Which I can tell you will be very, very soon."

Again Sorceress simply nodded. "What of the boy Derrick? Why can I find so little records of him? And you never did answer the question of if he is related to He-Man and She-Ra."

Here Zodac actually looked away as though feeling guilty. "Nor do I intend to. I can tell you nothing more about Derrick. His story will be revealed to you slowly over time. One day you will know everything, but until then you must be patient. Do not ask me any more of him for I can, and will, tell you nothing."

"Very well," said Sorceress, not at all satisfied but knowing it would be futile to press further. "I have one more question."

"Just the one?" Zodac asked with a hint of amusement.

"A two part question actually," Sorceress said. "Will the Eternian forces and G.I. Joe ever meet and fight alongside each other again?"

Here Zodac smiled. "That I can tell you. Most definitely yes."

Sorceress paused then asked the most pressing question on her mind.

"Then don't you think we should have told them about the second crest?"

Zodac shook his head. "No. Unless the power of the crest is endangered it is best to leave it buried and out of mind."

"I'm not so sure I agree," Sorceress said. "I feel they have a right to know about the possible danger. As powerful and dangerous as the Crest of Infinity is, it still pales in comparison… to the Crest of Eternity!"

THE END…. (for now)

Coming soon: Masters of the Universe & G.I. Joe II: Eternity is Forever