Chapter 15

He-Man emerged from the portal, somewhat dizzy but otherwise fine. He looked around, trying to figure out where he ended up. As he looked ahead, he saw a familiar scene.

A large number of people were gathered around a magnificent marble structure. There was a feeling of mourning in the air. He then spotted some familiar faces, and was startled to see his own among them.

Realization dawned on him. My parent's funeral, he thought to himself. The Sorceress must have sent me back to prevent the last couple of day's events!

As his past self stepped forward to deliver the eulogy, He-Man heard the distant roaring of a jet engine. He turned to see the Collector speeding toward the royal crypt.

Not much time...I've got to act fast!

Drawing the Power Sword, he waited until then the skull-shaped craft was directly overhead. As it passed by, he hurled it hard at the main thruster.

Inside the Collector, a violent shudder startled the occupants.

"What on Eternia was that?" shouted Skeletor as he fought to make himself heard over the earsplitting engine whine that now filled the cockpit.

Evil-Lyn checked the ship's diagnostics, a worried look crossing her face. "There's a large metal object lodged in the main thruster!"

"What?" said Skeletor. "What kind of object?"

"Well," said a now nervous Evil-Lyn, "it looks like a…sword."

Skeletor didn't need her to elaborate.

"Blast you, He-Man!"

He turned to Evil-Lyn and Trap-Jaw. "Strap yourselves in…it's going to be a bumpy landing!"

And then, as if on cue, the Collector plummeted to the ground, crashing with enough force to violently shake the nearby trees.

He-Man, relieved that he was able to act in time, pulled the Power Sword from the wreckage of the thruster. He then walked around to the ship's main view port just as the three villains were regaining their composure.

"Hello, Skeletor," said He-Man. "You know, considering you're the reason why the king and queen are being buried today, I don't think you'd be welcome among the mourners."

Skeletor, furious at the events that were occurring, stared defiantly at his enemy.

"You won't be holding me in the palace dungeon!" he spat. "I won't be taken that easily!"

He-Man smiled. "Don't worry Skeletor…I had no intention of locking you up…I just want you to go home!"

And with those words, He-Man lifted the damaged craft above his head, then hurled it with all the strength he could muster in the direction of Snake Mountain.

To his satisfaction, he heard Skeletor shout as the ship disappeared in the distance:

"CURSE YOU, HE-MAN!"

As the tomb was sealed, He-Man stepped toward his past self, who let out a small shudder as the two joined together. Adam looked around, suddenly aware of the events that had transpired over the last couple of days.

Duncan looked at with an expression of concern. "Is everything ok, Adam?"

Adam looked at his old friend and conjured a weak half-smile. "Yeah, I'm fine…just a little shaken up, that's all."

Duncan put his hand on the younger man's shoulder in a comforting gesture. "Grief of this kind won't go away for a long time. The best thing for you to do is carry on, and rule the kingdom with the same compassion that your parents did."

"Rule?"

Duncan smiled. "Of course. Don't tell me you forgot about being heir to the throne?"

Adam chuckled. "No…no, of course not. Just didn't cross my mind."

"Understandable…you've had a lot to think about. I expect we'll have your coronation soon…for now, just try and get some rest."

Adam nodded, not saying anything.

As Duncan walked away, Teela took Adam's hand and smiled.

"So, He-Man, you're going to be king. How does it feel?"

As Adam stared at her, surprised, she said, "The Sorceress told me about what's happened. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that I know your secret…not even my father."

And as she pulled him toward her in a passionate kiss, Adam suddenly felt as if his parents were watching him, proud of the son they had raised. The two lovers headed towards a nearby Wind Raider, and home.

The End…for now.