A/N: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! You guys rock!

Teela could feel Ramos' eyes on her as she moved across the room towards Adam. In addition to the large bandage around his abdomen, his leg was in a cast, an IV was hooked up to his arm, and breathing tubes ran into his nose. She had never, ever seen him look this bad. Exhausted, yes. Injured? Not like this.

A sob escaped her as she reached down and grabbed Adam's hand. "He's so pale," she said brokenly. Her eyes fell to his chest, which seemed to be barely moving, but she couldn't think about that. Her gaze shifted to the cast. "His leg is broken too?"

"Yeah," Ramos answered, running a tired hand through his brown-and-silver hair. "I'll give you five minutes, Princess Teela, then you need to get some rest yourself."

Teela ignored the healer as he left. She rubbed Adam's hand between her own. "I'm not leaving you," she promised him in a hoarse whisper. "And you're not leaving me. I need you. Josiah needs you. Don't you dare give up, Adam."

She stood there, talking to him, until Ramos returned. "When do you think he'll wake up?" Teela asked, her eyes still on Adam.

"Princess Teela..." Ramos hesitated. He didn't think Adam would recover, and he wasn't sure how to answer her. "We have him in a drug-induced coma right now," he finally explained.

Teela turned her troubled green eyes on him. "But Adam hates drugs," she answered, sounding numb.

Ramos sighed. "He's in a lot of pain right now, Your Highness. If he's aware of that pain, he might just...give up. And his body's in shock, in spite of these healin' magics that are helpin' him. It's just safer for now. We'll talk about it some more tomorrow." Teela started to protest, and Ramos shook his head at her. "You need rest, Princess."

"No," Teela said, turning back to Adam. "Adam needs me."

"So does Josiah," Ramos argued gently. He held out a pill and a cup of water. "Take this, and I'll have a cot brought in for you. Deal?"

Teela stared at the pill suspiciously. "What is it?"

"Just somethin' to help you sleep. Take it or leave, those are your options." Ramos' firm brown eyes assured Teela there would be no exceptions. She capitulated with a nod and took the pill. "Good. I'll have a cot brought in...and Josiah can stay with your parents right outside there. I'm sure I won't be able to talk any sense into them either."

"Are you sure you wouldn't be more comfortable in your room?" Marlena asked.

Lyn motioned to a cot being moved into Adam's room nearby. "Teela isn't leaving either."

"I figured you would say that," Ramos commented as he entered the room. "I've already ordered several assistants to bring in an extra cot and plenty of bedding for the both of you. I would make your takin' a sedative a condition of your stayin', but with your condition now, I'm not sure that would be wise. I will insist that you come into exam room three for you and your child's health to be examined. And you have to eat a good meal followed by a long rest afterward."

Lyn nodded and followed the healer obediently. It was a few minutes of poking and prodding with instruments and a few scans with diagnostic tools before Ramos stood to face Lyn.

"You are fine, and so is the baby, but like Princess Teela, you are exhibitin' symptoms of shock. For the sake of that baby, you need to try to rest."

"I will," Lyn promised. It was odd hearing herself. Lyn barely recognized the weak rasp that was her voice. She stood just as Lana entered the connecting room with Josiah and Teela came out to meet her, already looking drowsy from the medication Ramos had given her.

Lyn pushed the cot directly beside Keldor's sleeping form and tried to block out the soft murmurs of comfort Teela was sharing with her son. She remembered her sweet Keelyanne. She had been here for months now. Months since she held her baby. She dug in her waistpouch and stared at the hologram of her children.

She lay down on the cot and placed the hologram over Keldor's slowly beating heart. "They need you." She leaned her face into his shoulder as best she could, ignoring the metal bar digging into her ribs. "We all need you."

It was still dark when Randor got up carefully from his chair. He did not want to make any noise that might wake his sleeping family, who were scattered all around him. Lyn and Teela were on cots near Keldor and Adam in their respective rooms. He, Adora, and Lana were all spread out in the chairs. Marlena was lying on nearby sofa. All sleeping. None sleeping peacefully.

Randor stretched and crept silently towards Keldor's room. He hesitated, then opened the door. The instruments around him proclaimed him still in an extremely weak condition, but his vitals were at least steady; he was obviously alive. Randor took a small comfort from that because it meant that Adam was stable as well, if Lyn had been correct about the spell Keldor cast. Randor only hoped she had been. No matter what, he wanted to see Adam alive again. Duncan walked up beside Randor, moving almost silently in spite of the fact that he had his ever-present armor on.

"Any change, my friend?" Randor whispered, wanting a different answer than what little the machines told him.

"None, your Highness," Duncan answered. Lana stirred fretfully in her sleep, and Duncan jerked his head toward the door. King Randor followed and soon they were standing in the hall just outside the medical wing. Once the doors closed behind them, Duncan said, "Lana just fell asleep a few minutes ago, and I didn't want to wake her. Or anyone else for that matter."

"I'm glad you thought of it," said Randor. "And I think-"

Randor's words were cut off as the click of boots rang out in the distance. Both Duncan and Man-at-Arms turned to see King Miro approaching them, his face pale.

"Where is he?" Miro demanded harshly. "I heard that Keldor was brought in hours ago, in critical condition! Why didn't anyone tell me? "

Randor's face settled into a mask. "Because there is nothing wrong with him except that he tied his own life to Adam's!" he answered sharply. "And in case you were wondering, your grandson will be lucky to live to see the morning!"

Miro drew up short. "Adam's injured?" he said in disbelief. "But he's-

"Not anymore," Randor cut him off. "He-Man is gone, Adam is near death, and Keldor's fate is tied to Adam's." He took a breath and tempered his voice. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you, Father, but we were all in shock. We weren't really thinking clearly." As annoyed as he was that Miro had been concerned first for Keldor, Randor felt a strong guilt for not having thought to notify Miro of his son's and grandson's condition, and his apology was sincere.

"He-Man's gone?" Miro repeated blankly, as if he couldn't understand the concept. Then the rest of Randor's statement filtered through his mind. "What do you mean Keldor's fate is tied to Adam's?"

"Keldor linked his life to Adam's in order to keep Adam alive," Duncan supplied. "If Adam dies, so does Keldor."

Miro's mouth dropped open, but no sound came forth at first. He and Randor locked eyes, each recognizing in the other the fear they felt over possibly losing their respective sons.

"Keldor once tried to kill my son," Randor said softly, sounding confused. "Now he's practically given his life to save Adam's. I- " Randor stopped. He didn't know what to think of the whole situation, and he didn't want to give his father false hopes that perhaps his sons would one day act as true brothers. But Randor couldn't deny that this action had changed things. At least for himself. He did not have a clue what that meant yet though.

Miro saw the conflict on his son's face. "Randor, all we can do is wait for them to get well. There is nothing else for us to do. Can I see them?" he asked his voice hoarse.

"Of course, Father. Keldor at least. He is sleeping just outside of the intensive treatment area Adam is in, but try to remain quiet. The others are just now getting some rest."

Miro nodded. He followed Duncan and Randor down the corridor and into the wide waiting area where Keldor lay sleeping. All kinds of monitors were hooked up to him, but he looked completely uninjured. Miro grasped his son's hand and gazed on his face. Randor came up beside his father and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. Miro turned to Randor gratefully. "Are you sure there's no way I can see Adam? " he whispered.

"We can't go in. Ramos is afraid we will carry an infection. But we can see him through the glass door around the corner," whispered Randor.

Miro gently lowered his son's hand back to the cot and nodded. Randor led Miro around a corner where they could see Adam lying on a bed. Numerous instruments were attached to him.

"His injuries," breathed Miro. "Even from here I can see."

Randor clasped his father on the shoulder.

"What happened? He didn't try to fight without Grayskull's power, did he? "

"Not exactly."

"What on Eternia does that mean?" Miro demanded, unable to tear his eyes away from Adam's still form.

Randor lowered his voice so he would not be accidentally overheard. "He-Man's gone. Permanently. He-Man surrendered his power to neutralize Evil's hold on the area around Snake Mountain."

Miro swallowed hard. "But without that, Adam..." He couldn't finish the sentence. He'd never seen anyone survive injuries like that. He changed his focus. "And you said Keldor's keeping him alive somehow?"

Randor nodded, his jaw tightening. "Otherwise, Adam would be dead already," he admitted heavily.

The sun was barely coming over the horizon when a pounding sounded on the bedroom door.

"Your Majesties! Urgent news from Eternos!"

"We'll be out in a minute, Tyon," Pierce called, rolling out of bed. Mira leapt to her feet as well, pulled on a robe and grabbed a tie for her hair, just to make herself presentable for their senior guardsman. "Come in," Pierce said, opening the door. "What's going on?"

"Urgent news, Sire," Tyon repeated, his face a white mask of disbelief. "Prince Adam and Prince Keldor have been injured, and are not expected to live through the day!"

"By the grace of Eternia," Pierce said, his eyes wide.

Mira's hand went to her mouth. "No."

"That's not all," continued Tyon. "This part is not from the palace, but it is disturbing and I think you should know it."

"Well spill it already," Pierce demanded.

"We have unconfirmed reports that He-Man is dead."

"That's impossible!" Mira blurted out.

Tyon saluted smartly and Pierce nodded his dismissal. "We all certainly hope so, my lady," Tyon murmured as he took his leave.

Mira waited anxiously for Stephen to come get her and Jeremy. They had decided that descending upon the palace with their families at this time would not be helpful to anyone. Instead, she and her brother were going to offer what support they could to Randor, while their spouses remained behind to run their kingdoms. Jeremy was also coming, as he and Adam had grown very close over the years. Adam was like the big brother he had never had, and Jeremy insisted he wanted to be there, no matter what the outcome.

Mira wordlessly ran her hand through Jeremy's hair, and he turned to her, his eyes moist. Very suddenly, her 17-year-old was hugging her as if his life depended on it. Mira wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. "It'll be all right," she murmured.

"How could this happen?" he demanded in a muffled voice. "Adam's such a good person, Mother. How could this happen to him?"

"He was fighting for us," she said softly. "For the safety of Eternia. I don't know much more than that, Jeremy."

The whine of a wind raider cut off their conversation as Stephen landed. "It's time to go," she said needlessly, and she and Jeremy piled into the wind raider.

Lyn walked out onto her wide balcony. 'When did I end up back on Carina?' she wondered. A happiness flooded her as she saw Akelsen jumping from branch to branch and hear the rainbow feathered panjur birds fly away from the confusion. 'Who cares?' she decided. 'I'm home.'

Lyn spun around quickly and rushed to and through the door to her apartment. "Micah, Neara are you here? Keelyanne, baby, Mother's home."

"They're playing with Idril's children."

Lyn turned to seek Keldor, whole and well, standing before her. Lyn threw herself into his arms.

"Ooof," grunted Keldor. "I take it you're glad to see me."

Lyn pulled back and looked in his face. "Of course I'm glad." Her look of relief hardened. "So I can tell you just how big a boneheaded brainless boob you are. Did you have any idea what you put me through? Did you even care? Adam should be dead now, and you were going to let him take you with him?" Lyn popped him on the arm. "Have you lost any sense you ever had?"

"If you are through shrieking, my stunning siren," quipped Keldor, "I will answer your many questions."

Lyn crossed her arms and stared at him, realizing they were sharing the dream. "I'm listening."

"I'm glad you were close enough to make this work. I know I would not be able to share this dream with you in my current shape if you weren't." Keldor reached out to caress Lyn's biceps. "I'm sorry, but I didn't think. When I saw Adam so close to death, I couldn't let him die."

Lyn opened her mouth to protest but Keldor held up one hand to silence her.

"I don't regret what I did. Adam has chosen to fight for his life. But even his choice to fight would not have mattered if I hadn't linked my life with his. He was too badly injured, as I'm sure you've seen already."

Lyn nodded. "He is fighting? You promise me?"

"With everything in him. He's made his choice and isn't going to give up. Besides," added Keldor pressing a kiss to Lyn's forehead, "he knows I'll follow him into the afterlife and beat him for the rest of time if he doesn't make it."

Lyn chuckled, but her laughter dissolved into a sob.

"Lyn, he has to make it. I have a feeling--a very strong feeling--that Adam still has much work left to do."

"As do you," reminded Lyn.

"Exactly," Keldor agreed good-naturedly. "Which is why you have nothing to worry about. I'm sure we will both recover. And until I'm stronger we can still meet in dreams. I have enough magic and strength to do that."

Lyn hugged Keldor tightly. For a long moment she was lost in her husband's strong embrace. A peace that came only from his closeness filled her.

"Go back to the others," he finally urged her. "I'm sure they will want to know what's going on. You are the only one who can tell them."

"I don't want to go," she murmured into his shoulder.

"You'll be back soon," Keldor promised. He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. Then all faded to black around her.

"Keldor!" she screamed. "Keldor!"

"Lyn, wake up," said Adora, shaking her aunt.

"Huh?" asked Lyn, slowing becoming aware. "Oh," she said. She slowly moved to a sitting position with Adora's help.

"What's going on here?" Randor demanded, bursting into the room. Marlena hurried in behind him.

"I was dreaming," Lyn explained. "Everything is fine."

"Glad you think so," Randor harrumphed. Lyn scowled.

"Randor," Marlena chided gently. "She was just answering your question."

"I'm sorry. It's just that Adam looks worse," Randor said worriedly.

A part of her wanted to hold back what she knew after Randor's previous comment, but Lyn knew that she would have felt exactly the same way had it been one of her children.

"I understand," Lyn replied. "Actually it was more than just a dream. At times mages can share dreams. And if the two mages are connected closely to one another, they can somewhat control those dreams. Keldor was talking with me."

Adora glanced at her uncle, who seemed no better or worse than the night before. "And?" she prompted.

"What's going on?" Teela asked sleepily from the doorway.

"He says that Adam has decided to fight," Lyn explained. She ran a hand through her hair.

Teela looked at Lyn blankly. "Huh?"

"I've shared a dream with Keldor. It is a way mages that are close to one another can communicate with each other at times," Lyn explained again, slightly impatiently this time. "He tells me that Adam has decided to fight to live. I can only assume that he has been able to communicate with Adam in some way. He also says that he is sure Adam will do everything he can to recover."

Teela seemed only more confused by Lyn's answer. "Of course Adam is fighting to live. Why wouldn't he?"

"Keldor is sure-" Lyn took a deep breath to keep her voice firm, "that they will both be well." She hoped Teela wouldn't realize that she hadn't really answered her question. She got the feeling that Adam wasn't willing to fight at first.

Randor shook his head. "I'm glad Keldor and you are so sure," he said, his voice neutral, "but forgive me if I don't share that same assurance. I've fought in wars before, and never seen anyone with Adam's injuries survive. Without Grayskull's magic..." Randor shook his head again, deciding against saying anything more. He glanced at Teela in concern, sure he had already said too much, but she knew as well as he did how dangerous Adam's wounds were.

Teela set her chin forward. "He'll survive," she said ferociously, clenching her hands. "Adam's going to be fine, not because of Grayskull's magic, but because of his own courage and strength. Grayskull didn't give him that. He already had it." She turned on her heel and stalked out of the room.

Marlena smiled, silently agreeing with Teela.

Lyn took deep breaths and reminded herself again that she would probably be just as unreasonable and doubtful as Randor if it were one of her own children in that next room.

"You are absolutely right, King Randor. Under normal circumstances, Adam would be dead by now. In linking his life force to Adam, Keldor gave Adam's body all of his strength in addition to whatever strength Adam had left so that he would be able to heal. However, all of the assistance in the world will not be enough if Adam does not choose to fight through a pain so strong that it should have killed him.

"And I know you see Keldor and me as only Evil-Lyn and Skeletor, but we are more now. We are Truth Sworn. When we say we have a good feeling about something it's often because some part of the greater plan has been shown to us. We see more clearly what can and will happen than others. It is a part of who we are now. When Keldor is as sure of something as he was in our shared dream, I have no doubt of it. No doubt at all."

Randor tried to take comfort in her words, but Adam's pale face kept floating before his eyes. And she was Evil-Lyn.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm sure Keldor would appreciate his morning cleansing ritual preformed for him, until he is able to do it himself. I'll need to go to my room to get the skin of Waters to complete it." She saw Randor's haunted face. Pity swelled in her heart. "I know it brings little comfort, but Keldor believes that Adam still has a full life ahead of him." An assurance settled into her heart as she said those words. "I believe him."

Lyn left the room in a few strides.

"Father, listen to her," Adora encouraged him. "Adam and I have seen the changes in them. They do know things they have no right to know. If they are this certain, then Adam will be fine."

Randor ran a hand through his hair and wondered idly where he'd laid his crown before he fell asleep the night before. "When Adam starts showing some improvement, I'll believe them," he said quietly. "I know worrying does nothing, but nor will anything stop my worry for my son." He turned to go back to Adam's room, Marlena and Adora trailing silently behind.

"Marlena," Randor said softly. "We have visitors." He placed a gentle hand under her elbow and guided her to her feet. Marlena followed him out the door, her motions automatic.

"Oh my dears," Mira said as soon as they stepped into the waiting room across the hall. She enveloped Marlena in a hug. "We came as soon as we could." Stephen hugged Randor as well. Jeremy hung back, feeling awkward.

"How is Adam?" Stephen asked in an urgent tone.

Randor and Marlena exchanged glances. "Not good at all," Randor admitted roughly.

"And Keldor?" Mira asked more hesitantly.

"The same," Marlena answered. "They're linked." She and Randor explained briefly what had happened, and how the lives of the two princes were now intertwined.

"Thank goodness for Keldor," Mira murmured fervently when they had finished the tale.

"Indeed," Randor said in a noncommittal tone. Mira glanced at him quickly, but he ignored her gaze.

"What can we do, Randor?" Stephen asked. He frowned. "We heard rumors that He-Man is dead. Is there truth to that?"

"He-Man is no more," Randor confirmed. "When he surrendered his power, he...ceased to exist. We sent out a party this morning to search the remains of Snake Mountain for his body." Of course, that was only for the comfort of the royal guard and the people, but Stephen didn't know that.

Mira's teeth worried her lower lip, and one hand crept up to twirl her long blond hair. She wondered if Adam could even survive what Randor was describing. And if he died...she blinked hard. She might not only lose her favorite nephew, but her brother as well, all at once. It just wasn't fair. 'But this isn't the time to focus on what I could lose. Randor and Marlena would lose so much more. So would Father. They need me to be strong.' She swallowed hard and raised her chin in determination. "Randor, Stephen and I will attend to what matters we can around here. You just focus on Adam."

Randor nodded. "Thank you," he said. "Both of you."

"But first," Stephen interjected, "I would like to see Adam."

"As would I," agreed Mira. "And Keldor."

Randor nodded and motioned for his family to follow him into the infirmary.

Lyn sighed as she leaned back on the comfy sofa in her living room. Keldor was rubbing her feet with a special lotion.

"I know this is only, a dream, but why the special treatment?"

"As a thank you for remembering my cleansing," replied Keldor. "I know, with everything else going on, that our ritual could easily fall by the wayside."

Lyn stretched and snuggled deeper into the pile of cushions. "You're welcome." She closed her eyes as Keldor's hands continued to massage her feet.

"Besides," Keldor explained, "I suppose I'd better get in practice. You needed this treatment almost every day of your last trimester. It was the only thing that helped with the swollen feet."

Lyn ran a hand over her stomach. "I want to see them, Keldor. I know this is a dream, but I miss them so much. I want to see our children."

Keldor nodded and a knock sounded at the door. Lyn stood quickly to answer it but Keldor's call to come in meant that the door was open and her children were rushing to her. Lyn took Keelyanne from Micah's arms then wrapped her free arm around the others in a fierce group hug.

"Ma, I've missed you," squealed Neara.

Keldor had made his way to Lyn's side and reached to take Keelyanne from her arms.

With both arms free Lyn hugged Neara close. "I've missed you too." she choked out. She released Neara and pulled her son close. "I've missed you, Micah."

"I've missed you too, Ma."

Lyn sighed sadly when she released the children. Her initial happiness faded as she saw the flat look in their eyes. "They're not real. I can feel it."

The children faded in a swirl of light along with the rest of her home. Keldor turned her gently to face her. He caressed her cheek. "I miss them too."

"I want to go home."

"I do too."

"We did what we were supposed to do. We've given so much."

"I know," Keldor said, pulling Lyn close. "Wake up rested, dear Lyn."

Lyn buried her head in Keldor's shoulder only to find it giving way too much. She jerked away. Looking at the pillow that bore her faceprint, Lyn released a chuckle. She sat up and went directly to her skin of waters. "Perhaps you'd like a double helping today, dearest dunderhead?" she asked, uncapping the skin and sitting by his side.

Keldor stirred in his sleep and moaned softly.

"I'll take that as a yes," Lyn said. She dipped her fingers with the waters and rose to begin the ritual with a contented smile on her face.

Randor ran a hand through his hair, the words on the papers in front of him blurring together. Three days. For three days Adam had been in a drug-induced coma as his body slowly repaired itself. Keldor had remained in his sleep-like state as well. Randor wanted to believe what everyone else seemed to believe, that Adam and Keldor would be all right, but he was having a hard time with it. Though Adam's organs continued to grow back—a feat that still amazed Ramos—his vital signs were incredibly weak. No one could say if he would survive.

A sharp knock sounded on the door. "Come," he said, forcing his voice to sound stronger than he felt.

Fisto and Mekaneck entered and bowed respectfully. "Sire, I know Adam is still gravely injured, but we must deal with He-Man's death," Fisto said without preamble. "The rumors are flying around the population, no one understands what has happened, and the Masters are being worn to a frazzle protecting Grayskull from people seeking answers. She-Ra's not around...Sire, we can't put this off. We must make an announcement about He-Man's…untimely demise, and plan a memorial ceremony." His voice was steady, although his eyes were bright with unshed tears over the loss of his friend.

Randor slid his files to the side. He motioned to the two masters to have a seat across from him. "What are your recommendations?"

"All of us agree that the first thing we need to do is give the people the facts. I'm afraid no one understands exactly what happened," Mekaneck began. "If we could get the story out, that would give us a few days to prepare a memorial."

'A few days?' Randor's fingers formed a steeple as he reflected on the idea of having a memorial ceremony so soon. "Gentlemen," he said slowly, "as you know, there are still guardsmen digging through the rubble in search of He-Man's body. We have the assurance of the Sorceress of Grayskull that they will not find it, but that He-Man is indeed gone. Therefore, we could certainly hold a memorial ceremony at any time. However, given the populace's love for He-Man, perhaps we should allow that search to continue for a few more days before giving up."

That would give him enough time to consult with the rest of the family. Randor couldn't help but think that perhaps Adam needed to be at that service, to help dispel the rumors of animosity between him and He-Man. But it was going to be a long time before his son was recovered enough to do so, if he did indeed survive. And at the same time, asking Adam to attend what was essentially his own funeral seemed immoral. Randor looked to the two masters to gauge their reactions.

Fisto's brow furrowed. "Are you going to give any kind of statement?"

Randor picked up a pen and began writing. The two warriors waited patiently. Randor hesitated at one point, then finished in a rush and handed Mekaneck the document. "We don't have time to make official copies of that right now," he said. "Use the hologram projector and read it, then go through the main cities to read it."

Fisto read over Mekaneck's shoulder, curious as to what had happened. He frowned. "All this says is that He-Man was lost in the battle, and that Prince Adam and Prince Keldor were injured but expected to make a full recovery. Forgive me, Your Majesty, but what really happened? "

Randor hesitated, then answered quietly, "You must tell no one of this, you understand?" At the nods from the two men, he said, "He-Man released his power, the power of Grayskull, into the snake of Snake Mountain, which Damien had entered. It restored the balance of power to that area of Eternia, but in the process, He-Man was destroyed."

"So there really is no hope?" Mekaneck asked sadly.

Randor shook his head. "I'm afraid not, my friend. He-Man is gone."