Malick eased himself down the stairs that gave the appearance of crumbling under his feet. He knew it was an illusion, but it still unsettled him. Reaching the bottom, he made his way over to Serena, who was staring at a ball of light that contained the shattered pieces of the Sword of Power.

Serena did not turn around, but simply continued staring at them. Malick watched with her for a while, and nearly jumped when she finally spoke. "They are moving back together, Malick. It is at an impossibly slow rate, but it is happening."

"What do you think it means?" Malick asked, ignoring the instantaneous hope that sprang up in his chest. He'd decided early on to take nothing for granted here. He refused to guess.

A slight smirk touched Serena's face, as if she had read his thoughts. "Not what you and I hope in our deepest hearts, Malick. He-Man is truly gone." She reached out towards the light, her eyes closed. "The pieces will move together but not join. One day they will be bound to the Sword of Protection, and She-Ra will be no more. Then Grayskull will fade into the space between worlds, until needed again." Opening her eyes, she lowered her hand. She lost her balance, and took an awkward step towards Malick to try to regain it.

Malick reached out to steady her. "Are you okay?" Malick's voice was filled with concern. The power of Grayskull was intense and could easily overwhelm, though he'd not seen it have that particular effect on Serena before now.

Serena put a hand to her head and straightened up. "Yes," she said, her voice a bit breathy. "It was just so strong and clear." She looked up to Malick. "One day a new hero will be needed, and will wield the Sword of Promise. We will be the guardians until that time." She bit her lip. "It will be a very long time, Malick. A long time before you see Kareem again in the afterlife. I am sorry."


A pang hit him, but Malick nodded his acceptance of her words. "But I will see her," he said. "And I will have the honor of sharing with her what I did for Eternia in her name." Malick squared his shoulders. "I do not regret it."

Serena managed a smile. "I'm glad." She turned away and led the way up the stairs, refusing to think of the years she would spend with this wonderful man whose heart still belonged to another.

Unfamiliar children's voices floated through Adam's dreams, bringing him slowly awake. Opening his eyes, he found himself on his right side. The IV in his right hand ached tremendously, proof that he had been shifting around more than he should in his sleep.

"...then Jonas dropped the whole pail of water on Neara!" came a boy's delighted voice. The ensuing laughter, although quickly hushed, tore Adam's mind from the fact that his stomach felt like a shriveled piece of dragonfruit with a hunger lily's appetite.

Turning back over with some effort, Adam discovered Keldor's entire family at his bedside. The boy, who had to be Micah, had a look of hero-worship in his eyes. The little girl, Neara, was playing with Keldor's hair, a sight that Adam couldn't help but grin at. Lyn held the baby--or at least was trying to. Keelyanne was squirming to get down and play.

"Let me hold her, Lyn," Keldor asked softly.

Lyn smiled and placed the small elfin child in Keldor's arms. "I've missed you too," he whispered, holding her close to his heart.

The sight of Keldor--the idea of Skeletor--sharing a loving moment with his children kept Adam quiet for a few minutes. He felt as if he were intruding. Perhaps he should encourage them to move Keldor to a private room, or even back to his own quarters. Adam's gaze returned to Neara, who was now braiding Keldor's hair with a look of intense concentration.

"I didn't know you had your own personal hairdresser, Keldor," Adam quipped in a hoarse voice.

Keldor laughed. "She had decided to make it her life's work apparently." He grinned at Adam and then turned an indulgent gaze down to Neara.

"You moved, Da," scolded Neara. "Now I'll have to start over."

Lyn chuckled. "I think we need to go meet your grandpa, Neara. He mentioned something about fresh cookies and hide-and-seek around this time today."

Neara looked torn. Micah looked downright rebellious.

"Don't I get an introduction?" Adam asked before the children could explode.

Keldor grinned. "I would like you to meet my guides back to good." Keldor placed his free hand on Micah's shoulder. "I am proud to claim this young man, Micah, as my son. And for some reason he's claimed me as well." Micah smiled at his father's introduction. "And my hairdresser here," Keldor said, running his fingers through her warm brown curls, "is his sister and now my daughter Neara."

Keldor nodded his head down to the tiny girl sucking her thumb contentedly on his chest. "This is my Keelyanne," he said, his voice filled with adoration. "Children, meet your cousin, Prince Adam."

Micah smiled and waved to Adam.

"It's good to meet you, Micah," Adam said, smiling in return. He lowered his voice to a more confidential whisper. "Could I ask you for a favor?"

Micah's brow furrowed for a minute but then he nodded, stepping a bit closer to hear Adam. "Sure."

"Have you seen my tiger, Cringer, outside your door?"

Micah nodded. "Yeah, he's great. He even let Neara pet him."

Adam smiled. "Well, he's used to being around me a lot, and I'm kind of worried about him. Can you please bring him a treat from the kitchen, and next time you come to see your Da, can you bring Cringer with you? "

"Sure," Micah said with a grin. "I like Cringer. He's not scary like the white screamer cats back home."

Adam chuckled. "Thanks, Micah. I had a feeling I could count on you." He looked over at Neara, who had suddenly gone shy, her finger in her mouth as she half-hid behind Keldor. "Neara, do you think you could comb my hair next time you come visit your Da? It's really tangled from lying around here so much."

Neara brightened up immediately and nodded. She stood close to Keldor, though, still shy.

"Come on," Lyn urged Neara gently. "We need to go see Grandpa."

Lyn reached down for Keelyanne but she whimpered and Keldor shot a pleading look up at Lyn.

"I'll keep her for a while Lyn. I feel like I haven't held her in ages."

Lyn gave Keldor a tender look and leaned to kiss to Keldor's forehead. "I'll bring her back soon. But it's time for her lunch." She ran her fingers through her daughter's white hair then scooped her baby from Keldor's arms. She took Neara's hand in hers and Micah's arm linked in hers. Adam saw a longing expression cross Keldor's face as they left the room.

"You have a beautiful family," Adam said.

"I know." Keldor said quietly. "I don't deserve them. They are the best thing to ever happen to me." Keldor chuckled. "Though you couldn't have told me that at the time."

Adam grinned. He carefully tucked his arm under his head as he responded. "I have to admit, the idea of you being a father throws me for a loop. I'm still getting used to you being on the right side."

"The idea that I'm a father still throws me for a loop." Keldor looked over at Adam. He could use a laugh right now, and his antics with Neara in the beginning of his time on Carina would make anyone chuckle.

"Especially since the first time I really interacted with Neara she kissed my bony cheek to make the boo-boo that was my lack of face better."

Laughter, full and deep, burst out from Adam's mouth. His hand went to his side almost immediately. "Oh Ancients, that hurt," he gasped, tears springing to his eyes. He swallowed hard. "I have to hear all of this, but warn me next time you're going to say something that funny!"

Keldor grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, didn't think about how laughter could hurt you. I'll have to watch what I share with you about the children then."

"Oh no," Adam protested. "You started it, now you have to finish it. It might hurt, but it's not causing an injury. I'll live."

Keldor smiled. Adam spirits seemed to lift a bit, and if laughter at Keldor's expense could do that then that was what Adam would get. "Well then consider yourself warned of impeding torture via laughter because after that first day with the children Lyn was so angry with me that she told Neara a story about a princess that had a healing kiss. From that day on Neara kissed me each and every morning and chanted 'Boo boo way day,' to try and make my face grow back. And I couldn't do a thing to stop it because I was trying to be 'good.'"

Adam's hand didn't leave his side for the next hour.

Cringer didn't wait for Micah to bring him down. He left Callie in charge of guarding Bedorat's door and ran to the infirmary, deciding he had been patient enough. He was going to see Adam, and he would stay in Adam's room until his friend woke up to see him.

Unfortunately, he had forgotten that the infirmary doors were programmed not to let animals in. "Open up, please," he said.

"Negative. Animals are not allowed in the infirmary," the computer voice replied.

"Adam!" Cringer yowled.

Inside the room, Keldor jerked upright. "What the Blazes is that?" he demanded.

Adam chuckled groggily. "That's Cringer." He pushed a button near his bed to open the door. Cringer barreled in and skidded to a halt next to Adam. "Cringer!"

Cringer stood on his hind legs so he could lick Adam's face. "I missed you, Adam."

Adam rubbed at Cringer's neck weakly. "Same here, buddy. Same here."

"Y-you had us worried," Cringer scolded him.

"I know," Adam said sincerely. "I'm sorry about that. I promise I didn't do it on purpose, Cringer. I had no idea it was actually going to kill me."

Cringer flattened his ears, then brought his paws down and turned to Keldor. "I-I guess I should thank you."

Keldor smiled in weary amusement. "You're welcome."

Adam gave Cringer a lopsided smile as the cat turned back to him and began licking his hand. "Well, it's all over Cringer. No more Battle Cat for you."

Cringer stopped licking Adam and ducked his head. "I-I hate to admit it, but it was always nice to know Battle Cat and He-Man would be around when we needed them. I m-might actually m-miss him."

Adam reached over and scratched Cringer under the chin, his hand shaking slightly. "They're never really gone, Cringer," Adam said, meeting his cat's eyes. "Not as long as we're alive." Cringer put his paws up on the bed again and Adam hugged the cat, wishing he could make himself believe his own words.

Adam and Keldor let out matching frustrated groans as Ramos delivered the news of Adam's test results. His internal organs were at 90%--they were still in need of Keldor's magic. With it, Ramos informed them, Adam should be completely healed, although weak, in two days. Without it, it would be about ten days.

"I'm so sick of this room," Adam moaned as Ramos left.

"As am I," Keldor groused. "If I'd know we'd have to spend even more time in here, I wouldn't have told you those stories. I'm sure we had to slow the healing process with all the pain your laughter caused."

"If Ramos would at least let us get out of here once in a while, I'd heal faster," Adam grumbled. "Everyone knows sunshine's good for you." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Complaining wouldn't help, he knew. He cast his mind about for a topic to distract both of them. "When did you know you loved Lyn?" he asked abruptly.

Keldor gaped. "Where did that come from?"

"Desperation," Adam said bluntly. "I don't know about you, but if I don't think about something else, I'm going to try to walk out of here or take the next healer hostage until Ramos lets me out."

Keldor chuckled. "I suppose that is one part of my past that won't have you dying with laughter." Keldor stopped for a moment as he laced his fingers behind his head. "I have always been attracted to Lyn. From the first moment we allied at Snake Mountain, I admired her." He smirked. "Much in the same way one admires a dragon. Beautiful, but deadly if you let them get too close."

Adam joined Keldor in laughter at that.

"It was during our time on Carina that I began to grow to respect her. She stood up to me in a way she never had before, and she showed me loyalty when I did not deserve it in the slightest." Keldor's eyes grew distant. "It was slow. This realization that I cared for her. I suppose because learning to care for anyone again was a slow process as well."

"It was about five months into our time on Carina that she was injured gravely." Keldor remembered the razor teeth tearing into her flesh with a shudder. "I managed to heal her, but, almost losing her." Keldor shook his head. "It was then when I finally admitted that it was something more than attraction between us."

Adam smirked. "Sounds a lot like when I finally realized the depth of my feelings for Teela." He quirked an eyebrow at Keldor. "Yet another major occurrence in my life I owe to you."

"Another occurrence we can both attribute to Good's ability to bring good out of any evil. A lesson I learned from you, by the way." Keldor grinned.

Adam shook his head with a small but troubled smile. "I wish I'd been as trusting in that idea as I believed I would be. Losing faith in Good like I did..." A visible shudder ran through him. "I almost became something far worse than you. To have Grayskull's power and turn to evil." He swallowed hard, raising his eyes to Keldor's. "I'm not sure I ever thanked you and Mother for interrupting that day. So thanks."

Keldor shrugged. He'd never liked accepting thanks...he didn't felt he deserved it. "Least I could do," he finally managed.

Adam smirked again. "You really don't like being thanked, do you?"

Keldor stopped short. Had he broadcasted? No that was a novice mistake. He turned to look at Adam. "I don't. I have hurt so many people and done so much wrong that any good I do I feel is only a small act of penance for my mountain of crimes. I was raised to do good. No matter the reasons why. I knew better." Keldor leaned back on his pillow.

"We all make mistakes," Adam said softly, settling back as well. "You just managed to save me from mine."

"Lyn!" Adora called, halting her aunt in her tracks. Lyn waited impatiently, tapping her foot, as Adora caught up to her. "Have you had a chance to look into the possibility of that fake He-Man being created with some dark magic?" Adora held her breath, hoping Lyn had had more luck than she had.

"I have looked into it, but I haven't found much of anything," Lyn said, hoping fervently that she could retreat once again to her rooms. She's had enough of angry glares for the day.

Adora heaved a defeated sigh, causing Lyn to momentarily forget her own anxiety. "The Sorceress and Malick have found nothing either. Evidently this fake He-Man is using some sort of magic to shield himself from being found." Her worried blue eyes sought out Lyn's. "What are we going to do? How can we fight something we cannot find?" She crossed her arms angrily. "It makes me want to go back to fighting the Horde!"

"I know of a world that could use you if you decide to come out of retirement," Lyn teased with a chuckle. "The shielding that the Sorceress is describing could explain why my vision becomes indistinct at times. I thought it was just fatigue on my part." She paused thoughtfully. "Perhaps magic isn't the key then. Has Man-at-Arms created any of Tri-Klops's doomseekers from the plans he confiscated? Perhaps they can find out what magic cannot."

Adora shook her head sadly. "He started them, but didn't finish them before the battle of Snake Mountain. I suppose I should ask him to finish at least one; now that Adam's awake, perhaps he'll be able to concentrate. But how will we know where to send it?"

"I'll give him coordinates to any regions my 'sight' fails. He can start looking in those directions first," Lyn said relaxing a bit. She hated being around the palace halls of late, but at least this time she felt her discomfort had served some sort of purpose.

Adora smiled. "Thank you, Aunt Lyn. That's a good idea. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go see my brother." A touch of longing tinged her voice. She had really missed him over the last couple of weeks, and now that he was awake, she was anxious about his emotional health. Her "twin" sense told her he was really struggling.

Adora entered the room quietly, nodding to Keldor but going directly to Adam. This was a visit between them. Keldor sensed it and focused his mind on the book before him, trying not to eavesdrop.

"How are you feeling, brother?" she asked as she settled into a seat between them.

Adam grimaced. He was propped up today, but his entire body was sore from lying around. "Not bad, considering the alternative," he quipped. Keldor snorted, proving his attention wasn't really on his book, and Adora frowned at Adam.

'Do you still have your telepathic abilities?' she sent. She wasn't sure her own as Adora were strong enough to reach him at first, but from Adam's look of surprise, he must have "heard" her.

'I guess so,' he sent back. "I wonder why they didn't fade with the loss of Grayskull's power," he mused aloud.

That was what Adora wanted him talking about. "Has it really sunk in yet, that He-Man's gone?" she asked lowly, her eyes holding her brother's.

Adam shrugged. "Maybe not," he admitted. "Everything seems a bit unreal in an infirmary room." He gave her a lopsided smile. "Especially when my roommate is Skeletor, who's really my long-lost uncle."

"Are you ever going to drop that?" Keldor asked irritably.

"Just checking to see if you're listening," Adam said lightly.

"And trying to avoid the topic," Adora noted dryly.

"Second nature," Adam replied with a grin.

"Well, I suppose it's a good sign that you're in high spirits," Adora said in a questioning tone, raising one eyebrow.

"He's been putting on a good show for all of you when you're in here," Keldor said mildly, turning a page in his book.

Adam turned to glare at him. "Traitor."

Keldor grinned as Adora pinned him with a look. "A show?"

Keldor nodded. "Until you decided just now to let him know that his telepathic abilities are still in working order, I was able to sense his emotions. He's been pretty depressed most of the time."

"Of course I am!" Adam retorted. "How would you feel if you lost your magic?"

The mage shrugged. "I would still be Keldor." He got to his feet unsteadily. "Excuse me." He headed towards the bathroom, smirking to himself. Adora was just what Adam needed.

Adam glared at Keldor's back as the mage retreated. "Coward," he muttered.

Adora laid a hand on Adam's arm. "Adam, how are you, really?"

Her brother's sour gaze turned on her. "I'm a bundle of joy. I love almost dying and spending weeks in bed only to wake up and find that not only am I no longer He-Man, but I'm sharing a room with Keldor, I can't eat, and Ramos won't let me move a muscle for fear I'll strain one of my weaker and as-of-yet-unrecovered organs."

"And you hate not being He-Man anymore," Adora said in a low voice, ignoring his other complaints.

"Of course I do," Adam admitted, deflating. "I hated the fighting, but I loved helping people, Adora. I know I can still help as their prince, but it's not the same."

"No, it's not," Adora agreed. "But thanks to you, we now live in a world where He-Man is no longer needed. You closed the nexxus, Adam. People can still make evil choices, but the power of Evil that fed Snake Mountain and that whole area is gone. You should see it. There are already plants growing there. The water that was part of the Snake Mountain waterfall is clear again. Your sacrifice was worth it, brother." She smiled at him.

Adam relaxed and smiled back, a tight feeling in his chest easing. "Thanks Adora. I guess I needed to hear that."

Duncan and Keldor were arguing over what to do with Bedorat again. The Syriak had nearly broken out of his room, only turning back because Cringer had been hovering outside the door. Randor listened to their discussion, shaking his head, while Adora pretended to pay attention, but was really studying Adam out of the corner of her eye. Her brother had his arms crossed and was staring off into nothing, his face blank.

Ramos had said that he hoped to start Adam back on water and possibly even some weak broth today. Adam knew he should be thrilled with the prospect of finally moving forward in his recovery, but it seemed like such a minor thing now, in part because he had gone from constantly desiring something to drink or eat to not caring if he had either. That was the main reason the old healer had finally decided it was important to get Adam's internal organs working again.

But that wasn't what was on Adam's mind.

"Tell me about the ceremony."

At his abrupt request, the entire room grew still. Keldor and Randor looked at him with matching expressions of surprise, Duncan and Adora with a wariness that spoke of their concern for his condition.

Randor frowned slightly. Obviously they had overlooked Adam's desire to hurry along his emotional healing as well. They had been very careful not to upset him in any way, and the memorial ceremony had definitely been off-limits.

"I'm a bit curious myself," Keldor admitted candidly. Keldor grimaced at the words left his mouth. He hadn't meant to say that out loud. Yes, he was curious, but...well, perhaps Adams needs this to help him deal with this change, Keldor thought, no longer allowing himself to feel guilt for the slip of his tongue.

"What do you want to know?" Randor asked, still looking at Adam, although a glance at Keldor indicated he had heard his half-brother's words.

Adam shrugged self-consciously, his face reddening slightly from embarrassment. "I don't know," he admitted. "It's just morbid curiosity, I guess. I know it seems a bit odd that I'm asking about my own funeral in a way, but..." He trailed off, shrugging again. He couldn't seem to put it in words, but he needed to say good-bye as well, and didn't quite know how to go about doing it. Hearing about the service was the only thing coming to mind.

Adora nodded, instinctively understanding.

Keldor looked on helplessly. He really didn't need to be here now. This was a painful thing for Adam. And intensely personal. Keldor got up slowly and walked to the bathroom. He didn't know how long he could stay in there believably, but he wanted to make things easier for Adam. He hoped this would help.

Adam watched him go and sighed. "I think it's time we let Keldor move back into his suite with his family," he observed. "There's no reason to keep him here any longer."

"Agreed," Randor said firmly.

"I think we should move him now," Adora said softly. "I think he's anxious to be with his family."

"I'll get right on it," Duncan said.

By the time Keldor had returned, his limited personal belongings were gone and Duncan had a wheelchair waiting to bring him to his suite.

Keldor breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank the Ancients," he muttered lowly. He looked up into the eyes of those surrounding Adam's bed. "I take it I'm no longer needed?" Keldor tried to keep his voice from sounding too relieved.

He didn't fool Adam, though. The prince grinned at him. "You don't have to pretend that you're not dying to get out of here," he teased. "And don't worry, Keldor, I'm sure spending this long in my presence will be acknowledged as a chore to everyone who knows me."

Keldor snickered. "And I know that the same can be said of me." He smiled widely and nodded toward Adam as Duncan rolled him out of the room.

Ramos, having been notified of the change, immediately entered the room and went directly to Adam. The monitors had been removed a few days before, so now he pulled out his stethoscope and listened carefully to Adam's heartbeat as Keldor was moved further away. Adam released a long-suffering sigh, which earned him an irritated look from the healer. Adora smothered a giggle with her hand.

Ramos grunted. "Sounds like everything's holding steady," he said, grabbing Adam's wrist and taking his pulse. "Martha's bringin' in a small cup of water. You sip it, you hear me?" He glared at Adam, then abruptly gave him a sound pat on the back. "Nice to have you back, Your Highness."

"Does this mean I can get out of this bed?" Adam asked hopefully.

Ramos snorted. "Young man, you've been in that thing for three weeks now. You haven't had a bite to eat in all that time. If you tried to stand up, you'd collapse within three seconds. And I don't think you want to add a concussion and a few broken bones to the litany of your recent problems, now do you?"

Adam repressed the sigh that sprang to his lips. "No, sir," he said meekly.

"Good."

A young nurse came in with the tiniest cup of water Adam had ever seen. He'd been longing for a drink of water since he had woken up a week ago; this looked as if it would only make his thirst worse.

Ramos gave Adam a hard look. "Sip it, don't gulp it. I'll be back in ten minutes, and half of that water better still be in that cup." He strode out of the room, Martha following behind.

Adam stared at the small cup in despair and bit his lip to keep from whining. But somehow, having Keldor in the room had made it easier to keep control of his emotions. Now that he was alone with his family, he found himself blinking angrily to hold back the tears that burned in the back of his eyes.

"Are you okay, Adam?" Adora asked softly.

He nodded, then shook his head. Adora glanced up meaningfully at Randor, then the door.

The king nodded his understanding and cleared his throat. "I, uh, have to go check on something," he said awkwardly. "I'll let you two chat for now. I'll see you later, Adam." He slipped out the door, unsure if his son had even heard him. He placed himself outside the door, determined to deter Ramos when he returned.

Adam took a small sip of water, and was surprised at the wave of nausea that rolled through him. He put the cup down in disgust and painfully pulled his knees up towards his chest to lay his arms down on them and drop his head.

Adora stared at the top of his head for a moment, then began to speak softly. "We held it in the Great Arena, and used the hologram to broadcast it to all the villages and towns. There were thousands in the arena itself; thousands more waited just outside. They were hoping to see He-Man's body, to say final words of thank-you and good-bye."

Tears slipped down Adam's face silently as Adora kneeled down and told him who had spoken and what was said, and the thousands of flowers that were brought to the arena and laid down in the center. "It took hours for everyone who had brought flowers to go through," she said. "Even now, with the arena closed up, people come by every day to pay their respects. Others have made the trip to Castle Grayskull. They've planted flowers and trees all around it. The Sorceress promised she would not let them die."

A strangled sound escaped Adam, and Adora set herself on the bed and took her brother in her arms. His arms encircled her, and she instinctively rocked him as he grieved for the part of him that was forever lost.