Adam caught Fisto staring at him as they took their seats, Fisto across from Adam. "Everything okay, Fisto?" he asked his friend in a low voice.
Fisto nodded, shook his head, then nodded again. Adam raised an eyebrow in confusion. Then, gradually, he and Adora became aware of everyone staring at them. Randor leaned back, realizing that he was going to have to let the masters deal with the issue foremost on their minds before getting down to business.
The twins exchanged glances as Fisto finally voiced what everyone was thinking. "You really were He-Man all this time? And you never told us?"
Adam cleared his throat uncomfortably. Clearly the fact that they had known him for so long had focused the disbelief on him, rather than Adora. It was probably easier to see the former Horde warrior as She-Ra. Adam stood as he addressed everyone. "Yes, I was He-Man. I had been ever since I turned eighteen. The Sorceress and I felt it was for the best, both for the protection of my family and my own safety, to keep it a secret for as long as possible," he said candidly. "I'm sorry for deceiving you all for so many years. Especially after He-Man's, ah, demise." He glanced at Adora. "As much as I would have liked to have told those of you closest to He-Man-to me-I couldn't. Even though I could no longer become He-Man, I had to try to protect Adora."
"Why can't you be He-Man anymore?" Ram-Man asked bluntly.
"The Sword of Power was what transformed me," Adam replied, meeting each of his friends' eyes in turn. "When I released Grayskull's power into the area around Snake Mountain to close the nexxus, the sword was destroyed."
Man-E-Faces suddenly stood, bringing every eye to him. Adam's stomach clenched. He had certainly expected his friends to be at least somewhat angry with him. But that Man-E was about to start the grumbling or even walk out was a surprise; he tended to be very mild-mannered. To Adam's surprise, however, Man-E-Faces instead bowed to both Adam and Adora, then began clapping. Within a heartbeat, the other masters in the room rose and did the same. Adam and Adora flushed red, but Adam pulled Adora to her feet and they both inclined their heads, accepting the praise. After a moment, the applause died down and Randor stood as everyone returned to their seats.
"We now have business to discuss, my friends," he said. "We have four former villains who have pled guilty to their crimes and must be sentenced."
"It seems to me we have little choice," observed Stratos. "If Lyn can escape from any prison she wishes, exile would be far better than the prison mines."
"She and the others will honor their sentence, whatever it is," Adam inserted. "But I for one would vote for exile." He gave a self-deprecating smirk. "If I had a vote." He in fact did not have a vote; it was another restriction brought forth by invoking King Edward's Law. He sighed internally, but he knew it had been for the best overall.
"Duh, I don't think people can change that much, but those people from Careeya...deh, Care-ee-nana...uh, from that other planet, they really seem to want these guys to go back wit' dem," Ram-Man agreed. He scratched his nose and squinted his eyes even more than usual as he spoke.
"It seems too light a sentence," Buzz-Off argued, his wings twitching rapidly. "What punishment is there in it? They go and have a new life, free as can be. That's not justice for all the evil they have done."
"Keldor and Lyn have changed because of their time on Carina," Adora interjected, her eyes flashing with passion. "They're helping people there, and fighting against evil. Isn't that more important than punishing them?"
"I think you may be focused on the lesser good, my friend," interjected Moss Man, looking at Buzz-Off. "We are assuming that their punishment will bring about justice. I'm not so sure. Which is better? To cause them pain for the pain they've caused, or put them in a world filled with the same kind of pain and horror they've caused and have them fight against it, just as we have all these years?"
"And they wouldn't be getting off free as can be," pointed out Mekaneck. "They would be returning to a war-torn world where they, and this order they've joined, are enemy number one. They are warriors and mages in their new home and, according to the two Truth Sworn who testified on their behalf, both Lyn and Keldor have risked their life multiple times in the fight against the Horde on Carina."
"The home of the Truth Sworn is safe from intruders only because it is so dangerous to travel through the jungle that surrounds it, and the city is only safe due to the thick walls and flesh-eating plants that surround those walls. Yes, they are safe in that base, but they risk life and limb every time they leave their home. Something they do quite often according to Antaris, their leader," Adora informed the assembly. "Jonas even mentioned that instead of having prisons on Carina, they take many criminals to live on the outskirts of their city. They can deceive no one there, must do honest work to eat, and cannot leave without the assistance of the Truth Sworn."
"Duh... sounds like a good place to send Tri-Klops and Beastman, too," observed Ram-Man. "If they'd have to be good and work for a change."
Several masters chuckled at the observation, and more than half nodded their heads in agreement.
"Whatever we feel about Skeletor and Evil-Lyn, we can't contain them here," pointed out Stratos. "And Mek makes a good point. We are sending them back to fight in a war. That they have a secure base of operations like the Great Rebellion did does not mean they are safe. It means only that the orphans they are caring for are. And I think it's poetic justice that those two have to raise a couple of children after all of the children they left fatherless."
"I'm not sure it's right to leave children in their care," Buzz-Off muttered.
"Those children love them," Adam said sharply. "Keldor and Lyn have changed. They are good, loving parents now. Neara and Micah have already lost one set of parents. Is it fair to take away another?"
"I don't think it is," Stratos asserted calmly.
"Bzz, I still don't like it," said Buzz-Off in defeat, "but as has been pointed out, we can't contain them. And those Carinians seem like good people even if Skeletor and Evil-Lyn can't be trusted. They could always warn us if they got out of hand."
A round of voices agreed with Buzz-Off.
"Are you ready to vote then?" asked Randor.
"Aye," said Fisto after he looked around at the gathered Masters.
Adam swallowed, his jaw clenched, as person after person voted for exile. The relief in his heart was almost palpable. He met Adora's eyes and saw that she was blinking back tears. It was going to be all right after all. It truly was over. Eternia would have peace at last. His fist tightened under the table. But Adora would still be fighting on—without him.
"Then it is unanimous," Randor observed. "It is time to inform the prisoners and the public of our decision." He rose and Adam, Teela, and Adora followed immediately behind him.
"Your Majesty," Fisto called as the four of them reached the door. Randor paused and looked back. "Might I have a word with the rest of the Masters?"
Randor raised an eyebrow, observing how Fisto had placed himself between the royal family and the Masters. However, he made no reaction, but merely nodded his approval. "Certainly." He met Duncan's eyes ever-so-briefly, letting his man-at-arms know that he expected to be briefed if needed. Duncan gave a slight nod to acknowledge the king's unspoken request.
Once the royal family had left, Fisto turned back to the Masters. "I am sure there is a more appropriate time for this, but rarely are we all gathered together like this," he said, looking around the room. "I know we are all surprised that Adam and He-Man are one and the same, but his reasons for keeping that a secret are sound. And now that everyone knows it, I fear that enemies He-Man has made over the years may try to bring harm upon Adam and his family-including Adora, who has made enemies of her own as She-Ra." Heads nodded in agreement, brows furrowed in concern.
"Adam has never liked being under guard," Fisto went on. "However, we must do the best we can to protect him and his family in spite of that. I tell you the same thing I told the Royal Guard this morning: we have the greatest honor in the history of the planet." He paused, looking each person in the eye as he spoke each word slowly, clearly. "My friends, it is our duty, our honor, to protect our prince, our future king, our friend, our hero. Are you with me? Will you help?"
"Aye," called Stratos, standing. "As long as I breathe, I will help protect him and Adora and their families."
"Count me in," Buzz-Off agreed.
"Me too," Ram-Man said firmly.
One by one, the masters stood and pledged their allegiance to Fisto's call. Duncan's throat closed up as he stood last. He cleared it, then spoke in a thick voice, echoing their words. "With my last breath."
Keldor gripped Lyn's hand more tightly as he saw Randor, Adam, and Adora take their places.
'Adora's sniffling,' sent Keldor. 'Is that a good sign or a bad sign?'
'With Adora, who knows?' Lyn returned, leaning even closer to Keldor's side, a small smirk on her face.
Before either could send another thought, the Masters filed in.
"Captain Fisto, would you please share the Masters' verdict," Randor requested.
Fisto turned to face the accused. He gazed at each one in turn for a few seconds, then his gaze swept the room. His eyes locked onto Keldor's as he announced, "We, the Masters, have voted that all four of the charged—Beastman, Tri-Klops, Evil-Lyn, and Skeletor-be exiled to the planet Carina."
A murmur spread around the room as Keldor pulled Lyn into his arms. It quickly became a low roar of people talking until Randor raised his hand for attention.
"So be it. I hereby sentence Keldor, formerly known as Skeletor, Lyn, formerly known as Evil-Lyn, Beastman, and Tri-Klops to exile on the planet Carina." Randor's mouth twitched slightly but his manner was all-king he finished, "I declare these proceedings concluded. The sentence will be carried out one week from today. All are now adjourned."
Micah raced in between the milling crowd with Antaris and Jonas behind him. He threw himself into Keldor's arms. "Da! We're going home. We're going home, and then Carina can be free!"
Keldor laughed and hugged his son close to his chest. "I'm so proud of you, Micah. You were so brave."
Lyn pushed Micah's hair back from his forehead, her smile wide and her heart light.
"Lyn?" a deep voice called from behind Jonas and Antaris.
"Father!" Lyn cried. She laughed and flung herself in his arms. "I'm so grateful you came," she whispered into his neck as she rejoiced in the feel of his embrace, a daughter safe in her father's arms.
"As am I." Lyn's father leaned back and gazed at her. "Keldor is not the only person proud of his child today."
"I cannot thank you enough on behalf of our people," said Antaris, bowing slightly to King Randor as he, Adora and Adam approached the joyous group.
"The decision was not entirely mine to make," said Randor. "It is the Masters who chose exile. Though I heartily approve. Your thanks should go to the Faceless One. It was his testimony regarding the Ram Stone that changed the tide and led to a unanimous decision from the Masters."
"One simple truth," grinned Jonas. Antaris smiled smugly.
"They'll be insufferable the entire way back to the Sunken Jungle," groaned Keldor.
Lyn chuckled as Randor and Adam shot confused glances at one another.
Miro had entered the quickly emptying courtroom, carrying Keelyanne and holding Neara's hand tightly, just as the guards escorted Beastman and Tri-Klops to the secured suite that once held the Syriak. Randor had decided that if the decision was exile, the security measures put in place for the late Bedorat would suffice for Beastman and Tri-Klops until they could be sent to Carina under Keldor's watchful eye.
"I listened on a personal headset during the sentencing," Miro said, his eyes bright. "We couldn't wait to come see you," he added, allowing Neara to rush to Lyn's outstretched arms.
Keldor didn't even attempt to hide the tears that streaked down his face as he took Keelyanne in his arms and held her tightly to his chest. Miro embraced his son and granddaughter.
"Come," Miro said stepping away from the crowd. "I've had Chef Alan produce a magnificent celebration feast. It's time for me to celebrate my complete family-whole at last!"
It was a surreal experience, that family dinner, Keldor reflected as he pulled Lyn to his chest that night.
There was a giddy feeling of hope and happiness that exuded from everyone there. Laughter and joyful tears flowed in equal parts and forgiveness seemed to flow like the finest wine in everyone's hearts. Adam shared self-deprecating He-Man moments that left everyone roaring with laughter. And when the tale of Doodles of the comet was shared—again-that laughter became tears of mirth.
Randor had addressed Keldor only as Brother from the moment they exited the courtroom, and Keldor was astounded with the sincerity he sensed coming from Randor. Mira made plans for continued contact with everyone and threatened to come to Carina and beat Keldor herself if he didn't keep her informed on the war and her dear nieces and nephew. Even Pierce, though subdued, seemed to embrace the miracle that was Miro's restored family.
"Truth," Keldor breathed quietly. "I am amazed."
"Me too," Lyn murmured into Keldor's chest.
Keldor chuckled. "I suppose after bringing to peace with my family and granting me free passage from Eternia, seeing Devrian and Shadow Weaver defeated should be no problem."
Lyn laughed. "I am almost afraid to say this, but I can't wait to see how that happens."
Keldor laughed. "I can wait. I want a few weeks to rest before being thrown into chaos once more, if you don't mind."
"Ah, dear dunderhead, those decisions aren't up to me," Lyn sighed ruefully. "But rest sounds like a wonderful idea."
Adam and Teela walked hand-in-hand through the gardens, Josiah in a baby sling in front of Teela, and Cringer and Callie wandering behind. They would meet up with everyone soon, and accompany to Grayskull all those traveling to Carina.
"I can't believe Adora's going to be leaving again," Adam sighed, looking up to the sky.
"She's very brave," Teela said in admiration. "Going off to a strange new world, to fight against the Horde all over again."
"That she is," Adam agreed quietly. They walked in silence for a moment.
Suddenly Teela leaned in closer to him, a smile playing about her lips. "So, I've been meaning to talk to you."
"Oh?" Adam asked, curious. "About what?"
"Names," Teela said casually, casting a sidelong glance at him. "Did you want to name Josiah's brother or sister after someone in the family, or-"
"Teela," Adam interrupted, stopping and grabbing her shoulders. He looked deep into her overjoyed eyes. "Are you telling me-"
"Yup," she grinned up at him. "It's still really early, but Good willing, Josiah won't be an only child."
Adam laughed and gave her a swift kiss. "I love you."
Teela clung to him with one arm, joy overflowing in her heart. "And I love you." Josiah squealed in agreement, causing both adults to laugh.
The large group assembled in front of Grayskull was full of mixed emotions. Miro had declared he was leaving with Keldor, and Randor found himself in the unenviable position of once again bidding farewell to his daughter and his father...as well as his brother and his nephew and nieces. And of course Lyn and Hawk. Randor raised his chin. He could honestly say he would miss every one of them, although some more than others.
He caught sight of Beastman and Tri-Klops. 'Well, I'll miss almost everyone,' he silently amended.
The jawbridge rumbled and began to slowly lower. With a thud and a swoosh of dust, it settled before the small crowd.
"I still can't believe we're just gonna walk in there," Tri-Klops murmured.
Beastman grunted his agreement and followed the others into the dark halls they once sought to conquer.
A ball of light floated and shimmered before them. "Please follow the light to the dimensional doorways," Serena's voice echoed all around the retinue.
A few moments later Randor led the group into a semicircle surrounding a sorcerer and sorceress flanking a wide dimensional gateway.
Malick smiled. "Three quarters of those you set free now have been transported and wait to join your fight to free Carina, Keldor," he said, referring to the former slaves of the Alma O'Dela.
Keldor nodded his acknowledgement.
"As you know," said Serena in a calm voice, "all depends on your success, Adora." She looked over the group and added, "And yours Keldor. We can only cast the spell that is strong enough to completely wipe the memory of those on Eternia of Adam and Adora's secret once."
Randor's brow furrowed in confusion. "But you did so after the battle with Horde Prime, so how-" he began to ask.
"I was able to stop the knowledge of the secret that time because it was contained to only a small part of the kingdom of Eternos itself. Now, in part due to the broadcast of the sentencing, nearly the whole planet knows. We must wait until the Sword of Protection can be returned and Castle Grayskull can fade into obscurity before we cast that spell." Serena paused. In truth, she was unsure it could even be done. As they knew from Keldor, Lyn, and Castaspella-and suspected about Shadow Weaver-mages would be able to retain the knowledge. She suspected that Adam and Adora's legacy would become the type of legend that never died. But as the guardians of the Castle, she and Malick had to try.
"As a result all off-world communication and travel will be cut off until you are ready to return, your mission accomplished," Malick finished.
Before the royal family could protest, Serena raised her hand for silence. "We will be watching the progress and will make regular reports to you about everyone's safety and well-being."
"This fight will not last long," Malick explained as he saw the concern and worry on Marlena's and Adam's faces. "We have foreseen that this final battle will be won or lost in less than a year."
There was some discontented grumbling, but it died away as the golden glow of an active dimensional gateway appeared before everyone's eyes. The Faceless One motioned for Beastman and Tri-Klops to enter.
Neara sniffled as she and Micah hugged all of their newly discovered Eternian family and then waited by the gate for Miro to escort them.
Miro gave each of his children long hugs. There were few words. He'd said what he needed to say before he left the palace that morning. He stopped, however, at Randor. "I have never been more proud of you than when you showed an entire kingdom the power of forgiving. You are the finest king Eternos has ever had, son."
Randor's eyes grew moist, and he and Miro hugged tightly. "I understand why you have to go. But don't be a stranger." Randor held his father back at arm's length. "And be careful."
Miro snorted. "Where's the adventure in that?" He gave his family one last grin and took his two oldest grandchildren in hand. "Let's go win your world's freedom!"
They grinned and with a final wave to everyone, entered the portal.
Adora hugged aunts, uncles, Randor, Marlena, and finally Adam.
"You've got to stop doing this, Sis," Adam teased softly. "Running off world to kick around the Horde."
Adora gave a watery chuckle. "Just this last time, and I'll give it up. Promise."
Adam crushed her to himself and took a deep shuddering breath. "I'm going to hold you to that. Please be careful."
"I'll keep her safe," Sea Hawk drawled. "I didn't spend forever and a day waiting to marry her just to lose her now."
The group chuckled weakly. Adam clapped Sea Hawk's shoulder. "So who's taking on ensuring that Keldor's finances go to pay restitution with you gone?"
Hawk smirked. "About that...tell Duncan everything he needs is on your desk."
"My desk?" Adam repeated incredulously, but before he could argue, Hawk grabbed Adora's hand and pulled her through the portal. Adam exchanged glances with Teela. "I've been had."
"You're stuck with it now," Teela agreed with a grin.
Keldor and Lyn looked at those still behind as Lyn shifted Keelyanne on her hip. "I will take care of them," he promised, jerking his head back toward the glowing gate to indicate those who had gone before him. "My life for theirs."
Randor walked up and placed his hands on Keldor's shoulders. "I know you will. Be careful, Brother."
Keldor nodded. "I will, Brother."
Finally Keldor turned to Adam. The two former enemies stared at each other for several long seconds.
"Thank you," Adam finally said, extending one hand. His eyes shone with gratitude. "For saving Josiah's life...and mine."
Keldor shook his head slightly. "No," he answered in a slightly hoarse voice, taking Adam's hand in a firm grip. "Thank you for saving Lyn and my child...and me from myself." He cleared his throat, averting his eyes. "We've got to go. We have a job to do."
Adam chuckled, his eyes twinkling as he released Keldor's hand, knowing full well that what Keldor really wanted to do was escape before emotions overwhelmed him. "Sure thing, Unc," he said in a teasing voice.
Keldor grinned at him and wrapped an arm around Lyn. She leaned into Keldor's side and she, Keelyanne, and Keldor stepped away from the home of their hurts and pain to the home of their healed hearts-leaving behind healed hearts wishing them only the best.
Adam and Teela remained behind at Grayskull after the others had gone. Serena smiled at Adam. "You are whole once more."
Adam didn't have to ask what she meant. He now understood that He-Man would always be a part of him. He no longer had to worry that Prince Adam wasn't enough. With Good, he would be. So he simply he nodded.
"But what about the flashbacks he had last time he didn't have the sword?" Teela asked softly, her eyes showing her concern.
"Grayskull's power is bound to Adam in a way no other man has ever experienced," Serena answered, half in wonder. "Zodac has told us that it will be a final blessing to him, a sort of thank-you if you will, that a small part of that power will forever reside within him." She smiled at Adam's look of surprise.
"It is true," Malick affirmed. "You will never have He-Man's strength again, Adam, but you will find yourself stronger than a normal man, and as long as you maintain your relationship with Good, you will have peace of mind. There will be no flashbacks."
Excited by the news, Teela impulsively hugged Adam. The prince met Serena's gaze, then Malick's. "Thank you," he said hoarsely, humbled.
"No Adam," Serena said, her voice kind and her face serious as she echoed Keldor's words. "Thank you. And remember you will always be welcome here at Castle Grayskull."
The two magicians of Grayskull watched the young couple leave. Serena leaned over to Malick. "So we know that Lana will have a boy. What do you think? Will Adam and Teela have a boy or girl?"
Malick made a face at her. "I didn't check while they were here."
"Take a guess," Serena challenged him.
"A girl," Malick said with a shrug.
Serena grinned impishly. "Two of them."
Adam kept an arm around Teela's shoulders as they strolled through the Evergreen Forest on their way back to the palace, quietly discussing the changes in their lives. Lohni was staying on Eternia; she and Fisto had hit it off very well, and both wanted to give their romance a chance. Similarly, Mekaneck had decided to go visit Castaspella for an extended time, and returned to Etheria with both her and Swift Wind. It seemed as if their lives on Eternia were suddenly about to become "normal," and they both wondered what that would be like.
'Except Adora won't be here for a while.' Adam heaved a sigh, a sudden ache burning in his chest. That feeling rose frequently when Adora wasn't on Eternia.
Teela glanced at him. "A kiss for your thoughts?" she asked with a small smile.
Adam gave her a familiar lopsided smile. "I miss Adora," he admitted. "I wish she hadn't had to go with them. It's like losing her again. And it's Keldor's fault…again." His expression changed. "But you know, it's funny."
"What?" Teela asked curiously.
"With all Skeletor ever did," Adam said softly, pulling her to a stop to gaze into her eyes, "with all he took from us, his redemption brought blessings to us all."
"You're right," Teela said, her voice also low as Adam dipped his head slowly towards hers. "I've never been more at peace with who I am."
"You should be at peace. You're a magnificent woman," Adam said just before his lips touched hers.
Teela returned his kiss eagerly, willing him to feel the love in her heart. After a moment, she pulled away slowly, then tugged on his arm, an impish grin on her face. "Come on. I can't wait to get you back to the weight room and find out how much you can lift."
Adam sighed dramatically. "I knew it. You do like He-Man better." He grinned.
"Silly," Teela scolded him as he dropped another kiss on her lips. "You are He-Man."
After they broke the kiss, Adam held her tightly, and Teela kept her arms wrapped around him, snuggling her head into his chest. Adam's heart swelled with gratitude, hope, and especially love—love for his family, his friends, his people, and for the God who had so abundantly blessed him.
A/N: This is incredibly bittersweet for me. I never thought that I would spend more than three years writing an entire saga. I never had any of this planned out—but as I've said before, God did. Every time I got frustrated or stuck, I gave it up to Him, and what He's done with this has amazed me.
I will be dabbling in a few other stories unrelated to this saga. But for Adam, this is pretty much the end (at least in regards to this series). The next story, featuring Keldor, Lyn, Adora and the rest of their adventure on Carina, will be written primarily by LittleLlamaGirl (although she might talk me into helping occasionally!). So keep an eye on her profile for that one…and please be as supportive in reviewing her work as you all have been in reviewing mine/ours.
Thank you all for coming on this magnificent ride with me—for your messages, your reviews, and for reading. A special thanks to Candi for beta-reading this story for us, and to Delora2047 for beta-reading Reunions 1 for us.
God bless you all.
Evelyn CMB