B13
Defenders of the Earth: This Is Their Side Story
By James
Chapter 13: Home
"What's wrong, hon?" Sheila asked, playing with her sister's golden hair. Bright moonlight was cutting into the room, the chamber that they'd chosen to share for the night.
Hadea moved her back onto Sheila's chest, letting out a sigh as they lay on the bed. "I adore Castra with all my heart...but I never, ever should have come back here. I should've realized it'd be hard to leave."
Sheila knew exactly how Hadea felt. They lived on Earth, but this was home. The beautiful palace enchanted her, conjuring memories of childhood. Many were good. Others were not. She wanted to bask in the former ones, but knew it was best not to mention those. That would make it harder for Hadea to go, which was exactly what she needed to do. Hadea had a kingdom to run on Earth.
She had to bring something unpleasant up, something that would help drive Hadea away. "Mongo is not a utopia. I see the same issues that I've always seen. I see revolution and bigotry." She paused a second. "Remember our maid? Remember Tyne?"
Hadea made a scoff. "Who could forget? That woman was a shallow, prejudiced loon. 'You'll never rule the planet. You're not green. The people won't ever place you on the throne.' "
Sheila felt a laugh welling up in her. "Remember when we put all that paint in her tub, making it look like a bubble bath? When she jumped out, she was covered in white."
Hadea didn't bother to suppress the giggle. "And then you said- -"
" 'It's looks like you're not green either.' "
Both of them tittered for a number of seconds.
Sheila turned her gaze to the tall window. "I heard it took a week for her to wash that out."
Hadea held quiet, not responding.
Sheila had a feeling that the mood had changed. Hadea never basked in amusement long.
"I must take over," Hadea declared.
"What do you mean?" She already knew.
"You said it yourself: Mongo has need of a ruler now, someone who'll undo our father's deeds. I have led people ever since we were girls. That is the fate I was given at birth."
Sheila never doubted that while they were kids. Her sister was destined to do great things. People around them had sensed it too. Several village children had followed Hadea, turning to her when they shared a cause, listening in when she took a stage. Some of them admired her bravery. Others had relied on her cleverness.
Hadea stood up and stared straight at the pane, holding her gaze on the land below. "Even before I set foot in this home, even before I was ever a royal...I knew I was born to be Mongo's queen."
A shuffle was heard. "Where does that leave me?"
Sheila swung her head toward an open door, seeing Castra standing in turquoise light. Her white robe fluttered as she entered the room.
"I only came to see if you two were well," Castra revealed. "I didn't expect a conspiracy."
"No one's conspiring," Hadea replied. "My only concern is what is best for this world."
"And that would mean kicking me off of the throne?"
Hadea sighed again. "Castra..." she muttered, pausing a second. "You are still learning how leadership works. I have been a ruler for a number of years."
"And you have a kingdom to go home to."
Sheila had wondered when that would come up. What would become of the Netherworld?
All of a sudden, Hadea faced her. "I will leave Sheila to rule that land."
Sheila was stunned. "Hold on now." She rose from the bed and got onto her feet. "I... I... I can't do that."
Hadea raised her brow, looking confused. "Both of us know you are fit to lead."
Sheila felt a thrill rising up in her. Then she did her best to push it right back down. "I'm not a single woman. Not anymore." Sheila couldn't live in the Netherworld. She had a kid and husband to consider now. If she went there, she'd have to take Flash. She knew that he wouldn't be pleased with that. Flash simply wasn't the royal type. He'd want their child on the surface too.
The sound of a door swinging slowly arrived. "Perhaps it is best that I rule here."
Sheila turned her stare to the opposite side, seeing Aura standing in a thin nightgown.
Aura walked forth. "You have another kingdom on Earth, Hadea. Castra's presence draws rebel groups. And Sheila lives the life of a commoner now."
"Wait, wait, wait..." Castra said, stepping in the circle with the rest of them. "It's not fair to say that I'm drawing rebels. I drew one group, which we've stopped."
Sheila ran her gaze over each of them, then let a soft giggle escape her mouth. Despite the grave nature of their current talk, she had to recall something dear to her.
"What's so funny?" Castra asked.
Sheila looked down. "There was a night many years ago, a night when we each came up to this room." It had to be around two decades back. "We were ignorant to affairs of state. No one debated who should rule the world."
Hadea made a nod. "The only concern in the room that night...was who was going to win that game we played."
"The old board game," Castra said. "The one that we used to keep under the bed."
Aura made a squint, looking intrigued. It seemed she and Sheila had the very same thought: could the game actually still be there?
Aura bent a little, lifting a sheet, casting her gaze on a sight below. Then she looked up with a special grin. Seconds later, she pulled the game, setting it down at the others' feet.
"Unbelievable," Castra uttered.
Sheila felt an old warmth coming back.
They each sat down and took a spot at the game, playing in the place where they'd played as girls.
Jedda leaned back into Krotan's hug, holding her gaze on the windowsill.
"So when do you want to go home?" he asked.
She let herself pause to consider that word. "Maybe we already are home now."
Krotan quivered, but held her close. She knew she'd excited him with what she'd said. "I have my husband, and our kids. I even see a nice little jungle ahead."
Krotan giggled.
She stroked his hand. "This certainly feels like home to me."
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Chapters
Volume I
As the New Rebellion rages across Mongo and Earth, Jedda and Krotan unite against Ming — and find themselves pursued by one of his ships.
2: Mongo Is Burning — Part 1
Desperate to end the battles, Krotan and Jedda, who have fallen in love, agree to a politically driven wedding — which Rick opposes.
3: Mongo Is Burning — Part 2
Despite growing opposition to the wedding, Jedda and Krotan remain firm in their decision.
Rick observes Amy venting, then ends up on a wild ride.
Amy visits her ailing foster mother, only to realize that she's fallen into a trap.
Rick and Amy take May to the Netherworld, where an invasion has begun.
Against the wishes of Rick and others, Amy makes a bargain with Damian Dark.
While the Defenders scramble to catch up with Amy, another battle occurs in the Netherworld.
Volume II
Flash sets out to free Ming, who has vital information regarding an impending attack.
Lothar and April move to counter an assassination attempt.
The team hurries to prevent LJ and Rick from carrying out an assault on another planet.
The Royal Five converge to counter a group of outlaws who've abducted Castra's husband.
Despite Castra's objections, Hadea grows tempted to remain on Mongo and take over as queen.
Kshin and LJ suspect that Veena is planning to bring her father back.
The Gordons arrive at Dale's grave.
Castra and her relatives vie for the position of queen on Mongo.
Volume III
Dale reveals the identity of her first child.
Veena uses her powers to help others.
Flash gets a startling surprise while chasing Ming.
20: The Princess Makes Her Move
In Dimension K, Ming weds his ambitious stepdaughter Hadea.
A visitor arrives from Dimension Y, intent on taking Dale back with her.
Duffy attempts to bond with Dale, who learns of a portal to another dimension.
After arriving on Earth K, the duo find themselves captured by Queen Hadea, who tasks Dale with a mission.
Now a mother of four, Dale attempts to help ease tensions between April and Duffy.
Rick learns that Duffy might have another special ability.
Volume IV
After using her seer to avert a grim future, the Hadea of Earth K believes herself unbeatable.
April receives a visit from her aunt, Commander Abigail Gordon, who seeks her help on a mission.
Amy confronts her mother Cathleen, who is attempting to conquer Earth P.
On Earth C, Agent Kristina Graf seeks members for a new defense team.
April and Duffy are approached by Kent Madden's daughter Clare, who claims to need their help.
Sheila reflects on her choices.
32: Parental Guidance Required
Duffy develops an unexpected bond.
The Defenders are challenged inside Monitor.
In response to the recent assault, Abby and Dale take action against Madden.
Duffy begins acclimating to life on Earth B.
Krotan receives comfort from Jedda in the midst of a new matter.
Amy seeks to help an old friend.
Hadea and Jedda bond on Earth H in the series finale.
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