D1
Preface: Dynasties was my first DoE tale. It was written before I gained a good grasp of
the third-person narrative. As a result, some parts of the story may
be told from an omniscient perspective. I've attempted to clean things up to an extent in this edition. Greater focus was placed on clarifying who the point-of-view character is as a scene begins, and on presenting only their thoughts, knowledge, and visual viewpoint in the narration. Care was also taken to avoid referring to the POV character with a label ("The queen," etc), and to refrain from describing them as though they're on camera.
With that being said, there might still be some omniscient bits here and there. This isn't a complete overhaul for the tale, but it's a decent effort that's resulted in the best version available. The edition on Fanfiction.net will be replaced with this one soon. Thanks for visiting.
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Dynasties
By James
Chapter 1: Reign
There were only two planets that Hadea hadn't conquered. But in ten seconds, the number would be one.
She brushed a gold lock as she stepped on-stage, eyes on the large crowd of commoners. Mongo's natives looked restless today; they couldn't believe she'd defeated Ming.
A breeze arrived, as though for her, ruffling her glittering, regal gown.
She wore a calm face as she claimed the throne, adjusting the tiara nestled in her hair. Two pale soldiers stood by her seat. The Necklace of Oros sparkled on her chest.
While eyeing the twinkling, powerful jewel, Hadea couldn't help but to pause and reflect.
One year ago, her subjects arrived, freeing their queen from Oblivion.
Hadea had never been a careless woman. Prior to losing the Necklace of Oros, she'd used its power to create a link, bonding herself to the mystical jewel.
She tracked it to the fortress known as Monitor — the base that the Defenders called home.
While her soldiers worked to keep her opponents at bay, Hadea's senses led her to the base's depths. Someone had attempted to melt the necklace, the single strongest weapon in the galaxy. Unbeknownst to that person, however, it couldn't be destroyed so easily.
Using a mere gesture of her hands, Hadea summoned it from the fiery mass. It hovered before her, undamaged by heat.
Then she warped herself and her minions away, rather than engaging in the battle above. Instead of lashing out at the Defenders then, she had other plans for her earthly foes.
Soon afterward, her conquest began. The necklace granted her unbelievable power — power which she'd used to stop several armies, power which strengthened her very own.
Planet after planet fell beneath her strength. Statues of Hadea rose in multiple cities. Nations and kingdoms no longer had leaders; each had councils that answered to her. She wanted it known, through all space, that there was only one monarch who ruled, and that one monarch was Queen Hadea.
After a year, there were two planets that she hadn't invaded: planet Mongo, and planet Earth. These were the homes of her greatest foes — which was why she'd waited to conquer them.
She wanted them worried. She wanted them scared. They'd know what she was doing. They'd know they were next.
And they'd know that there was nothing they could do to prevent it.
She focused her gaze on the crowd again, resting her arms over those of the throne. She and her soldiers were outnumbered greatly, but none of the commoners would dare to attack, not while she possessed the mighty Necklace of Oros. Its power wasn't merely destructive, though; it could be used for all manners of things. She had transformed a good deal of this world, replacing the ice with lush valleys and plains. She had done what Ming had always failed to do: she had used her power to save this planet. Maybe the people would accept her time.
A slew of tense whispers rippled all through the crowd. Two of her guards were bringing someone on-stage.
Ming had been treated quite mercilessly. His ankles were shackled, his wrists were bound, and he was stripped down to a thin loincloth, revealing a bevy of bruises and scars.
As he faced Hadea on both of his knees, he bore a look of hatred, mixed with fear.
She wore a smug face, extending her legs, waiting patiently as she stared downward.
Ming's eyes glistened with angry tears. He hesitated, then bowed his head.
Hadea smirked, then lifted her gaze. "Behold, my people," she said to the crowd. "There can be no doubt of who your ruler is. Kneel before your queen, as Ming has done."
All the green commoners dropped to their knees, as did Mongoians of other races. Hadea couldn't see a single face out there.
On the balcony just outside of her chambers, Hadea stood naked, one foot perched, the wind in her hair as she studied the kingdom. The Necklace of Oros lay at her breasts, gleaming against its familiar home.
When she was a girl, she'd heard that she'd govern the Netherworld, but knew she was fated for grander things. She chuckled a bit while thinking back on those days. Every child dreamed of what they wanted to be, and she had gone out and made her dreams come true: Hadea was queen of the galaxy.
She hadn't done this for her original reasons. It hadn't been done out of arrogance.
Naturally, she reveled in her beauty and intelligence, and fully believed she deserved to reign. Hadea wanted others to believe that too.
But she wasn't merely seeking admiration. It wasn't enough to have people's respect. She wanted their affection. She wanted love. That was something which she'd always been denied.
There was only one world to turn to now.
"Mr. Gordon..." the president said, brushing a hand on his silver hair, beginning to pace through the Oval Office. "I'm told that Mongo has fallen now. You and your team know this woman best. Why hasn't she made a move on our world?"
Flash looked down at his military coat, eyeing the numerous medals and stripes. "We still haven't figured that out yet, sir." He tightened a fist. "But I remain firm in my current stance: we've gotta hit her before she hits us."
"No," he snapped. Then he chuckled, sounding quite tense as he looked away. "It's been two years since we tangled with Ming. We've left him alone and he's left us alone. For the time being, I'm handling all of these threats the same."
"Ming and Hadea are not the same. He's never done anything like what she's doing."
"There will be no strike on Mongo, Gordon. If she comes here, we'll defend. In the meantime, you and your unit will remain at the ready — and figure out what her next move might be."
Flash looked away, suppressing a sigh. "Sir," he said.
The guards walked him out.
Soon afterward, Flash was riding in the back of a car, holding his gaze on the starry sky. Hadea was plotting. When would she come?
Street lights glistened on the windowpanes. Raindrops hammered the heavy glass.
Eyeing the driver for a couple of seconds, knowing that the man could be listening, he pulled his phone out, and started to dial.
You're Reading
Dynasties
Rick didn't feel like talking now. It was early morning, and he was in bed. Then he realized who was probably calling. His dad had a meeting many states away. On the fifth ring, he answered the phone. "Yeah?" he muttered.
"Rick, it's me."
He pulled the thin blanket from his shirtless chest. His skin looked blue in the early light. "How did it go?"
"The guy won't budge."
"Didn't I tell you?"
"But stay ready, though...just in case."
Rick blinked a little, wiping his eyes. " 'Just in case'? What does that mean?"
Flash paused a second. "You know what it means."
Was his father talking of defying the order? There was no way Rick would stand for that. "Dad, you know we can't make a move — not unless we've got the president's consent." That was the way that it worked these days. "And honestly, he has a point. Hadea hasn't even approached us yet."
"Maybe not, but what about all the other worlds out there? Are we just supposed to turn our backs on them?"
"Dad- -"
"Just be ready," he stressed. "I'll talk to you later." Flash hung up.
Rick held still, then lowered the phone, shaking his head as he eyed the wall.
A feminine voice came from under the covers. "Why is he so desperate to save other worlds?" Jedda inquired, revealing her face. "You're not the Defenders of the Galaxy, you're the Defenders of the Earth."
Rick leaned toward his elevated knees. "You know him. This sort of thing is simply in his blood." He smiled at her. "I think that you two have that in common."
Jedda got up and wrapped a sheet on her skin. "You're not going to woo me back on that team." She stepped to the tallest window of her home, her short black locks nestled on her neck. "I told you before. My mind is made up."
He shifted a bit, sprawling out on his side. "I'm still trying to figure out why that is."
Jedda appeared to be eyeing the city. "All my life, others have said what I'm meant to be. First I was destined to become the Phantom. Then I was fated for the DoE. And then your dad meets the president, and suddenly my calling is government." She shook her head. "I left to choose my own destiny."
"But you didn't have to move way out here." His heart sank a bit. "Are you that desperate to run away?"
"I'm not running, Rick. I'm growing up."
He shrugged at that. "Whatever you want to call it...it's made your father sad."
She chuckled a little. "I didn't get that impression last time we talked. He tells me that I've broken the family tradition."
"He's disappointed, but he misses you. The guy just has a hard way of saying it."
It looked like Jedda was considering that. He certainly hoped that she was at least. "Maybe so..." she finally said, "but it was time for me to start moving on." She quivered a tad. "Actually...I think it's time for you to try doing the same." Jedda turned around. "Why don't you move out here?" she asked. She looked down as shyness overtook her tone. "Why don't you come and live with me?"
He lifted an eyebrow.
She licked her lips.
"Whoa..." He chuckled. "How long have you been waiting to ask me that?"
She nodded and glanced at the plastered ceiling. "You don't want to do it."
"Hey. Please don't put words in my mouth." Rick began standing.
"I know you," she uttered, turning again. "When you don't want to answer, you start asking questions."
"Jedda..." He placed his hands over her shoulders. "We'll build our happy ending when the time is right...and if I have my way, it'll happen soon." He wrapped his arms right around her chest. "But we both know that it can't happen yet — not with Hadea closing in on us." He paused while thinking of his father's words. "Right now, I've got to do everything I can to help protect the world."
Jedda held still in his gentle arms.
"That's what it means to be a Defender of the Earth."
Scene Commentary
Dynasties began as a collection of random DoE scenarios that I'd been thinking about for a number of years. After being inspired by the work of Marzena, a fellow DoE fanfic writer, I finally found the courage to try writing my ideas out as part of an actual story.
One of those scenarios in my head featured Queen Hadea taking over the galaxy. I then imagined her ruling for various periods of time — days, months, or even centuries (that last one always ended with her getting bored and going back in time). I was fairly young when I first saw Hadea in the TV series, and I found her so alluring back then that I probably didn't care that I was supposed to be rooting against her.
As I matured, I began to find Hadea genuinely fascinating (I've always had a thing for regal figures and lore), which led to me imagining various layers and motivations with regard to this character.
Ming had been treated quite mercilessly. His ankles were shackled, his wrists were bound, and he was stripped down to a thin loincloth, revealing a bevy of bruises and scars.
This scene establishes Hadea as the head antagonist. I tried to make things about as humiliating for Ming as possible.
On the balcony just outside of her chambers, Hadea stood naked, one foot perched, the wind in her hair as she studied the kingdom. The Necklace of Oros lay at her breasts, gleaming against its familiar home.
In the TV series, the Necklace of Oros is said to be an object of great power, but the power itself is left ambiguous at times. In this story, it's revealed to be a near-omnipotent weapon of the mind, which makes its owner the unofficial ruler of the galaxy (though Hadea removes the prefix from that sentence...)
This is another scene that had been in my head for a while — Hadea standing in this powerful, portrait-like pose. The nudity is yet another way of expressing that she's free to do whatever she wants, wherever she wants, as she's crowned herself queen of the galaxy. I definitely wanted to include this one at some point.
A feminine voice came from under the covers. "Why is he so desperate to save other worlds?" Jedda inquired, revealing her face. "You're not the Defenders of the Galaxy, you're the Defenders of the Earth."
It goes without saying (though I'll say it anyway) that Jedda and Rick's bond has matured since the days of the TV series. The show hinted at a romance here and there, so I wanted to explore that possibility as well.
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Chapters
Volume I
Shorly after Jedda leaves the team, Queen Hadea begins a galactic conquest.
Jedda finds herself back on Mongo — and reunited with Prince Krotan.
Despite their affection, Jedda endeavors to counter Hadea's plans.
Seeking to resolve the matter with Hadea, the Defenders begin a climactic mission on Mongo.
Rick enjoys a meaningful reunion.
Volume II
Jedda and Krotan confront their feelings.
Against the wishes of his wife, Krotan grows tempted to pursue a vendetta.
Rick has a difficult time moving on.
In the wake of Krotan's actions, Jedda faces a difficult choice.
Hadea reunites with an old acquaintance.
The Royals of Mongo organize what's supposed to be a friendly feast.
A glimpse into the future on Mongo.
Volume III
Instead of spending a romantic evening together, as Jedda intended, Hadea and Phantom find themselves pursued.
Amid their exploits, Phantom and Hadea discuss personal matters.
Flash visits Ming's prison while thinking of Dale, and Rick learns that a new girl will be joining the team.
A vengeful woman targets Jedda.
The Defenders face an internal crisis.
Will she choose affection or ambition?
Needing to depart Mongo on business, Jedda and Krotan ask Hadea and Phantom to fill in for them temporarily.
Volume IV
As the enormity of his situation sinks in, an anxious Rick finds unexpected comfort.
Hadea continues to counsel Rick by reminding him that his actions have consequences.
Phantom and Hadea are advised to marry.
The acting rulers face a variety of issues on their big day.
The Defenders consider returning to solo work.
Volume V
Krotan and Jedda try to find time for their marriage while tending to duty.
Someone from Jedda's past returns.
Krotan and the guards attempt to defend the kingdom without Jedda.
Krotan and Ming have another confrontation under different circumstances.
Flash and Rick have a personal discussion.
As Rick prepares to leave the team, he and LJ receive a surprise visit.
Volume VI
The new trio embarks on a mission.
The Phantom is left startled by the recent development.
After spending a couple of days with Jedda, Rachel departs for the tme being.
In the future, Vera receives advice and comfort from her mother.
Jedda reflects on the recent years.
In the aftermath of an attack on her land, Hadea seeks help from a mercenary.
Flash is stunned by his discovery on a distant planet.
Volume VII
Hadea makes an announcement that leaves the Phantom unsettled.
The Phantom works to undo his mistakes.
In the future, the Royals of Mongo enjoy quality time together.
Rachel assists LJ and Hadea in very different ways.
Rachel adjusts to her new position awkwardly.
With Rachel and Jedda at her side, Hadea learns more about the history of her kingdom.
Volume VIII
The Phantom plans to propose.
Hadea and the Phantom attempt to work through their issues.
Rachel visits Hadea to discuss new intentions.
The Defenders confront a group of aliens who have descended on Earth, while Ming continues to scheme behind the scenes.
Flash, Rick, and Krotan engage Ming in battle.
Jade reunites briefly with her daughters.
A special occasion has finally arrived.
Volume IX
Rick has a meeting with Zyna that leaves him staggered.
Flash and Rick travel to another planet to investigate news.
Dale begins to set her agenda in motion.
The Royals of Mongo have a lengthy discussion about the past and future.
Dale takes bold steps forward.
Flash and Rick confront Dale to discuss her actions.
Empress Hadea appoints new queens.
Volume X
In the future, the royals have a discussion about politics on Mongo.
LJ and Lothar discuss family affairs.
Jedda views her official government profile to learn where she ranks among Mongoian queens.
Castra and Aura look to put their differences aside.
The Phantom learns more about Hadea's duties.
Volume XI
The Phantom, Hadea, and Rachel depart for a mission in the Bandar village.
Rachel heads off to find Kurt on her own.
Dale provides answers for Rachel.
Jade observes a significant discussion beween Phantom and Kurt.
Phantom learns that the village mission affected Hadea on a personal level.
Volume XII
Jedda and Krotan renew their commitment.
Krotan pampers Jedda as they discuss the future.
Nearly everyone joins the Phantom for a mission via boat.
The group arrives on Raven Island and learns the identity of the opposing team's leader.
Flash, Dale, and Rick spend time with Flash's sister, Commander Abigail Gordon, and her daughter Sara.
Rick and Kristina head off on a late-night mission.
Kristina, Rick, and Hadea confront their personal matters.
Once again, someone lands on Mandrake's yard during a storm.
Volume XIII
A woman arrives in the Netherworld, claiming to be the rightful ruler.
LJ, Rick, and Rachel investigate the Netherworld matter.
Flash and Dale's date is interrupted by news that Rick has been captured, and it's up to Kristina to save him.
While grouped together one night, several people must team up suddenly in order to defend the mansion.
Atascadero discusses her upbringing with Mandrake.
Volume XIV
Soldiers from Atascadero's kingdom come looking for her.
Ata heads to her kingdom to resolve the issues there.
Vera begins learning more about Jedda's past.
In response to the recent events, Hadea makes a controversial decision.
Rick attempts to resolve a certain personal issue.
Rick and his girlfriend decide to go their separate ways.
Flash, Dale, and Rick reunite with Dale's father, as well as Flash's.
Jonathan Gordon becomes overzealous, leading to repercussions.
Flash and Dale chase Ming down.
Kristina bonds with Rick in the aftermath of the events at the base.
Volume XV
In the future, Jedda and Krotan have to teach Vera the value of humility.
In the future, Vera is courted by several boys.
Rick and Kristina become stranded on an island.
Hadea is approached by an old suitor.
Kristina and Rick grow closer while stuck on the island.
Ata and Mandrake discuss their relationship.
Castra and her husband have a talk about their longtime commitment.
Krotan and Jedda discuss the past, and look to the future.
Flash and Dale reaffirm their feelings.
The series finale.
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