D12
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 12: Epilogue II
18 Years Into The Future
Colt marched through the palace in uniform, brushing back a strand of his curly blond hair. He came to a stop at the queen's bedroom, taking a breath before he made a knock. "Vera? It's Colt."
As the door swung open, he stood face to face with a green-skinned teen in an elegant dress. Sparkling beads were scattered within her long dark hair.
As usual, he tried his best not to blush. "Do you...do you have a minute? I sort of needed to- -"
"Hold that thought." Vera pulled a wide-eyed Colt into the bedroom. A second later, she turned sideways. "Could you do me a favor and zip up my dress?" Her eyes were firmly fixed on the hallway.
"Sure..." Colt said, glancing outward as a number of robed nobles walked by.
The men and women paused briefly, observing the sight with curious stares. Seconds later, they continued on their way.
Colt shook his head. "You do this sort of thing on purpose, don't you?"
A sly smile crossed her face. "And what manner of thing would that be?"
"Asking me to zip you up while people are passing by. You just love having fun with your subjects. You love to get them talking."
"Now, now, dear Colt..." Vera faced him. "If I wanted to get them talking, I would've just asked you to pull the dress down." She winked.
Colt rolled his eyes while taking a step back.
"Now then," said the Queen of Mongo, "what exactly can I do for you?"
He hesitated, taking another deep breath. "I came to inform you that I'm going to be moving."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, my restless little friend. As head guard, you're required to live in the queen's palace." Vera raised an eyebrow with mock smugness. "Wasn't that specified somewhere in the fine print?" She smirked while prancing about in her room. "Earth boys..."
Colt looked down, running a hand over his head. "I meant that I'm leaving Mongo. I'm leaving the service here and going back to Earth."
Vera paused, her head turning.
"It's, uh...it's nothing personal. I've had a great experience here. I just think that perhaps it's time to move on."
She stared, hearing her voice lower to just above a whisper. "Oh."
Colt licked his lips as a long silence lingered. Then he looked up and slapped his hands together. "Anyway, I'll certainly be staying for the party tonight. Seems like it's going to be a good one."
"Indeed," said Vera, clearing her throat. "I invited my parents. I'm hoping that both of them make it."
"That'll be nice."
She nodded. "They raised me with a pretty level head on my shoulders, but I can always use their advice now and then. After all, I am continuing the dynasty that they started when they took over."
"And doing a great job as well."
Vera eased down on the side of her bed. "I don't know about great...but as long as I'm running things, I'm going to do my best to be a good leader, and a good protector. I'm not going to let anyone harm the people of Mongo."
"I believe that." Colt smiled. "During your reign, a few attackers have tried, and each of them have failed."
Vera eyed her knees, mumbling to herself. "They've mostly failed because of people like you."
Colt's smile began to fade. "People like me follow an example. We're driven because we have a queen to believe in."
She scoffed. "I know that some of the soldiers don't believe in me just yet."
Colt moved across the room, sitting beside her. "Well, this soldier does — because I've listened to you." He paused, recalling the things that she'd told him. "It sounds like you mostly got your values from your mother, and your boldness from your father."
She continued to hang her head.
"And I think I know what you're trying to do with both of those qualities."
Vera turned to him.
"I know that your mom did great things on both Earth and Mongo. She defended one planet, and guided another." He let his gaze drift forward. "I think that you're trying to accomplish at least half of what she did."
Vera held quiet for a moment, letting herself stare. "I want you to stay here, Colt. I don't want you to resign."
"There are plenty of other men who can do this job."
"I don't simply want you around because you're good at your job."
His lips parted as he turned to her.
"Most people look at me and confuse playful with immature. No one really gets me as well as you do."
Colt began to blush.
"Of course, the fact that you're kind of cute when you're nervous doesn't hurt either."
He looked away with a chuckle.
"Stay. At least for now. If I'm going to accomplish what I've set out to, I want you here to help with that."
Colt looked down at his hands.
Vera watched him in silence.
"All right," he said. "I'll remain a royal guard for now."
"Thank you." She nodded, moving her gaze to the wall. "Colt?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you remember what you told me before?"
"That depends. What did I tell you before?"
"Do you remember when you said that your reasons for leaving were nothing personal?"
He fidgeted, but covered it up. "I remember."
She briefly quieted. "Does the same statement apply to your reasons for staying?"
Colt licked his lips, quivering where he sat. "I..." He gazed about with an awkward expression, then brought his stare straight to her. "I think I'll have to get back to you on that."
"Hmph," said Vera, facing him with a slow smile. "Well whenever you find the answer, you also know where to find me."
Colt grinned. "Fair enough," he whispered, adding a nod.
A touch of sunlight entered the room, spreading over them as they stared into each other's eyes.
Volume II — End
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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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