D13
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 13: Date
One-year-old Vera lay cuddled on her side, sleeping not far from her parents' bed.
Watching her warmly, then looking toward the window, Krotan gazed as a gentle downpour spread across the vast kingdom.
Something soft and smooth brushed across his skin. Seconds later, he rolled over and stroked Jedda's ankle, smiling as she lay atop the covers in her favorite robe.
He'd been waiting for a day like this, a day when there would be little else to do besides snuggle, talk, and watch the rain fall.
Krotan could think of no better way to pass the time — but his silent wife apparently could. It seemed that all Jedda wanted to do was mope.
"What's the matter?" he finally asked.
She frowned for just a second. "On Earth, tomorrow marks the anniversary of the day that my father married my mother." She glanced at him. "Not Hadea...my birth mother."
Krotan squinted. "The woman who betrayed him?" He looked aside as the story came back to him. "The one who left you without a mother, and your father without a wife."
Jedda nodded, her frown returning. "I grew up wishing for another woman to come along and fill the void in both of our lives." One of her eyebrows rose. "I didn't want to admit it at first, but Hadea made half of that dream come true when she claimed me as her own.
"Now I'm beginning to think that she can grant my other wish as well. It feels like she and my father could have a real relationship."
"Why now?" His eyes shone with a calm curiosity. "The anniversary aside, why do you have this feeling now?"
She let her gaze wander. "Because I've seen them together."
Krotan recalled the recent dinner.
"Because I'm happier than I've ever been before." Jedda looked down at him and grinned. "And because I want my father to be happy as well."
Jedda sat on Hadea's bed, legs sprawled lazily at her side. "So that's all there is to it. I'll ask him to meet me aboard his boat for a routine dinner — only he won't know what's really going on at first."
Hadea stood across the room, hands cupped behind her back as she eyed a portrait.
"I'll say that I'm bringing a guest along..." Jedda paused as a servant knelt before her and extended a tray. She thanked the man with an awkward smile. It felt odd to be treated with reverence away from home, to be reminded that she was both Queen of Mongo and Princess of the Netherworld.
Hadea glanced over her shoulder. "And when he sees that I'm your guest? What then?"
"He might be a little upset at the beginning, but he'll mostly direct his resentment toward me. Afterward, I'll make up some excuse about having to go back to Mongo, and then the two of you can have the boat to yourselves."
Hadea smirked. "A romantic dinner on a late-night cruise." She turned around with a cautious stare. "Why do I have a feeling that this isn't going to be as simple as it sounds?"
"It'll work." Jedda smiled a bit, then looked away and nodded to herself. "It'll work."
A small ship bobbed across the moonlit waters. The Phantom was the only person aboard. As many knew that the vessel belonged to him, he'd kept his mask firmly over his face.
While sitting below deck in a well-lit room, he noticed a bright glow from the corner of his eye. Rising from the table, the masked Defender began to smile.
Jedda appeared in a burst of light — and Hadea was standing right along with her.
His grin lessened, freezing on his face.
Jedda lifted a hand. "Relax now. I told you that I was bringing a guest."
A sterner look crossed the Phantom's face. "You didn't say that it would be Hadea."
Jedda shrugged with an innocent grin. "Why should it matter in the case of family?"
His eyes swayed back and forth between them. "Jedda..."
She mocked him. "Father..."
Hadea held silent, eyeing the Phantom with a smile that was half affectionate, half seductive.
"Come on. Let's all sit down and..." Jedda quieted, lifting a finger. She touched her temple while glancing elsewhere, eyes narrowing in sudden concern. "I'm sorry, guys...but I'm going to have to go. It's nothing too serious, but I think I'll be gone all night."
The Phantom nodded to himself, folding his arms.
Jedda placed a soothing hand upon Hadea's shoulder, then eyed her father with an apologetic frown. "You two go on without me, okay? We'll catch up soon." The necklace glistened, and Jedda disappeared.
The Phantom shook his head while eyeing the floor. "How long did it take her to think this up?"
Hadea shrugged. "Not long."
He turned, beginning to stroll about aimlessly.
"Is it really so awful that she wants her parents to grow closer? After all, you've admitted that there are genuine feelings between us."
His tone softened. "I also said that I'd explore those feelings at my own pace. Not at Jedda's. I..." He immediately quieted as a distant sound caught his attention. The Phantom lowered his eyebrows and tightened his fists.
"What is it?" she asked.
The Phantom rushed for the stairs.
Upon reaching the deck, Hadea trudged to his side, the night wind blowing back her golden locks. Following the Phantom's stare, she saw a sophisticated aircraft hovering in the sky.
A team of men in dark uniforms began dropping down on ropes. Each were masked, each were armed, and each would arrive in less than a minute.
"Who are they?" asked Hadea.
"The latest group calling themselves the Sky Band. Old enemies; new team." His eyes narrowed. "They and I have got some unfinished business."
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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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