D14
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 14: Trust
Having retreated below deck, the Phantom led Hadea down a hallway. A flurry of lasers chased after them. He pulled her in a room, then slammed the door shut.
Ten seconds later, a man blasted through the lock and shoved his way in.
Leaping from the shadows, the Phantom downed his opponent with a flying tackle, then knocked him unconscious with strikes on the floor.
Hadea stepped forth quietly, watching as he secured a weapon, moved toward the door, and motioned for her to follow him.
They crept along a corridor with their backs to the wall. Throughout most of the ship, the lights were off and the rooms were quiet.
"So what about our discussion?" Hadea remarked.
"What?" The Phantom felt a flutter of annoyance.
"Before we were so rudely interrupted, we were having a discussion about our future."
He glanced at her as though she'd lost her mind. "It's not exactly the right time for this conversation. I..." He jerked backwards upon turning a corner, narrowly avoiding a shot that hit the wall.
He returned fire, bringing a stack of crates down on his surprised attacker. As the weight pinned the man down, the Phantom swooped in and knocked him senseless.
Moments later, Hadea was tiptoeing at his side again. "I don't know if we'll ever get another chance to talk about this. And I'm not- -"
He shushed her with a waging hand. Soon afterward, the Phantom managed to creep up behind an opponent and whacked him across the head.
As she watched the third attacker fall, Hadea retook her place at the Phantom's side. "I'm not going to die without learning the answer to a certain question..."
He paused to catch his breath. "I'm trying to focus here."
Hadea let out an annoyed sigh. Then she crossed her arms, motioning to the right with her head.
His eyes followed along, spotting another soldier nearby.
One minute later, the Phantom reached from the darkness and pulled the man down, knocking him out within the shade.
Hadea continued. "It's a question that I've been asking for quite some time now."
The Phantom glanced back and forth, looking more preoccupied with the battle than he actually was.
"I've asked it with words, with looks, and with actions as well."
He squinted, running his gaze across the ship.
"I'm fairly sure that you know what I'm referring to...but if I must, I'll come right out and ask it again."
The Phantom began to grow red in the face. Where was an enemy when you really needed one?
Hadea paused, placing a hand on her hip. "Why can't you let yourself love me?"
He stopped in place, holding his back to her.
Hadea stared.
The Phantom lowered his weapon, took a deep breath, and finally muttered something from within the shadows. "I can't let myself love you, because I can't let myself trust you."
Hadea shook a little, looking genuinely stunned. Her voice had lowered when she spoke again. "Why not?"
He turned around with a surprised stare. "Have you forgotten our history — including the day we met? You took me captive."
"And offered you happiness."
"You took Jedda captive."
"And saved her life."
"You conquered the galaxy."
"And faced punishment."
He shook his head. "You can cite all the justification and atonement that you want. It won't change the past."
"You're right. It won't." She stepped forth and touched his arm. "So why don't we focus on the present instead?"
The Phantom opened his mouth, but said nothing, watching her with an apprehensive stare.
Hadea's eyes tensed. She quickly hugged the Phantom and slung him behind her.
As a shot began flying, the Phantom tackled Hadea to the floor.
Hadea grabbed the Phantom's weapon and fired on their attacker, swiftly dropping him where he'd stood.
Afterward, the Phantom and Hadea lay face to face, both eyeing the other with relief.
Once the last of the enemies had been defeated, the Phantom turned them over to the local authorities. A search for their transport was begun as well.
Hadea sat on a beach beside the Phantom, gazing out at the moonlit waves.
"You have my gratitude," he mumbled, "for saving me back there."
She brushed a finger across her cheek. "And now that I've saved your life, have I won your trust?"
"Trust isn't gained in a single night. It's something that needs to be earned over time."
Hadea turned to him with a suspicious stare. "I realize that our relationship will require work...but don't pretend that you can lay all of the work at my feet. I know that some of your trust issues have nothing to do with me."
The Phantom felt a shiver stir his spine.
"You admitted before that you have 'difficulty' expressing your feelings. I believe that I'm beginning to realize why." She lowered her voice, treading lightly. "Jedda told me about her birth mother. I've also learned about the woman you lived with recently.
"Both of them betrayed you in their own way, and I think that you're letting them define our bond," Hadea said. "I think that I'm suffering for the crimes that they've committed."
He averted his gaze.
"I told you that I'd be patient in those regards, and I will." Hadea paused. "But I need you to tell me something as well. Tell me that I'm not wasting my time. Tell me that I'm someone who you could trust someday."
The Phantom looked down at his hands. "I know that you have a heart, Hadea. I've seen your love for our daughter. I've felt your affection for me. You're no mere 'villainess,' at least not anymore."
"If you truly feel that way, why don't you trust me?"
"Because to trust someone, I also need to believe that their love will prevail on most occasions. I need to believe that it will prevent them from doing the wrong thing." He looked over at her. "I'm not convinced that you're at that point yet...but I do feel that you could reach that point in the future. I believe it because I've seen the good in you."
For just a moment, Hadea felt something warm and unusual stirring within.
"I've seen it tonight, and on other occasions as well." He briefly cupped the side of her face. "And once all of these issues are resolved — once I'm able to let go of my past, and once my belief in your goodness grows stronger — I think that we'll be ready to explore what we're feeling right now."
"I'd like that," she said, looking him closely in the eye. "I want to show you that we can love each other. I also want to show you that love can last." She lifted her chin. "Look at Krotan and Jedda."
The Phantom glanced at the stars. "Do you think that will last?"
"I think the two of them are happy." Hadea nodded. "I'm certain it'll last through Vera's upbringing, and maybe beyond. They're in love, and that means they really might be together for good." She took one of his hands and held it between hers. "I think that we can find happiness of our own."
The Phantom held quiet while staring back. Eventually, his hand slowly closed around Hadea's.
Jedda snuggled against the bed and reached under her nightgown, rubbing her bared stomach with a curious smile. Upon hearing footsteps, she pulled the garment down and rolled onto her side.
Krotan stepped back into the bedroom, tightening his robe. "So they're each home now?"
"Yeah." Jedda sighed. "Fortunately, none of those Sky Band soldiers were a match for my dad."
He mounted the bed, laying beside her. "And the other matter?" He smiled. "How did everything end for them?"
Jedda grinned, letting her eyes wander. "I'm not so sure I'd call it an ending. Sounds more like they reached a new beginning."
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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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