D18
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 18: Steps
"I want the Necklace of Oros." The Phantom stood across the floor, eyes locked firmly on Hadea.
"Why?" she said, running a hand along her bed. "Jedda doesn't need it. She doesn't even want it."
"You've no need for it either — unless you're planning to..."
She lifted an eyebrow. "Unless I'm planning to what?"
For reasons he couldn't entirely understand, the Phantom found himself hesitating.
"You think that I intend to conquer the galaxy again." She lowered her gaze to the jewel at her chest. "And that illustrates our problem — you still don't trust me."
"Give me reason to. Prove that you can do the right thing."
She looked away quietly.
"The necklace belongs to our daughter, and with our daughter," he said.
Hadea couldn't help but smile. "This is the second occasion on which you've called her 'our' daughter." She paused. "What if I used the necklace's power to make some good things happen? If you never fall in love with me through natural means, then perhaps I could use the necklace to bring that about."
The Phantom scowled a tad.
"I could also use it to maim anyone who opposes the Defenders, or to sway the president's way of thinking when you have a disagreement."
He shook his head. "There's a difference between what's good, and what you think is good."
Hadea let her stare drop to the floor.
"That's another reason to return the necklace to Jedda."
After a long period of silence, Hadea looked up again, cupping her hands behind her back. "I want to speak with her."
"He's right," Jedda said. "You don't need the necklace."
Hadea frowned, sensing the same vibe of distrust from Jedda that she'd gotten from the Phantom. It was bad enough to get that feeling from one family member.
Jedda took a step forward. "Do you remember what you said the last time that you had it? You told me that you'd used the necklace in pursuit of love." She gently shook her head. "You don't need it for that anymore."
Hadea flinched a little. "What do you mean?"
Jedda felt herself blushing, and let her gaze drift to the floor. "Practically all my life, even when I got older, I wanted someone to come along and be my mother." She smiled. "And one day, someone actually did."
Hadea hesitated before responding, and then finally let a long-hidden suspicion come to light. "Have I merely fulfilled a role that anyone could have?" Her heart became hollow, and she slowly glanced away from Jedda.
"No. This isn't about just anybody, this is about you."
Hadea looked up in surprise.
"You've been so many things that a mother should be. You've been dedicated, affectionate, attentive, and caring." Jedda felt a certain warmth brewing within her. "Why do you imagine that I kept visiting you while you were imprisoned? Why do you suppose that I want you and my father to grow closer? And why do you think that I still model my look after yours?"
She ran her gaze over Jedda's dress and tiara. Before long, Hadea began to fidget. Her eyes shook a little, and her breathing became heavy. For a few seconds, she dared to sense that she might finally hear something she'd long waited to hear. "Why?" she quietly asked.
Jedda looked her straight in the eyes, letting a calm smile spread across her face. "Because I love you, Mother."
Hadea's mouth fell open. For a moment, she tried fighting back the tears that were rolling down her face, but she eventually realized that she didn't want to. Hadea rushed forth, taking Jedda in her arms.
Jedda closed her eyes, hugging back. There was a time when she'd never expected that she could love this woman, but she knew in her heart that the time had passed.
They parted a little, then separated. Once they'd broken contact, Jedda found that the necklace was around her neck.
Hadea eyed her with a warm smile, running a hand over Jedda's face.
Several hours after Jedda had left the Netherworld, Hadea was paid another visit.
"I'm moved by what you did, and by why you did it," said the Phantom.
Hadea's arms were crossed as she faced away. "What do you mean by that?"
"Your love prevailed." His stare became fixed on her. "It prompted you to do the right thing."
Hadea held quiet, recalling their conversation on the beach. Then she felt his hand on her shoulder, and turned around.
As they stood face to face, the Phantom hesitated, then slowly embraced her.
She sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Are we beyond all of our obstacles yet?" A tiny grin crossed her face.
The Phantom ran a hand along her back. "I think that we're taking steps in the right direction."
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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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