D27
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 27: Daughters
A dark orange sky hung over the capital of Mongo.
From a high perch, Krotan watched as hundreds of enemy soldiers stormed through the streets, exchanging fire with the Mongoian army. Swarms of invading jets filled the air, blasting away at opposing crafts. And crowds of panicked citizens ran for cover, avoiding the debris and explosions on the ground.
Many of Mongo's nobles had grown curious as to who the enemy leader was. The opposing army had launched a very intelligent attack, using tricks that only an insider would know. However, as Jedda possessed the Necklace of Oros, most members of the court had expected a quick and easy victory for Mongo.
There was just one problem: the Necklace of Oros was a weapon of the mind, and the queen appeared to have lost hers.
"Jedda?" Krotan held his wife by the waist, trying to steady her as she stumbled about.
Jedda moaned, glancing around the throne room in an intoxicated trance.
He adjusted his cape while holding her. "Jedda, what's the matter?" He paused. "Can you hear me?"
"Who's...Jedda?" she replied.
"Jedda, listen to me. Leave this battle to us. You mustn't use the necklace. In your current state, you could do more harm than good."
She simply giggled, gazing about with weary eyes.
A nobleman approached. "Sire, where is the necklace?"
"It's in an invisible sphere that only she can access."
The sound of a distant explosion echoed through the palace. The building trembled as another blast arrived.
A second nobleman rushed through the door. "Sire! We've just confirmed that your father is leading the attack."
Krotan fidgeted, his eyes widening. "How? He's supposed to be imprisoned."
"We contacted the prison on Zolan. Apparently, another prisoner used an illusion device to take on Ming's appearance. By the time this was discovered, the real Ming had escaped."
Krotan sighed, tightening a fist. He turned to Jedda again, holding her as she tried to wander away. "She was fine before she went to visit her mother." A scowl crept over his face. "Ming must have gotten Jade to work with him somehow. It can't be a coincidence that he's launched an attack right now — when Jedda can't help us."
The nobleman spoke up again. "Where could Ming have gotten such an army?"
Krotan recognized their opponents. "They're the survivors of our battle on Zolan. They must have remained loyal to him until he could find them again." He lifted Jedda into his arms. "Come. I want the queen and my daughter kept below the palace, under heavy guard."
A pang of tension swept through one of the nobles. "You sound as though you're departing, sire."
Krotan narrowed his eyes. "I'm going out there to find my father. I'm going to end this. For good."
A visitor stood quietly before Hadea's throne.
The queen studied her guest with a lengthy stare. Seeing this woman in a photograph was one thing, but seeing her in person felt almost surreal. From what she could tell, it appeared that the feeling was quite mutual.
Hadea excused her guards with a quick lift of her chin, then turned her curious eyes back to the guest.
"Hadea," she said flatly.
"Jade Walker," replied the queen. "You've chosen a rather awkward moment to visit."
Jade pulled a hand blaster out of her jacket. "I'm afraid you're just going to have to clear your schedule, because it's time that you and I had a little talk about my daughter."
Hadea stared the woman down, then slowly rose from her chair. "I suggest that you think very carefully about whatever it is you're about to do."
"Don't worry, 'highness.' I need you alive." She looked Hadea up and down, then shook her head with a scoff. "Somehow, someway, it appears that you've coaxed my daughter into believing that you're her mother. That's why I'm pretty sure she won't allow you to be hurt."
"What are you talking about?"
"As we speak, Mongo is being invaded."
A quick tremble overtook Hadea.
"I've seen to it that Jedda won't interfere. But in the event that she does, I'm going to hold you hostage and force her surrender."
"And then what?"
"Then everything will be as it should be. Ming will have control of Mongo again, and Jedda and I will build the bond that we were always meant to have."
Hadea chuckled. "And you believe that she'll just forget about you holding a gun to my head."
"She may not forget, but in time she'll forgive. You and Krotan know all about that. It may take a while, but she and I will- -" Jade grunted as someone sprung and tackled her from the side.
After securing the weapon, Jade's attacker lifted her up and pinned her arms behind her back.
"As I was saying when you entered," Hadea continued, "you're not my only visitor right now."
Jade looked over her shoulder, then lowered her head with a chuckle. "It figures."
The Phantom eyed her with a half glare. "So you were working with Ming all along." From the start, he'd wondered how Jade had even managed to contact Mongo, but hadn't wanted to share his suspicions with Jedda. "Hadea, open communication with Jedda's palace. We've got to find out what's happening up there."
After Jade had been subdued by the guards, Hadea and the Phantom stood before a video screen and spoke directly with the nobles on Mongo. It didn't take long for them to verify everything — the attack, the destruction, and the current state that Jedda was in.
Amidst the discussion, Jedda stumbled across the screen like a drooling zombie.
As this sight registered in Hadea's mind, her eyes began to shake with a tension that no one had ever seen before.
"Hadea?" said the Phantom.
There was no response. She merely stared forward with a stunned expression.
"Hadea? Hadea, we've got to get up there. We've got to head back to my base and take a space cruiser. Come on," he said, tugging her about by the arm.
Normally, Hadea would've paused to express her resentment toward such a gesture, to tell the offender that a woman of her stature was above such treatment. But on this occasion, there was no superior expression, no snide comment, and no smug joke. Right now, she didn't feel at all like a queen. At present, she simply felt like a mother.
As the cruiser descended through the skies of Mongo, the Phantom had to dodge numerous stray shots flying across the air. Upon approaching the capital, he hailed the palace on an agreed-upon frequency, preventing his vehicle from being attacked by the kingdom's defenses.
After the Phantom and Hadea had scurried into the palace, the two were escorted to the secured rooms below. Once they'd passed through numerous doors, they found a red-faced Jedda laying on a cot, surrounded by several advisors who'd tried calming her down.
Jedda eyed the ceiling with an absent stare, fidgeting wildly every five seconds.
Hadea brought both hands to her mouth, feeling a numbness spread across her body.
While watching Jedda, the Phantom found himself unable to manage a coherent sentence.
"Alone," said Hadea, holding her eyes on the cot. "Leave me alone with her."
As the others began pouring out of the room, Jedda drifted into a calm sleep.
After everyone else had left, the Phantom briefly paused at the door, then closed it behind him.
Hadea shook her head amidst a teary stare. "I feel so foolish when I think back to the day that we met. It should've been obvious that the true jewel wasn't the Necklace of Oros, but the very girl laying right before me." Dropping to her knees, she rested her head atop Jedda's chest, embracing her as she slept. "The worst day of your life led to the greatest day of mine..." Hadea closed her eyes and concentrated. "The day that I awakened my daughter."
A mystical glow began to surround Jedda.
Ming and Krotan met in the center of a street, surrounded by burning buildings, abandoned vehicles, and the sounds of warriors locked in battle. A small distance separated them.
"This will be the last time, Father." Krotan discarded his cape and raised his sword. "After today, you'll never trouble me or my planet again."
"Your planet?" Ming lifted his own blade. "When are you going to learn that you're just a pretender sitting on my throne, boy?"
Krotan charged forward with a long yell.
Ming grinned, steadying his sword.
All around them, the echos of battle began to fade, and the enemy jets slowly drifted from the sky.
Krotan hesitated, glancing about.
Waves of enemy soldiers simply disappeared — secretly teleported to the Kingdom of Oblivion. The jets were forced down by a telekinetic pull, and their pilots were subdued once the landings were complete.
Ming swung his head around with a furious expression. "What's happening?"
A slow smile crossed Krotan's face. "Isn't it obvious, Father? My wife has recovered and brought this battle to an end."
Ming quickly turned his thoughts to Jade, wondering what had become of their back-up plan.
"It's over."
Slowly, Ming swung his gaze back to Krotan. "If I can't have Mongo today, then I suppose I'll just have to settle for your head. Come, if you have the courage."
Jedda and the others stood before a huge monitor, which was broadcasting the battle via multiple cameras. At present, most of the fighting appeared to have reached an end.
The man at the controls addressed his queen. "I think you got all of them, highness."
Jedda held an arm around Hadea's back, leaning against her for support. "Find Krotan."
The screen began flipping through numerous scenes outside. As a series of chaotic images appeared before her, Jedda stood upright with an angry stare. Before long, her husband and his father were spotted on-screen.
A wounded Ming stood over a downed Krotan, preparing to drive a blade into his son's chest.
Jedda's fists tightened as she eyed Ming. This was the man responsible for all that she'd seen. Burning crops, shattered monuments, devastated buildings, and horrified citizens. And after all he'd ravaged, after all he'd destroyed, he was about to cap things off by taking her husband too?
The Necklace of Oros twinkled on Jedda's chest. One second later, Ming vanished from the battlefield, and materialized in the same room as Jedda and the others.
The former King of Mongo looked about in shock. Before he could even get a word off, Ming dropped his weapon and began to grasp at his throat. A wave of telekinetic force was squeezing his neck.
Jedda watched him with a cold glare, pouring all of her focus into the attack.
Throughout the years, dozens of people had been presented with the chance to kill Ming. Yet for some reason or another, none of them actually did. But where her teammates, her husband, and numerous assassins had failed, Jedda intended to succeed. Right now.
The Phantom stepped forth and secured Ming's blade, then cast an uneasy stare in his daughter's direction.
Ming dropped to his knees, the life fading from his face.
Hadea held her hip and showed no signs of sympathy.
"Jedda..." said the Phantom.
Jedda ignored him, ignored everything else. She couldn't afford to lose focus, even for a second. After all, she'd seen Ming on the brink of death before, and on each of those occasions, something had always turned up to save him at the last moment.
Not this time. She wouldn't allow it. As she watched him wheeze, as she watched him choke, Jedda knew that she wasn't about to let anything get between her and Ming. Because right now, nothing in the galaxy mattered more than her hatred...
Save for her love.
"Mother?" A tiny voice arrived in the room.
Jedda swung her gaze across the floor, a hint of surprise cutting through her angry expression.
Vera watched with a curious stare, trembling a little where she stood. Somewhere in her heart, the girl sensed that Ming was dying — and she sensed that Jedda was the one killing him.
Jedda herself began shaking now. A dark realization swept through her mind: by killing Ming, she'd be repeating his mistakes. She'd be subjecting her child to violence and fear.
If she could kill in front of Vera now, then chances were she could do it again. How would that come to affect Vera's future? And how would it come to affect Jedda's own?
With a quiet sigh, she closed her eyes and released the hold.
Ming collapsed and fidgeted where he lay.
Jedda opened her eyes, watching with disdain. Killing Ming would've brought her a lot of satisfaction, but it wasn't worth losing herself, and it wasn't worth losing her daughter.
Jedda dropped to her knees and opened her arms, embracing Vera as she trotted forth.
Seconds later, Krotan was brought to the room amidst a burst of light. "Jedda?"
"I'm okay," she whispered, holding Vera close.
As a sense of calm spread across the room, the Phantom and Hadea turned to each other in relief.
Jedda brushed a hand along the girl's head. "Everything's going to be okay."
Upon returning to the Netherworld, Hadea had made her way directly to Jade's cell. "Do you honestly believe that Ming would've allowed you and Jedda to live happily ever after on Mongo?"
Jade sat still behind the bars, staring quietly at the ground.
"He would've killed her and he would've killed you. He probably would've killed Vera too. Did the name 'Ming the Merciless' tell you nothing at all about who you were dealing with?"
"So are you planning to execute me now?"
"Why should I bother doing that?"
Jade turned her cold eyes Hadea's way. "Aren't you looking to have Jedda all to yourself?"
Hadea stared. "I don't view you as competition for Jedda's affections. Doing so would be petty...and it would also be pointless. I no longer have any reason to."
"Is that so?"
"Why do you suppose she didn't come?"
Jade winced, looking away.
"Today, one mother harmed her, and the other healed her. It's that simple."
Hadea's guards stepped forth, opening the cell.
"There are two great natural pleasures in life," said the queen. "One is freedom, the other is love. You have the former, but you've given up the latter. You've lost your relationship with your daughter."
Jade stood, watching her with shaky eyes.
Hadea walked off. "Actually, you've lost your relationship with my daughter."
Jedda stepped onto the balcony overlooking her kingdom. "We'll have a fair deal of rebuilding to do, but I believe the necklace can help with that."
Hadea nodded, standing beside her.
"If you hadn't healed me when you did, things would've gotten a lot worse than they actually are." She turned and took Hadea's hands. "So many people judge you by what's on the surface. Few see who you really are inside."
Hadea blushed, letting her stare drop. "I've gone through some changes in recent years, and that's largely because I have you in my life." She looked up into Jedda's eyes. "My love for you makes me a better person."
Jedda grinned, pulling her in for a hug, and the two embraced before a setting sun.
Hours later, Jedda began tucking her own daughter into bed. As she ran a playful thumb over the girl's cheek, Vera giggled while sporting a sleepy smile.
Once her daughter's eyes had closed, Jedda leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. "My love for you makes me a better person too."
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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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