D3
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 3: Destiny
During each of her visits to Mongo, Hadea's top priority was to spend time with Jedda. At present, the two were laying in the shade atop a grassy hill. Jedda's head was nuzzled in the queen's lap.
Hadea smiled at their similarity in appearance. Over the past year, Jedda had walked the grounds of Mongo with a tiara glittering in her elegant locks, and a lack of footwear beneath her flowing gown. It was a look that Krotan insisted upon, claiming that Jedda had a regal beauty that was only natural.
To the people of Mongo, however, her beauty went much deeper than what they saw on the surface.
Jedda had infused new morality and empathy into Mongoian culture, winning hearts as her improvements were noticed. She'd also distributed goods where they were most needed, and had built new homes where they were most wanted. In the people's eyes, she'd done several things right that Ming had done wrong.
----------
Though Jedda hadn't liked to admit it at first, she was a much better ruler than she'd expected to be, and by now, she'd grown more comfortable when heads were bowed respectfully at her feet. At home, Krotan welcomed his hard-working wife with care and adoration, doing all that he could to make her feel loved.
But despite all of this, Jedda still hadn't fully accepted her place on Mongo — which left the people nearest to her continually perplexed.
Hadea ran a soothing hand through Jedda's hair. "Krotan makes you happy. I know that he does." She briefly paused, watching her a moment. "Why do you still hesitate to embrace your life here?"
Jedda let her eyes linger on the clouds. "It's what some people call a gut feeling," she muttered. "I'd be lying to you if I said I was never happy...but I'd be lying to myself if I said I was content."
"You have every reason to be content. Not only have you made Mongo your home, you've made it into a better home for others. I'm proud of you, proud of what you've accomplished."
Jedda held her gaze elsewhere.
Hadea frowned a little, stroking Jedda's cheek. "We've been together for a year now, daughter. You've never once called me mother."
She blushed, avoiding eye contact.
"Are you truly displeased with your present life? It must be preferable to the one you left behind."
Jedda hesitated. "Why would you say that?"
Hadea briefly gazed off. "After I reclaimed the necklace...I monitored your final year on Earth. I know of the many hardships that you endured back then. The Phantom condemned you for rejecting his legacy. Rick Gordon shunned you in favor of his team. The president wanted to use you as one of his pawns." She lifted an eyebrow. "Surely the present is more appealing than the past.
"Instead of a disappointed father, you have a loving mother. Instead of an absent boyfriend, you have a faithful husband. And instead of serving a government, you're running one."
Jedda mumbled. "It wasn't as though I had a choice. It was the only way to keep the Earth free from your control."
Hadea looked toward the sky. "I'm afraid that the Earth will still fall under my control in due time."
Jedda's eyes tensed as she pulled herself up. "What are you talking about? You promised me that you wouldn't invade it."
"No, I promised you that I wouldn't rule it."
A suspicious frown crossed Jedda's face.
"And rest assured, I'll keep that promise. I will eventually seize the Earth, but I'm not going to rule it — you are, Jedda."
Her expression melted into an awestruck stare.
"You're no longer a fighter. You're a ruler. Rather than defending that world, you're going to improve it."
"In what way?"
"Any way you see fit."
Jedda paused, unable to ignore the temptation she now felt. It frightened her and thrilled her all at once. "No..." she said quietly. "The future of that planet isn't for me to decide. Decisions such as those are meant to be made by several people, not by one." She shook her head. "That's the reason the Defenders of the Earth were created: to protect the world from invasions and dictators. If I agreed to this, I'd be going against the very values that I once stood for."
Hadea's eyes became firmer. "This will happen, Jedda — and hopefully your values will have matured by then."
She frowned. "What does that mean?"
Hadea cupped Jedda's face, stroking it for a moment. "Most of the stress in your life is of your own creation. You spend so much time trying to resist your destiny, because you're still clinging to the notion that you get to 'decide' it.
"You don't. None of us are meant to decide our destiny. The only thing we're meant to do is fulfill it. As a child, I knew that I was fated to rule someday — and that was a destiny that came to fruition. Being my daughter, you're now destined to do the same."
Jedda looked away with a somber stare.
"You're no longer a girl. You're on the verge of adulthood." She ran her hand along Jedda's back. "Rather than endlessly denying your destiny, isn't it time that you began to accept it?"
Jedda held quiet, a calmness settling into her eyes.
"What troubles you?" Krotan asked, approaching Jedda in the palace.
She looked down at her lap. "Mother is planning to invade Earth. She wants us to become rulers there."
He quietly looked away without much reaction.
Jedda turned to him, lifting an eyebrow as she stared. "...You knew?"
"Jedda- -"
She scoffed while standing. "And people wonder why I can't settle down and be happy here. Maybe because every time I'm about to, something like this turns up." She began storming away. "Some new secret, some new scheme- -"
"I don't want this any more than you do." He took her wrist. "My dream was to rule Mongo, not Earth."
As Jedda watched him, her lips parted in surprise. While looking closely, she could see a genuine anxiety in Krotan's eyes. He honestly didn't want to leave his home world.
"But as long as Hadea rules, we've no choice but to abide by her wishes."
She paused before continuing. "Perhaps we can't fight her...but I know who can."
"Not this again."
"Help me contact them." She took his hand. "Help me contact the Defenders."
"We both know that they've no chance against her."
Jedda shook her head. "Maybe not in a head-on battle, but they're craftier than you think." Her voice lowered, a hint of doubt entering her tone. "They can find a way. I know they can."
Krotan let his head sag.
"Come on. What have you got to lose by doing this?"
He slowly looked up at her. "My wife."
Jedda's mouth opened in surprise.
Krotan sighed. "Just promise me that nothing will change."
She lifted an eyebrow.
"Even if I can contact them, and even if they actually can find a way to stop her..." Krotan rolled his eyes in skepticism, "I have to know that things will be the same for us afterward."
Jedda stroked his fingers.
"Once this is over, we do everything that we've spoken of doing." He let himself smile, holding her waist. "We have our first child. We build our new memories. We go on living as husband and wife."
Jedda briefly closed her eyes. Then she opened them, and pressed her lips to Krotan's.
He leaned forward, returning the affection.
As the sun's rays began filling the room, the two of them became silhouettes against the rising light.
Scene Commentary
At present, the two were laying in the shade atop a grassy hill. Jedda's head was nuzzled in the queen's lap.
This hilltop scene is yet another image that I had in my head for a while. We see Jedda and Hadea spending quality time together, though Jedda is still conflicted with regard to her feelings for this woman.
As the sun's rays began filling the room, the two of them became silhouettes against the rising light.
Odd as it may sound, this was the moment when I 'realized' that Jedda and Krotan have a genuinely loving relationship.
----------
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.
Comments
Post a Comment