D30
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 30: Epilogue V
Rick was awakened by the sound of the phone. "Yeah?" He held the device to his ear, lifting a hand to block the sunlight out. "Okay," he said, letting out a slow yawn. "I'll see you at the base. Bye."
Soon after he'd hung up, a playful voice arrived from beneath the sheets. "I thought you were going to leave that thing off, hero."
Rick took a deep breath, bracing himself for a big announcement. "After today, I probably won't have it with me at all anymore." He raised his knees and placed his wrists over them. "I'm leaving the Defenders."
Monica pulled the covers aside, adjusting a strap on her nightgown. The sun illuminated her features and shoulder-length brown hair. "What do you mean?"
"Just what I said." He ran a finger along her shoulder. "I'm leaving the team tonight."
Monica tried to speak, but struggled to find the right words. She wanted to be thrilled, but she wanted to be sensitive as well. "For how long?"
Rick let his gaze drift to the wall. "I don't know just yet." He turned to her again. "All I know right now is that I want to spend more time with you." He glanced at the crib. "With both of you."
She closed her mouth, and her lips shook for a moment. Then she exhaled and reached out to touch Rick's arm. "How does this work? Is there a party or something?"
"I'm keeping it quiet. Right now, LJ's the only one who knows. The others are going to find out tomorrow."
Monica pulled a lock of her hair aside, holding silent as she studied him.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said, letting everything sink in. She'd just woken up to her two favorite sights: Her son in his crib, and Rick in her bed. She liked the idea of getting used to both, but had never been sure that she'd have the chance.
Around half an hour later, the two had gathered up at the house's entrance.
Monica looked down at the baby in her arms. "Guess what, Colt? Rick's going to be around more often from now on. Isn't that nice?"
Colt looked Rick over, then muttered something that only he could understand.
Monica and Rick giggled.
"Hey," said Rick, reaching over to pat Colt's head, "look after your mom, buddy. You and I will hang out together when I get back." He looked up at the boy's mother. "Guess I'd better get going."
Monica nodded with a smile.
Rick leaned down, and the two shared a slow kiss.
The sound of a quiet beep arrived beside Jedda and Krotan's bed, alerting the royal couple that a subject was trying to reach them.
Jedda moaned while rolling onto her side. "Wouldn't it be nice if we could leave that thing off?"
Krotan pressed a button, then spoke into the communication device. "Yes?"
As the king carried on a brief conversation, Jedda slipped out of bed and stepped across the room, stroking Vera's hair as she slept.
After entering the bathroom and closing the door behind her, she retrieved a well-hidden pregnancy test, the results of which were just about due.
Jedda licked her lips, then took a deep breath.
A phone began ringing beside a luxurious bed.
"Why can't you ever just leave that thing off?" moaned a golden-haired woman.
The Phantom reached over and pulled the phone to his ear. "Yes?" He paused. "All right. I'll be in." Moments later, he'd pulled on his clothes. "I have to go."
Hadea sighed, keeping her eyes closed as she lay on her side. Seconds afterward, the queen felt something she'd never felt before. The Phantom placed a kiss on the side of her face. It wasn't a passionate smooch, or a quick little peck, it was a soft, tender, affectionate kiss. A meaningful one. A loving kiss.
She opened her eyes, holding still. "What was that for?"
"Pardon?"
She hesitated. "You've never kissed me before leaving. Not until now."
He stroked the back of his head.
"Why did you do that?"
After a brief bit of silence, the Phantom quietly spoke up. "I don't know."
Hadea kept her eyes open, but didn't turn over. Before long, she heard him exit.
Flash and the Phantom sat with their backs to each other. Both were typing away at computers.
Flash smiled a little. "You're going to have to sort things out with Hadea."
The Phantom's hands jerked on the keyboard.
"You keep making up excuses to come to work, so that you don't have to spend 'cuddle time' with her. She's not a stupid woman. She knows exactly what you're doing." He grinned again.
"And how do you know this?"
"Because she's been coming to me. We've talked a bit."
The Phantom winced, then turned his chair around.
"I haven't said much about you. I've mostly listened. She thinks that you're afraid of quality time. She thinks that you're afraid to open up your heart, and be intimate with her." Flash found himself arriving at a conclusion. "In short, I think she wants you to 'let her in.' "
The Phantom began to grow curious about a few details. "What exactly did she say? What kind of tone did she use?"
"Tone?"
"Did she sound hurt? Saddened?" He paused, wondering why he was so interested in these things.
Flash stopped typing, holding his stare on the screen. He answered the Phantom's question with one of his own. "Do you love this woman?"
The Phantom closed his eyes briefly. After holding quiet for a while, he finally found the courage to admit something to himself. "I don't know."
A few seconds later, Flash turned around. "You and I are polar opposites when it comes to romance, buddy." He offered a smile. "I've had trouble moving on because I was in a great relationship, and you've had trouble moving on because you were in some poor ones. Both of those are valid reasons." He held his interlocked fingers between his knees. "At this point, though, I think that Dale would want me to be happy...and I think that you should make an effort to seek happiness too."
The Phantom cupped his hands beneath his chin, resting his elbows atop his legs.
"You've got responsibilities to this team, but you've also got responsibilities to yourself. And if you and Hadea are in a relationship, then you've got responsibilities to her as well."
"What are you getting at?"
"Take some time off," Flash said. "Go be with your...well, go be with Hadea."
Night had fallen over the Defenders' base.
Rick and LJ tapped a couple of bottles together, then leaned back and eyed a huge video monitor. At present, the two were watching a live feed of the building's entrance.
"So this is how you wanted to spend your last night here." LJ smiled. "Good old guard duty."
Rick scoffed. "How many nights did we have to do this as teens? About 700,000?"
"700,003."
"That was it." Rick snapped his fingers. "Oh, well. My goal was always 700,004. So I might as well help out this one last..." His words trailed off as he noticed movement on the monitor. Someone in a hooded cape was approaching the building.
LJ sat up straight and leaned forward.
The figure walked along the stone bridge that led to the base's entrance. A number of leaves swept past her wavering garment.
As the hooded person stopped before a huge steel door, a camera swung into place above her head.
The guest lifted her chin and looked straight at the lens, exposing her face for any and all to see.
Rick and LJ glanced at one another. The visitor was around their age.
As LJ flipped a switch, a green spotlight began shining down on the woman.
She spread her arms while turning in place, submitting fully to the examination.
"The scan shows she's not carrying any weapons," said LJ.
Rick hit another switch, projecting his voice through a speaker outside. "Can I help you?"
The woman leaned to her right and spoke into a microphone. Her tone had a firmness to it, but was calm and collected. "I'm looking for the Phantom."
"He's not here," said Rick. He and LJ were the only ones present.
"Then I'm going to need to speak with you. In person."
The teammates eyed each other again.
After a lengthy period of silence, the steel door began drawing open, and Rick's voice arrived through the speaker once more. "Follow the lights."
Around five minutes later, the woman entered the room and stood directly across from the two Defenders. Her wide hood cloaked her face in shadow. "Rick. LJ." She nodded.
Rick lifted an eyebrow. "Why are you looking for the Phantom?"
After a moment's pause, the visitor lifted a hand, pulling back the hood. Long, dark hair spilled over her shoulders, part of which was fastened up in a mini ponytail. "My name is Rachel Walker. I'm his daughter."
LJ and Rick both flinched, and their eyes filled with confusion.
She leaned her head to the side. "His other daughter."
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Volume V — End
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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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