D33
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 33: Reconstruction
Having been short on time during their introduction, Jedda had promised to make her second meeting with Rachel longer. They'd also opted for a pleasant and comfortable setting.
At present, they were sitting across from each other atop a grassy hill. The Defenders' base was visible in the near distance.
"So it isn't just Mongoians who live on Mongo?"
Jedda slowly shook her head. "We have humans and people of other races up there."
"And you live in the royal building, right?" Rachel squinted. "I've heard conflicting stories about how the government works."
"We have a kingdom that's identified as the planet's capital. That kingdom is home to the king and queen, who are officially recognized as the rulers of the world. The rulers direct the governors in other countries, making sure everyone's following our laws and working together." Jedda grinned while pulling aside a stray hair. "This reminds me of certain conversations with my daughter. She asks some of the cutest questions."
Rachel looked to the sky. "I hear I can expect similar things from my son."
Jedda froze, going quiet for a moment. "You have a son?"
"He was born a little over a year ago. I don't think it's safe for him to be around me right now, so he lives in another country. He's protected."
Jedda noted the lack of specific information. " 'Another country?' "
Rachel's lips parted, and she flashed an awkward expression. "It's not that I don't trust you." She glanced around. "I just never know who might be listening in."
While looking Rachel over, Jedda couldn't help but frown a little. "When I hear you talk about the life you lead...I'm left feeling kind of saddened at times."
"Don't be, honey. As arrogant as this may sound, I'm proud of who I am and what I'm accomplishing." Rachel paused, running her eyes over Jedda. "And based on what I hear, I'm proud of you as well. The Walkers are spreading goodness across the world, across the galaxy." She made a half-smile. "Maybe our children will continue that tradition someday."
Upon hearing those words, Jedda herself began thinking about the family. The Walkers had quite a legacy indeed. Before long, she found her thoughts drifting to a certain moment in the past. "What if Jade had never turned traitor? What if you, me, Jade, and father had just stayed together, and lived happily ever after?"
Rachel eyed her in curiosity. It seemed that Jedda's imagination was already at work. "How do you imagine your life would've turned out?"
Jedda let her stare wander. "I think I would've still grown up with super-heroes — either the Defenders or some other team." After a few seconds, a quiet chuckle escaped her mouth. "Krotan and I probably would've still crossed paths at some point, given our backgrounds." She brought her gaze back to Rachel. "And, of course, you and I would've been raised together."
Rachel found herself looking away for a moment. "And if that had happened, I might have never learned the truth about who my father is."
"What do you mean?"
"The results of the paternity test came back earlier today. The Phantom and I were there together." Her gaze lingered on the ground. "You and I have the same mother, but not the same father."
Jedda found herself holding quiet for quite some time.
Rachel kept her stare averted as she took deep, slow breaths.
"I don't know what to say, Rachel...except that you and I still have a connection. The two of us are still sisters."
Rachel could feel something awkward inside. Jedda's sentiment was surprisingly comforting. She resisted at first, but then looked up at her. "Yes. We are."
Jedda smiled. "Growing up, I wanted to be a sister more than I wanted to be a super-heroine. I always thought it would be nice to have..." Jedda's words trailed off as she noticed the look on Rachel's face.
Rachel had begun staring right behind Jedda. Before long, her mouth opened a crack.
Jedda turned around.
Jade Walker ascended the hill with slow, cautious steps. Her eyes watered as she watched both of her daughters. After coming to a halt, she began to focus her attention on Rachel for a while.
The younger women found themselves at a loss for words.
Eventually, Jedda caught Jade's gaze, and quietly spoke up. "Why didn't you tell me about Rachel?"
Jade closed her eyes, then opened them with a quiet sigh. "Because I knew that you'd react with anger, the same as your father did," she muttered. "I wanted to wait until after we'd grown close, when all of this would be easier for you to forgive."
Jedda stared, then slowly shook her head. "This is why we can't have the relationship that you want us to have. You're manipulative. You're secretive." She paused a few seconds. "I can't have a mother like that." To her surprise, Jedda found it painful to say what she had. "And in case you didn't know, Rachel and I have different fathers."
Jade fell silent as she let the information sink in. Her thoughts briefly turned to the man who she'd had an affair with. Moments later, she dug her hands in her pockets and looked at the ground. "I know that neither of you wants much to do with me." She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "But I want to say this to you, Jedda Katherine Walker, and this to you, Rachel Isabelle Walker... I'm proud of you. I'm proud of you both, because you're both heroines." She looked up at them. "You're exactly what I tried to be." After a few more moments of silence, Jade turned and walked away.
Jedda and Rachel held quiet as they watched her leave.
Once Jade was out of sight, Jedda closed her eyes and ran a hand through her hair. Then she turned toward Rachel again. "What were we discussing?"
Rachel was a possessor of sharp listening skills. She was the kind of person who paid attention even when she appeared to be distracted. "You were saying that you could've used a sister while you were growing up."
Jedda nodded. "I could still use one now."
Rachel hesitated, then licked her lips. "So could I." She frowned a little. "I'm a busy girl, Jedda. For the most part, I'm not going to be around, but I will be in touch." Her expression softened. "And, eventually, when the time is right..."
"We'll see each other again."
Amidst the silence, the two began smiling upon one another.
Rachel and the Phantom had met up in the base.
"You're really leaving?" he asked.
"There are other robot bases that need to be found and destroyed."
"Don't go looking for them alone."
"I won't. I'm going to find other agencies, other partners."
"Why not stay here? Why not work with us?"
Rachel lowered her gaze to the floor. "We both know that can't happen."
A perplexed frown swept over his face.
"Things were different when I thought that you were my father." She paused, staring at him. "There's too much bad blood between you and my mom. Do you honestly think that we could work together under a dark cloud like that?"
He briefly closed his eyes. "I don't see Jade when I look at Jedda, and I don't see her when I look at you."
"Well, maybe things aren't awkward for you...but they're still a little awkward for me."
The Phantom hesitated, letting a bit of silence linger. "If things ever stop being awkward, you're always welcome to come back."
For a second or two, Rachel was tempted to smile. "Thanks."
Curiosity crept into his eyes. "What about your actual father?"
"I'm going to find him." Rachel paused to look the Phantom over again. "You know, for a good deal of my life I thought that you were my dad. I was proud of you then...and I'm proud of you now."
The Phantom lifted his chin. "You may not be my daughter, Rachel, but I'm proud of you as well."
Rachel felt something odd again, something similar to what she'd felt when Jedda had comforted her. "Thank you," she quietly said.
He stepped forth, and slowly pulled her into a hug.
Rachel wrapped her arms around him, sighing as she returned his embrace.
"It seems that Rachel was right. There are other bases out there that need to be found and dealt with." Rick glanced over at Monica. "That means I can't walk away just yet. It means I need to stay with the Defenders right now."
Monica nodded while glancing at the coffee table.
"I'm sorry if I've upset you."
"No," she mumbled. "I'm fine." Monica leaned back on the couch, taking one of Rick's hands in hers. "I'm just glad that we're together."
"So am I," he said, leaning back with her.
Monica shook her head. "The Defenders..." She smiled. "I'm starting to think that Colt's going to want to be like you when he gets older."
Rick chuckled. "I doubt it."
"It was painful when I thought that she was my long-lost daughter," said the Phantom. "It was also painful when I found out that she wasn't." He looked down at his lap. "Right now I don't know how to feel." He paused. "All I do know is that I'm glad I have you to turn to."
Hadea felt something warm and unexpected brewing within her chest. She sat down beside him on the bed.
"Thank you for being here for me," he said, turning to her.
She wrapped an arm around his back. "Thank you for letting me."
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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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