D35
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 35: Reflection
The Present
Around nine months had passed since the day that Jedda and the Defenders had last seen Rachel.
Stars were shining over the capital kingdom of Mongo, and most of the citizens had retired for the night.
A dark blue hue spread through Jedda and Krotan's bedroom, casting its glow across the huge rectangular chamber.
Upon realizing that the little one in her arms had fallen asleep, Jedda placed the child down on a soft cushion — laying him in a crib right next to his sister's bed.
Jedda planted a soft kiss on Lowe's temple, then placed another one on Vera's sleeping face.
After she'd finally managed to stop watching the kids, Jedda walked to her bed and found Krotan fast asleep as well. She stripped down to the nightgown beneath her robe, then nuzzled herself against Krotan's bare chest.
Whenever the two of them reached a new phase of their lives, Jedda found herself reflecting on how it had all begun. While glancing down at Krotan's ring, she thought back to their very first night together.
Several Years Ago
Jedda lay still in her new husband's arms. Krotan had drifted off to sleep.
Just yesterday, the two of them had been enemies. But tonight, somehow, they'd become husband and wife.
Finally.
Jedda had long been aware that this was Krotan's dream, and, for some reason, she herself had sensed that it would happen in time.
She just hadn't expected it to happen today. All of a sudden, they were legally married. According to Krotan, they always would be. And deep within her mind, Jedda knew that this was true.
She wanted to be angry. She wanted to be spiteful. Her head told her to leap out of bed, pull a sheet over her body, and slouch within a shady corner somewhere.
Instead, she found her hand circling along Krotan's chest, her foot nuzzling between both of his, and her face nestling against his neck.
Since escape wasn't an option, it appeared that there were only two choices available: She could be his prisoner, or she could be his wife. At present, she didn't exactly feel like either. She wasn't quite sure just what she was feeling. All she knew was that she'd been fighting her attraction to this man for a while, and there was a sense of relief in finally letting go.
Jedda closed her eyes and inhaled his scent. Her husband smelled strong and masculine.
It felt odd to use those labels — husband and wife. Yet for some reason, it felt strangely natural as well.
She'd once heard that when a super-villain expresses attraction toward a super-heroine, it means that deep down, he wants to become a better person. Deep down, he still has some goodness within.
Jedda had seen hints of that tonight, prior to their lovemaking. She'd witnessed a side of Krotan that she'd never seen before. A side that she'd long been waiting for.
Jedda paused amidst her thoughts, then flashed a curious frown. Why did she think of what they'd done as "lovemaking?"
It wasn't long before the answer arrived. Krotan had been tender and compassionate beforehand, and had remained that way throughout. She could tell that it wasn't simply about passion. There was definitely something deeper involved.
If he was capable of tenderness, and capable of compassion, then perhaps, in time, the two of them could...
Jedda winced again, shaking her head in denial. Krotan couldn't change. He was the son of Ming.
But then again, maybe there was more to that fact than she'd ever realized. Perhaps Krotan had largely been controlled by his father, or controlled by his hatred. Perhaps he was capable of releasing his hatred, and embracing his love.
After a few seconds, Jedda told herself to cease all the nonsense. She needed to think with her head, not with her heart. She had to find a way of resisting Krotan somehow.
Perhaps she couldn't run, but she could hide. When Krotan woke up, he'd find a big surprise waiting. Jedda would be out somewhere within the kingdom. She'd make him search far and wide in order to see her again.
The first step, of course, was to get out of this bed.
Jedda dug a hand into the covers and began to lift herself up. Just as she was rising, however, Krotan quietly moaned, and wrapped his arms around her again.
He hadn't said anything. He hadn't even awakened. He'd simply reacted upon feeling her slip away, as though a part of him could sense what her intentions were.
His grip wasn't aggressive. It wasn't forceful. It was gentle, tender, soft, and soothing. Jedda could almost hear a statement within his touch: Don't walk away from me. Don't walk away from us.
Jedda felt her eyes water and her body shake. Though she resisted for as long as she could, she eventually placed a soft, slow kiss on Krotan's lips.
Moments afterward, she lowered her bare chest onto Krotan's again, and quietly drifted off to sleep.
The Present
Because Jedda had ultimately listened to her heart, she and Krotan had found a fulfilling and enduring love. They now had two children as testament to that love.
Jedda smiled while looking over at Vera and Lowe. She smiled again while eyeing their proud father.
As she began to wriggle a little beneath the covers, Krotan moaned in his sleep, and embraced her once more.
Jedda paused in surprise, then chuckled to herself. Closing her eyes, she faded off into slumber along with her family.
----------
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