D39
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 39: Mate
The Phantom awakened in a dim base, which looked not unlike the Defenders' own. A number of video screens could be seen in the distance. A series of colorful lights were flashing on a control panel.
Both of his arms were bound against a wall.
"Welcome to the Neoworld, Mr. Walker." A balding, gray-skinned man appeared before him.
The Phantom tugged against the shackles. "What do you want with me?"
"With you?" The man chuckled. "Don't flatter yourself, my dear Phantom. You're merely here as a hostage. Once Hadea sees that we have her lover, she'll think twice before launching a counterattack."
"A counterattack against what?"
As the man glanced over his shoulder, a number of gigantic cannons appeared on a screen. Each had been stationed along the kingdom's border, and each of them were pointed at the Netherworld.
The Phantom's eyes widened in horror. He'd never seen weapons of this sort before. The technology was clearly beyond anything on Earth.
"A counterattack against our imminent assault on her kingdom," said the host.
The Phantom trembled. "Hadea was right. You've been planning to attack her all along." His head began to sag. "She'd planned on neutralizing you ahead of time...and I delayed her."
"So we have you to thank for that." He patted the Phantom's shoulder. "I do appreciate it. Had Hadea arrived here on schedule, we never could've made the final adjustments to our cannons."
The Phantom shivered. His insides grew stiff. He struggled against the restraints again. "If you attack the Netherworld, your former queen, Lillien, will be executed."
"Splendid." He smiled.
"Don't you care?"
"The only people loyal to Lillien were a select group of lustful idiots. Everyone else here saw her for what she was — the ambitious foreigner who killed our king."
The Phantom's jaw sagged as he recalled his earlier discussion with Hadea.
The leader turned around, addressing a group of men at the controls. "Prepare the attack."
"I can't allow this to happen," said the Phantom.
" 'Allow,' " the man repeated. "Interesting term."
The Phantom closed his eyes, lowered his head, and, after a few seconds, began murmuring a sentence of fourteen words — a sentence he'd first spoken a very long time ago. "By jungle law, the Ghost Who Walks calls forth the power, of ten tigers."
The leader cupped his hands behind his back. "Did you say something, Phantom?" A loud ruckus arrived behind him suddenly. He jerked his head around, then froze in horror.
The Phantom was free.
"Guards!" yelled the leader.
A number of large men began rushing the Phantom. Within seconds, those very same men went flying back across the room.
The leader's jaw dropped.
The sound of battle began filling the air. More fists swung and more bodies flew.
Several hours later, Hadea stood atop a perch overlooking the Neoworld. Her arms rested across her chest, and her hair danced throughout the air. She watched as her forces began taking control of the kingdom as planned.
Though many seemed uncertain of how to react, the people of the Neoworld knew that a change had arrived. The woman above them wasn't merely the Netherworld's ruler anymore. They were looking at their new leader, Empress Hadea.
Though she hadn't yet faced him, the Phantom was standing a short distance behind her on the balcony. He'd come to see how she was, and then quieted. A long silence passed before he spoke again. "You were right."
Hadea kept her back turned.
"I shouldn't have interfered," he said.
Hadea held her stare outward while speaking up. "There are certain things that we need to be clear on." She turned and faced him. "Number one: You cannot make decisions for me."
"I know," he muttered. "I'm sorry."
She turned back around. "I realize that defense is what you're most accustomed to, but sometimes defense is not enough. As a ruler, there are times when I must go on the offensive as well." Hadea paused while studying the kingdom. "Do you understand that?"
"I do." After a moment, the Phantom glanced off to the side. "Normally I'm relieved when a battle is won, but when I stopped those men, I didn't feel victorious at all. I couldn't rejoice in winning the battle, because I was too concerned about losing you."
Hadea held silent.
"Have I?" he murmured.
She extended a hand behind her back.
The Phantom stepped forth, taking her palm in his. Both eyed the village sprawled before them.
The Neoworld was much like the Netherworld in appearance, but the grounds were brown and the grass was white. The trees and bushes had a milky hue. Several houses were built on the grounds below, and the other towns and villages looked much the same.
"How exactly will you govern?" asked the Phantom.
"I'm going to appoint a lone ruler in each kingdom, just like before. Both of those rulers will be answerable to me, and both will help me maintain peace between the two lands." Hadea brushed a hair behind her ear, then released a quiet sigh. "I wasn't expecting to be nervous."
"You're going to do a fine job." He brought his palms atop her shoulders. "And I'm going to be as supportive as I can."
After a moment of pause, she reached up and touched one of his hands. "Now you sound exactly like what I've always wanted you to be," Hadea said with a smile. "You sound like my mate."
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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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