D40
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 40: Bonding
10 Years Into The Future
A huge crowd of Mongoians stood before the royal palace. All were staring up at a wide balcony.
Princess Vera appeared on the platform. Her ponytail fluttered amidst a gentle breeze, and her regal dress glittered in the rising light. The kingdom's flag was resting within her hands.
Before long, three others had walked into view behind her. Each smiled upon seeing the large gathering below.
After taking a deep breath, the 12-year-old girl stepped before a microphone and addressed the crowd. "The royal family would like to wish each and every one of you a happy Mongo Day." Vera lifted the flag above her head, and a burst of cheers erupted from the audience.
Just behind Vera, her proud father, Krotan, glanced over at her brother, Lowe, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. Then he turned and smiled upon Vera's mother, Jedda, wrapping an arm around her waist.
The Queen of Mongo grinned back at her husband, ebony locks floating about her face.
Vera was now donned in shorts and a T-shirt, her preferred outfit while spending time at home. She skipped out of her room and down to her parents' chamber, noticing that the door had been left open. Upon peeking in, she spotted Krotan and Lowe sitting at a table. Both of them were sporting casual attire as well.
"I overheard a lot of things about our history today," Lowe said. "People say that when Grandfather Ming was ruling, he tried to take over some other planets too." The prince suddenly looked very confused. "Someone even said that you tried to help him."
Krotan sighed under his breath, then faced his son with a calm expression. "Remember what I told you about mistakes?"
Lowe nodded. "You said that everyone makes them, but what's important is that we come to recognize and learn from them afterward."
Vera looked on from the doorway, slowly cupping her hands behind her back.
"I made a lot of mistakes when I was younger, Lowe." Krotan interlocked his fingers and let his stare drop to the table. "But with your mother's help, I was able to recognize them, and become a better person in time."
Vera smiled.
"I want that too," Lowe said with a playful grin. "I think I want to become a better person too."
Krotan chuckled. "You're already a fine person."
The prince shrugged while blushing. "I guess that's because I've got a fine mother, and a fine father."
Krotan's smile widened a little.
Across the floor, Jedda stepped out of the bathroom wearing a robe atop her nightgown. She glanced outward at the graying sky, then turned and saw her daughter resting on the carpet.
"You know," Vera said, "I make two wishes every year — one on my birthday, and one on Mongo Day. I hear that if you tell people your birthday wish, it won't come true, but no one ever says that about Mongo Day wishes."
Jedda giggled. "Thinking about taking a chance?" She crouched and wrapped her hands around Vera's face, brushing her fingers through the girl's ponytail. "Want to announce your wish to the room?"
Krotan began approaching the two of them. "I'd be glad to hear it."
Lowe listened on from the table.
"All right." Vera took a deep breath. "Part of me wishes that our present lives would never change, that we could all just stay like this for good." She looked away with a shy grin. "But I know that Lowe and I have to grow up eventually."
Krotan embraced Jedda as she rose, holding her from behind as they watched their daughter. "The four of us will always be family, though," he said.
"I know," Vera murmured. "So in that case, I guess my wish is for the two of you to stay the way you are now." She eyed them both with a warm smile. "I wish for my parents to be together forever."
Jedda looked up at Krotan. "A princess is usually supposed to get whatever she wants, right?"
"I believe so," he replied.
The two of them shared a quick kiss.
Vera relaxed on her side, running a few fingers between her toes while sporting a contended grin. Then she whipped her ponytail behind her shoulder, and glanced over at the distant table. "Yo. Lowe. Let's play some memory match. Time for some family bonding."
Lowe rose and stepped across the room.
Jedda stroked her son's hair as he took his place at a game board.
Within moments, Vera and her family were engaged in a session of laughs and love.
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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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