D41
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 41: Queen
The Present
A light gray sky hung over the city.
LJ was positioned on a rooftop with Rick, both on their stomachs with binoculars in hand.
"So that's the building?" Rick asked.
"That's gotta be it," he managed to murmur. A thin sweat began trickling down his face. His mom was in there. She was being held captive.
Upon hearing footsteps, he and Rick swung around.
"Don't move," a man in a tank-top said, lifting a semi-automatic weapon. The guard smiled while staring at LJ. "I'm sure I'll get a nice big reward for this."
LJ and Rick put their hands up slowly. Just then, someone leapt into the air behind their foe, driving a kick across his face as he turned around. The guard was immediately knocked unconscious.
LJ flinched, then looked up at their rescuer.
"Sorry I'm late," Rachel said. Part of her hair was fastened back in the usual ponytail, while the rest was hanging over her shoulders. She straightened her cape and stepped forward.
"Thanks for coming," said LJ.
Rachel exchanged nods with both young men. "So who exactly are we looking for?"
"LJ's mom," Rick answered, turning back toward the building. "Up until a few years ago, we thought that she was dead."
LJ took a deep breath while eyeing their target area. "That was when we found out that she's actually alive, but she's been avoiding my dad and I all this time."
"Why?" said Rachel.
Rick shook his head slowly. "It's a long story."
LJ pulled the high-tech binoculars over his eyes again. There was still no sight of anyone through the windows. "It seems that she's being held by Decker, one of my dad's old enemies."
"What kind of evidence have you got?" asked Rachel.
"Just an audio message. Decker was trying to bait my dad into a trap, but me and Rick intercepted the call instead." A tense frown crossed his face. "He's got some highly advanced robot guards in there." He glanced at the man that Rachel had struck. "Those machines are going to be a lot harder to take down than humans."
She rolled her shoulders forward and stood up straight. "Don't worry. If your mom's in there, we'll get her out — no matter who or what we have to go through." Rachel glanced away. "I've actually been spending some time with my mother lately." Her voice softened. "I'll do whatever I can to help you out."
Rick turned to LJ. "Are you sure you don't want to bring Lothar in on this?"
LJ looked away with a somber expression. "This whole thing could be a trick. If it turns out that we're wrong, I'll have gotten my dad's hopes up for nothing. I don't want to do that to him."
Rachel eyed LJ for a moment, then dropped into a crouch. "When do you want to make a move?"
LJ narrowed his eyes while staring forward. "I think we'll need a few hours to survey the building and form a plan of attack."
The device on Rachel's waist began to beep. Someone was trying to contact her — again. Upon reading the message, she rolled her eyes. "It's those pesky court nobles in the Netherworld. They really, really want to talk to me for some reason."
"What's going on in the Netherworld?" asked Rick.
"No idea." She glanced around. "Do you guys know where I can find the nearest portal there?" She knew that a small number of them were scattered around the planet, but couldn't remember every location.
"There's one not far from here," Rick said.
Once the three had agreed on a time to meet up again, Rachel departed.
"You look...different than when I saw you before."
Empress Hadea rose up from the throne. "I'm no longer the queen of this kingdom. I'm an empress. In short, that means that I oversee multiple kingdoms now." She fell quiet for a moment while looking the younger woman over. "You have to become Queen of the Netherworld. Now. Today."
Rachel scowled and flinched. "What? I haven't even had any sort of training yet."
"I've made several attempts to reach you lately. Had you bothered to answer my summons sooner, we would've had the time to begin your training."
"I've been busy."
"As have I," said Hadea. "I have an upcoming summit meeting planned. This will mark the official union between the Netherworld and the Neoworld, and the heads of both kingdoms need to attend. That is why I need you to become queen now. We'll worry about your training later."
Rachel looked disoriented while taking everything in. A hint of skepticism began to linger on her face.
"Just relax," Hadea said, moving forward.
Rachel eyed her peculiarly. Hadea carried an almost motherly aura about her.
"If all of this seems frightening now, then try and remember that it actually began with an act of bravery: Yours. By dethroning Lillien, you helped set this peace movement in motion. Now I need you to be brave again, Rachel. I need you to take the final step." She pointed to the throne.
Rachel studied the chair while taking a series of deep, quiet breaths.
Hadea placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "Will you or won't you help me?"
Around 50 pale-skinned nobles had gathered in the throne room. The men were wrapped in elegant robes. The women were wearing regal gowns. All were gazing upon the greatest seat in the kingdom, where an empress stood before a young brunette.
Rachel was now donned in a beautiful dress, the kind of outfit that she rarely wore.
Hadea raised the sword in her right hand, then looked at the younger woman and nodded.
Rachel took a deep breath, closed her eyes, then opened them and dropped to one knee.
Hadea gently tapped the sword upon Rachel's shoulders, then sat it down and took hold of a tiara. The empress lifted her chin and raised her voice. "Let it be known, among one and all, that on this day a new ruler of our kingdom was crowned." She placed the tiara atop Rachel's head, then spoke the words that all had been anticipating. "Rachel Walker is Queen of the Netherworld."
Rachel's throat grew thick and her cheeks grew warm. Though she hadn't expected to, she couldn't help but feel honored.
"Rise, Queen Rachel," said Empress Hadea.
As Rachel stood and turned, a burst of quiet applause arose from the crowd.
A lone noblewoman walked at Rachel's side, giving the new queen a tour of her palace.
"This summit that Hadea mentioned," said Rachel, "when exactly is it taking place?"
"Later today, highness," said the young woman with a smile.
Rachel froze in shock. "Today?"
The woman nodded.
"I have something scheduled today."
She frowned in confusion. "Both you and Cera must be at the empress's summit."
"Who's 'Sarah'?"
The noblewoman eyed her peculiarly. "She's your fellow queen, highness. The new ruler of the Neoworld. She's a young woman around your age. We're all riding over to her kingdom in a matter of hours."
Rachel looked back and forth, then took a deep breath. "Save me a seat." With those words, she sprinted out of the room.
Moments later, Hadea entered. "Where is the queen?"
The noble blushed while licking her lips. "Uh..."
The empress lifted a hand to her hip.
"She departed, highness."
Hadea glared. "She what? ! Where? Why?"
"I...I believe that she had business back on the surface."
" 'Business?' She can't simply depart on a whim. Has she no understanding of what it means to be a queen?"
"I think not, highness. This is her first day of- -"
"The summit is only a few hours away. It's to be broadcast to countless people in both kingdoms," said Hadea. "This event is a declaration of peace between our lands." She closed her eyes and sighed. "And now all of that is in jeopardy."
LJ looked at his watch. "I can't wait any longer."
Rick threw one last glance at their surroundings. There was still no sign of Rachel. "We'll have to go in without her."
Several minutes later, LJ and Rick crept into a huge warehouse. The floor was strewn with robots, who walked among low stacks of crates. The sentries were similar in stature to Ming's machines, but each had a golden tone and dark red eyes.
Upon being spotted, the Defenders began sprinting toward a wall while exchanging laser blasts with their foes.
As the partners took cover behind a pile of boxes, LJ drew a grenade and hurled it across the floor.
One of the machines batted the projectile back across the room, sending it flying right over the boys' heads.
Rick and LJ tensed, then quickly scattered. The blast sent a pile of crates crashing down toward them, knocking the Defenders onto their stomachs.
A window across the room shattered, and Rachel came flying through the glass. Upon landing, she drew a pair of blasters from her cape and began squeezing both triggers.
Rick and LJ recovered, and opened fire as well. The robots began falling left and right.
Rachel somersaulted beneath a blast, then fired another of her own, destroying the target with a well-placed shot. As the machine fell, Rachel hopped over its body and began charging up a staircase. A closed door awaited her at the top. After shooting through the lock, she kicked her way into a small room and came face to face with Decker — a pale, balding man dressed in jeans and a tank-top. An African woman in tattered clothing trembled in his grasp. He raised a gun and held it firmly to her side.
Rachel swung a blaster forth, aiming right between his eyes. "Let her go."
Decker scowled. "I think I'll give the orders here. Drop the weapon or she's dead."
Rachel took a step forward. "You pull that trigger and I'm taking your head home with me."
He fidgeted a tad while looking into her gaze.
She steadied her aim. "Let me be perfectly clear on something: I don't even know that woman you're holding, so I have no reason not to shoot — especially if you pull the trigger. The only way you're getting out of this alive is by letting her go."
Decker couldn't tell if she was bluffing or not. His breathing became heavy and his grip loosened a little. While he was focusing on Rachel, his hostage elbowed him and wriggled loose, stumbling to the floor as she fled.
Rachel fired straight into Decker's shoulder.
Amidst a scream, Decker dropped his weapon and collapsed in a bloody heap.
Moments later, Rachel helped the woman up. "You all right?"
She weakly nodded. "Thank you."
A voice came from across the room. "Mom?"
Rachel and the woman turned their heads, seeing LJ and Rick standing at the door.
"LJ?" she muttered.
He nodded, taking her in his arms as they met in the center of the room. LJ squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold back the tears that began seeping free.
She broke the embrace, holding his face in her hands a moment. "Your father?"
"He's fine. He'll be as happy to see you as I am."
Rick stepped forth, placing a hand atop LJ's shoulder.
"Listen," said Rachel, breaking the silence, "I hate to run, but there's something else that I need to see to. I'm sure that you all can wrap things up from here."
LJ turned to her. "Thank you, Rachel."
Hadea was pacing across the throne room. Just as she was on the verge of pulling her hair out, the door across the floor began sliding open.
Rachel skipped in with an energetic smile. "Hey."
A red-faced Hadea stopped in place. "Where have you been?"
"Why don't we just talk about that later?" said Rachel. "Right now, we've got a summit to get to." She slipped past the empress and headed to the bedroom.
Moments later, Rachel emerged wearing her royal dress again.
Hadea took a deep breath while looking her up and down.
"All right, then." Rachel beamed. "Let's go."
Rachel stepped onto a stage and cupped her hands at her waist.
Standing a few feet away from her was Cera, the new Queen of the Neoworld. The girl's dark crimson locks hung around her light pale face, and Rachel could see something cold brewing within the Ruby Queen's stern eyes.
Holding silent, Rachel bowed her head toward the other queen, and Cera slowly returned the gesture.
Afterward, both women were joined by the empress who'd appointed them. With Hadea in the center, all three turned to the nearby cameras.
As planned, the broadcast was seen by the people of both kingdoms. Once the opening formalities were finished, the women entered a private area and began the summit.
Now back in the Netherworld, Hadea and Rachel were alone in the throne room.
"I realize that this is all new to you," Hadea said, "but as a Queen of the Netherworld, you cannot simply disappear on a whim. Someone must know where you are at all times."
"I get it. Sorry." Rachel plopped down on the throne and sat cross-legged. Her head hung limply at her left.
Hadea scowled.
"What? What did I do now?"
The empress strode forward.
Rachel lifted an eyebrow while eyeing her weirdly.
Hadea pulled Rachel's limbs into place as she spoke. "Arms on the chair's. Feet on the floor. Head directed down at your audience."
"We don't have an audience."
"But you will next time." Hadea sighed. "It seems that before I can make you a proper queen, I'll have to make you a proper lady." She looked the younger woman up and down. "I'm beginning to wonder if that'll even be possible."
Rachel lifted her chin. "I've been trained by multiple security agencies. I'm familiar with discipline. I'm familiar with decorum. This just isn't the kind of decorum that I'm used to." She rose from the chair. "But give me time, and I can get used to it."
"Where are you going?"
Rachel shrugged. "Listen, the Queen of the Netherworld doesn't actually have to live in the Netherworld, right? Most of the time, I can just come by, make my contributions throughout the day, and leave, can't I?"
Hadea's jaw dropped.
She grimaced. "It's just that I've got a lot of other things going on right now. I have some missions coming up in the near future."
The empress lifted a hand to her hip. "You can be a warrior, or you can be a queen. You can't be both."
Rachel offered a calm grin. "When people tell me that I can't do something, I usually end up proving them wrong."
Hadea sighed again. "This isn't a game."
"And I won't treat it like one." Rachel paused to stare the other woman over. "You and I don't have much in common, Hadea. I'm a different kind of person, and I'm going to be a different kind of queen. But as long as I hold the position, I'm going to be a devoted queen as well. You've got my word on that."
A long moment of silence lingered over the room. Eventually, Hadea nodded with a half-contented expression. "I can tell that we've a long road ahead of us, but it seems that you're willing to start in the proper place."
Rachel grinned again while stepping down from the throne.
"You've done a lot of good on the surface, Rachel. Now I need you to work with me and do some good down here."
Rachel turned and looked back up at the chair. "So far, I've never faced a mission that I wasn't willing to accept...and I don't believe that I'm about to change that now."
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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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