D43
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 43: Epilogue VII
The Golden Palace had been dormant since the days of the Empress. As such, Hadea's servants had worked hard to prepare it for her.
It had taken a while, but the job was finally complete.
Upon making her arrival, Hadea paused in awe. Everything was made of sparkling gold. There were crescent-shaped doorways large enough for a giant, with fountains and hot tubs scattered here and there. Her throne room was equipped with various monitors, providing video feeds of her kingdoms and queens.
A large bed awaited in her personal chamber. Chandeliers glittered above her head.
The building was equipped with a huge force field, which could quickly surround the entire palace.
After admiring her home for nearly an hour, she eased down on a floor and sprawled out on her side, staring downward at her golden reflection.
She'd appointed a number of queens in recent times. Now it felt like she herself had been officially crowned. She truly felt like an empress now.
The next evening, Hadea invited a couple of guests into her home.
"Are we here to discuss the Netherworld or something?" asked Jedda.
The empress merely shook her head with a grin.
"Are we going to talk about the Neoworld then?"
Hadea repeated her previous gesture.
Jedda chuckled. "Then what exactly is going on?" She glanced over at her fellow guest.
Rachel studied the empress with a curious stare, adjusting the sleeves of her casual shirt.
Hadea shrugged. "I suppose I just wanted to show off my new home."
Jedda flinched a little, lifting an eyebrow.
"Why don't the two of you take a walk around?" said Hadea. "I'll meet up with you later in the bedroom upstairs." She turned and exited the room with a smile.
Jedda and Rachel held still for a while, staring in the direction that Hadea had gone.
"She deserves this," said Jedda, still looking forward.
Rachel glanced around. "It's a nice place."
"I didn't mean the house. I meant her current state. I hardly ever get to see her this way." Jedda lifted a hand to her hip. "So much of her time has been spent looking after me, taking care of her people, and working things out with my father." She flashed a warm grin. "I'm glad that some nice things are happening for her. It's really good to see her this happy."
After concluding their tour, Jedda and Rachel made their way to Hadea's bedroom. Both paused in surprise upon spotting their hostess.
A large opening had appeared in one of the golden walls, and Hadea was standing right before it. A shady corridor loomed ahead.
"What's going on?" Jedda asked.
"I found a lever," Hadea said, still looking forward. "After I pulled it, this portion of the wall simply opened up."
The younger women stepped forth, joining Hadea at the opening.
After a few seconds, the empress began moving into the dark.
Rachel took hold of Hadea's wrist. "Why don't you let us take a look first?"
Hadea frowned a little. "I'm not helpless."
Jedda grinned and placed a quick kiss atop Hadea's head. "Of course you're not."
Hadea folded her arms over her chest, stewing in silence.
About a minute later, Rachel called out from the shadows. "You can come in, Hadea. It's safe."
Hadea walked to the other end of the corridor, where she found Jedda and Rachel standing before an old video screen on the wall. She eyed the sight in utter confusion.
"How do you turn these things on?" Jedda asked.
Hadea reached upward, finding a small hand sensor near the top. After holding her palm before it for a few seconds, the machine began to hum.
Moments later, a pale, older woman appeared on the screen. Streaks of gold were visible in her long white hair. Her surroundings were immediately familiar. She was clearly standing within the Golden Palace. "I am the Empress," she said quietly.
Hadea's eyes widened. Her whole body shook. She'd been waiting for this moment almost all of her life — the moment when she could finally lay eyes on her biggest heroine.
"I record this message on a day that I had hoped to never see. The five kingdoms have each become independent again," said the Empress. "Our union was severed by a great rebellion. Amidst this conflict, three of the kingdoms sided with me. The remaining two sided with my enemy.
"Though my forces eventually prevailed, trust was lost, hearts were swayed, and long-held alliances were finally broken. I have been unable to mend the damage."
Hadea took a deep breath. "This is how the Netherworld, the Neoworld, and the other lands became separated."
The Empress continued. "I no longer rule the five kingdoms. I no longer guide any of their queens. Leadership of my homeland, the Netherworld, now rests solely with my granddaughter, Queen Fara."
Hadea quivered.
"What's wrong?" Jedda asked.
"Fara was one of my ancestors. I know this for a fact." Hadea's knees weakened as she lifted a hand to her chest. Her voice dropped to a shaky whisper. "I'm related to the Empress."
Jedda took Hadea's free hand in her own. The younger woman felt a wave of pride spreading throughout her.
"All members of my bloodline are born with special abilities," said the Empress. "My gift is the ability to see the future." She paused, a grim look spreading over her face. "Someday, the kingdoms will battle each other again."
Rachel turned to Hadea. "That's happened. We've lived through it."
"In the aftermath, however, another member of my bloodline shall become empress — a healer."
Jedda squeezed Hadea's hand. "That's happened as well. She's talking about you."
Hadea held her stare firmly on the screen.
"And afterward...this healer shall unite our lands once again, by bringing all five kingdoms under her rule."
Upon hearing that, Hadea trembled. A fast chill shot through her body.
The Empress looked straight at the spot where Hadea was standing, almost as though she could actually see her. "Rule well, my beloved."
Seconds later, the screen went black.
Rachel glanced back and forth. "What happened? Is the message finished?"
Jedda glanced at Hadea, who held utterly silent. Then she turned her head forward again. "I think so."
Hadea clutched her elbows, avoiding eye contact.
Once they'd returned to the bedroom, Jedda noticed Hadea sitting quietly on her bed. "Mother?" She stared. "What's wrong?"
Hadea began to mumble while eyeing the floor. "She said that I'm supposed to rule all five kingdoms. At present, I only rule two. That means that she wants me to take control of the others as well."
Rachel winced. Her lips parted a little.
"The five kingdoms are currently at peace with each other," Hadea said. "If I invaded the other three, I'd be doing so without any provocation."
Jedda watched her curiously.
After holding quiet for a while, Hadea closed her eyes and sighed. "I can't do that," she muttered. "I can't simply go out and become a conqueror again." She lifted a hand over her face.
"Of course you can't," Jedda said. "Why are you upset? That's nothing to be ashamed of."
Hadea lowered her hand and opened her eyes. "I've just received one of the greatest honors of my life. I've learned that I'm a descendant of the great Empress — and my immediate response is to deny one of her wishes. I'm shaming her. I'm shaming the legacy that she built."
"That's absurd," Jedda said, stepping toward her. "An unprovoked invasion would be wrong. You know this because you've changed over the past several years. You aren't shaming her legend. You're honoring your own. Your current legacy is one of nobility and love."
Hadea mumbled again. "It seems that the Empress predicted a different path for me."
"Perhaps her prediction was based on who you once were..." Jedda smiled. "But I'm your daughter, and I see you for who you are."
Though it took a while for her to do so, Hadea eventually looked up with a half-smile.
"You're making the correct decision," Jedda uttered. "All right?"
Hadea let her calm grin linger.
Jedda wrapped her hands around Hadea's arms. "All right?" she repeated.
Hadea nodded slowly.
Rachel's gaze softened a little as she watched them from afar. She slid her hands into her pockets, and turned away shyly.
After they'd talked a bit longer, Hadea stroked Jedda's face, then crawled into her bed. "I think I just need some rest now."
Jedda looked her over. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she answered softly.
Jedda hesitated, then stepped away and dimmed the lights. "I guess Rachel and I will see you later then."
No response came from beneath the covers.
Jedda stood in place, licking her lips as she stared.
Rachel's gaze began to sway between them.
A few seconds later, Jedda crossed the room and mounted the bed, cuddling up a few feet away from Hadea.
Hadea turned over with a look of surprise.
"I don't want you to be alone tonight." Jedda smiled. "My people know where I am. They won't be worried." She glanced over at the doorway. "See you later, Rachel."
Rachel looked a bit smitten, but managed a slow nod.
Jedda made herself comfortable, then closed her eyes.
Hadea relaxed as well.
Rachel paused at the doorway, looking back and forth. After nearly a minute, she shook her head, rolled her eyes, and began walking back across the room.
Hadea studied her in surprise.
Rachel slipped her shoes off and curled up on her side.
Jedda giggled while glancing over at her, then rested her head and closed her eyes again.
Hadea was tucked right between her guests. Though she tried fighting it for as long as she could, a full smile eventually spread across her face.
Within minutes, the younger women had drifted off to sleep, and she did as well.
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Volume VII — End
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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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