D44
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 44: Opposites
"I'm going to ask Hadea to marry me."
Everything in the room simply came to a halt. Flash dropped a toolbox. Lothar stopped jumping rope. Mandrake lowered his morning paper.
Upon glancing toward the doorway, they saw the Phantom smiling — something that he knew they didn't see everyday. "Naturally, I've given this a lot of thought," he said. "She's become so busy that the two of us barely have any time together."
Flash stroked his chin with a knowing little look. Perhaps he was thinking of his life with Dale.
"I want to be with her," the Phantom said. "Now...and for the rest of my life." He looked down and stroked the back of his head. "I can't imagine feeling that way about any other woman."
Flash crossed the room and shook the Phantom's hand. "Congratulations, buddy." He smiled.
Lothar approached next, patting the Phantom on the shoulder. "I'd wish you good luck with the proposal..." He paused with a grin. "But I don't believe that you'll need it."
The Phantom chuckled.
"All the best to you, my friend," Mandrake uttered, pulling him into a quick hug.
"Thank you."
"So..." Flash beamed. "Let's see the rock."
Lothar rolled his eyes.
"What?" Flash giggled, spreading his arms. "You guys know you're just as curious as I am." He glanced at the Phantom again. "What kind of ring did you get her?"
"They don't wear rings down in the Netherworld," the Phantom revealed. "If Hadea says yes, the two of us will simply go to an altar, take our vows, and after that..."
"You'll live happily ever after." Mandrake smiled.
The Phantom nodded to himself. "Something like that."
The Phantom stepped out of a portal and approached the Golden Palace. A group of guards allowed him in. Upon making his way up to Hadea's bedroom, the Phantom paused and took a deep breath. A golden door stood between him and his future.
Just as he was taking a step forward, a vivid memory flashed through his mind...
He and Jade were walking through a park. Her eyes lit up as he opened a ring box.
The Phantom shook his head, willing the vision away. Though he tried to resist, his mind began drawing comparisons between the woman he'd proposed to a long time ago, and the one he planned to propose to now. One was a former heroine who'd gone down a path of darkness, while the other was a former villainess who'd come to embrace the light.
The Phantom glanced up and stepped forward again. He spread his fingers along the door and slowly pushed it aside, revealing the distant sight of the empress standing atop her balcony. Her head was turned toward the gray horizon, and her yellow locks were fluttering in the wind.
As Hadea looked outward with a resolute stare, the Phantom lingered in the doorway behind her shoulder.
"Hadea."
She threw a surprised glance backward.
The Phantom smiled. "There's something that we need to discuss."
She turned her head, looking outward once more.
After clenching a fist, and taking another deep breath, the Phantom lowered himself to one knee.
"I have something to speak with you about as well," she said.
The Phantom flinched a little. He recognized this tone, and he didn't like it one bit. Whatever she had to say couldn't be good. "Has something happened to the Netherworld or the Neoworld?"
"Both are fine." She brushed a hand across her head. "However, tensions have arisen among the other three kingdoms — the ones that are officially outside of my dominion."
He lowered his eyebrows, and lifted his chin. "What kind of tensions?"
"The worst kind."
The Phantom quivered. "Are you saying that these lands might go to battle against each other?"
"It's already started." She quieted a moment. "A few days ago, they officially began their attacks on one another."
"Why?" he muttered. "What's become of their rulers? What's become of the Silver Queen, the Diamond Queen, and the Emerald Queen?"
"I'd imagine that each of them are living in safety and comfort, well protected from all of the chaos that they're creating." Hadea shook her head. "It's not the rulers who I'm most concerned about, it's the commoners living within those kingdoms — people who are going to suffer if these conflicts continue." Her hands tightened a little around the balcony's railing. "From this point forward, it appears that I have only two options available: I can stand by and watch those kingdoms destroy each other...or I can intervene and establish order among them."
The Phantom watched her with a knowing stare. There was an undeniable sense of resolve in Hadea's voice. "It sounds as though you've already reached a decision."
She folded her arms over her chest. "If I'm going to act, I need to do so now, while this conflict is still young." Hadea closed her eyes. Her hair danced calmly in the breeze. Seconds later, she gazed out into the distance again. "I have to do this."
The Phantom rose. "What exactly do you intend to do?"
"In addition to the two lands that I currently oversee, I have to become ruler of the other three as well." She again fell silent before continuing. "I have to become empress of all five kingdoms. It's the only way for me to bring the fighting to an end."
He hesitated, staring at her back for a few moments. "What if the other rulers resist?"
"They won't be able to. My lands are more powerful than theirs." Hadea fidgeted upon finishing that sentence, then closed her eyes briefly again. "That sounded more tyrannical and oppressive than I intended it to." She turned around, facing him as she spoke. "It's clear that each of those kingdoms are in need of help — and I intend to provide it for them. In order for that to happen, the current rulers will need to cede their power to me. Some of them may not accept that at first. However, once they see the benefits of having me as their leader, I imagine that this will be a peaceful expansion."
The Phantom's previous vigor was gone. His gaze had become lifeless, and skeptical as well. Of all the things they discussed, of all the issues that they faced, expansion was easily his least favorite subject. It bothered him when Hadea took over other kingdoms.
He tried to empathize with her stance on the matter, but simply found that he couldn't right now.
He had to choose his next words very carefully. He didn't want to sound disloyal toward Hadea, but he didn't want to be dishonest with her either. "You seem somewhat...uncertain...that things will go as planned."
Hadea began staring a hole into the Phantom. "I think it's you who sounds uncertain of me and my intentions." She nodded to herself while glancing off. "Again."
He turned away as a wave of guilt overcame him.
"Perhaps we shouldn't discuss this matter right now." She paused before lifting her gaze to his, doing her best to subdue her disappointment. "What did you wish to speak with me about?"
He sighed while running his gaze over her. His voice fell to just above a whisper. "I actually have some thinking to do."
She frowned curiously.
"Why don't we talk later?" The Phantom hesitated where he stood, staring her up and down again. Then he turned around, and exited the palace.
A robed Jedda stood before a wall-high window. Lowe was sound asleep within her arms.
She eyed a line of statues that stood near the palace, each bearing the likeness of a royal family member. At the end of the line were the two newest statues — a smiling couple donned in capes and crowns.
Just below this prominent pairing, the words "King Krotan and Queen Jedda" could be seen.
Jedda smiled down at the baby in her arms, watching the newest member of the royal line. Then she turned around and took a seat at a table, making an anticipated video call. Jedda buried her toes in the soothing carpet, feeling a wave of giddiness creeping up on her.
Moments later, Hadea appeared on the screen.
"Hey." Jedda smiled. "How was your day?"
Her mother glanced downward for a second. "Fine. Just fine." She looked up and ran her gaze over Lowe, watching him with an affectionate stare.
Jedda quivered with excitement. "So. What did you tell him?" She chuckled. "I already know the answer to that, but I just want to hear it directly from you."
"What did I tell who?"
Jedda grew a tad confused. "Father. What did you say when he asked you to..." She gritted her teeth as a wave of tension crept up in her.
Hadea flashed a suspicious frown. "When he asked me to what?"
"Um, you know what? Never mind." Jedda chuckled again. "Oh boy," she mumbled to herself. "Listen, I'm actually going to go put Lowe down. You and I will catch up later, okay?"
Hadea nodded slowly. "All right."
" 'Night, Mother." Jedda ended the call.
----------
As her screen went black, Hadea began gazing up at her ceiling. She cupped her face as her curiosity grew.
----------
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