D49
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 49: Reunion
From what the Phantom had heard, in the wake of Ming's latest rampage, two of his victims had been left hospitalized. While Zyna received treatment on Mongo, Jade was admitted into an infirmary on Earth.
The Phantom opened the door to Jade's room, pausing as he watched her from the entrance.
Jade turned her head, looking him over for a moment. Then she let her gaze drift away again.
He walked in and took a seat, sitting a short distance from her bed. "What you did was very admirable."
Jade nodded. "But your admiration for me can never surpass your hatred."
"I don't hate you, Jade...but I don't recognize you either. You've been a stranger to me for a long time now. You're simply not the woman who I once knew."
"You still don't get it, do you? The woman who you 'once knew' is the same one before you today. I'm a woman who seizes opportunities when they come along." She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "When you proposed, I said that in order for our marriage to succeed, you'd have to accept me for what I was. Our relationship failed because you couldn't do that."
The Phantom shied away from her gaze suddenly. "Hadea told me the same thing when I proposed to her."
She flinched in surprise. "Sounds like the two of you have had issues as well. If you ultimately couldn't accept me, what makes you think that your marriage to her will be any different?"
"The fact that you and Hadea are not the same."
Jade quietly looked elsewhere.
"For what it's worth, though, I've loved you both for the same reasons at times. She makes me happy, and you once made me happy as well."
Jade's gaze softened as she turned back to him. After a bit of silence, she spoke up while brushing a hand through her hair. "I want you to ask Rachel to leave your team. I'm not losing a daughter just so you and Hadea can live happily ever after. Find someone else to take your place for a year."
The Phantom winced. His stomach tightened. "I've already asked. She says that she wants some time to reach a decision." His gaze grew warm and sympathetic. "I'll ask her to think about you while she makes it."
Her voice lowered to just above a whisper. "Thank you."
He rose, looking her over for a while. "Goodbye, Jade," he said quietly. The Phantom turned around and left the room.
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A few minutes later, Jedda entered, and Rachel followed her.
Jade stirred in surprise.
"Listen..." Jedda hesitated. "I just want to say that by rescuing Rachel, you weren't merely saving your daughter, you were saving my sister." Her voice softened. "Thank you."
Jade shook as she fixed her stare on Jedda.
Rachel eyed them both with a somewhat somber expression.
"Jedda," Jade said. "I know that I've made some mistakes, but..."
Jedda looked down and sighed while stroking her temple. "You can't simply mend things by saying you're sorry. Not after what you almost did to my kingdom. I'm not a little girl anymore, I'm an adult. And right now I have responsibilities to a lot of people. By helping Ming, you endangered those people."
Jade let her gaze drift to the covers. After about a minute of hesitation, she quietly spoke up. "Do you think that you might eventually give me another chance?"
Jedda stared her over for a little while. "I don't know." After a few more quiet moments, she walked to the bed and held Jade's shoulder. "Goodbye, Mom."
Jade looked up at her with a touched expression.
Rachel approached as well, holding Jade's hand.
Jade stroked her younger daughter's fingers.
Afterward, the sisters turned and left the room, giving each other comforting pats as they walked.
While observing the affection, Jade found herself smiling. Perhaps they hadn't always had her, but she was glad that they now had each other.
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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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