D5
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 5: Epilogue I
Rick stepped out of the cab and pulled his sunglasses off.
The apartment hadn't changed much over the course of five years. He wondered if the same was true for a certain woman inside.
Upon entering, he stood in a shady hallway and knocked on a door. What followed were the longest 20 seconds of his life.
As the door opened, Rick's gaze began to drift upward.
Her royal gown was replaced by a simple sundress, and her golden tiara had been supplanted by a common headband. But her face was unmistakable, as was her smile. "Hi, Rick," muttered Jedda.
When he'd first heard her voice on the phone, he could hardly believe that she was back on Earth. He wouldn't believe it until he saw for himself. Now he had — and he still couldn't find himself entirely convinced. "Jedda." He reached forward, taking her in his arms.
She stroked his curls, returning the embrace.
Moments after he'd entered, Rick noticed something while sitting across from her. "You're not wearing your ring."
Jedda looked down at the carpet. "He and I were fine for a while...but eventually, things changed after I gained all that power. We simply had different ideas as to how I should use it." She briefly fell quiet. "Krotan appeared to be satisfied at first, but he ultimately couldn't keep his ambitions under control."
Rick let his gaze linger on her. "So you've left Mongo."
Neither said anything for several moments.
While looking down at his interlocked fingers, Rick eventually broke the silence. "I'm sorry for any hurt that you've endured." He shook his head slowly. "Over the past several years...I just kept wondering if there was something that I could've done differently."
She flashed a quick frown. "There wasn't. You couldn't have affected anything that happened, Rick. None of us can control destiny." Once again, a familiar statement had echoed through her head. After a second, she looked off and chuckled. "I think I finally know what I was really destined for: to be pulled between two dynasties.
"I've been the daughter of a hero. I've been the daughter of a queen. And on some occasions, I've had to be a little bit of both."
Rick nodded. "What is it that you want to be now?"
"Same as always." She smiled. "Just Jedda."
He stroked his chin, eyeing her with a curious stare. "Where's the Necklace of Oros?"
A flat grin crossed her lips. "Somewhere safe." After another pause, Jedda stood and walked over to the window. "Rick...do you still believe what you told me before?"
"That depends," he mumbled. "What did I tell you before?"
"You know..." She let her gaze linger on the city. "The part about the happily ever after?"
He lifted an eyebrow, turning his head toward the window.
"Do you still think that we might build one someday?"
Rick looked back down at the carpet. Moments later, he rose and stepped over to her. "I don't know," he said, taking Jedda's hands with a smile. "But I'm willing to try finding out."
As Jedda watched him, a slow grin crossed her face.
The two of them stood hand in hand, facing each other as the sun shone down on the Earth.
Volume I — 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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