D63
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 63: Expedition
"Your brother has returned?" Hadea stood with one hand lingering on the bed, her eyes widening with tension as she stared at her husband. "How?" she asked, recalling the story of Kurt Walker's apparent demise. Her voice lowered a little. "I thought he exploded after transforming into a beast of some sort."
The Phantom began pulling on his boots. "Kurt knew that he only had seconds to live if he remained transformed. He must have escaped death by reverting to his human form somehow. It would appear that the explosion was merely a smokescreen, conjured up to make everyone think that he'd died."
"But why would he remain secluded for so long?"
The Phantom looked a bit uncertain himself. "Though Kurt was seeking power, I think he eventually wanted peace. All of his endeavors took a lot out of him," he said. "However, those with so much hatred rarely find the kind of peace that lasts."
Hadea folded her arms. "What does he want now?"
He sighed. "Apart from his desire to become the Phantom, Kurt has been driven by another goal: Taking control of the Bandar village." He rose with a scowl. "This time, he's succeeded in dividing the people of my tribe. He's taken a group of traitors and turned them against the others. And it appears that he's gained some new powers as well." He reached for the final piece of his costume, pulling the mask over his face. His eyes softened with regret as he looked over at his wife. "I'm sorry, Hadea...but I have to go to Africa and stop him."
"Alone?"
He shook his head. "Many of the others are busy, but Rachel has agreed to assist me."
"Wait. Why not ask Jedda to simply teleport Kurt to Oblivion, or another prison?"
"Apparently, Kurt himself can teleport now. Imprisoning him would be a temporary solution. He could free himself with little effort. I'm afraid there's no easy way out. Kurt has to be defeated, and I have to do it myself."
Hadea stewed in silence. The first year of their marriage had been carefully planned. It was supposed to involve very little adventuring, and a whole lot of loving. For a while, things had appeared as though they'd work out that way. But now reality was creeping up on her again. She hadn't married just any man, she'd married a super-hero. Normalcy was not an option.
He crossed the room and gave Hadea a slow kiss.
She grasped his hands as he was pulling away. "If you're going, I'm going too."
He flinched in surprise. "We both know you can't do that."
Hadea brushed back a lock of her golden hair. "My kingdoms can survive without an empress right now." She lifted a hand to her hip and wore a proud stare. "I am a woman with many responsibilities, but my greatest responsibilities are to my family."
"The same is true for me, which is why I can't let you come. This will be too dangerous."
"Then I suggest you find a way to keep me safe, because one way or another, I'm coming with you."
He fell silent while looking into her eyes, then squeezed her hands and drew her close.
As the jet began descending toward the jungle, Hadea looked down at the sea of trees. Her husband's former home was stunningly beautiful. The jungle wasn't very far from Hadea's dominion, and could've actually been reached on foot. However, the vehicle contained a number of supplies and weapons that the Phantom figured they might need.
Moments after he'd landed, the Phantom was welcomed by Chief Guran and a large group of Bandar natives.
"Greetings, Phantom." The chief smiled and hugged him.
"Wonderful to see you again, my friend," the Phantom replied. As Hadea approached, he turned to his left. "This is my wife, Hadea," he said, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"I...remember," replied Guran, lowering his voice a tad.
She nodded her head politely. "You can rest assured that I come in peace now," she said.
"I've no doubt of that, Empress. You've become a leader, rather than a conqueror. The Phantom has told us of your many accomplishments."
As Guran and the Phantom exchanged additional words, Hadea found that her gaze was beginning to wander. The environment was quickly drawing her in. She took a deep breath, enjoying the rainy jungle scent. Then she looked farther outward, eyeing the greens and browns around her.
Moments later, Guran's attention was caught by a young, robed woman approaching behind the Phantom. "And this must be Rachel," he said.
Rachel nodded, her ponytail flapping in the breeze. "Pleased to meet you."
The chief glanced back and forth between Rachel and Hadea. "It's always nice to meet members of the Walker family."
The Phantom released Hadea, then took a step forward. "I regret that we must interrupt the pleasantries so soon, but I need to know more about the situation with Kurt."
Guran closed his eyes for second. "We're still attempting to learn more ourselves. Thus far, we know that he has a partner, he has new powers, and, ever since his return, the skies have been gray and cloudy."
Rachel looked upward, eyeing the sky with a curious stare.
Guran tightened his grip on a spear. "He's taken a great many of my soldiers and turned them against me, men whose loyalty was always in question."
"Have you learned anything about his powers?" asked the Phantom. "They're not supposed to last for very long. Jedda told me that they'd faded at one point."
"His partner is helping him sustain the powers. They've apparently built a new Golden Chamber. We've attempted to attack their territory and destroy it, but all of our efforts have failed. I- -"
"Guran!" A man came running out of the woods. "N'Dama's forces are attacking!"
A horde of former Bandar screamed forth from the forest. Each man was wielding a spear and shield, and all of them had white paint smeared across their faces.
Rachel quickly shielded Hadea, leading her aside.
Guran's men readied their weapons and loudly charged their attackers.
A series of shouts and swings swept over the grounds, and ribbons of blood began filling the air.
Rushing toward the fray, the Phantom caught an enemy with a flying tackle.
One of the attackers charged straight at Rachel, who stopped him with a quick kick to his kneecap. The man was surprised by the jolt he'd received, staggering forward with an immediate limp. Moments before he could hit the ground, Rachel grabbed his head and drove her own knee into his chin. The attacker gritted his teeth and tumbled onto his back.
The Phantom threw a fast strike at his opponent's stomach, then flattened the man with a swift uppercut.
Rachel dodged a swing and countered with a thrust of her palm, stunning her attacker where he stood. Then she leapt straight up, her cape fluttering in the wind, and threw a spinning kick at her opponent's face. As the attacker fell, Rachel began to notice the sound of thunder.
Everyone paused as the rumbling grew louder. Then a slew of lightning bolts came crashing to the ground, creating small explosions where they'd struck. Several of the natives were thrown into the air.
The Phantom drew backward as the blasts continued, rushing around to try and aid the fallen.
"There!" yelled Guran, pointing toward a low cliff.
The Phantom looked upward, his eyes widening in surprise.
A bolt of lightning flashed behind Kurt Walker, who stood shirtless and unmasked atop the cliff. The man known as N'Dama was sporting a bushy beard and a spear of his own.
Mixed emotions ran through the Phantom. He wanted to be happy to see his brother alive, but Kurt was offering him little reason to be.
Kurt looked down and spotted Kit. Though he appeared surprised, he didn't smirk, and he didn't laugh. There was little sign of the old Kurt who'd taunted and gloated. Instead, his gaze seemed a bit sterner and more focused than before.
The Phantom couldn't help but find this development unsettling.
"Attack!" commanded Guran, breaking the silence.
The Bandar natives rushed toward the cliff and hurled their spears. Kurt easily deflected them with a gust of wind, then sent another blast of lightning down into the group. The men screamed while flying through the air.
The Phantom crouched and tightened a fist. "By jungle law, the Ghost Who Walks calls forth the power, of ten tigers." A surge of energy began flowing through his veins. Moments later, he rushed out into the open and began charging toward the cliff.
Kurt stroked his beard. "Welcome back, brother," he said. Then another slew of lightning bolts began hammering the ground.
With his enhanced speed, the Phantom was able to avoid them all.
Kurt began to scowl as his frustration grew.
As he neared the cliff, the Phantom leapt and somersaulted through the air, knocking Kurt down with a fast kick.
Kurt thrust his hands outward, throwing his brother off the cliff with a wave of air.
As the Phantom landed amidst a thud, Hadea rushed forth and crouched at his side.
Kurt walked back to the edge, wincing as he favored the spot where he'd been struck. It was obvious that his brother was as skilled as ever.
Then he looked out at the battle, seeing that most of Guran's men were still standing, while several of his own troops had been beaten. It quickly dawned on him that he couldn't face everyone in his current state. "We'll meet again, Kit," he promised. And then Kurt vanished, teleporting himself away.
Raindrops fell from the light gray sky.
The Phantom pulled out a set of keys while approaching a door. "I think the place should still be in good shape." Seconds afterward, he walked into a large and shady house with Hadea and Rachel at his side.
Hadea quickly recognized this place. It was the very same home that he'd brought her to after he'd rescued her in the jungle.
The trio walked up to the second floor — a huge, circular room with a long window and plush carpeting.
"Rachel," said the Phantom, "your bedroom is over there. Make yourself at home."
She snickered, swinging a pack over her shoulder. " 'Rachel, go to your room!' " After taking a look around, she walked over and stood before the couple. "Well, then... Mom. Dad. Let me know when it's dinner time." She flashed a playful grin and skipped away.
Hadea shook her head with a smile while watching Rachel leave.
The Phantom turned around and faced the window, casting his stare out toward the horizon.
Kurt entered a large, square hut that stood a few yards off the ground. After passing through a series of quiet rooms, he paused upon reaching a new version of his Golden Chamber.
The replica was far from a perfect copy. It was mostly mechanical, as opposed to magical. And though it recharged his powers while providing some new ones, it also needed constant repairs.
A woman with a drill was crouching beside the machine. "I take it the struggle against Guran's men continues," she said. Her blonde hair covered the side of her face.
"It does," replied Kurt. "My brother has joined our enemies now."
She turned to him in surprise.
"Don't worry. Flash and Rick aren't with him."
Dale paused, then turned back to her work.
"I trust that this doesn't change anything," he said.
She sighed. "No. Our deal is the same as before. You keep the sun away, I keep the chamber running." Dale rolled her shoulders while making an adjustment. "And once you've taken over the village, I get half of it."
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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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