D64
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 64: Excursion
Hadea stood by a window overlooking the forest, eyeing a number of high huts connected by bridges. The Phantom had departed for a meeting several hours ago, leaving her and Rachel alone in the house.
She couldn't help but admire the sights around her. The Bandar village held a great allure. It was an absolutely wonderful place to visit. It even seemed like a wonderful place to live.
Hadea shook her head and squinted a little, wondering why she'd even entertained that thought. How could she possibly imagine leaving her royal position?
As empress of the five kingdoms, she sat above millions of commoners, dozens of nobles, a handful of queens, and a collection of kings. Every one of them was loyal or obedient to her.
Hadea caught sight of her reflection in the glass, watching herself with a bewildered stare. Could you truly go from being the most powerful monarch in the whole galaxy, to a tree-dwelling jungle girl? A vine-climbing Mrs. Phantom?
"Perhaps," she heard herself mumble. Then she winced in surprise, studying her face again.
Just as she was about to meditate further, a distant door swung open behind her back. She lifted an eyebrow and turned around.
Rachel waved shyly while heading for the steps, almost looking like a teenager sneaking out for a date. Weapons were clacking beneath her cape.
"Wait a moment," Hadea said. "Where are you going?"
"I'm heading out to take down N'Dama."
Hadea flinched, eyeing her in confusion. "You know where to find him?"
"There's a rumor flying around." A crack of thunder roared through the area. Rachel looked out at the graying clouds. "I love rainy days, especially those moments when it's barely raining."
Hadea took a step forward, narrowing her eyes. "How credible is this rumor?"
Rachel rubbed the back of her head. "People generally seem to know where Kurt is," she noted. "They just don't dare to confront him head-on. That's why I might be able to catch him by surprise."
"On your own?"
"On my own."
"That's dangerous."
"Of course it is."
"Then why are you going?"
"I'm a soldier. Danger is a part of the job."
"I realize that, but..." Hadea took a deep breath.
"But what?" Rachel paused, lingering near the steps. "I end this now, we can all go home."
The empress looked down at the carpet. "Perhaps that's what I'm afraid of." Hadea stirred, surprised that she'd let those words slip out.
Rachel lifted an eyebrow, then placed a hand on her hip. "Okay. I'm officially confused."
Hadea shook her head a little, then turned back toward the window.
"Are you telling me that you don't want to go home?"
She sighed. "I realize that we both have lives to get back to, because we both have other responsibilities waiting. However, I..." Hadea hesitated, throwing a cautious glance over her shoulder. She was about to try doing something she'd rarely done before: share her feelings with another woman — whose name wasn't Jedda Walker. "I think a part of me doesn't want this 'adventure' to end so soon." She let her gaze linger on the trees. "I like it here."
Hadea realized she wanted a woman-to-woman conversation. For many years, she hadn't allowed other people anywhere near her heart, at least not before she'd met the Walkers. These days, she absolutely loved bonding with her husband. But while opening up to a man was one thing, opening up to a woman was quite another. The latter experience held a certain allure, one that Hadea very much wanted to explore.Right now, the only woman available was the one standing before her. However, she wasn't sure that she could bond with a person like Rachel. After all, bonding with someone required keeping them in place for at least one minute, and this girl always had a mission to run off on.
Rachel leaned her head to the side, then took a step toward Hadea. "You like it here," she said with genuine interest. "Why?"
Hadea stirred in surprise again. It seemed that Rachel was willing to make time for her after all. Upon looking closer, she saw a degree of patience in her companion's eyes. And then she remembered something that they had in common. This girl was a mother, just like her. Sensitivity was a requirement of the job.
Hadea took a deep breath, letting herself relax as she answered the question. "When I woke up this morning, I realized that for the first time in a long while, I didn't have to spend the day being Empress Hadea, or Queen Hadea. Out here, I don't have to be anything other than Hadea."
Rachel nodded, and her expression softened a little.
Hadea turned toward the window as a couple of birds flew by. The two of them looked so lively and free.
"I like it here as well," Rachel murmured.
Hadea glanced over her shoulder again.
Rachel walked over to the window herself. "I was shipped from one foster home to the next while I was growing up. For many years, I dreamed about finding my 'real' family, and coming to live with them. I always wondered what that would've been like — and now I have my answer." She stared out at the beautiful horizon. "When I look at all these tree houses and vines, I can't help thinking of all the fun that Jedda and I would've had growing up together."
Hadea smiled a little at the thought.
"Believe me, I understand the effect that this place has on you, because my head is filled with fantasies too." Rachel licked her lips, then stepped backward. "But we didn't come here to bask in fantasies. We came here to stop a crazy man." She threw a surprised glance at Hadea. "That sounds like the sort of thing that you'd normally tell me. You're the queen. I'm the knight."
Hadea let a quiet chuckle out.
"Anyway..." she said, slapping her hands together. "I'm heading out to stop Kurt now. If anybody calls while I'm gone, let them know I'll be back a little later, all right?"
Hadea scowled. "I don't like this, Rachel. Again, it's dangerous."
"I
know," she uttered, touching Hadea's shoulder as she turned toward the
stairs.Hadea heard a car revving up moments later.
Two of the guards at Kurt's hut fell unconscious, dropping the short distance to the ground below. Rachel glanced down at them, then slipped through a window.
After quietly moving through a number of rooms, she found herself staring at Kurt's Golden Chamber, and quickly realized what it was. She pulled out her blaster while staring the machine over. One good shot could destroy the whole thing.
Rachel lowered her weapon and turned away.
A few minutes later, a door swung open and Kurt walked in.
"Hey there, Kurt," said a calm voice.
Kurt swung a mean glance across the room.
Rachel was standing before the Golden Chamber, aiming her blaster right at him.
Lightning began to crackle around Kurt's arm. He pointed at Rachel — then hesitated.
"Kind of hard to fire shots in here without damaging your precious chamber, isn't it?" she said.
Kurt glared.
"Fortunately, I don't have that problem." Rachel pulled the trigger, and her shot blew straight through his shoulder.
Kurt screamed, falling to one knee.
"I hate to take one of my own out," Rachel said, "but you've really left me no choice. Those men you hurt yesterday had a lot of loved ones grieving over them. Of course, you didn't stick around to see that part." She lifted her blaster.
"Wait." He quivered while crawling away, blood flowing between his fingers. "You would kill a fellow Walker?"
"That's pretty screwed up, isn't it?" She steadied her weapon, moving forward. "But what can I say? There seem to be a lot of screwed up families around. Let's not miss out on the fun." Just as Rachel was taking aim at his head, Dale kicked a side door open, wielding a blaster of her own.
Rachel swung her weapon toward Dale, then flinched in surprise.
Dale produced the exact same expression. Her hands began to shake.
"So you're his partner..." Rachel said.
Dale offered no response.
"What are you waiting for?" Kurt yelled at Dale. "Shoot her!"
Dale's stare became angry, and she fidgeted behind her weapon.
Rachel was reminded of the first time she'd seen this woman in Hadea's Golden Palace. Dale had looked just as tense then as she did right now. Rachel became deeply perplexed, but held her weapon steady.
"Do it!" Kurt yelled.
Dale didn't budge.
"Do it!" A red beam flew from Kurt's hand, striking Dale square in the head.
Dale winced as a mystical aura enveloped her body. Once the aura had faded from sight, her eyes were sparkling with a crimson glow. She looked back across the room, and began firing at Rachel.
Rachel lost her own blaster while dodging the shots. She snatched a plate from a table and hurled it at Dale, quickly disarming her of her weapon. A stray shot hit the Golden Chamber, creating a small explosion that destroyed the machine.
"Noཀ" yelled Kurt.
Dale charged across the floor with a bestial scream.
Rachel caught Dale's arms and rolled backward, thrusting her attacker through a nearby window. Glass shattered as Dale's body went flying.
Just as Rachel was rising, Dale surprised her by reaching out and yanking her through the opening.
Thunder roared across the gray sky. A light slew of raindrops began falling upon the scene.
Rachel blocked a right hand, then threw an elbow at Dale, causing the other woman to stumble backward.
Dale spun and hit Rachel with a kick to the gut, knocking her off the platform and into the bushes below. Dale took to the air and extended her heel, lunging amidst a flutter of wind and rain.
Rachel rolled aside, avoiding Dale's attack, then rose and lifted her hands again.
The two paused while holding their fists at the ready, feeling each other out as thunder echoed through the sky. Rachel's stare was calm but serious. Dale's stare was savage and angry.
Dale faked a left hand, then spun into a right. Rachel ducked and countered with a knee to Dale's stomach.
Dale wheezed...then responded with a palm to Rachel's chin.
After staggering backward, Rachel paused. Just as her opponent was lunging again, she drove a high side kick into Dale's head.
The blonde woman fell quickly, fidgeting on the ground.
"Dale," Rachel said, rubbing her chin. "Listen to me. You're not yourself."
Dale popped up amidst a flash of lightning, charging at Rachel as thunder roared out again.
Rachel dodged a right hand, but was hit by a left. After avoiding another flurry of swings, she pinned Dale's arms at her sides, and drove her forehead into Dale's nose.
Dale tumbled backward, then tightened her hands, throwing a series of fists into Rachel's stomach. One became two, two became three, and the third one was followed by a heavy fourth.
Rachel trembled down to one knee...blocking a low kick just before it could hit. She rose while clutching Dale's leg, sweeping her other one out from under her.
Dale stood again and charged once more, but Rachel grabbed Dale's punch and flipped her to the ground.
Dale quivered while pulling herself up, rain washing over her reddened face.
After taking a deep breath, she lunged forth and threw a series of high kicks. Rachel dodged the first few, then batted the others aside.
Rachel connected with a hard palm to the face, following up with a fast roundhouse kick.
Dale gritted her teeth while falling onto her side, finally laying still and silent. She snuggled against the dirt as rain hammered her body, a flash of lightning sweeping over the scene.
"Dale?" Rachel said, approaching her with caution.
Dale lifted her head a few inches from the ground, her arms shaking as she turned toward Rachel.
Then her weary eyes widened, and everything stopped. Dale immediately recognized the concerned look on Rachel's face. She'd seen a similar one in numerous photographs. As another flash of lightning came and went, Dale saw the woman before her transform into a sweet little girl — the very same one she'd watched over for years.
The crimson glow in Dale's eyes faded. She shook her head, then squinted a little. "Rachel?" she muttered. "Is that you?"
Rachel nodded, but felt highly confused by Dale's affectionate tone.
Suddenly a voice called out from the nearby hut. "Pathetic," Kurt said, eyeing them both with fury.
Rachel and Dale both turned toward him.
"Simply pathetic," he continued, staring down at Dale. "Our arrangement is done." Kurt waved a hand, and the clouds began to part.
A fresh wave of sunlight shone down on Dale, who began to fidget and scream while grasping her waist.
While clutching his wounded shoulder, Kurt teleported away.
Rachel helped Dale up, rushing her toward the woods and into the Phantom's car. "Just stay down," she said. "We're getting out of here."
Dale crouched on the floor beneath the back seat, covering herself with Rachel's cape as the car sped off.
----------
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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