D66
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 66: Hope
Jade leaned against a wall with her arms folded, staring at two brothers across the room.
"You went after the Bandar instead of me," the Phantom said. "I take it that means you've dropped your grudge."
Kurt noticed a hint of disappointment in his brother's voice. "You don't seem very relived," he uttered.
"A part of me is relieved," the Phantom admitted, "and a part of me is concerned."
"I don't understand."
"I once told my daughter that when a super-villain expresses attraction toward heroism, it means that deep down, he has some goodness within him."
Kurt looked a tad confused by his brother's words.
"I never resented your desire to be the Phantom, Kurt, because that told me that a part of you wanted to do good. However, now that you no longer wish to be the Phantom, does that mean that you've no more righteousness left within?"
Kurt had to pause for what felt like a very long moment. "No...it doesn't." He spoke quietly, as though announcing an epiphany.
"Have you reached the point where you can appreciate the difference between right and wrong?"
"I'd like to believe that I can."
"Then why did you attack the Bandar village?"
"Because I wanted to be the new chief. I honestly thought that I could be a better leader than Guran."
The Phantom fell silent, then shook his head a little.
"What? A leader is someone who helps people. Tell me what was 'wrong' about wanting to help people."
"Your intent was fine, but your approach was wrong. The same could be said about your efforts to become the Phantom." Kit looked his brother over. "The interesting thing about you, Kurt, is that you want to be a hero, but you lack the qualities of one."
Kurt squinted. "If I went out and saved someone's life right now, would that not make me a hero?"
"It would make you a savior."
"And what's the difference in your view, little brother?"
"Being a hero isn't simply about what you do, it's about who you are. None of the heroes I know would've used foul play during our races, nor would they have assaulted the Bandar village. In short, a hero has a greater grasp on morality and compassion than you presently have."
Part of Kurt wanted to scream out in protest — but another part of him was a bit more mature. By now, he knew that there had to be a reason that this heroism thing hadn't worked out for him yet.
Kurt held silent for a little while, wondering if he could truly deny what the Phantom had said. He eventually released a quiet sigh, then let his eyes linger on the table.
"However...there's still time for you to change."
Kurt glanced up at the Phantom again.
"It's simply a question of whether or not you're willing to try changing."
The elder brother looked away once more. "I..." He briefly closed his eyes, then took a deep breath. "I am," he said. "But I don't know where to start. Or how."
The Phantom's gaze grew sterner. "First of all, you're going to come back with me to face the Bandar. You're going to make peace with those you've hurt, and you're going to assure them that what you've done will never happen again."
Kurt slowly nodded, averting his stare once more.
"Afterward, there may be a few options available to you." The Phantom stroked his chin. "I've met many sailors during my travels at sea. They're not super-heroes, but they're on missions. There are many places you could go, and many people you could help."
Kurt looked a tad uncertain, but kept his attention on the Phantom, letting his brother know he was listening.
"This is your chance to do some good, brother. And this is also your chance to learn what morality and compassion are really about."
After a few seconds, Kurt glanced off to the side, eyeing his reflection in a nearby mirror. "You sound as though you still believe in me, Kit."
"In general, I believe there's hope that people who've gone down the wrong path can change."
Jade held quiet, watching the men as she listened on. For reasons she couldn't quite understand, she actually found the Phantom's words rather moving.
"Dale?" Rachel said, staring across the floor.
Dale paused at the top of the stairway, throwing a tense glance over her shoulder. "I'm leaving, and I'd best do it before morning."
"Where are you going?"
"Someplace I'll be safe."
Rachel wasn't sure if Dale meant one of the five kingdoms, or somewhere else. "Just how sensitive to sunlight are you?"
"It depends on the level that I'm exposed to. I can survive in a certain degree of daylight, but, as you saw, I can't live in it as freely as you can." She paused to look her over. "Thank you again, for saving me."
Rachel stared, then offered her a slight nod.
"As I said before, Rachel, I'm proud of you. While you were growing up...you were almost like the daughter I never had."
Rachel wasn't sure how to respond.
"Take care of yourself," Dale said, turning around.
Rachel let her gaze drop to the floor. "You too," she murmured.
Dale paused on the steps as the words sunk in. She eventually smiled, then continued downstairs.
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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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