D7
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 7: Hate
Eight-year-old Krotan leaned back in a tub, basking in silence as his cares slipped away.
A violent crash arrived at the door, stirring him out of his peaceful state.
Ming entered the room with a threatening stare, causing Krotan to whimper and tremble.
While looking into his father's eyes, Krotan grew absolutely certain of something: Ming would live up to his nickname now.
Storming into the wide throne room, Ming tossed Krotan to the center of the floor. A number of servants and advisors looked on.
Ming readied a whip and used a very smug tone — the voice that everyone present had come to dread. "...and it appears that my son was feeling rather bold today, bold enough to try defying me."
Krotan lifted an arm while crawling away. "No! You misunderstand, Father. I..."
"Entire armies have tried defying me. Honestly, boy, do you actually believe that a weakling such as yourself can succeed where they have failed?"
Ignoring Krotan's ongoing pleas, Ming delivered a slew of lashes to Krotan's bottom. Amidst the beating and the tears, Krotan could see a few servants chuckling.
Once Ming was finally satisfied, he tossed a weary Krotan into his room. "Next time, I'll do it out on the street, in front of the commoners."
And Ming wasn't lying. Several weeks later, he did exactly that.
Weeks became months, months became years, and a string of beatings came and went.
An older Krotan sat on his bed, staring at his fists with eyes full of hate. "Just wait, old man. One day, I'll start a whole new dynasty here. One day...I'll see you dead."
The Present
Vera crawled to the side of her playpen, pressing her tiny green fingers against the fabric. Adorable as ever, she opened her mouth into a little O-like shape, watching as her mother completed a workout.
Resisting the urge to just stare and swoon, Jedda tightened her gi, then threw a straight right, a fast left, a spinning kick, and a quick elbow.
While running across the room, she leapt into a crescent-like arch, twirled through the air, and hammered her foot onto an imaginary head. She landed on one knee, palm pressed to the floor as a slew of dark locks covered her face.
Upon standing, she looked across the room and raised an eyebrow.
Vera was sitting on her tush, swinging her own hands about in the air.
With a laugh, Jedda walked to the playpen and picked her daughter up.
Vera smiled, sunlight sweeping over her short black hair.
After putting Vera down and turning on the sound monitor, Jedda entered a washroom, pulled her hair into a bun, and settled herself into a tub — the very same one that Krotan had bathed in as a child.
15 minutes later, a rapid knocking came at the door.
"Who is it?" called Jedda, sweeping a hand through the bubbles.
"It is I, highness," replied a feminine voice.
"Enter."
Upon opening the door, a 12-year-old, green-skinned servant girl dropped to her knees. "Forgive me, highness. I merely wanted to see if you were well."
Jedda chuckled. "Why wouldn't I be?"
She glanced upward for a second. "When I saw the king's army...I didn't know what to think."
A sudden tension welled up in Jedda. "What army?"
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Dynasties
Krotan stood on a balcony, hands clutching the rail.
"What's going on?" Jedda asked, tightening her robe as she approached him from behind.
He held his stare outward. "Father has escaped his bonds and taken control of Zolan." He spoke of the planet that Ming had been imprisoned on.
Jedda trembled in anger.
"It appears that he had inside help."
She moved beside him, gripping the rail herself. "That bastard can manipulate his way out of almost anything. It's simply a matter of finding someone who'll believe his lies."
Krotan glanced down at his ring. "He's sent me a message, a challenge." He looked upward, a ray of sunlight touching his face. "I have to go there. I have to defeat him."
She swung her head. "No you don't."
"Either I go there...or he'll come here. We both know that he wants Mongo back."
"We also know that Zolan is no threat. He can't amass an army that's a match for ours. He's simply trying to bait you now."
Krotan looked uncertain.
Jedda scoffed. "It's a perfect little trap." She gestured with her hands as though holding a ball. "He can't challenge us head-on, so he lures you, captures you, and then the very next day, he contacts me. 'Hey. Jedda. I've got your husband. Now give me my planet back.' " She rolled her eyes and looked outward again. "Ming is as predictable and pathetic as ever."
Krotan watched the clouds. "Perhaps he can't challenge us head-on now...but the longer we wait, the more powerful he'll become." Krotan sounded uncertain of that actually happening — a part of him almost sounded hopeful.
"You don't know that."
"I have to do this." He clenched a fist. "I have to do it for Mongo."
Jedda stared, studying the hatred in his eyes. A passing breeze ruffled her thick locks. "This isn't about Mongo. This is about you."
Krotan fidgeted.
"This is about revenge for the way your father treated you as a child. This is about your need to feel like you've settled things."
He averted his gaze.
"That's what you dreamed about when you were a little boy. That's why you've betrayed him whenever the chance has arisen. You can't be satisfied unless you feel like you've 'beaten' Ming somehow."
"Jedda..."
"Well guess what?" She took his face in her hands. "You already have. Little Krotan made all of his dreams come true. You replaced your father. You seized your throne. You married your beautiful queen.
"You won, all right?" She slowly released him. "Now let it go."
Krotan continued to fidget. His eyes wandered elsewhere. "I can't..." he muttered. "Not as long as he's still out there. Not as long as he's still a threat."
Jedda sighed, closing her eyes as she stroked her face. "I don't have time for this macho stuff, Krotan. We're not kids anymore. We're beyond the point of running around playing super-heroine and super-villain. We're parents now. We're rulers now.
"It's time to stop letting our lives be defined by our fathers."
Krotan looked down with a whisper. "I know." He paused. "I simply need to take one last step in order to do that."
"You don't need to. You want to." Jedda stared. "You're heading off to slay a dragon that doesn't really exist. The only beast you need to conquer is the hatred within."
Krotan turned back to the sky.
"You can either go after your father, or you can stay here with your family...but you can't have both." She paused, looking him over. "You make a choice between the present and the past. You make a choice between love and hate." Jedda turned, her robe swaying as she left the balcony.
Krotan gripped the railing again.
Moments later, a flurry of childhood memories swept through his mind — but a number of recent ones arrived as well.
The king's breathing came heavy, and a tear sparkled in his eye as he looked down at his ring.
Later that evening, Jedda and Krotan cuddled in their tub. Her back was nestled against his chest.
Jedda sighed, smiling as she closed her eyes. "We don't need to embrace hatred, Krotan. All we need to embrace is love."
Krotan held quiet, nuzzling Jedda's feet between his as he held her torso and stroked her arms. Eventually, he leaned down and kissed his wife's shoulder, pausing to contemplate what she'd said.
The start of their marriage had been rooted in desire. He'd wanted her, and she'd secretly wanted him back. But on the day they were wed, Krotan had discovered something else: compassion. Through the years, that compassion had led to a mutual tenderness, empathy, and the birth of a child.
It was quite simple: Ming had taught him how to hate, but Jedda had taught him how to love. The latter had been the far more valuable lesson.
He'd come to believe that with all his heart in the present.
It was simply a matter of remembering it in the future.
Scene Commentary
Krotan looked down with a whisper. "I know." He paused. "I simply need to take one last step in order to do that."
"You don't need to. You want to." Jedda stared. "You're heading off to slay a dragon that doesn't really exist. The only beast you need to conquer is the hatred within."
At the time of its completion, "Hate" probably stood as my favorite chapter.
I like the glimpse of Krotan's childhood. I like how unintentionally amusing Ming can be. I like how Jedda keeps herself in shape. I like the little moment between Jedda and Vera. I like the exchanges between Jedda and Krotan. And I like how Jedda gets a reminder that being a member of this family won't always be easy.
On a side note, this is one of those chapters that features the royals of Mongo on or near a balcony. I've noticed that balconies appear often in my writing. To me, they seem to have a romantic and domestic charm about them, as they sort of represent a private area for bonding or reflection.
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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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