D75
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 75: Epilogue XII
It was around midnight on Friday evening when Mandrake noticed a familiar sound outside of his mansion. Peeking through the window, he saw a small airplane make a series of twists and turns, spinning until it crashed onto his yard.
Mandrake rushed outside and approached the vehicle. Thunder roared, and rain soaked the grounds.
After reaching the cockpit and removing the pilot's helmet, his eyes widened upon seeing the long auburn hair and lovely face before him. "Atascadero," he said in astonishment.
Atascadero awakened in a comfortable bed within an elegant room. A beautiful dresser sat straight across from her, and a lovely set of lights hung high above. The window revealed that a new day had begun, but everything was still quite dark and rainy.
Upon looking herself over, she noticed that her flight suit had been removed, along with her boots. She was simply wearing a silk nightgown now. Within moments, she began to recognize this garment as one of her old ones. She was surprised that her host had held onto it for so long.
For some reason, the thought of Mandrake undressing her as she slept didn't bother her much. She didn't feel violated or betrayed in the least. After all, she wasn't hiding anything he hadn't seen before.
Atascadero felt her lips drawing into a naughty smile, and wondered if Mandrake had known he'd affect her this way.
Then she shook her head and brushed a hand across her face, pushing the wild thoughts away.
Down below, Mandrake sat quietly while eyeing a wall. He wondered if Atascadero had deliberately crashed her plane, hoping that he'd engage in a romantic rescue.
Their relationship was a perpetual card game. Every time they got together, it was a question of who would show their hand first. Who would give in and reveal their feelings? Sometimes it had been him. Other times, it had been her. And right now, he wasn't quite sure just who it would be.
Mandrake sighed. He'd never really known how to define his attraction to this woman. At times, their bond seemed to fall under the category of "love/hate" — even though he knew that it was mostly about love.
Or something close.
Atascadero walked down the steps and appeared before him.
Mandrake stood up with a casual demeanor, trying to look as though he hadn't been thinking about her. "And how are you feeling, my dear?" he asked while flashing a cocky smile.
"Just fine, Mandrake — thanks to you." She met his confident grin with one of her own.
"Got to be careful flying around on those wild adventures of yours. I'm afraid it's going to take several days to repair that plane." His voice lowered, losing some of its boldness. "But in the meantime, you're more than welcome to stay here."
"I...appreciate that," she said, feeling something warm flutter within her.
"Where were you going out there?"
"Someplace where I could rest and prepare for my next journey."
He shook his head a little as a hint of sadness overtook his face.
"What's the matter?"
"You're always moving about from place to place. Part of me had hoped that you'd settled down a bit."
A roar of thunder caught their attention. Raindrops hammered the windowpanes.
Atascadero looked away. "Settling down..." She glanced around. "That seems to have gone well for you, Mandrake, but it hasn't quite worked out for me just yet."
Mandrake hesitated. After a long pause, he summoned the courage to say something he'd put off saying once before. "Perhaps it hasn't worked out because you haven't been with the right people — or with the right person."
Atascadero faced him with a look of surprise.
Mandrake approached, taking one of her hands in his. "You and I have never really sorted this thing out. We've had our fun. We've had our games. But when things start getting serious, we both hide behind the illusion that there's nothing deeper involved."
She shook a bit, and her voice lowered. "What are you saying, Mandrake?"
"Why don't you stay here a little while — not just for a few days, but for a little longer? Why don't we try 'settling down' together for a bit? If things don't work out, you can leave afterward. And if they do...well, we can see where it goes."
Atascadero stared at him, then let a smile cross her face.
They stood side by side on a high balcony overlooking the lawn. Birds were singing, the skies were clear, and a golden shade was sweeping over the trees.
"Look at that, Mandrake," she said, leaning against him. "Things are beginning to get a bit sunnier."
Mandrake placed a kiss atop her forehead. "Yes, my dear, they certainly are."
----------
Volume XII — End
----------
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.
Comments
Post a Comment