D77
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 77: Home
"You shouldn't have gone there without speaking to me." Hadea folded her arms across her chest, eyeing the trio with a stern stare.
Rachel glanced at Rick and LJ, then brought her gaze back to their hostess. For a moment, she was reminded of the days when she'd first met Hadea, when the empress was always scolding her about discipline and consequences. "We didn't think that it would cause any political issues."
"Politics are the furthest thing from my mind at present." Hadea's eyes softened a bit. "If anything had happened to one of you..."
Rachel was a tad surprised.
Rick stepped forward, speaking softly. "It's okay. We're safe," he said, opening a pack full of the discs they'd obtained. "Now let's take a look at what's on these discs, so we can try and keep the Netherworld safe as well."
After being escorted into the Golden Palace, Danica entered the throne room and stood before Hadea. A hint of nervousness danced about on her face. "Thank you for agreeing to this meeting, Hadea, for I have just received some unsettling news. It appears that a trio of humans snuck into my base — where a great number of recordings have been stolen." Her eyebrows lowered amidst a suspicious stare. "Have you any knowledge pertaining to these events?"
"Indeed I do," Hadea replied. "That group acted on my behalf, without my consent."
"In that case, I hereby demand that the recordings be returned."
A servant carried Rick's pack into the room, placing it on the floor where Danica stood.
"You'll find the discs within that package," Hadea said. "You may have them back — all but one. The one that reveals the full story behind the Empress's coup."
Danica's body stiffened before she could reach the bag.
"The one in which she declares that your family's tyranny is over."
Danica scowled, trying her best to sound perplexed. "There must be some misunderstanding."
"No. I'm afraid that the recording made things quite clear." Hadea rose from her chair. "Your family had become tyrannical and reckless. The Empress lead a revolution that saved the Netherworld. Afterward, the people embraced her ideals, and appointed her as their queen."
Danica stewed in silence, averting her gaze.
"She and her chosen mate then began a new royal line." Hadea lifted a hand to her hip, looking Danica over in spite. "You sought to hide all of this from me. You attempted to paint the Empress as a tyrant, so that you could lay claim to the Netherworld."
"I do have a rightful claim to the Netherworld. My family ruled first."
"But they did not rule well — not during the end of their reign, it appears. My ancestors took the Netherworld from the brink of ruin. They turned it into a prosperous kingdom. We became rulers because people wanted us in power, and that desire continues to this very day."
The younger woman shook her head in frustration. It irked her that Hadea had so much public support.
"You'll not have the Netherworld, girl," Hadea said. "Not through peaceful means, or violent ones. Should you attack, you will feel the full wrath of not just one kingdom, but of all five."
Danica knew that her power was inferior to Hadea's, but strove to appear unintimidated.
"That day will never come, however, because you're going to leave my dominion peacefully, and never bring your army within one of my lands again."
She looked the empress over, eyeing her with a quiet fury.
Hadea stared back, showing no sign of fear.
Then Danica turned, and exited the palace.
Rick stepped into the throne room with LJ and Rachel.
Hadea and the Phantom rose from their seats. "The three of you have my deepest gratitude," the empress said. She ran her gaze over each of them. "LJ, I've long thought you to be a fine young hero and a fine young man. You've proven me right once again."
LJ smiled, giving her a respectful nod.
She moved her stare to the man in the center. "As expected, Rick, you continue to make me proud."
Rick let his own grin linger on her for a moment.
Finally, Hadea turned to Rachel. "And you, daughter..."
Rachel stirred a little in surprise.
"Even though you've left your position as queen, you continue to honor and aid the Netherworld when you're able. It will always be your second home."
Rachel blushed, then slowly nodded.
Hadea stepped forward and reached out toward Rachel, who extended her own hand and stroked Hadea's in response. Then the empress embraced each member of the trio. "Thank you," she said warmly.
The Phantom eyed the scene with a proud smile.
Hadea stood on a balcony overlooking the Netherworld, watching as the people went about with their lives. She was looking forward to a nice, relaxing evening at the Golden Palace. At present, however, she wanted nothing more than to stand in place and stare at her homeland.
"What are you thinking of?" the Phantom asked.
Hadea closed her eyes, then looked outward again. "A story," she replied. "A story of a pampered little princess who was born in this place, who used to walk around pretending that she was the queen." Hadea let her gaze sway from left to right. "Then she woke up one day, and learned that she actually was — because her ambitious parents had abandoned the realm." She recalled standing on this very same balcony that day. "For a good deal of my life, I've nurtured this kingdom as I would a child, watching it thrive, and watching it grow. The Netherworld is my homeland." She eyed the familiar sights with affection. "And today, I'm grateful to know that it isn't simply a part of my past — it's very much a part of my future."
The Phantom embraced Hadea from behind, holding her against his chest.
Hadea reached up and covered one of his hands, staring proudly upon the land she'd long called home.
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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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