D8
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 8: Sweethearts
Rick was sprawled with Jedda near the edge of a cliff, staring upward at the ocean of stars. "So tell me again why you're leaving the team."
Jedda paused, letting silence linger. "I want to seize control of my destiny."
He studied her in curiosity. "And what exactly is that destiny?"
"I don't know just yet. I think I have to go in order to figure that out."
He stated a bit longer, then looked back toward the stars. "Come on...we may have driven Ming away — for now — but there's no telling who else is up there waiting to strike."
Jedda chuckled. "This team has some of the best heroes in the world. You'll do just fine without me." She turned to him. "Once I leave," Jedda said, running a finger through his hair, "it's certainly not the Earth that I'm going to be most worried about."
Rick faced her with a look of surprise.
Jedda's expression was focused and serious.
Seconds later, he and Jedda shared one of their very first kisses.
The Present
The home base of the Defenders began to rumble.
"Flash!" Kshin yelled. "It's Rick!"
"What's going on?" Flash's eyes darted about. "What's that noise?"
"Rick is what's going on. He's that noise."
Flash turned on a nearby monitor, which revealed that someone was starting up a space cruiser. It was rather unusual for the team to use them these days.
Wasting no further time, Flash zipped up his jacket and began running.
Sitting at the controls of a small ship, Rick revved the engine with a determined stare. It didn't take long before all systems were go.
Just as the craft's roof was beginning to close, Flash dropped into the ship, landing right beside his son.
Rick jerked his head to the side. "What are you doing?"
"I think that's my line, kid."
Rick looked ahead with a resolute stare. "I'm going to Mongo. I'm going to rescue Jedda."
"Rescue? What are you talking about?"
"Hop out. I'm doing this alone."
Flash sighed, running a hand over the thick stubble on his chin. "No. You're not. If you're going to Mongo, your old man is coming with you."
The cruiser drifted quietly through the depths of space.
Amidst a deep and lingering silence, Flash turned to his son.
Rick didn't return the stare.
Flash looked forward with a chuckle. "So when are we going to address the elephant in the ship?"
Rick held quiet.
"What makes you think that she's even in need of being rescued?"
"If she was okay, she would've told me by now."
"Or maybe not. Maybe she doesn't want you to know the details of her current life."
Rick hesitated, his voice going soft. "Why wouldn't she?"
Flash frowned a bit. "Perhaps because she doesn't want to hurt you."
After a few seconds, Rick shook his head. "No. Something's going on up there."
"You're right, son, and I'm afraid it's called a marriage."
"No way. Last I heard, she and Krotan had a falling out."
"Those don't always last, you know."
"Can we just drop this? Because you're really not saying anything that I want to hear."
"Maybe that's because I'm trying to say what you need to hear. Rick, put two and two together. She was pregnant with another man's baby. When she left Earth, she said goodbye. She didn't say that she'd be in touch."
"Why wouldn't she want to stay in touch with me?"
"Maybe she's trying to let go."
Rick eyed the stars. "Or maybe something's happened to her."
Flash sighed. "I don't know what you're going to find there...but you're not going to find a damsel in distress. That's not something Jedda's used to being. I doubt things have suddenly changed now."
"Well...I'm just going to have to see for myself." The two of them exchanged silent glances. Soon afterward, Rick turned back to the stars. "There's no way all of this is as simple as you're saying."
Flash closed his eyes in mock exhaustion, drawing a hand to his beard.
"There's just no way at all."
Shortly after landing on Mongo, Rick hopped out of the cockpit with his weapon drawn.
An unprepared Flash whipped his gaze about. "Rick? Rick!"
"Just stay there!"
A number of robot guards swung into action.
Rick blasted through them while storming toward the palace, a wild fury raging in his eyes.
The elder Gordon began crawling out of the ship himself.
Shortly after entering the building, Rick found that his weapon had run out of power. He hurled it at the machines, flipping past shots as he rushed for the stairs. Moments later, he reached a high floor with the guards hot in pursuit.
Catching his breath while drenched in sweat, he waded through a wide and elegant hallway. A pair of large twin doors could be seen at the end — larger than any of the others he'd spotted.
The sound of distant footsteps arrived behind him.
Rushing forward, Rick began panting. "Jedda? Jedda?" He looked about. "Jedda! Are you all right? I'm here!" The doors were much closer now. "I'm here!" He slammed them open. "Je-" Rick froze, his jaw dropping.
Jedda pulled away from Krotan's lips, yanking a sheet over her bare chest.
Rick remained still and silent, swinging his gaze toward a baby girl in a crib.
The husband and wife watched him with wide, smitten eyes.
Seconds later, a Mongoian guard appeared behind Rick and knocked him senseless, catching his limp body before he could hit the floor.
Rick came to in a quiet cell.
Jedda was sitting across from him, donned in her usual evening gown. The Necklace of Oros gleamed at her chest.
He rubbed his head with a groan. "Where's my dad?"
"I teleported him home," she replied softly. "I told him that the two of us needed some time alone." Jedda had to pause for a few seconds. "I'm sorry that I didn't contact you." She leaned her head to the side with a curious squint. "But I figured that you knew I was all right. I told you that I would be, before I left."
Rick looked at the floor. "I know. I just...I just..."
"You just what?" Jedda frowned. "What are you really doing here, Rick?"
Rick began to mumble. "I guess I just missed you. I missed us. I wanted to believe that we could still..." He suddenly recalled the sight from the bedroom.
Jedda watched him with sympathetic eyes. Moments later, she stepped over to Rick and extended her hand.
Rick stood, taking it.
Tapping into the necklace's power, Jedda teleported them out of the cell.
As a robed Krotan paced about, a large screen beside him began flashing on. Krotan slowed to a halt, his jaw dropping as he locked eyes with his father.
Ming smirked. "I was expecting one of your underlings."
A hardened stare came over Krotan's face.
"It's time, boy. Come and face me already...if you aren't too much of a coward."
Jedda and Rick had materialized on Earth — in the very same area where they'd kissed years ago.
Rick looked about in awe, seeing the Defenders' base not far off in the distance. Upon turning to Jedda, he found that her gown was replaced by the outfit she'd worn as a member of the team.
"Jedda..."
"Shh..." She smiled, guiding him downward.
Laying on their backs, they looked up at the stars once again.
Amidst the silence, Rick eventually let himself smile. Turning toward Jedda, he began moving his lips to hers.
Jedda held still for a second, but gradually turned away before contact.
Rick paused, holding his mouth open.
"Rick, what you did earlier on Mongo can't happen again."
He cleared his throat, turning toward the sky. "It won't. I guess..." He shook his head. "I guess part of me was still searching for that happy ending we used to talk about."
She closed her lips with a slight frown.
Rick held his somber stare upward.
Jedda stood, smiling at him one more time. "Goodbye, Rick." Within seconds, she'd faded in a burst of light.
Stark silence hung over the area. Rick's eyes drifted closed.
Eventually, he tossed a calm grin up at the stars. "See you around, Jedda."
Upon returning to Mongo, Jedda entered her bed and reached across the covers. After a bit of searching, all she could feel were the blankets and sheets.
Turning on the light, she found a small note nearby. The message contained a single word:
'Sorry'
Seconds later, something in the distant sky caught her attention. The queen rose and sped onto her balcony — just in time to see a fleet of battleships rising through the air en route to Zolan.
In the crib behind her, Vera began to wail.
Jedda swung her gaze over her shoulder...then slowly turned back toward the empty sky.
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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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