D82
Dynasties
Chapter 82: Homeland
A thin wave of sunlight spread over the room. Atascadero eased down on the sofa while staring into her mug. "Several years ago, there were three young princesses in the land of Eternis. As part of the traditional coming-of-age trial, each of us had to spend a decade abroad. Karin became a navy officer, Lydia became a jungle woman, and I became a treasure hunter."
Kristina lifted a knee onto the couch and leaned back on her side, watching Ata with a focused stare.
"Once the trial ended, we briefly reunited in our kingdom. That was when our parents decided which of us had grown strong and wise enough to succeed them as monarch." She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I never expected that they'd choose me...but they did."
Kristina lifted an eyebrow, but maintained her calm expression. "You don't strike me as queenly material — no offense."
"None taken. I actually agree with you," she said. "After all the years I'd spent basking in freedom and adventure, I had no desire to become a queen. I didn't want the confinement or the responsibility. So I declined the throne, and Karin took my place." At this point, Atascadero wanted to say that everyone lived happily ever after. Instead, she held her temple as a slew of unpleasant memories arrived.
Kristina hesitated, lowering her voice. "What happened in your family afterward?"
"My parents were furious with me, and Lydia was furious with them. She felt that she deserved to be queen." Her stare hardened as she recalled the news of Lydia's coup. "Ultimately, I left Eternis, and my sisters remained. A few years later, my parents died of natural causes." She closed her eyes again. "And now I've learned that one of my sisters has killed the other."
Kristina spoke quietly, trying her best to be sensitive. "This guard you mentioned...did he tell you how Lydia did it?"
"Apparently, she used poison." A blanket of guilt began spreading over her. "If I'd just taken the throne when I was supposed to, Karin wouldn't have even been there — in my place. She would still be alive if I hadn't made the choices I did."
Kristina brushed back a clump of hair. "I don't know you very well, but I do know this: you and I are teammates now — and that means I'm not going to let you sit here and blame yourself for something that isn't your fault."
Atascadero glanced at her in surprise. She'd never expected to hear that. After a quiet moment, she slowly turned away again. "I just keep thinking that if I hadn't defied my parents' wishes- -"
"You'd be dead right now instead of Karin. Is that what you'd prefer?"
She quieted, not knowing how to respond.
"And you had every right to defy their wishes. It's your life." Kristina folded her arms and cast her glare toward the ceiling. "Your family sounds very much like the Walkers — trying to force a role upon a child while giving them little say in the matter."
Atascadero found herself at a loss for words. Part of her wanted to say that the main reason the Walkers did that sort of thing was because of groups like the Sky Band. But she knew that Kristina was trying to be sensitive, so she simply avoided that topic. "I...appreciate your perspective."
Kristina nodded. "Anyway, if you want to blame anyone for Karin's death, blame that little monster of a middle child, Lydia."
Atascadero's face grew bolder, angrier. "Lydia has to be stopped. Poisoning Karin was only the first phase of her plan. That merely distracted everyone while she enacted her real objective: taking over the kingdom."
"And how did she manage that?"
"Apparently, someone's supplied her with an army of robots."
"So what are you going to do?"
Atascadero closed her eyes a moment. "I need to go there and take her down. But if I do that, then I'll have to become queen...and that's still something I don't desire."
Kristina quieted, as though she wasn't sure what advice she could offer. "Both of us are vagabonds."
Atascadero's face fluttered in surprise again.
"We live for the thrill of exploration."
Atascadero eyed the other woman for a few seconds. Until recently, she'd always known Kristina Graf by reputation alone. It was odd to imagine that they had a few things in common beneath the surface. She turned away and faced a wall. "That's true," she concurred. "I've spent a lot of time moving from place to place. But right now, in this house, I'm stationary for the first time in a while — and I actually don't feel all that uncomfortable."
Kristina gazed about, studying the interior.
"Of all the places for a wanderer to settle down, this mansion actually isn't so bad. There's something about this house...something about these people." Atascadero faced Kristina again, as though to ask if she agreed. "I know that traveling is in our blood, but haven't you ever wanted a place to call home?"
Kristina avoided eye contact, hiding her thoughts on the matter.
Atascadero sighed upon remembering her predicament. "It seems that this situation with Eternis can only end one of three ways: I can let Lydia remain in power, I can replace her on the throne, or I can go there and die in battle." She looked down at her lap. "Obviously, none of those are desirable for me."
Kristina studied heriin curiosity.
"I've got to go." Atascadero sat the cup down and stood. "I've got to return to Eternis."
Kristina looked a bit tense, then eyed her respectfully. "I'd offer you a hand, but I'm not supposed to leave town without an official Defender."
"It's fine," she replied. "I think I need to do this on my own." Atascadero moved over to the doorway, then looked back at the other woman. "Thanks for the tough love." She smiled and left.
From an aerial viewpoint, Eternis looked like a huge rectangle with brown grounds and stone walkways. Grassy valleys were seen near the edges, and colorful tents were set up in market squares. During her flight, Atascadero had spent a lot of time wondering where Lydia's army had come from. Upon looking down, she found her answer.
Hordes of ice robots were patrolling the land.
"Ming," she muttered. "What have you got to do with this?" After pausing to study the grounds a bit longer, she steered her jet toward a royal palace built in the shape of a pyramid.
Just inside of the building, Lydia stood in a golden room with a huge square carpet. Gazing in the mirror, she admired her bundled brown hair and elegant gown, along with trinkets of glittering jewels. They she placed her hands on her hips and eyed a large video screen, answering a call from a famous Mongoian.
"What is the nature of your summons, Ming?" Lydia said.
Ming paused, looking her over. "I see that you've secured everything that you wanted, dear Lydia. I trust that you remember who gave it to you."
She scoffed. "Pardon?"
"You heard me. None of your success would've been possible had I not loaned you the vast majority of my ice robots. I now demand that you hold up your end of the bargain. I want my place beside you on the throne of Eternis."
Lydia chuckled, not sounding amused. "Right. You couldn't ever get the throne of Mongo back, so you're willing to take whatever amount of power you can get." She shook her head. "You're pathetic, Ming." Lydia brushed a lock of hair behind her face. "And I'm afraid I can't have a pathetic partner on the throne, so I'm going to have to announce a change of plans: our deal is off."
Ming lowered his eyebrows. "You don't want to betray me, little girl."
" 'Little girl?' " Lydia wore a smug stare. "Need I remind you that you're speaking to a queen? Need I also remind you that I have the majority of your army, and that I know exactly where you can be found?"
Just outside, Atascadero's jet began approaching the building. Moments before she could land, she noticed a large laser cannon swivel straight at her. Atascadero froze, her eyes widening in fright.
The ice robot fired the cannon, and a huge beam shot through the air. As the jet blew into pieces, Atascadero began gliding down on a parachute. Whipping out a hand blaster, she fired a series of shots down at the enemy.
Lydia turned away from Ming as the ruckus caught her attention. She ordered two robot guards to cover the entrance. Just as the machines began approaching the doorway, both of them were dropped by two quick lasers.
Atascadero walked into the golden room, eyeing her sister in pure anger.
Lydia paused, then lifted her chin, a hint of surprise cutting through her smug stare.
Ming looked somewhat fascinated as he observed the scene.
Atascadero glared while stepping forward. "Did you think I wouldn't find out what you've done?"
Lydia shrugged. "I figured you would. I just didn't care."
Atascadero dropped the blaster and charged across the room.
Lydia grabbed her sister's wrist and flipped her to the floor, using her opponent's momentum against her.
Atascadero landed with a thud and rolled onto her side, using a kick to push her sister away. Seconds later, she sprung to her feet and lifted her hands.
Lydia threw an elbow that was quickly blocked.
Atascadero drilled a knee into her sister's gut, then swung her leg out in a crescent-like arch. The kick connected, knocking Lydia to the floor. A line of blood rolled down her face.
Atascadero mounted her sister's chest, then pulled a knife to Lydia's throat. Her hand trembled, and her eyes shook.
"Wait," Lydia pleaded wearily. "Karin's alive."
Atascadero froze. "What did you say?"
"She's still alive. The potion wasn't poison. It merely made her appear to be dead."
She tightened her grip on Lydia's hair. "Where is she?"
Two robot guards stormed into the room, aiming their weapons at Atascadero.
Lydia smirked. "I guess you'll never know."
Suddenly, the robots' heads began to fizzle and pop, and both of them collapsed where they'd stood.
As Lydia eyed them in shock, Ming's voice arrived in the room again. "I'm afraid that the same fate has befallen every machine in your army, dear Lydia. You see, each of them were linked to a detonation signal — a precaution I took in the event that you chose to betray me. It's only a matter of time now before the rebels take back the kingdom."
Lydia's was stunned. Her jaw hung open.
"As I said," Ming continued, "double-crossing me is a lethal mistake." The screen went black.
Atascadero paused, then pressed the blade to Lydia's neck. "Tell me where Karin is."
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Dynasties
Several hours later, Atascadero was standing beside sister, Karin, a brown-haired woman in a tattered gray robe.
"She was holding me prisoner here," Karin said. "She was forcing me to answer her questions about ruling the kingdom." The queen held her stare outward as she studied Eternis. "Part of me wanted to have faith that you'd come and stop her, but I never could be entirely sure."
Atascadero turned to her in surprise. "You had to know that I'd never simply turn my back on the kingdom."
"How could I? In all the years that you've been gone, you've given little indication that you care about anything that happens here."
"I came back for our parents' funeral. I also came running here when I thought that you were dead."
Karin nodded. "Is that what it takes to bring you home? Death? Crisis?"
Atascadero sighed, turning her gaze forward. With all of the trauma and struggle that she'd experienced, this wasn't the kind of reception that she'd expected. "You know that I care about you and Eternis."
Karin's expression softened a bit. "I do know that. I care about you too." She reached over and held her sister's hand. "I think that the time will arrive when we're able to bond as sisters should..."
As the two of them looked into each other's eyes, both knew that now was not that time.
"Take care of our kingdom," Atascadero said. "Perhaps you think I don't follow what goes on here, but I do. You're a great queen."
Karin paused, then made an appreciative nod. "Thank you for saving me." After staring at her sibling a little longer, Karin turned and headed back into the palace.
Moments later, someone touched Atascadero's shoulder. "Are you all right?" A gentle voice uttered.
Atascadero turned quickly, seeing an unexpected guest a few yards away. "Kristina?" She stared. "How did you get here?"
"By jet. I landed on the strip over there." She looked Atascadero over, then repeated her question. "So you're okay? I don't see any injuries."
"I'm fine," she said, still watching her in surprise. "I'm all right...physically."
"And how are you emotionally?"
Atascadero looked away. Her eyes became sullen as she studied the kingdom. "This is the place where I was born, the place where everyone knows me. And yet, it still doesn't feel like I belong here. It hasn't felt that way for a long time."
"For wanderers like us, it's hard to feel that way about any place in particular." A breeze lifted Kristina's locks as a thought came to her. "But I can think of a certain one that you mentioned earlier. It's a place where we both have people who we can talk to — a place where each of us are welcomed, as one of their own."
Atascadero eyed her in surprise again.
Kristina touched the other woman's shoulder. "Come on," she said. "Let's go home."
Mandrake eased down beside Atascadero on the couch, offering her a cup of tea.
"Thank you," she muttered. "And thank you again, for working to get those knights released from the jail."
He nodded while studying her somber expression. "Are you going to be all right?"
Atascadero looked up, then slowly grinned at him. As Kristina's words came back to her, she found herself deeply appreciative of how much Mandrake cared. "Yes," she said. "I think that I am."
Mandrake raised his drink, and the two smiled while tapping their cups together.
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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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