D99
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 99: Always
Dale walked onto the balcony and took a seat beside Flash. He'd been especially quiet lately, and she wanted to know why. "Hey," she whispered. "Everything all right?"
Flash looked out at the trees around the mansion. "Fine," he mumbled.
Dale squinted. She knew him well enough to believe otherwise. "Ming's victims are expected to recover. Ming himself is locked up again." She extended her fingers and touched her palms together. "So what's wrong?"
Flash fell quiet for a moment. "I just wish that you could've returned to a better world, Dale. Instead, a lot of things are just as they were when you left us. Ming's still alive, Rick's caught up in drama, and you and I still run around on our little adventures."
Dale turned her gaze toward the horizon as well. "First of all, Ming gets lucky. Secondly, I'm fine with Rick having personal drama, because that means he'll still turn to us for help sometimes." She brushed back a lock of hair. "As for our little adventures...that's just life. And you know how that works out. It's not always easy." Dale looked over and smiled at him. "That's part of why I'm glad I have a partner on this journey."
Flash turned to her, looking touched by her words.
Dale sighed as she was reminded of something. "And now it appears that Rick might have a new partner as well. I believe she's in there chatting with him as we speak."
Flash chuckled, and folded his arms. "I know that we haven't had much time to talk about this, but what's our stance on that little development?"
"This is a member of the Graf family we're talking about." Dale paused while thinking about certain royals of Mongo. "Then again, I know that you can't just judge people based on their families and their pasts. You have to view them as individuals as well. Look at Krotan. Look at Hadea. Look at the people who love them now."
Flash smiled. "I remember the first day I knew I loved you. This wave of sunlight was drifting across your face..." He glanced at her. "Sort of like right now." Flash paused to admire Dale's pretty features in the light, then he looked off into the distance. "And I said to myself..."
Flash stopped suddenly. His jaw dropped.
Dale grinned, still looking down at her lap.
"Dale," he whispered. "You're out in the sunlight."
"I thought you'd never notice." She spread her arms a little. "I'm finally out of the darkness, and into the light."
Flash looked her up and down with a curious stare. "How?"
"That pill my dad gave me..." She paused. "Looks like it worked."
Flash laughed, then leaned over and hugged her. After they'd separated, he eyed her in awe. "There are so many things we're going to have to do."
"I know," she agreed. "But do you mind if I ask something first?"
"Not at all."
"What were you about to say before? What was it that you told yourself that day?"
Flash grinned again. "I simply looked at you and said, 'That's the girl for me.' " His eyes watered a little. "I knew it then...and I know it now."
Dale took Flash's hands in her own. "I love you, buddy."
Flash's face brightened. "I love you too."
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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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