Last time we watched as Bloom had a brief encounter with her transcended sister, Daphne, who warned Bloom of unknown tribulations to come. Bloom woke up at Alfea, surrounded by worried friends. Faragonda was puzzled as to why Bloom lost control over her new powers and exhausted her energy. She warned Bloom to refrain from using her Enchantix until this conundrum could be solved. Later on she and Sky discussed when they wanted to get married, as well as the upcoming 1,000th anniversary of Eraklyon's founding. Oh, Musa now has longer hair. 'Nuff said, on with the show!

Chapter 4: Dark Empire

"Wicked," said Darcy as she, her sisters and Toro, followed Vicky to a world filled with unnatural looking buildings. It took her a while to figure out that the angles of all the buildings were all curves, producing an effect on the eye that could disturb lesser minds.

"It's weird here," said Stormy, "Just where are we anyway?" She looked up to see a pitch-black sky. She, her sisters and Toro could see from the intense artificial lights emanating from all the buildings; light that shifted colors from dark purple to sickly green to blood red and back to purple.

"This is the planet Xaldo," said Vicky, "Located near the center of the galaxy. You'll notice the total lack of stars above us; that's due to a concealment field set up by my comrades. Only someone who has already been here can find this world on any star chart. Even viewed from space, this world would just not be there."

"Impressive," said Icy.

"You ain't seen nothing yet, little sister," said Vicky, "Come, Lady Zahidia awaits."

The Trix and Toro followed Vicky through the disturbingly curved buildings to a large elongated-looking palace constructed from pure obsidian, which is a very brittle material to work with, and therefore making the palace look even more impressive.

Inside the palace were dozens of men and women wearing black military uniforms, each adorned with a metal badge that had the same crest on it; a humanoid dragon that had a head like an octopus.

"That symbol," said Toro, "I feel like I've seen it before, before we came here that is." Indeed that crest was all over the buildings and the palace; mostly statues, paintings and tapestries. There were even small statues of the creature, some made from obsidian, some from white alabaster, other carved from quartz crystal.

"I think I know what it is," said Darcy as she, Toro and her sisters arrived in a large office-like room filled with uniformed people working various tasks that would fit right in in any government building.

"Do tell us, Darcy," said Vicky in a playful tone, even though she knew what the symbol was.

"The creature," said Darcy, "Is none other than Cthulhu, the Great Old One who lies dead yet not dead, but dreaming."

"How right you are, young witch." Emerging from the shadows was a young woman wearing black sorceress robes over a black dress that accented her sensual figure. She had jet-black hair down to her knees and dark indigo eyes. She didn't look to be any older than 16, 17 at the most. To someone from Earth, this person had a strong resemblance to a young Winona Ryder.

"Welcome back, Vicky, I see you've brought company." The sorceress looked at Icy, Darcy, Stormy and Toro in turn, "The famous Trix, how wonderful to have all three of you together again. And this must be Toro the Destroyer, an up and coming Dark Lord if I had ever seen one."

"May I present," said Vicky, "The Lady Zahidia, future empress of the new R'lyeh Empire, and with it, ruler of all of creation."

"You must be of the Corthos bloodline," said Darcy as she, Toro and her sisters bowed in respect, "Which would give you a legitimate claim to the throne of R'lyeh."

"Again, correct," said Zahidia, "I am looking forward to working with such a brilliant young mind such as yours. And of course, your sisters and consort."

"What's a Corthos?" Stormy asked, "Did I even say that right? Is it even a word?"

"Oh it's a real word, dear sister," said Vicky, "A man or a woman of the Corthos bloodline can trace his or her lineage back over 35,000 years to the last royal house of the old R'lyeh Empire. Lady Zahidia has more than proven her birthright to take the throne once the new empire is established."

"I mean no disrespect," said Toro to Zahidia, "But aren't you a little young to be taking over the universe?"

"Impudent human! How dare you insult the Lady Zahidia!" there to the left stood a massive humanoid lizard wearing black armor. He stood at over 9 feet tall and looked like he could easily rip an ogre in half. In his gauntleted hand was a long vicious looking spear.

"It's quite alright, Vo'kar," said Zahidia in a reassuring tone, "I'm sure the youngling meant no insult."

"This time," grumbled the armored lizard as he turned and marched off.

"My captain of the guard can be a bit over-protective at times," said Zahidia, "as well as slightly embarrassing when there's company, but Vo'kar and his people, the Razolians, are fiercely loyal to the empire and its sovereign, your's truly."

"An impressive creature," said Darcy, who has always had a thing for monsters, "I can see why you would employ such a race."

"What am I, chopped liver?" complained Toro.

"How can I forget, darling?" Darcy asked before giving Toro a sizzling lick on the cheek. Indeed, it would be hard for anyone to forget that Toro was under a water based curse that turned him into a monster that was a cross between a yeti, a bull, an eel, a crane and an octopus.

"You're such a tease sometimes," said Toro playfully, before he gave Darcy a pleasant slap on the bum.

"Now's not the time for that," Icy said harshly, disgusted at her sister's public display of affection.

"Indeed," said Zahidia, "There's so much to do, but there'll be time for play later, children. As to your question, young Toro, do not be confused by my youthful appearance. Those of my bloodline are gifted with longevity and near eternal youth. But I am qualified to run an empire destined to rule all. I may look young, but I'm well over 800 years old; believe me, I know what I'm doing."

"800 years," said Stormy, "Wow."

"Yes, I am impressive," said Zahidia in a slightly smug tone, "But enough about me, what of you younglings? What can you contribute to the resurrection of my empire? No, don't tell me, I'd rather see what you can do." She signaled for a palace attendant, "Inform Naz that I require her services." The servant bowed and left to carry out the task.

"What's she gonna have us do?" Stormy whispered to Icy.

"I don't know," said Icy, "But whatever happens, be ready for anything."

"If anyone tries to hurt you," Toro said to Darcy, "they'll have to go through me first."

"Likewise," replied Darcy.

"Relax, sisters," said Vicky, "And potential brother-in-law. I'm sure that Lady Zahidia won't make you do anything too harsh."

Just then a man in his early twenties came into the room. He was tall, about 6' even with blond hair in a crew cut covered by a red hat facing backwards. He wore a black leather jacket, green camouflage pants and black combat boots. He looked to be in a foul mood.

"Ah," said Zahidia, "Here is Kevin, one of my faithful A.C. Enforcers."

"What does the A.C. mean?" Icy asked.

"'Abnormally Cruel,'" said Kevin in a medium tone, slightly raspy voice, "And 'Enforcers,' the name speaks for itself."

"How goes the host recruitment, Kevin?" Zahidia asked.

"It'd go a lot faster, Lady Zahidia," said Kevin, "If I didn't have to constantly throw out all the 90-lb weaklings that keep showing up." He then looked over Darcy, her sisters and Toro, "I hope this batch of fresh meat is better than the usual bunch of dorks I have to pound into shape."

"Who are you calling a dork, you dipstick?!" Toro asked.

"Who are you calling a dipstick, you carpet licker!?" snapped Kevin.

"I'll show you who's a carpet licker, f#ck-face!" exclaimed Toro.

"Easy, babe," said Darcy, "The grunt isn't worth it. Besides, he is a pr$ck."

"I agree," said Icy, "In this light, that hat makes him look very much like a man's member."

"That's it!!" spat Kevin, "I'm gonna totally mess you dorks up!!" He advanced towards The Trix and Toro to attack.

"Kevin!" said Zahidia in a firm, demanding tone, "I order you to stand down!"

"But…!" protested Kevin.

"But nothing!" said Zahidia, "I warned you to watch your language and not to insult my guests, especially if they're potential allies."

"But they…" protested Kevin again.

"You wouldn't want me to remind you of the consequences of defying me, would you?" Zahidia asked as she held up her left hand with the back facing Kevin. Icy then noticed a mark on her hand that was an exact match to the Cthulhu crest. At first glance the mark looked to be a tattoo, but closer inspection would reveal it to be a birthmark. At the same time Zahidia's eyes took on a venomous red tint.

"No, Lady Zahidia," said Kevin in a reluctant, but noticeably nervous tone, "I don't want to be reminded."

"There's a good boy," said Zahidia in a kind, calming tone, under which Darcy sensed deep malice, while she lowered her hand and her eyes returned to normal, "Now, go back to your duties, we'll talk about the recruitment screenings later."

"Yes, Lady Zahidia," said Kevin. He bowed and left the room.

"What an asshole," said Stormy,.

"I wouldn't say he's an asshole," said a cheerful, friendly voice of the female persuasion. Sitting atop a nearby bookshelf was a girl in her mid teens with shoulder length blond hair and blue eyes with a hint of green. She wore a red and black shirt and a green skirt that ended below the knee.

"Kevin is more like an ass all together," said the girl as she levitated to the ground, "And a really painful one. But he get's the job done."

"Dearest Natasha," said Zahidia, "You look lovely as usual."

"And your radiant beauty eclipses mine as always, Lady Zahidia," said the girl as she bowed.

"This is Natasha," said Zahidia to the Trix and Toro, "One of my more prominent witches. I hope you will get along well."

"Call me Naz," said Natasha, "I just like it better."

"Well my name is Ishara, but I like to be called Icy."

"And I'm Stormina, but call me Stormy. Call me Stormina and I'll claw your eyes out."

"And I'm Darcia, but I like Darcy."

"Toro the Destroyer, that's all."

"Good," said Zahidia, "Now that everyone has been introduced, Naz dear, be so kind as to assist our new friends with demonstrating their powers."

"I'd love to," said Naz, "Icy," she formed a fist-sized ball of purple fire, "Think fast!!" she threw the fireball at Icy, who barely had time to freeze the fireball before it impacted on her face.

"What the hell!!" exclaimed Icy, "Are you nuts!? That could have burned my face off!"

"Well it wouldn't be much of a test if I gave you any warning, would it?" said Naz in a cheeky tone.

"Test this!" said Darcy eagerly as she shot several bolts of dark magic at Naz, who dodged every one with inhuman grace and agility.

Stormy tried to blast Naz with several bolts of dark lightning, while summoning a small tornado to offset her balance. Again, Naz dodged each attack, she seemed to be far more flexible than a normal human being should be.

But then Icy froze the floor underneath Naz, which caused her to slip and lose her balance. Darcy then blasted Naz off her feet with a psychic push, while Stormy lashed out with a dark lightning whip, intending to leave Naz with a 'shocking' experience.

But the whip did nothing except make Naz laugh, "Stop it! That tickles!"

"I don't get it," said a confused Stormy, "That 'electro-whip' was strong enough to make any Red Fountain spaz beg for mercy."

"You'll find that those who serve the new R'lyeh Empire are made of stronger materials than any would-be hero," said Zahidia.

"They are pretty strong," said Naz as she got up, "And very pretty to boot. You three are alright."

"You're not so bad yourself," said Icy, "I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Speaking of which," said Toro, "Just what is it that this new R'lyeh Empire hopes to accomplish? I mean, how are you going to take over the universe?"

"I'm curious to know that," said Darcy.

"You are right to be curious," said Zahidia, "So I'll tell you. No, I'll do one better, I'll show you."

"If you don't mind, Lady Zahidia," said Naz, "I've still a lot of work to do today. With your permission…"

"It is granted," said Zahidia, "go forth, dearest Naz, go and carry out your duties to the empire."

"I live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," said Naz as she bowed. She then skipped out of the room.

"There goes a strange girl," said Stormy, "Wicked, but strange."

"You'll find that many of my subjects are…" said Zahidia, "What you would call, eccentric. But enough idle talk, come, there's much to see."

They followed Zahidia into the inner depths of the palace, passing several rooms filled with black-uniformed workers arrayed around various machines.

"These are just a handful of my projects," said Zahidia, "Each is important to the overall resurrection of the empire. But they pale in comparison to what I wish to show you younglings."

"How much further?" complained Stormy, "I'm not used to so much walking."

"You're just tired from getting out of the tank," said Vicky, "I asked if you wanted to rest a little longer, build up your stamina a but, but you just couldn't wait, could you, Stormy? You always were the impatient one."

"Well I'm just as tired," said Icy, "So where's this amazing thing you want to us to see, Zahidia?"

"Lady Zahidia," Vicky reminded, "And we're almost there. Believe me, what you are about to see will make the trip worth while. I should know, it blew my mind when I first saw it."

"And just what is this it that so impressed you?" Toro asked impatiently.

"That's what I'd like to know," said Darcy in an equally impatient tone.

"That is it," said Vicky. They had arrived out on an indoor balcony overlooking a large, large room that looked big enough to fit Alfea, Red Fountain, Cloud Tower, the entire city of Magix and still have room left over. But what really drew the attention of Icy, Darcy, Stormy and Toro was what was in the room.

Rising from the ground was a white, gray and black structure that at first glance looked kind of like a step pyramid that was over 5000 feet tall and 10,000 feet wide at the bottom. The individual levels were riddled with large gaps that revealed strange machinery that hummed and pulsed with a malicious purple light. The outside areas that were still intact was filled with carvings and symbols that Icy, her sisters and Toro couldn't understand. But what made this even more awe inspiring was that the symbols and carvings seemed to be constantly changing and moving around the outside of the structure. It was clear, to even the lowest of dark magic users, that this was a thing of evil.

"Well?" Vicky asked, "What do you think?"

"It sure is something," said and awed Toro.

"You can say that again," said Darcy.

"It sure is something," said Stormy.

"I wasn't talking to you," said Darcy.

"Impressive," said Icy, "But what is it?"

"We call it a Construct," said Zahidia, "A device built by my ancestors when they founded the first R'lyeh Empire over 100,000 ago. As to its full purpose, we are uncertain. It was originally built long before my time, on another world. But what has been determined, is that this Construct has the power to enslave the minds of whole planets. Just think of it; once reassembled and fully charged, we will have the power to take control of the magical dimension and beyond."

"What do you mean 'reassembled'?" Darcy asked.

"When we fist found the Construct," said Zahidia, "It was in far worse shape than it is now. The exact details have been lost to history, but when the last empire fell, the Construct was partially disassembled. Someone or something had taken several pieces from the device and scattered them across the Magical Dimension. It has taken us one-hundred and fifty long years to find the Construct, relocate the Construct to Xaldo without attracting attention and track down a handful of the missing pieces. Your sister Vicky has been a valuable asset in locating several pieces, but as you can see," she gestured at the large gaps in the Construct, "We still have a long way to go."

"So you want out help in finding the missing pieces," said Icy.

"How do you know all the pieces are still there to be found?" Darcy asked, "Wouldn't the passage of time destroyed some of the pieces through decay and natural effects?"

"That's the beauty of it," said Zahidia, "The Construct cannot be destroyed by any natural means. The only force in all of creation that could have even the slightest chance of destroying the Construct, would be The Great Dragon itself at the height of its power, and that threat has been eliminated when that wretched creature created Domino, and if my sources are correct, your ancestors, The Ancestress Witches, they took care of Domino and all of it's inhabitants."

"Well," said Icy, "I wouldn't be too sure about that."

"If you are referring to the fairy known as Bloom," said Zahidia, "I am not concerned about her. The Ancestress Witches, while prideful and greedy to a fault, they did manage to take measures to ensure that Bloom never achieves her full powers."

"Really," said Darcy, "I didn't know the old bats had that much foresight."

"There's more," said Toro, "Isn't there."

"Indeed," said Zahidia, "My ancestors had created several Constructs by the height of the last empire. Nearly a dozen were used to enforce the empire's will on an area of space the size of the Magical Dimension. When the last empire fell, all but one of the Constructs were cast into a black hole, never to be seen again. Only the one you see here remains from old R'lyeh."

"Can't you just make more?" Stormy asked.

"We could," said Zahidia as she gazed fondly at the massive device, "If we knew how to manufacture them. No, the art of creating the Constructs was lost when the last empire fell. But once this one is completed, we'll be able to copy it's design and begin manufacturing them again. We're sure to need them, for each Construct had a limited range."

"Twelve of them would seem the right amount to control the Magical Dimension," said Darcy, "But if this one can only enslave one twelfth of the Magical Dimension, how will you take over the rest? Or at least hold onto what you control until more are built?"

"By assembling a host of darkness that will strike terror in the hearts of those who dare oppose us," said Zahidia, "You've already met some of my more loyal warriors. Others are 'recruiting' those who meet various requirements; some fill the ranks of menial labor, some are 'enlisted' for military purposes, and so on."

"And how are you 'conscripting' your employees?" Icy asked.

"Brainwashing and hypnoses are so underrated," said Vicky, "You just won't believe how few people there are who would willingly join such a massive undertaking such as this. Most would-be villains we've sough out flatly refused, they said that they didn't believe is a new R'lyeh Empire. So, since they wouldn't listen to reason, we've been forced to use more extreme methods of persuasion."

"That's only half of the empire's manpower need," said Zahidia, "A vast hoard of mindless minions will only carry the cause so far. What we need is a steady supply of life energy to restore power the Construct and our other imperial devices. That's right, we are taking the life force of people and using it to energize the new empire."

"So let me get this straight," said Icy, "You're kidnapping people from all over the cosmos, brainwashing some and sucking the life out of others, so you can recharge this huge mind control device."

"Sounds wicked," said Stormy.

"It does have a dark flair to it," said Darcy, while Toro nodded in agreement.

"Then you will join me," said Zahidia, "And restore the rightful order to the universe? Will you help me build a new R'lyeh Empire, one more powerful and grander than ever?"

"What's in it for us?" Stormy asked abruptly.

"Stormy!" hissed Vicky, "That's no way to talk to the future ruler of the universe!"

"It's quite alright, Vicky," said Zahidia, "I admit, I should have voiced what the new empire would offer such young, ambitious dark souls. What about this; I can guarantee that, once the new empire has been established, each of you will receive a minimum of eight former kingdoms to administer as you see fit."

"That's a lot of territory," said Icy as she pondered the offer, "And a lot of innocents to terrorize. But you'll have to better than that." Stormy, Darcy and Toro all nodded in agreement.

"I'm just getting warmed up," Zahidia said in a casual tone, as if talking about everyday business, "What do you say to the likes of never ending bliss and gratification? Pleasure beyond anything you can imagine."

"Tempting," said Toro as he imagined the outcome of such a deal, yet anticipated that there was more than he could think of, decided to play hard to get, "But pleasure has a tendency to get boring after a while."

"And being fawned upon like a celebrity all the time can get nerve wracking," said Darcy, even though she secretly desired the fast life of the rich and famous.

"Then how about this," said Zahidia in a darker, more eager tone, "I have access to forms of dark magic the likes of which you have never seen before; spells, enchantments and curses so powerful, so vile, so vicious, they were long ago marked forbidden and sealed away. But together, we can unlock those lost dark secrets."

"That's a very interesting offer," said a much more impressed Darcy, while Icy and the others nodded in , "But something's missing, just one thing that would seal this deal."

"Oh, how could I forget?" Zahidia asked, "Revenge. I can promise that you'll have all the time in the world to punish those who have wronged you. Just imagine; the fairy called Bloom and all her friends laid before you and at your non-existent mercy."

"Now you're speaking my language," Icy said eagerly.

"I really want make Musa scream her precious voice into shreds," said Stormy.

"Let's not forget pretty, pretty Stella," said Darcy, "I've got a few ideas to try out on her."

"And I haven't forgotten about you, Toro," said Zahidia, "I understand the pain you've been forced to shoulder. The humiliation inflicted upon you by your insult of a godfather, forcing you to wear such a disgusting name as Pantyhose Toro.

"And let us not forget all the others who laughed at your humiliation. I can promise you complete control over your former home world; Earth."

"Now I'm convinced," said Toro, already planning of ways to make his former 'tormentors' suffer, "I'll do it."

"Me too," said Icy, "I'm so in."

"Ditto," said Stormy.

"Where Toro goes," said Darcy, "I go. Count me in as well."

"Outstanding!" said Zahidia said enthusiastically, "Come now, let's not waste any more time." she clapped her hands to signal three palace attendants, "Once you younglings have been fully orientated on the new empire's procedures and protocols, we'll celebrate your initiation to the organization, after which, you shall receive your first assignment."

"Can't wait," said Stormy eagerly.

"That's the spirit," said Zahidia, "Let me be the first to congratulate you younglings," she held out her hand, "Welcome to the new R'lyeh Empire."

"We're glad to be here," said Darcy as she shook Zahidia's hand. Toro and Stormy followed suit. But when Icy shook Zahadia's hand, there was a spark of tension in the air.

"Let's get just one thing perfectly straight," said Icy in her coldest tone, "My sisters and I have been burned way too many times by those whose ambitions eclipsed our own. I speak for my whole family, including Toro, he's as much a brother as Stormy, Darcy and Vicky are my sisters. If you double-cross us, like Darkar and The Shadow Riders did, I'll turn you into a meat popsicle."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from a descendent of the Ancestress Witches," said Zahidia in an equally cold tone, "And if you or anyone of your family betray me or the new empire, I'll crucify the whole lot of you, real slowly."

With that they broke the handshake, "We agree on that, at least," said Icy.

"And I do hope we can agree on more," Zahidia said in a more friendly tone, "Now, I do believe you and your siblings are due for a full tour of the palace, so off you go!"

As Icy, Darcy, Stormy and Toro followed a palace attendant back into the corridors, Vicky spoke to Zahidia, "I'm sorry about Icy, she can be somewhat harsh to deal with."

"No need to apologize, Vicky," said Zahidia, "I like her, she'll be an interesting addition to the fold. I'm looking forward to seeing great things from your three sisters, and the boy Toro as well."

"Me too," said Vicky, "I still regret leaving my sisters on their own, but I'm here to help them now. If you'll excuse me, I've a few 'chores' to work on."

"Very well," said Zahidia, "Go, dearest Vicky, and carry out your duty to the new empire."

"I live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky. She bowed and left the balcony.

"I take it you heard everything as usual, Vo'Kar," said Zahidia.

"It is my duty to protect you, Lady Zahidia," said the massive Vo'kar as he emerged from the shadows, "Those new witches, they're dangerous."

"So are you," said Zahidia, "So are all of my subjects. But it's a necessary risk when viewing the grand scheme of things. But I appreciate your concern, Vo'kar; keep an eye on The Trix."

"I live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," said Vo'kar as he bowed then vanished back into the shadows.

Zahidia then snapped her finger for a servant, (insert finger snapping sound), "Where is Diaspro? She should have arrived and reported to me by now."

"Diaspro has arrived in the palace, Lady Zahidia," said the servant, "But she immediately returned to her laboratory after arrival. She said that she had an important experiment to finish and would report to you immediately afterward."

"Ah yes," said Zahidia, "Diaspro's work is important to the cause of the empire, so I can afford to grant her some leeway, provided she brings forth the desired results."

…Elsewhere…

Diaspro entered a private room in the palace that only she had access to. She turned on the lights, slipped into a lab coat and tied her hair back with a black ribbon so it wouldn't get in the way of her work. The lights reveled top of the line computers and medical equipment, some of which are still in the experimental stage, others were marked illegal in most kingdoms.

"So good to be back," Diaspro said to herself, "That pitiful excuse of lab equipment I just had to use, it nearly made my skin crawl. But now I'm back among civilization, and not a moment to soon; so much to do, so little time." She then walked over to a metal table and picked up a vial of some sort of chemical that was contained in a non-perishing spell.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Diaspro said towards another metal table in the lab as she reached for a syringe, "I was called away on an important matter. So let's get started, shall we?"

Strapped to the table was a man kidnapped from somewhere in the Magical Dimension. Diaspro didn't care where Zahidia procured the test subject, only that she got what she needed, and others to come as well. The man was strapped to the table so he could barely move; and IV tube was inserted into his arm.

"Okay then," said Diaspro, "Let's get cracking." She pressed a button on a nearby computer, activating a recording device.

"Experiment 56," said Diaspro into the recording device, "Serum number D-10224. Test subject is a male human, age approximately 24, of average build and in excellent health. Injecting serum now," she inserted the syringe needle into the IV and pressed the plunger. Once the chemical was fully injected and absorbed into the man's body, she walked back to the computer terminal, "Preparing to activate the serum."

The terrified man on the table squirmed even harder against the restraints, babbling incoherently.

"Just relax," Diaspro said in a soothing voice that masked her malicious intent, "Nothing bad is going to happen to you," she keyed the intended command into the computer, the machines began humming louder, "In fact, since you've been such a good boy since I've been gone, you get to have a jawbreaker as a reward. Now suck it!!"

The machine activated, it's malevolent energies bombarding the man, causing him to scream with pain and terror, while Diaspro giggled insanely.

The end of chapter 4.

Two princesses, both different in many ways, yet alike in troubles. Our young dragon princess seeks to comfort her friends in their time of tribulation.

Next chapter: Layla's Angst, Stella's Woes

'For those with wings, fly to your dreams.'