Last time Bloom and her friends attended the Eraklyon Millennium Ball. There was a tense moment as Stella confronted the conniving Countess Cassandra and her daughter Chimera, but no blood was spilt from the encounter. No, the blood spilling occurred when Diaspro appeared just after the engagement between Bloom and Sky was announced. An unknown force had brought in several intruders who attacked the party. Very few innocents were hurt, while at the same time Stella earned her Enchantix by saving the life of her former bodyguard. But then Diaspro revealed her real plan by poisoning Bloom.

Elsewhere in the universe, Vicky, her sisters and Toro had found another Construct piece and were taking some time to do a little treasure hunting, while destroying a village full of innocents as well. Zahidia called off the hunt and recalled them back to Xaldo, leaving their handiwork to be discovered by a certain crew of pirates whose captain wears a straw hat. 'Nuff said, on with the show!

Chapter 11: Punishment and Planning

The Trix, Vicky and Toro, who was holding the Construct piece, arrived on Xaldo in the middle of a flurry of activity among the palace servants and imperial minions.

"What's going on?" Stormy asked.

Vicky answered her sister's question, "It's like I said; somebody screwed up big time, and Zahidia wants everyone to see the guilty one punished."

"To make an example of," remarked Toro.

"Exactly," said Vicky, "Now come on, we don't want to be late."

"Let's just hope it's not us who screwed up," said Darcy.

"We're not," said Vicky, "otherwise, why would Zahidia call me to order us back to witness the punishment?"

"Maybe it's a trap," said Icy, "to lull us into a false sense of security."

"Then why did we come back here for?" a nervous Stormy asked.

"Stormy, dearest Stormy," said Vicky in a reproachful tome, "You'd think you'd know by now when Icy is being sarcastic. No, we are not to be on the receiving end of Zahidia's punishment today. Now come on, the last thing we need right now is to be late for what Zahidia had planned."

"If we're not in trouble," said Toro as the four witches and dark martial artist made their way through the palace, "then who is?"

"We'll find out soon enough," said Vicky. They had reached the palace audience chamber; a room larger than a football stadium. It was angled slightly upwards from one wall so that the occupants, already several hundred strong, could clearly see that wall, the center of which sported a large obsidian carved throne adorned with countless precious stones and gems. Above the throne was a large banner of the Cthulhu crest of the empire.

Those gathering in the audience chamber were all sorts of dark souls, each more vicious looking than the last.

"Villains of the universe unite," said an impressed Darcy, "I recognize some of these cretins. Those three over there, they have death sentences on five planets, and those two over there, they've got death warrants on seven worlds."

"You know these creeps?" Stormy asked, "Just what have you and Toro been up to while I was dead?"

"I'd like to know that myself," said Icy.

"Let's just say that when you're one step ahead of the law," said Toro, "Causing more than your fair share of trouble, you get to meet and know about all sorts of 'interesting' people."

"Well I'm sure we'd all like to hear about it," said Icy in a sarcastic tone.

"Later, dear sisters," said Vicky, "Right now we should focus on finding a good place to watch."

They found a good vantage point near two familiar faces; the witch Natasha, or Naz as she liked to be called, and the dark martial artist Kevin.

"Glad you could make it," said Naz eagerly, "This is gonna be some show."

"Can't wait to see what the boss lady does to those two dinks who messed up," said Kevin, his voice full of vicious anticipation, "It's gonna be wild."

"Okay, I admit it," said Stormy, "I'm lost. Just who messed up?"

"Apparently while we were searching for One Piece," said Vicky after she talked with some of her associates, "Someone decided to summon about fifty of the empire's front-line soldiers, Shadow Troopers. A lot of innocents were hurt, and we're not sure if any of those innocents were killed, but it's certain that the majority of casualties were the Shadow Troopers, all fifty were wiped out."

"They must have been pretty pathetic soldiers to be all exterminated," said Toro.

"That's one aspect of the screw-up," said Vicky, "You see, the Shadow Troopers aren't human, not fully. They originated from the best of the culled human slaves, those who's physical prowess suited them to survive being bombarded with demonic energy to transform them into living killing machines.

"The problem is that they're not ready for live combat, not publicly that is. Whoever called those fifty Troopers into battle did so without permission from Zahidia, and that's why whoever is responsible is up the creek without a paddle, and the canoe is about to sink."

"So what's going to happen?" Darcy asked.

"We'll find out soon enough," said Vicky, "Nearly everyone is here, then the fun will start."

"Wait a second," said Kevin in a suspicious tone, "Did you say you were looking for One Piece?"

"That's right," said Toro suspiciously, as if sensing the other fighter's greed, "what's it to you?"

"Did you find it?" Kevin asked eagerly, his greed now as plain as day on the fighter's face.

"If we had found the treasure of one of the greatest pirates in the universe," said Vicky, "Would we be here with all the riffraff? No, we'd be down there, with her."

Zahidia and her entourage entered the audience chamber, causing the assembled minions to bow. Escorted to the obsidian throne by Vo'kar, Zahidia sat down and waved her hand in acknowledgement to her subjects, causing them to straighten up.

"Not too long ago," said Zahidia, her voice magically enhanced to that everyone in the room could hear her, "I was informed by imperial security, that fifty of the prototype Shadow Troopers were missing from the laboratories. An investigation revealed that an advanced summoning spell was used to transport the Troopers to Eraklyon where they were all exterminated, with only a handful of innocents either killed or wounded, and even the deaths of the innocents are unconfirmed.

"It is my understanding that the Troopers in question were not fully prepared for combat, a fact proven by their lack of efficiency in the recent battle. But that is beside the point. The point is, someone among you took those soldiers without my permission. Someone in the new R'lyeh Empire is a thief, and thievery within the empire will not be tolerated.

"However, since today is also a joyous occasion marked by the acquisition of another part of The Construct, with no small help from Vicky and her sisters, take a bow, Vicky…"

A spotlight shone from nowhere onto Vicky, Toro and the Trix. With everyone looking at them and with some clapping, the four witches and dark martial artist took a slightly nervous bow. With that done, Zahidia continued speaking as if only pausing to take a breath.

"…I will show mercy. I know who the guilty party is. I won't say who he or she is unless given reason. I offer the guilty party a chance to come forward. Do so, and he or she shall live to serve the empire another day. If I have to point him or her out myself, then I won't be so merciful after all."

"Here, Lady Zahidia!" shouted a voice in the middle of the assembled minions, "here is the guilty one!" a spotlight shone on the area where the voice came from. Several imperials stepped back several paces to reveal an older woman with pale blond hair, cold blue eyes and a pale complexion that gave her a look of a snake. She had grabbed hold of the arm of a girl in her late teens, she had long black hair, venomously indigo eyes and even paler skin than the older woman. Both of them looked like they had just came from a upper-class party. The girl was struggling against the grip of her captor as she dragged her towards the throne.

"Well how's this for a slice of fried gold?" said Vicky in a slightly surprised tone, as if she suspected who the guilty one was, but wasn't sure until now.

"That's the Countess Cassandra and her daughter Chimera," said Darcy, "How long have they been members of the new empire?"

"Since I came to visit Solaria to recover the Construct part hidden there," said Vicky, "They were most eager to join the empire; the promise of power was too great to the royal snake and her offspring, considering the scheme they were already pulling."

"What scheme?" Stormy asked.

"You and Icy were still in the tank at the time," said Toro, "But, you know that Stella's parents, the King and Queen of Solaria are divorced, Right?"

"We know," said Icy.

"Well," said Toro, "Darcy and I learned that Cassandra wormed her way into the nobility of Solaria, eventually seducing King Radiant into asking her to marry him."

"This was at the same time I visited Solaria," said Vicky, "As was Stella, coming home for vacation. Cassandra suspected that Stella would convince Radiant to call the engagement off, so I offered Cassandra and Chimera a place in the empire.

"They accepted without hesitation. With imperial magic at their disposal, Cassandra put the whammy on Radiant; he's her puppet now. She then made Radiant banish Stella from Solaria under pain of death, making Chimera the heir to the throne."

"And you waited until now to tell us this?!" an exasperated Icy asked, "When we could have used this info to taunt Stella with when we were on Andros?"

"Hey, I can't remember everything," said Vicky.

By now Cassandra had dragged Chimera to in front of the throne, "Stop it, mother!" exclaimed Chimera, "You're hurting me!"

"Oh shut up!" snapped Cassandra, "You're making a fool of yourself again!"

"But you are hurting me!" whined Chimera.

"It's for your own good," said Cassandra as they reached the throne

"That will be quite sufficient, Cassandra," said Zahidia in a calm, somewhat kind tone, as she stood up and walked towards Chimera, "I will handle this now. Chimera, I know it was you who stole my Troopers, so don't bother professing your innocence, it insults my intelligence."

"Alright," said Chimera in a smug tone, "I summoned your pet soldiers."

"You wouldn't mind telling us all why you stole them?" Zahidia asked.

"I needed them," said Chimera, "There was someone I wanted to destroy."

"Who was it that you wished to destroy?" Zahidia asked

"Stella," said Chimera, her anger rising to the occasion, "I hate that spoiled skank, I hate her so much, I want her dead, I want her dead so much that I don't care who else gets hurt, just so Stella is dead!"

"And did Stella die when you summoned the Shadow Troopers?" Zahidia asked.

"We didn't see the end result of my daughter's folly, Lady Zahidia," said Cassandra, "When the fighting started, I had reason to believe that our position would be compromised, so as soon as the opportunity presented itself, we left, my daughter, my future husband and myself."

"It is my understanding," said Zahidia, "That if one were to suddenly leave a party while an assassination attempt is in process, then one would inevitably attract attention. But to each their own. Now, Chimera, would you like to know the result of your plan? Tell her, Diaspro."

"Well, Stella ain't dead," said Diaspro as another spotlight shone on her from the other side of the chamber, "On the contrary, her powers have evolved to the next level. Congratulations, Chimera, you helped your worst enemy achieve her full fairy powers."

"What!?" exclaimed Chimera, uncaring that many of the assembled imperial minions were laughing at her, "That bitch! That slutty Alfea cow! I'll get her yet!!"

"Perhaps," said Zahidia, "But one thing at a time. I admire your motives, Chimera, but the means do not justify the ends, not this time. As promised I won't kill you, as I should any other who steals from me, but I cannot let you go without punishment."

"She will be punished, Lady Zahidia," said Cassandra in a voice that was mixed with anger towards her daughter's actions, while also containing concern for Chimera's wellbeing.

"So ground me already," said Chimera, still smug in her tone of voice, "It'll give me a chance to think of something nasty to do to Stella."

"Placing you under house arrest isn't what I had in mind," said Zahidia, "No, a more impressing lesson is needed here."

"That won't be necessary, Lady Zahidia," said Cassandra in a slightly nervous tone, "Please allow me to correct my daughter in my own manner. It is my fault that she sometimes forgets her place."

"That is true," said Zahidia, "You are partly to blame for this, Cassandra. But your daughter didn't steal from you; to allow you to punish Chimera for this in your way wouldn't leave the lasting effect I wish to impress." Suddenly, Zahidia's eyes glowed red, making contact with Chimera's and paralyzing her.

"No!" exclaimed Cassandra, "not my daughter!"

"Silence!!" exclaimed Zahidia as she locked her red eyes on Casandra's. Without warning, Cassandra was also paralyzed.

"How'd she do that?" Stormy asked in a whispered tone.

"Cassandra and Chimera are both marked with the crest of the empire," said Vicky, "Zahidia does that sometimes with minions who aren't as trustworthy. This gives her power over anyone who has the Cthulhu tattoo on their body. Cassandra and Chimera both wear theirs on the back of the neck underneath their hair."

Icy's hand instinctively went to the Cthulhu earring, while Stormy's hand went to hers, Darcy's hand touched her Cthulhu ring, while Toro touched his Cthulhu belt buckle.

"Now, before we were so rudely interrupted," said Zahidia as she raised her left hand, the one with the Cthulhu birthmark, and snapped her fingers twice, (insert 2 finger snapping sounds) and Chimera's gaudy purple ball gown was replaced by a simple white dress. She then found herself chained to a tall wooden post that appeared out of nowhere.

"I say, let the punishment fit the crime," said Zahidia as her eyes returned to normal, ending the paralyzing curses on Cassandra and Chimera, "Since you stole fifty Shadow Troopers, Chimera, you shall receive fifty lashes."

The assembled minions murmured their agreements as a servant brought forth a wicked looking whip and presented it to Zahidia.

"You can't be serious!" said Chimera as she tried to pull the chains off her wrists, but only succeeded in scraping her wrists, "This has to be a joke!"

"This is as far from a joke," said Zahidia as she inspected the whip, nodding her approval to the servant who bowed and left the room.

"Mother!" exclaimed Chimera, "Do something!"

"Zahidia!" said Cassandra, "I must protest! My daughter confessed her crime. True, she shows little if no remorse for it, but that's just the way she is. Surely you, in your wisdom, can show some leniency."

"This is me showing leniency," said Zahidia, "If not, then your daughter would have been dead the minute you both returned to Xaldo."

"Mother!" exclaimed Chimera again.

"I won't stand by and allow you to hurt my daughter!" said Cassandra.

"Oh, I won't be the one administering the punishment," said Zahidia as she tossed the whip to Cassandra, who caught it out of reflex.

"Oh, I get it," said Icy, "Zahidia is punishing both Cassandra and Chimera."

"Why Cassandra?" Stormy asked.

"Cassandra admitted that she should have raised Chimera better," said Darcy, "and that she should punish Chimera herself, so now's her chance."

"You're insane!" exclaimed Cassandra as she threw down the whip, "I will not do this to my daughter!"

"You dare defy me!!" said Zahidia, all traces of kindness gone from her face, now a model of cold fury, "After you swore an oath to the dark gods and the everlasting chaos! You will pick that whip up and use it to correct your daughter!"

"No I will not!!" Cassandra said defiantly.

There was a shocked gasp from the assembled minions.

"Oh sh$t," said Kevin, "she's done it now."

"Cassandra just dug her own grave," said Naz.

"What is it?" Icy asked, "What's everyone so hung up about?"

"The last person to publicly defy Zahidia like this," said Vicky, "wound up dead three days later. He spent the last 72 hours of his life trapped in his own worst nightmare."

"You've been warned of the fate of those who defy me, Cassandra," said Zahidia as she locked her gaze onto Cassandra again, "so here's a taste of it!"

"No!" shouted Cassandra as she looked away from Zahidia, "That trick of yours won't work on me if I can't see you!"

"You're about to find that I'm full of surprises," said Zahidia as she aimed her left hand at Cassandra, while her eyes glowed red again.

From beneath Cassandra's pale blond locks came a similar red glowing in the shape of her Cthulhu tattoo. Cassandra was forced to look into Zahidia's eyes. It was a tense few seconds before Cassandra's eyes widened in shock and she began screaming in absolute terror at the vision that only she could see.

"What's she so afraid of?" Stormy asked, "I want to know."

"Put these on!" said Vicky as she handed to her sisters and Toro each a pair of ordinary looking 3D glasses, the kind with one red lenses and one blue.

"What do these do?" Toro asked.

"They're spelled so you can see the illusion that Cassandra is trapped in," said Vicky, "Put them one before Zahidia decides to release the curse."

"You're not putting a pair on?" Darcy asked as her sisters and Toro put their on.

"I can guess what Cassandra is so afraid of," said Vicky.

Darcy put her glasses on, and thought he red and blue tinting saw a mirror in front of Cassandra. But the reflection showed not Cassandra as she was, but rather what Cassandra feared herself to be; old, ugly, used up, worthless.

Since vanity was one of the favorite sins of The Trix, they understood why this was so frightening to Cassandra. Toro understood it as well; who wouldn't be scared half to death of seeing the worst of themselves.

A minute or so later Zahidia released her hold on Cassandra. The experience lasted about three minutes, but to the cunning noble from Solaria, it was more like three eternities back to back. Emotionally exhausted, Cassandra fell to the floor.

"Did you enjoy that, Cassandra?" Zahidia asked, her voice oozed with mock sympathy.

"Please," whimpered Cassandra, "No more!"

"Did you enjoy it?" Zahidia insisted.

"No," said Cassandra as she began to pull herself together and got back up.

"Then you won't dare risk disobeying me again," said Zahidia as her voice turned cold again, "Now, Cassandra," she pointed to the whip, "Pick that up and use it to correct your daughter. I won't ask it again; you will correct your daughter, or so help me I will correct you!"

With only half a second of hesitation, Cassandra picked up the whip and faced Chimera.

"No!" shouted Chimera as she realized what was about to happen, "Mother! Don't do it!"

"I'm sorry, Chimera," said Cassandra, her voice straining with emotional agony, not only for the pain she was about to inflict on her daughter, but also for the pain she will experience should she fail to carry out her duty, "I must."

"Please!" exclaimed Chimera.

"I have to," said Cassandra as she raised her arm back for the first lash, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" she flung her arm forward, the whip cracking along the way and striking Chimera in the back. The scream of agony echoed throughout the audience chamber.

"One!" shouted Vo'kar, who was in charge of keeping count.

Cassandra reared back and sent another lash at Chimera, earning another scream of agony from her daughter.

"Two!" shouted Vo'kar.

"How long is this gonna take?" Stormy asked as the third lash landed.

"Depends," said Vicky as the fourth lash hit Chimera, "it all comes down to how long Zahidia want's them both to suffer.

CRACK!!

"Five!"

CRACK!!

"Six!"

CRACK!!

"Seven!"

"Wait," said Zahidia as she stopped Cassandra before the eighth lash, "There's no need to rush, slow down a little. Otherwise the agony from the previous lash will dull the next one. Catch your breath before each one. Now, do continue, Cassandra, but take your time."

All Cassandra could do in protest was glare at Zahidia with utter contempt and hate, before resuming the lashing.

CRACK!!

Another scream of agony from Chimera.

"Eight!" shouted Vo'kar.

This time Cassandra waited about twenty seconds before swinging the whip again.

CRACK!!

The scream from Chimera was much louder than the ones before.

"Nine!"

Twenty seconds later…

CRACK!!

"Ten!"

"Oh she's so wicked," said Naz in an adoring tone.

Crack!!

"Eleven!"

"I don't know," said Kevin, "I've seen better handling of a whip; I'm no slouch with it either."

CRACK!!

"Twelve!"

"Not you," said Naz in an annoyed tone, "Lady Zahidia, she's the wicked one. She didn't even give Chimera something to bite down on, she's that cruel. Don't you agree?"

The question was aimed at The Trix and Toro, who weren't really paying that much attention. As they watched the continuing punishment of Chimera, the four young villains all experienced a random flash of empathy. For one second they imagined themselves in Chimera's position, being flogged by someone they cared about.

But the moment of empathy passed as they remembered that Chimera got in this mess all on her own and deserved it everything she had coming, by now consisted of about thirty-five more lashes.

Several minutes later, when Cassandra had to perform only ten more lashes, she hesitated; partly out of a strained arm, but mostly to realize just how much she had hurt her daughter. Chimera's back was cut and bruised all over, with so much blood that one couldn't tell that her dress was once white.

"Whenever you're ready to continue, Cassandra," said Zahidia.

"I can't," said Cassandra, her voice betraying her inner anguish.

"You certainly can," said Zahidia, "The sooner you finish, the sooner we all can go about our business, and the sooner you can get your daughter to the healers. Come now, finish."

From the assembled minions came a chant, "Finish! Finish! Finish!"

Before too long everyone in the room, including Vicky, the Trix and Toro, were egging Cassandra to complete her task, which Cassandra reluctantly did.

Finally, she delivered the final lash, "Fifty!" shouted Vo'kar.

With a wave of her hand, Zahidia released Chimera from the shackles, causing the post and chains to vanish. Chimera collapsed to the floor in a bloody mess. Cassandra ran to her daughter, shouting for healers to get over there.

Several imperial healers ran out of the crowd, but hesitated, waiting for Zahidia's approval, which she gave after waiting about ten seconds.

"There now," said Zahidia as she gave a disarming smile, "The two of you have atoned for your transgressions. I hope that we can all put this awful mess behind us."

The healers had moved Chimera onto a stretcher and were about to take her to the palace infirmary, but Cassandra had one more thing to say, "I know that I swore an oath to serve you, Zahidia, but if you ever force me to do that again, if you ever do anything to hurt my daughter, I swear to the devil himself, I'll kill you!!"

"I'm sure you'll try," said Zahidia, "assuming I give you a reason to do so. But Chimera is the one who brought this on the both of you, so if there's anyone you should still be angry with, it's her.

"Oh come now, Cassandra, save your anger for the serfs of Solaria. I did promise that you would have that world for your own, so long as you and your daughter remember where your loyalties lay. Now, I do believe that your daughter needs a more…compassionate manner of attention from you."

Cassandra glared at Zahidia one more time before closing her eyes, and with a slight nod of her head, she said in a very reluctant tone, "I live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," and dashed to catch up with her daughter as the healers took her out of the room.

"I hoped you all learned something valuable from this," said Zahidia to the assembled imperial minions, "nobody likes a thief. I give you my leave to carry out your tasks in the service of the new empire."

With a collective bow, the assembled minions said as one, "We live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," and began to leave the audience chamber.

"That was…interesting," said Darcy.

"More like sick," said Toro, "In a wicked way."

"Now I know that we made a mistake," said Icy. Stormy was going to ask about that mistake, when a palace servant informed Vicky that Zahidia wanted to speak with her, The Trix and Toro in private.

Five minutes later found the four witches and dark martial artist in a sitting room, where Zahidia waited for them.

"Another Construct piece successfully recovered, Vicky," said Zahidia, "I commend you, and your sisters. You shall be rewarded for this in due time"

"I thank you, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky as she bowed, while Toro handed the Construct part over to several palace technicians, "The only reward I seek is to serve you," she then had a less serious look on her face, "On the other hand, I do believe my sisters are in need of a more material gratification."

"Of which they shall receive," said Zahidia, "But first there are more serious matters to attend to."

"I know, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky, "And I am sorry we wasted so much time looking for Once Piece. But if you had allowed my sisters and I to continue the search…"

"You would have wasted more time," said Zahidia, "But that isn't the matter at hand. However, I will issue this warning to you, your sisters and that companion of Darcy's; if I ever find out that you're wasting time and imperial resources on such a wild goose chase as treasure hunting, I will punish you myself, just like what happened to Cassandra and her impudent whelp."

"No, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky, "I really don't want that to happen to me, or my sisters."

"I'm so glad that we understand each other," said Zahidia, "Keep up the good work." With that she left the room.

"Alright, what mistake?" Stormy finally asked once they were sure that Zahidia was out of earshot.

"Joining up with another group of villains," said Icy, "This is going to be like The Shadow Riders all over again, I just know it."

"You mean we're gonna get killed again?" Stormy asked, "I was finally used to this body."

"You're not gonna die again," said Darcy, "Neither of you. And why the change of heart, Icy? Both you and Stormy were so eager to join up with Vicky and Zahidia, where as I advised caution."

"She did," remarked Toro.

"You're right, Darcy," said Icy, "You did say we should be careful. This time around, you'll be the one to die first."

"Now that's cruel!" snapped Darcy, "After all that I've been through to help bring you two back, you should at least show some gratitude."

"We'll show you gratitude alright," said Stormy, "gratitude for getting us involved with our big sister who ran out on us."

"Hey, don't drag me into this," said Vicky.

"We'll drag you to the ruins of Skaro and back if we want," said Icy, "for getting us involved in another no-win situation."

"What she said," remarked Toro.

"I'll have you know that this is not a no-win situation," said Vicky, "And for your information, if you think you three little imps have suffered, then you don't know what suffering is, compared to what I've been through. And this is nothing like The Shadow Riders."

"Prove it," said Icy as she crossed her arms.

"Well for one thing," said Vicky as she pulled out from under her shirt her Cthulhu medallion, "unlike Cassandra and Chimera, we weren't marked with the imperial crest. We can take these off if we so wished," she pulled the chain over her head and held it in one hand, "See?"

Icy and Stormy removed their earrings, while Darcy took off her ring, and Toro unclipped his belt buckle.

"Oh," said Icy as she looked at the harmless-appearing earring. She, Stormy, Darcy and Toro remembered back to when they first decided to leave The Shadow Riders. The first act of rebellion Icy committed was to try to remove the ring the leaders of The Shadow Riders had given to her upon initiation. She, her sisters and Toro found out that the rings were spelled so they couldn't be removed, until all the leaders of The Shadow Riders were dead.

"You see?" said Vicky as she placed her medallion around her neck again, "If we had a really, really good reason for leaving, then Zahidia would let us go."

"Let's hope we won't need such a reason," said Darcy as she, her sisters and Toro replaced their Cthulhu accessories.

"I just thought of something," said Stormy.

"For once," muttered Icy.

"I heard that," said Stormy, "Anyway, why doesn't Diaspro have a Cthulhu accessory? Did she get the tattoo?"

"Tattoo's are so lower-class," said Diaspro as she sauntered into the room, "And I don't need a Cthulhu crest accessory, for I'm not officially part of the new empire."

"Then why are you here?" Darcy asked, "if you're not part of the empire."

"And just what is your 'work' that's so important?" Icy asked.

"I'd like to know that myself," said Toro.

"You'll find out what my work is all about soon enough," said Diaspro in an nonchalant tone, "As to why I'm here, I signed a contract with Zahidia; I will perform a service that will benefit the empire, in return I will receive funding and materials for that service, plus a proper reward once the service is completed. Once I've given what I promised Zahidia, I will collect my fee and be on my way, no further questions asked."

"So in other words you're a mercenary," said Darcy, "And here I thought you couldn't sink any lower."

"I still have my pride," said Diaspro as she summoned a file and began buffing her fingernails, "And my departure from this little enterprise of Zahidia will be that much sooner, once Sky agrees to my terms."

"And why would Sky agree to anything you have to offer?" Icy asked, "I thought you hated him, and Bloom."

"I do," said Diaspro, "But Sky will have no choice but to accept my offer."

"Why's that?" Stormy asked.

"Oh, nothing small I can assure you," said Diaspro idly as she sat down in a nearby chair, "I merely put Bloom into an enchanted sleep, and if Sky wishes to wake her up, he will agree to my terms."

"Really?" said an impressed Icy, "And you have the only antidote."

"Of which I am perfectly willing to part with," said Diaspro as she held a small crystal vial of blue liquid, said vial was attached to a silver chain around her neck. "I will give it to Sky, assuming he's willing to pay the price," she tucked the vial inside her bodice for safe keeping, "Which he will have no choice but to pay."

"What makes you think Sky will come to you for the antidote?" Toro asked.

"If there's one thing those loser fairies are good at," said Darcy, "it's foiling our plans. No doubt they're looking for a way to save Bloom."

"Which they won't find," said Diaspro as she ginned insanely, "not in time to save her life. No, Sky will come to me for the antidote, and I'll give it to him. Bloom will live, but the cost to save her life will break her precious little heart. Then, when she's reached rock bottom, then I'll swoop in and finish her off for good."

"What makes you think this plan of your will work?" Stormy asked, "Everything we've tried always ended with us with the short end of the stick."

"That's because you didn't have me there to help, little sister," said Vicky as she came into the room, "But not to worry, this plan, which I came up with, will work. But what price will Sky have to pay to wake his princess?"

"You'll find out," said Diaspro in a playful tone, "When he comes."

"Of course we will," Icy said sarcastically.

"It will work!" said Diaspro, "just wait and see!"

"Yeah right," said Icy through crossed arms.

"You're just jealous that my plan is better than anything you've come up with," said Diaspro in a taunting manner.

"The day I'm jealous of anything you have anything to do with," said Icy in her own taunting voice, "will be the day the government of Raxacoricofallpatorius allows the Slitheen to come home, and that's saying something."

"It is," said Darcy in an agreeing tone to a confused Toro.

All Diaspro could reply to Icy's quirk was to stick out her tongue and make a raspberry sound, which Icy responded by sticking her tongue out as well. The two of them then made raspberry sounds at each other.

"As much as I enjoy watching the two of you make fools of yourselves," said Vicky, "and I really do, but I've had a long day and wish to get some rest before Zahidia sends me out on another errand."

"Same here," said Darcy, "I could use a good day's sleep."

"Ditto," remarked Toro.

Diaspro and Icy glared at each other again for another five seconds before Diaspro broke the tension, "We'll finish this another time, my frosty friend. Right now I'm needed elsewhere, for my revenge is only half completed. You may watch if you so wish, for it is surely to be an impressive spectacle."

She handed a small black crystal to Stormy, "plug that into any receiving globe and you shall witness my well earned triumph. It will flash blue when the show is about to start. Until then." With that she skipped out of the room.

"That girl is totally sideways," said Toro.

"You ain't kidding," said Darcy, "But this might just be worth watching."

"Me to," said Icy, while Stormy nodded in agreement.

"I also wish to watch whatever it is that Diaspro has planned," said Vicky, "but the question remains, who will be in charge of the refreshments for this spot of entertainment?"

The four witches eyed each other suspiciously for a second or two, before Icy said very quickly, "One, two, three! Not it!!"

"Not it!!" said Vicky.

"Not it!!" said both Darcy and Stormy at the same time. The Trix and Vicky then looked at Toro.

"I'm afraid you've lost me again," said the confused dark martial artist from Earth, "Was I supposed to say something?"

"Just a little game we played when we were younger," said Vicky, "whoever says 'not it' last, is in fact 'it.'"

"Sorry, Toro," said Darcy, "But I'm afraid you'll be serving us the popcorn this time."

Meanwhile…

"I'm afraid there's very little we can do to help Bloom," said one of the palace healers, "She's under an incredibly powerful poison-based enchantment that has multiple layers. Any attempt the lift the curse without further understanding will only make things worse."

Bloom had been moved to one of the guest bedrooms and hooked up to the best medical scanner on Eraklyon. Sky, Stella, Carmen and the others were waiting in one of the palace parlors with Queen Janelle.

"How could it possibly be worse?" an exasperated Stella asked.

"Well," said Tecna, "I'll try to be as clear as possible. Right now the curse is slowly killing Bloom. If we can't remove the enchantment properly within two days…" she couldn't say anything more as her emotions got the better of her.

"And if we mess up curing her," said Janelle, "tell me, honestly, how long will Bloom have then?"

"A lot less than two days, my queen," said the healer.

"I don't know what to do," said Timmy, "There's a whole galaxy of curses that Diaspro could have used, and we'll never figure out which one unless we try something that could endanger Bloom. I don't know what else to do."

"Then there's no choice," said Sky in a slightly distant tone, "I'll have to go meet Diaspro and obey her demands."

"Are you out of your f#ck$ng mind?!" exclaimed Carmen, "After all that psycho bitch has done, you're just gonna submit to her!? Have you gone completely sideways!?!"

"What choice do I have?" Sky asked, "Diaspro has us hook, line and sinker. I'm going to meet her and get the antidote."

"Well even if she does have the antidote," said Flora, "how do we know she will give it to you?"

"You can't trust her," said Musa, "Diaspro is even crazier than The Trix, and that's saying something." At this Riven, Flora and Helia nodded in agreement.

"I trust Diaspro as far as I can spit," said Sky, "And to be honest, I'm not that good at spitting."

"It's true," said Brandon.

It was then that everyone looked at Janelle, as if silently asking her to talk some sense into her son.

"Sky," said Janelle, "you are my one and only child, and I love you. But you're of age and are free to choose your own path in life. I don't like this anymore than you do, but whatever you choose, I'll stand with you, even if it does mean selling your soul to that lunatic." Yet Janelle was already trying to think of a way to prevent such a catastrophe from happening

"Well if Diaspro does indeed have the antidote," said Carmen, "Then I'll be thrice-dammed before I allow you to sell your soul in order to get it, Sky, and that's me putting my foot down."

"Well I'm open to suggestions," said Sky, "I just can't think right now, I just…I just can't."

"Now you know how I feel," said Timmy.

"That's why you have us to think for you when you're upset," said Flora in a comforting tone.

"Well we just need to think along the same lines as Diaspro," said Carmen, "Not in an insane way, just try to figure out what she's planning. It's obvious that the meeting will take place off world, for the second that psycho sets foot back on Eraklyon, she's a dead psycho."

"I know where you're going with this," said Layla, "Diaspro will have a teleportation spell ready to bring Sky to wherever she is."

"Put a tracking spell on Sky," suggested Helia.

"No," said Sky, "That's the first thing Diaspro will check for."

"Not if it's an inert tracking spell," said Elise, "one that is activated after you've been scanned for homing devices and enchantments."

"You've got one in mind?" Brandon asked.

"I might just," said Elise as she pulled something out of her pocket that at first glance looked to be an ordinary green and black penlight with a green LED bulb.

"Is that a Sonic Screwdriver?" Tecna asked, her voice slightly heavy with envy.

"Latest model," said Elise, "Now, Sky, I need you to open your mouth."

"What for?" Janelle asked, "wait, I know what you're up to, and the answer is no. In fact, I'm saying no to this whole operation."

"We're not even clear on a plan yet, mom," said Sky. Unfortunately this was the opening that Elise was waiting for. She cast a mild immobilizing spell of Sky, holding his jaw down.

"Now this won't hurt a bit," said Elise as she activated the scanning function on her Sonic Screwdriver, "I just need to find the little thing."

"It's at the back of the mouth," said Morgan in a teasing manner, "The little dangling part, it's called a uvula."

"I know what that is," said Elise in an annoyed tone as she scanned Sky's teeth, "I'm looking for something else…wait, there it is!" she switched to an extracting function and pulled out one of Sky's molars, then released the immobilizing spell.

"You see," said Elise as she held up the tooth, "like I said, didn't hurt at all."

"I almost forgot I had one of those," said Sky as he tried not to feel the newly empty space among his teeth with his tongue.

"What is that?" said Musa in a slightly disgusted tone, "what possible good would it do to pull out one of his teeth?"

"This isn't an ordinary tooth, Musa," said Elise, "a poison-gas tooth to be exact."

"A what?" Flora asked.

"It's an emergency weapon that a lot of nobles and royalty have installed," said Riven, "kind of a last line of defense. An artificial tooth is filled with a concentrated dose of poison gas."

"Sometimes when a person of high standing has a lot of enemies," said Helia, "he or she would have a poison-gas tooth put in, so that if he or she falls into the hands of their enemies and there's no hope of escape, then he or she will be able to destroy their enemy."

"In the event that you're about to die," said Brandon, "and your enemy get's right in your face to gloat; one bite and a strong exhale, and both you and your enemy dies on your terms."

"That's just sick," said Musa, "who would have such a thing done to them?"

"Well I did," said Sky.

"And me," said Layla bitterly, "My parents said that it was for my own protection. I tried to talk them out of it, but they just wouldn't listen, the jerks."

"Well I don't have one," said Stella, "Never wanted one in the first place. My father insisted that I got one, but mother absolutely refused. I guess that's when their marriage began to come apart."

"So Sky has a poison-gas tooth," said Flora as she sensed that Stella was about to get emotional, "how will that help Bloom?"

"It'll help when I'm done with it," said Elise as she cast a spell on the tooth, "I'm changing the contents of the tooth. It now has an inactive location beacon spell. It'll activate when Sky performs a specific hand movement…say...crossing his arms and tapping his left fingers on his right elbow three times. That'll cause the spell to send out a sub-space transponder signal that we'll be able to home onto in less than two minutes."

"So we'll know where Diaspro took Sky," said Musa.

"Okay," said Sky, "But how am I getting out of there once I have the antidote?"

"Then you're definitely not going to agree to whatever Diaspro demands," said Brandon.

"Hell no I'm not," said Sky, "I know Bloom would rather die than allow me to betray her, and I'd do the same in her place. So, again, how am I getting out of there?"

"Leave that part to me," said Stella as she pulled out her cell phone, "It all depends on if my cousins are available."

It was then that Janelle asked, "You sure you want to do it like this, Sky? There's still time to think of something else."

"I'm all ears, mom," said Sky. He wanted to say more, but then Elise cast another immobilizing spell that locked his mouth open so she could put the tooth back in, then reattached it with her Sonic Screwdriver.

"There we go," said Elise as she released the immobilizing spell, "good as new."

"Feels good," said Sky, "Better than before I had the poison gas model put in."

"Glad you like it," said Elsie, "now remember, just cross your arms and tap your left fingers on your right elbow three times to activate the beacon spell. And only do that once you're ready to grab the antidote, cause you'll have less than two minutes before we find you."

"He'll have less than that to wait," said Stella as she hung up her phone, "I just talked with Beauregard and Lucinda. The Night Rider can be ready to come get Sky at any time."

"Excellent," said Elise, "I've also put a receiving spell on the tooth, so that when your cousins are ready to teleport him out, it'll vibrate slightly so he'll know they're there."

"Okay then," said Sky, "I'd better go meet Diaspro. Wish me luck."

"Good luck!" said everyone.

Before leaving for the rendezvous point, he went up to the room where. Bloom lay sleeping peacefully. He kissed her on the forehead as he held her hand, "I'll be back soon, Bloom, then nothing in the universe will keep us apart, I swear it." Kissing her forehead again, then one more for luck, he left the room.

The end of chapter 11.

The falcon prince delves deep into the lair of the insane shrew. The four dark witches and their companions observe as the goal of their lunatic comrade is revealed at last. Will the falcon prince succeed in saving the life of his beloved dragon princess? Or will the ordeal cost the both of them their lives?

Next Chapter: Sleeping Beauty Remix

For those with wings, fly to your dreams.