Last time Bloom woke up back at Alfea after passing out from the battle against Vicky and The Trix. She found out that the baddies and their allies had been driven from Cloud Tower and that the zombie witches had been freed and were on the road to recovery. A conversation Faragonda told Bloom that her best chance to controlling her Enchantix lay with the previous Alfea headmistress; Maya the Dragon Sage, who had taken up residence in a dragon preserve that Bloom's ancestors helped set up on Wallach VII. Bloom left for the Pyros Preserve with Carmen, Jake, Karen, Rei, Travis, and as a stowaway, Kiko.
Just after they left, Sky and Brandon came back, the former on two legs again. We then learned that Tecna was indeed alive, but trapped in Omega. Our heroes decided then and there to go save her, but Sky stated that he would remain at Alfea and wait for Bloom to come back.
Having arrived at the gates of the dragon preserve, Bloom and her group encountered a strange but interesting person; The Avatar. Aang, as he's called by his friends and the people of his world, had come to Wallach VII to seek advice from Maya as well. After meeting Aang's companions, our combined heroes had a brief battle with some wild dragons, where we learned that Aang and his friends, most of them anyway, could 'Bend' the elements; Water, Earth, Fire and Air.
As for our favoirte baddies, Vicky, The Trix, Toro, Trabon and the rest of their dark allies, counted themselves lucky that Zahidia didn't have them destroyed for their failures.
(note; this chapter has elements and characters from the hit show 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' which I'm using without permission, so please don't sue me)
More than 'nuff said, on with the show!
Chapter 22: The Dragon Sage part 2
Over on Xaldo, The Trix met up with Vicky in the palace corridors. Their elder sister looked refreshed and ready to inflict some chaos.
"Now that I'm back on my feet," said Vicky, "I'm ready to finish Bloom once and for all."
"As are we," said Icy, while Stormy and Darcy nodded in agreement.
They then met up with Toro, "Save a piece for me, I want to rip her heart out myself and present it to Zahidia."
"Oh, won't she just adore you for that," said Naz as she, Kevin and the rest of their crew met up with Toro, Vicky and The Trix.
"You keep saying that you're going to destroy her," Kevin, "but somehow the dink of a princess keeps getting away."
"Rolf questions if The Trix are up to the challenge at all."
"Our abilities are not in question," said Darcy, "we're so much better than Bloom!"
"The bitch is lucky, that's all," said Stormy, "lucky that she's got her pathetic friends to bail her out all the time!"
"Then the next move in the game is simple," said Vicky, "we tried to separate Bloom from her friends, and it nearly worked. This time we need to ensure that Bloom is completely alone before we try to destroy her."
"No!" snapped Diaspro as she stomped up to Vicky, "I told you already; Bloom is mine to destroy!"
"Whatever," said Vicky.
"What do you want now, you frigging psychopath?" Stormy asked.
"Well aren't you the rude one," said Diaspro as her mood shifted, "I was going to deliver good news to you, Stormy, but if you insist on insulting me, I'll be one my way."
"What good news?" Stormy demanded, "tell me or I'll give you a bad hair day like you'll never forget!"
"Well, if you put it that way," said Diaspro, "I've completed the preparations for the rejuvenation technique. I can restore your precious Trabon to his former glory whenever he's ready. He asked me to tell you so you can be there for his grand rebirth, but if you're going to be mean to me, I'll just throw out my work and never look back."
"She didn't mean it," said Vicky in a placating tone, "Stormy has some emotional issues, don't you, sister?"
"What are you talking about?" Stormy asked. She looked at Vicky as if her big sister had just lost her mind.
Vicky then took Stormy aside and spoke in a hushed tone, "as if you haven't figured out by now that Diaspro's insanity makes her highly unpredictable. If you ever want to have your beau back to the way he was, you'd better get Diaspro back in good graces again."
She then turned Stormy around and gently pushed her in front of Diaspro, "my little sister has something to say."
"Well?" Diaspro asked.
"I'm sorry I was so mean to you," said Stormy in a reluctant tone through gritted teeth."
"And…?" Vicky asked.
"And I'll try not to be so mean to you again," muttered Stormy.
"That's all I want to hear," said Diaspro, "now, come! Your boyfriend awaits his rebirth!" With that she skipped down the hallway. Stormy and the others quickly followed.
"Why are you coming with us?" Icy asked Naz.
"I want to see if whatever Diaspro done will work," said Naz.
"And I want to see what happens if it doesn't work," said Kevin.
They followed Diaspro to one of the spare palace dungeons, where the mad princess had set up her laboratory. Trabon waited there next to a metal table, which was next to the same device Diaspro had been using to conduct her experiments.
"No way are you blasting me with that mutating ray," said Trabon in a serious tone, "no thank you! I'd rather remain old than be turned into one of your 'pets.'"
"My dear Trabon," said Diaspro, "how little you think of me. No, you'll be perfectly safe from my 'Master-race' project. All I am going to do is give you a little catalyst to absorb and bombard you with just enough magical radiation to activate the catalyst. The chemicals should do the rest. At the worst, nothing will happen and I'll have to change the formula. At the best, you'll be a new you."
"Now this I have got to see," said Sara.
"Me to," said James.
"Plank says his head will explode!" said Johnny.
"Nothing of the sort will happen in my lab," said Diaspro, "and take that rotting piece of garbage out of here."
"Plank goes where I go," said Johnny. He the brought his 'friend' up to his ear, "what's that, pal? Okay, I'll tell her. Plank doesn't want to watch after all, he says that it'll give him nightmares. Okay, Plank, let's go column hopping!" with that they left the lab.
"Just where did you find that freak?" Darcy asked Naz.
"He actually found us," said Naz, "we've tried many times to get rid of Johnny, but he always bounces back when you least expect it."
"We try to ignore him," said Sara, "but he always finds a way to be annoying."
"And they say I'm mad," said Diaspro, "still, no harm no foul. Alright, Trabon, make yourself comfortable, I'll be with you in a second." She put on a lab coat and tied her hair back with a black ribbon, then got a syringe filled with some sort of dark liquid.
"What's that?" Stormy asked, "I want to know what you're going to stick into him."
"It's the means to which your boyfriend will be reborn," said Diaspro, "and if it works, the means to which I will finally have the means to create my perfect race."
"Just how many of these formulas have you tried?" Trabon asked nervously as Diaspro used an alcohol swab on his left arm, then tied some rubber tubing to his arm.
"I've had several failures in my life," said Diaspro, "and some moderate successes. This is to be my first true triumph. Now hold still, you'll soon feel a little prick."
"That's more than a little prick!" exclaimed Trabon as Diaspro injected him with the catalyst.
"Well at least you're not as big a whiner as my other 'patients'," said Diaspro. She then bade everyone to stand back, "there should be no danger to any observers, but we really can't be completely sure about that, can we?"
"I don't supposed there's time to reconsider," said Stormy.
"I'm afraid we've gone past the point of no return," said Diaspro as she entered a set of command into her computer. The mutating device powered up and was ready to fire. All Diaspro had to do was push the button.
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Diaspro. She looked at Trabon, "you might want to remove that glass eye of yours, you won't be needing it after this."
"Oh," said Trabon, "right." He took the glass eye out and vanished it, leaving an empty socket in his head, "wouldn't want my new eye squished by the false one."
"Really good idea," said Darcy, while Toro and Stormy nodded in agreement.
"If this works," said Diaspro as hovered her finger over the button, "Not only will Trabon's youth be restored, he will be enhanced physically beyond all measures."
"I don't want him buffed up," says Stormy, "I just want him to look a bit younger."
"Too bad," said Diaspro, "that's what you're going to get." She looked at Trabon, "any last words?"
"What?" a surprised Trabon asked.
"Well spoken," said Diaspro. She then pressed the button. The machine bombarded Trabon with a brief burst of dark magic. It lasted less than two seconds before the machine deactivated.
"That's it," said Diaspro.
"That's it?" Trabon and Stormy asked at the same time.
"That's it," said Diaspro as she untied her hair and hung up her lab coat.
"I don't feel any different," said Trabon as he got off the table.
"You sure?" Diaspro asked. She then called forth a large mirror, "think again, or should I say, look again."
Trabon looked at his reflection and was stunned to see that time was rapidly in reverse for his body. Before anyone knew it, Trabon looked to be no older than 25, 28 at the most. And most amazing of all was that his stolen eye had returned, as if The Phantom Renegade had never plucked it out.
Toro then lifted up his shirt, displaying his newly buffed body. He looked at his side to find that the scar from when one of the leaders of The Shadow Riders had ripped one of his kidneys out was gone.
"I took that into account as well," said Diaspro idly as she filed her nails, "you've got both kidneys again."
"Now that's impressive," said Toro.
"I do feel different," said Trabon, "I feel great!"
"How great?" Stormy asked.
"Great enough to show you what I can do," said Trabon as he grinned wickedly at her.
"And what can you do?" Stormy asked as she also smiled wickedly.
"This for one," said Trabon. He cast a gust spell that swept Stormy off her feat and carried her over to his arms. He held her and they both teleported out of the room, both of them giggling in anticipation of the fun to come.
"What just happened?" James asked.
"Rolf believes that the weather warlock has taken the weather witch to someplace where they can partake in carnal delights, but that is just Rolf's opinion."
"Why do you always refer to you and everyone else in the third person?" Icy asked, "just answer me that."
"What is this poppycock frosty-witch Icy speak of?" Rolf asked, "Rolf does not speak of himself as such, nor does Rolf speak of anyone else in said manner."
"Of course you don't," said Diaspro, "Now, is there anything else I can be of assistance to?"
"That's about it," said Icy.
"Then what the hell are you still doing in my laboratory?" Diaspro asked, "get the f#ck out of here so I can get back to work!!"
"We never did work out the contract," said Vicky.
"Screw the contract," said Diaspro, "I'll pester Stormy about her favor to me later. Now leave me alone, unless everyone wishes to have their DNA scrambled, just to see what would happen."
"I like my DNA the way it is, thank you very much," said Naz as she, Kevin and the rest of their crew vacated the lab post haste.
"Well they're no fun," said Diaspro. She then looked at Icy, Darcy, Vicky and Toro, "how about you? Up for a little genetic rearranging?"
"Clearly your definition of fun vastly differs from ours," said Vicky, "sisters, and future brother-in-law, let's get out of here."
"Well aren't you the life of the party," Diaspro said in a sarcastic manner.
"And you're a frigging psychopath," Toro retorted. With that he and the three witches left the room.
As soon as she was sure she was alone, Diaspro pulled out her phone and dialed the secure number, "nearly all the components are in place," she said to her mysterious mistress, "the warlock that Stormy is so hung up on, I've injected him with a little extra something that'll make him easier to work with us."
"You mean me," said the mistress on the other end of the phone, "I am the one pulling the strings in this puppet show, Diaspro, and don't you ever forget it."
"Like I'll ever forget," said Diaspro through gritted teeth. She then spoke in a more cheerfulmanner, "on a more positive note, I've nearly perfected my mutating formula. Just a few more tests and I'll be ready to start mass producing my army of super soldiers."
"Excellent," said the mistress.
"And it's also only a matter of time before something happens to Darcy," said Diaspro, "she's the only one of The Trix whose DNA I haven't had a chance to play around with. When that's done, we… I mean you will have the means of controlling three of the most powerful dark witches in The Magical Dimension.
"Again, excellent," said the mistress, "now, Disapro, very soon someone special shall pay a visit to Xaldo. This someone has something Zahidia needs. All I ask of you in this matter is to stay out of the way, I don't need your insanity messing this up."
"Of course I'll stay out of the way," said Diaspro, "why ever would you think otherwise?"
"Just so long as you remember your place in my plan," said the mistress. She then hung up.
"I'll remember my place," said Diaspro as she put her phone in her pocket, "I'll remember, oh will I remember." With that she went back to her foul work.
********
"Your Uncle Iroh sounds like a really great man," said Rei to Zuko, "strange, but great."
"You have no idea how strange," said Zuko, "but I love him. He's been more like a father to me than the real thing."
"You can't possibly hate your father that much," said Karen, "can you?"
"I don't hate him," said Zuko, "not do I love him. The man I once called father, Ozai, he means nothing to me now. But my uncle, he's everything to me. Uncle Iroh was always there when I needed him, even though I didn't always appreciate his advice, or the way he gave it."
"Generation gap," said Carmen, "the young and the old have always had trouble understanding each other. I sometimes didn't get what my legal guardian was trying to tell me, and I'll bet when I have kids, they won't get me sometimes."
"You saying that you will have children," said Jake, "not if?"
"I have every intention of having a family someday," said Carmen, "assuming I can find the right man." at this Bloom noticed that Carmen blushed slightly, but Jake also blushed as well.
"Those two like each other," said Aang.
"Yeah," said Bloom, "but they're too insecure with it to admit it. My friend Stella could help them with their feelings. She likes to play matchmaker sometimes."
Having trekked across the dragon preserve on Wallach VII, Bloom, Aang and all their companions had finally reached the mountain where Maya the Dragon Sage had set up residence. It wasn't and easy walk across the preserve. Aside from the near blistering heat, the humidity having risen to nearly unbearable levels, for mortals that is, they also had to contend with sporadic dragon attacks.
Fortunately the travelers were able to fend off the wild dragons without too much difficulty. Bloom and her companions were constantly amazed by the abilities of Aang, Katara, Toph and Zuko, especially by Aang's mastery of the four elements.
Even more impressive was Sokka's swordsmanship, while Suki's use of her metal fans managed to fend off several enemy fireballs. And let's not forget Appa, who outwrestled at least three dragons that Bloom managed to see.
"That is an impressive sword," said Travis as he admired Sokka's blade.
"It is cool," said Sokka, "and so is yours."
"A sword is more than cool," said Travis as he cleaned his sword, "but yes, mine is awesome. Anyway, as I'm sure you're aware of, a sword is more than just a weapon. It is the physical manifestation of a warrior's soul."
"I prefer to keep my soul in my body, thank you very much," said Karen.
"My soul likes to be in more than one place," said Rei as she cleaned her knives and shuriken.
"I never really did believe that the soul can exist outside the body," said Sokka, "I mean, without a soul you'd be a brain-eating zombie."
"Zombies only eat brains after they're done with the rest of you," said Carmen, "or that's what they do in this universe."
"Well they eat brains on my world," said Sokka, "anyway, even though my sword is just a tool, a really great and awesome tool, I felt like I had lost part of myself when I lost it at the end of the war."
"How'd you get it back?" Travis asked.
"I helped him look for it," said Suki, "it took a month, but we found it."
"And it was a really hard search since I had a broken leg at the time," said Sokka.
"Well I'm glad you got your sword back," said Travis, "may I…?"
"Oh, yeah, sure," said Sokka. He handed his sword to Travis.
"This truly is a unique blade," said Travis as he admired the sword. He swing it experimentally a few times before handing it back to Sokka.
"It is special," said Sokka, "I helped forge it from a large piece of star iron."
"A meteor sword then," said Travis, "mine isn't that special, but as you'll see," he handed his sword to Sokka, "mine is special in it's own way."
Sokka took the sword, but was then surprised to see the blade go limp in his hands.
"That can't be good for your self esteem," said Katara in a teasing manner.
"How'd it do that?" Sokka asked, "is there a switch or something you need to press?" He looked at the flimsy blade and the handle in search of whatever was needed to make the blade straight again.
"No button or switch," said Travis, "it's magic. That sword was forged especially for me. I'm the only one in the universe who can use it, and I guess in all the other universes as well."
"Maybe so," said Toph as she took the sword from Sokka, "but maybe not." Bloom sensed that Toph was concentrating on the blade, and to everyone's surprise, the blade went ridged and was as keen and true as in Travis' hands.
Travis was surprised at this, "how'd you do that?"
"I guess I'm special," said Toph as she tossed the sword back to Travis.
"Toph can Bend metal," said Aang, "she's one of only a handful of Earthbenders who can do that."
"Now that's an ability I'd like to have," said Carmen.
"I'm sure one of the Domino survivors we have yet to find has such a power," said Jake.
"Maybe," said Travis. He then had a wicked idea, "can you do that again?" he handed the sword back to Toph, the blade going limp in her hands again.
"Sure," said Toph eagerly. She then used her Bending ability to make the sword straight again.
Travis then said to Karen, in a very good impression of a certain Mike Myers character, "Does that make you horny?"
Karen responded to Travis' joke by slapping him across the face. Carmen, who was also offended by Travis' attempt at humor, smacked him on the side of the head, followed by Rei punching him in the arm.
"What was that for?" Travis whined.
"For being a sick little puppy," said Karen. She took the sword from Toph and roughly handed it back to Travis, "can we get going again?"
"She's right," said Bloom as she looked up to see where the sun was in the sky, "it's starting to get late, and I'd rather not be in the open when it gets dark here."
"You said it," said Aang in an agreeing tone.
"So what's your uncle doing now?" Rei asked Zuko as everyone continued up the mountain
"He has his own tea shop now," said Zuko, "after the war he moved to the Earth Kingdom capital of Ba Sing Se, and has been happily serving tea and playing Pai Sho ever since."
"Well if I'm ever in Ba Sing Se I'll look him up," said Rei.
"Looks like someone is interested in you, Zuko," said Toph in a teasing manner.
"Don't let May find out," teased Sokka, "she'll skin you alive."
"Who's May?" Karen asked in a teasing manner, "your girlfriend?"
"My fiancée to be exact," said Zuko, "and she's the best knife thrower in The Fire Nation."
"Well I'm the best knife thrower in my clan," said Rei, "possibly the best on Domino, once we get it back on its feet. You bring May over for a visit, and we'll see who's the best."
"I'll bet that May would accept that challenge," said Zuko, "and she would win."
"This looks like the start of a beautiful friendship," said Aang. Bloom nodded in agreement.
********
"There it is," said Beauregard as he and Lucinda sat at the control seats on The Night Rider, "The Omega Prison Dimension."
"Not much to see," said Musa from over at The Sapphire Blaze.
The two ships had exited hyperspace and were on approach to the infamous prison world; a sphere of rock and ice floating in the middle of nowhere, far from the warmth of a star.
"It may look harmless from here," said Brandon, "but inside there are tens of thousands of the worst the worst, the most vile of villains."
"In short there's a whole lot of baddies that we'll have to fight through to get to Tecna," said Riven.
"Bring them on!" said Morgan eagerly.
"Not just yet," said Helia, "there's still the matter of that."
'That' being the armada of warships that had formed a blockade around Omega, ensuring that nothing could escape via space. The blockade, now composing nearly 200 ships armed with high-powered energy weapons and a full compliment of nuclear warheads, also included fifty warships under the flag of The Galaxy Police.
"They're really serious about keeping the inmates from escaping," said Flora.
"And serious enough to make sure nothing gets in either," said Elise, "they're worried that someone on the outside would try a breakout."
"Well let's just hope that Helia's contact in The Galaxy Police is reliable," said Mace, while Payton and Kegan nervously paced back and force, "I'm in no mood to be blasted into atoms."
"You don't have to worry about anything," said Helia, "I've just gotten word from my grandfather. He spoke with his contact, and we have the go-ahead from The Galaxy Police; we can enter Omega."
"Well that's one bit of good news," said Stella.
"There's something else," said Helia, "something a bit odd. Someone else has also been approved to enter the prison, someone who is expected to single-handedly restore order in Omega."
"Who could that be?" Layla asked.
"I have my suspicions," Riven said in a distant tone, "it's be just like her to accept a mission like this."
"'Her' who?" Musa asked in an accusing tone.
"Nobody," said Riven in a dark tone, "nobody that you have to worry about."
Realizing that Riven didn't want to talk about this any more, Musa changed the subject, "you really think we can find Tecna in that horrible place?"
"Well we won't if we don't try," said Timmy as he checked the rebuilt transceiver, "her signal is as strong as ever."
"Then let's go!" said Stella.
The two ships then headed for the frozen planet and landed in the one spot where they could. Omega had a small space port on its surface so that supplies could be offloaded and guards can come and go in shifts. The prison was set up so that prisoners could be dropped from orbit in suspended animation capsules, so that only rarely did any ships actually landed on Omega.
The port was deserted when The Night Rider and Sapphire Blaze landed. Before leaving Magix, our heroes purchased the best cold weather gear they could buy, all thanks to Stella's secret credit card that she had for just such an emergency. This gear looked like ordinary artic coats and pants that could be found at any outdoors store on Earth, except that these clothes were fortified with magic. Our heroes then set foot on the surface of Omega.
"And I thought things were bad on Domino," said Flora as she and the others shivered.
"Ambient temperature at -100 degrees F," said Elise as she scanned the area with her PDA and Sonic Screwdriver, "and it's only going to get worse as we descend into the prison proper. We'd all be frozen alive in milliseconds without these protective clothes."
"Well it's a good thing Stella still has her credit cards," said Payton.
"It's just an emergency card my mom gave me the last time I saw her," said Stella, "her estate takes care of the bills, but I haven't heard from her since…" she faltered as bad memories of her last visit to Solaria flashed in her mind.
"We will save your world," said Brandon as he hugged her comfortingly, "we'll go to Solaria and set things right, I promise."
"Oh Brandon," said Stella as she laid her head against his chest in an affectionate manner."
"How gushy can you get?" teased Kegan.
"Don't be rude," said Mace, "Stella and Brandon have been apart for a while. They've earned the right to be emotional."
"Well aren't you the sensitive one," said Kegan.
It was then that everyone heard the sound of something metal falling to the frozen ground, something that fell off of The Night Rider.
"What was that?" Stella asked.
"Oh no!!" exclaimed Amanda, "oh f#ck no!!" She rushed over to find that part of the hull plating of The Night Rider had fallen off, and had taken a vital component of the ship with it.
"That's the primary power converter," said Lucinda, "without it the ship is paralyzed."
"No sh$t!" snapped Amanda, "and who's f#ck$ng idea was it to leave Magix without installing a f#ck$ng new one!? You, Lucinda! You're the f#ck#r who insisted that we were alright!!"
That's as far as Amanda got in her weaving of her latest tapestry of obscenities, for Morgan had gotten behind her and used her neck pinch move, knocking the irate Amanda out cold.
"For the love of all things magic," said Morgan in an exasperated tone, "somebody needs to wash her mouth out with soap."
"Can you fix the ship without her?" Helia asked Beauregard.
"We can easily enough," said Beauregard, "it's just a question of popping the part back in and welding the hull plating back together, shouldn't take more than two hours. But Amanda was right, we should have had a new part put in before we left Magix."
"We'll order it as soon as we get back," said Ryoga as he tightened the straps on his coat.
"You look like you think you're coming with us," said Layla.
"I am," said Ryoga, "and don't try to make me change my mind, I'm going to help. Just make sure I don't get lost and I'll help find Tecna."
"He should go with you," said Lucinda, "Ryoga has been getting a little antsy being cooped up on the ship."
"Alright," said Brandon, "he can come with us."
"Just one more thing before we go," said Riven. He then tossed the keys of The Sapphire Blaze to Beauregard.
"What for?" Beauregard asked.
"Just in case," said Riven, "I have every expectation for everyone go get out of here with Tecna, but there's the chance we'll be running back up here with a mob of angry inmates right behind us, so, you know, keep the motor running."
"Right," said Beauregard.
"That must have been hard," said Musa, "giving the keys to your ship away."
"My ship is special," said Riven, "but you're even more special, Musa. I know that I can be a bit of an ass sometimes, but…"
"But you try," said Musa, "you try."
"How about we try and save Tecna?" Timmy asked in an impatient tone.
"We really should get moving," said Elise, "we don't know how much trouble Tecna is in."
With that the rescuers descended into Omega.
Elise was right, the temperature continued to drop the further they went into the ice enshrouded corridors of the prison.
"I can't believe anyone would condone such a horrific place," said Flora, "I know that the worst of the worst are sent here as punishment, but even prisoners have rights."
"Apparently the authorities didn't think so when Omega was founded," said Helia, "things were a lot different nearly a thousand years ago. Many of the kingdoms today were far less civilized then and had, what we would now call, a barbaric system of justice."
"Freezing someone alive and dumping them on a planet forever is way more than barbaric," said Musa, "but that's just me talking."
"We're getting closer," said Timmy as the indicating level on the transceiver intensified.
Our heroes followed the signal into a large cavern that had once housed hundreds of frozen inmates. Now all the suspended animation capsules were empty, while the floor of the cavern was littered with hundreds of bodies; most of them inmates, while a few wore the red and white uniforms of the Omega guards.
"Looks like there was a fight here," said Brandon.
"Really, you think?" Riven asked in a sarcastic tone.
"Me thinks that the inmates have quarreled amongst themselves," said Tatewaki, "and only these few guardsmen were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Elise then ran a data check with her PDA one some of the dead inmates, "these poor bastards here, they're rather low on the pecking order of 'worst of the worst.' There's more evil here in Omega to be seen."
"So they're dead because the stronger inmates killed them," said Layla, "we shouldn't stay here, we need to keep moving."
They followed the signal into another tunnel into another cavern full of slain baddies, then into another and another one.
"At this rate," said Morgan, "we won't have anyone to fight."
"Well that's good," said Stella, "I guess."
"The signal's getting stronger!" said Timmy as he rushed ahead into another tunnel. Stella and the others hurried to catch up.
They found Timmy in the middle of another cavern that had multiple tunnels leading into it, but this particular cave was empty, save for a small object on the frozen cave floor that Timmy was kneeling next to, a defeated look on his face.
"That's Tecna's transceiver," said Elise as she recognized the object. The transceiver was like a blue and green wristwatch.
"Oh no," said Flora. Musa and Stella held onto Riven and Brandon respectively for comfort.
"She may not be dead," said Elsie as she scanned the transceiver, "there's no blood, and there's no sigh that it was forced off by someone else, there's only Tecna's DNA on it. She must have taken it off for some reason, and did it in a hurry."
"Then there's still hope," said Timmy.
"Uh, guys," said Stella, "why is that this cave is empty and all the others we've been in were full of dead bodies?"
"I've got a bad feeling that we're about to find out," said Brandon. No sooner did he finish speaking, when the sound of hundreds of running people filled the tunnels. Our heroes barely had time to form defensive postures, Stella and the other Winx transforming, when the tunnels spewed forth inmates.
Most of the inmates were a motley bunch of various villainy that were dressed in whatever clothing they stole from other inmates. They were all armed with crude but deadly swords, axes, spears and other such implements of death.
"Well, look what we got here, boys," said one of the inmates, clearly the leader of this bunch, "fresh meat!" the inmates all chuckled viciously at this.
"You'll find that this meat still has some bite in it!" said Tatewaki as he pointed his sword at the inmate leader, "Have at thee!!" He charged at the leader, who attacked as well. The other inmates rushed at our heroes.
********
"So," said Zahidia as she read the latest intelligence report handed to her, "The Winx and their companions are attempting a rescue of their friend Tecna who has unfortunately been trapped in Omega."
"So she is alive," said Darcy. The Trix, Toro, Vicky and Trabon were in one of Zahidia's private studies, waiting to hear their next assignment from the would be empress of R'lyeh. Naz, Kevin, Rolf, Sara, James, Jimmy and Plank were there as well.
"How do you know what's going on in Omega?" Stormy asked.
"I have a few contacts on the inside," said Zahidia, "no doubt they'll be destroyed when order is eventually restored, but not before the strongest of the inmates are brought here to Xaldo. An old friend of mine is visiting the palace today and she has something that will greatly aid the new empire."
"Another Construct piece?" Icy asked. The frosty witch had been wondering when she and her sisters would be sent to recover another piece of the nefarious machine.
"Something else," said Zahidia, "something of equal value of an individual Construct piece. And now, for your assignment."
"Does Lady Zahidia wish of us to traverse to Omega and destroy the companions of Bloom?" Rolf asked.
"I could care less if the comrades of Bloom succeed in saving there pathetic friend," said Zahidia, "the main concern is Bloom, it always has been."
"I'm with you on that," said Icy, while Darcy and Stormy nodded in agreement.
"Wait a second," said Naz, "Bloom isn't with her friends in Omega?"
"Apparently the little dragon has gone somewhere else," said Vicky, "am I right, Lady Zahidia?"
"You are indeed correct, Victoria," said Zahidia, "Bloom has taken a handful of her fellow Children of Domino, and have gone to The Pyros Preserve on Wallach VII."
"Why would the dorks go to a dragon preserve?" Kevin asked.
"Maybe they want to look at the dragons," said James.
"Or maybe they're hunting the dragons," said Sara, a vicious smile on her face.
"Shape-shifter Sara is an imbecile!" snapped Rolf, "the dragon is the most scared animal to the people of Domino. They would rather die than hunt the noble dragon for sport!"
"Plank says they're there to go skiing!" said Johnny.
"Another idiot," sighed Trabon, "the Pryos Preserve is located on a tropical continent. There's not a trace of snow there, even in the mountains," he looked at Icy, "I hope that won't hinder your powers."
"It shouldn't," said Icy, "my magic comes from within, from a heart as cold as space itself."
"Your heart may be frozen," said Kevin as he looked at Icy with lust-filled eyes, "but the rest of you is smoking hot!"
"Oh boy," said an annoyed Darcy, "not again."
"Bad things happen to boys who hit on Icy," said Stormy to Naz, "she prefers to do all the 'hitting,' if you know what I mean."
"I think so," said Naz.
"You try working your mojo on me again," said an irate Icy to Kevin, "and I'll give you a case of frostbite on a part of yourself that you'll miss most of all, got it, punk!?"
"Definitely," said a nervious Kevin as he backed away with one hand covering his threatened member.
"There's still the question of why Bloom is on Wallach VII," Toro said.
"Maya," said Vicky, "the little princess has gone to see The Dragon Sage."
"Precisely," said Zahidia, "the previous headmistress of Alfea has the knowledge that will allow Bloom to control her Enchantix. This is something we cannot allow. No matter what, Bloom must not have her full powers."
It was then that a servant came in, "Lady Zahidia, Marissa is here."
"Excellent," said Zahidia, "if you will all excuse me," she stood up and left the room.
Curious as to who this friend of Zahidia was, The Trix, Vicky and the others quietly followed Zahidia. They saw her in the palace entrance hall with a woman about 23 years old with shoulder-length blond hair and blue eyes and (to someone from Earth) had the face of Alicia Silverstone. The woman wore a green and black dress underneath black robes.
"Marissa, my friend," said Zahidia as she embraced the newcomer, Marissa, "you look divine."
"And you look as fabulous as always, Zahidia," said Marissa, "you have done incredibly well for yourself here on Xaldo. How soon until the empire is ready to step forth and plunge the universe into the darkness?"
"Soon," said Zahidia, "soon. We're finding more and more Construct pieces every day. It won't be long before the machine is complete and the true work can begin. But enough of that, have you brought the device?"
"I have," said Marissa. She waved her hand an a large briefcase appeared by her side, "the computer core of the tachyon transporter. I trust that the rest of the machine is complete?"
"All that remains is to install the computer core," said Zahidia, "assuming you're willing to part with it of course."
"Assuming you are willing to negotiate for it," said Marissa, "you know me, avarice has always been my favorite sin."
The two of them then retired to another private study.
"Now what?" Toro asked.
"Now we use a carefully constructed eavesdropping spell I made," said Vicky, "one that will prove to be very difficult for the palace security systems to detect."
They went to a room a few doors away from the study where Zahidia and Marissa were in. Vicky cast the spell, and though a medium sized crystal ball saw and heard Zahidia and Marissa speak.
"So we are in agreement," said Marissa in a businesslike tone that held a hint of amusement "in return for the full use of my tachyon transporter, I get a piece of the action when the new empire fully rises."
"Yes," said Zahidia in a slightly nasty tone, "you get a piece, but that's all you're going to get."
It was clear that the two of them weren't on as friendly terms as their performance in the entrance hall lead everyone to believe.
"There was a time when you would have been willing to share more with me," said Marissa.
"That time has come and gone," said Zahidia, "yes, I would have shared the empire equally with you, my friend, but you had to cast your lot with them. You left me and never looked back. Now, after all these decades, you've returned."
"You want to know why I've come back," said Marissa, "well, it's definitely not just to do a little business with you. I've come back because of you, Zahidia, I've missed you, and I'm lonely."
At that Zahidia laughed coldly, "as if you could care for more than anything but yourself!"
"I'm serious!" snapped Marissa, "I've missed you, and not just because we were friends. We were so much more than friends, you and I, but this goes even further. You and I, we're the last ones."
"You don't have to remind me," said Zahidia, "Our entire families were wiped out centuries ago."
"No," said Marissa, "even further. While I was with them, I used their incredibly vast resources to do some research into the past. The war that our families fled from, it's over; both sides were destroyed, along with both home worlds and everyone in both races. Zahidia, you and I are the last of our species."
"You must think I am an imbecile," said Zahidia, her voice full of contempt, "of course I know the war ended with the annihilation of both sides and both peoples. That's why our families fled the home world before the war started; they knew that it was a no-win situation for either race. But don't fret, old friend, our families weren't the only ones of our kind who survived the war; there's one more."
"If you're talking about that one," said Marissa, "the meddling fool, the one who's actions led to the destruction of our people and the enemy, if he is still alive even, he would have found us by now."
"Oh he still lives," said Zahidia, "but that one is content to pretend that we don't exist. So indeed, we are on our own."
"Which is why we need to stick together," insisted Marissa, "together we truly can bright the empire back to its former glory and surpass that glory. Together, we can overthrow them. Together, we can make this universe, all universes, all of time even, it can be ours!"
"I can see your sabbatical among them hasn't dimmed your ambition," said Zahidia, "and to think you would plot to overthrow them. You know what they do to traitors."
"You know that I have no love for The Enigma 13, or their ways," said Marissa, "I only stayed with them for as long as I did because it was a convenience me."
"Was I only a convenience to you?" Zahidia asked, "just a moment's pleasure before moving on to more interesting things? And why, pray tell, did you come here with technology that clearly belongs to The Enigma 13, knowing full well that if they caught you you'd wish you'd never been born.
"Don't answer, I already know. You believed that a Tachyon Transporter would buy my good graces. Well, it worked. Your wish for asylum has been granted. You are welcome here on Xaldo, Marissa, as long as it is a convenience for me."
"I knew you'd agree!" Marissa exclaimed joyfully. She eagerly embraced Zahidia, "it'll be just like the old days; the two of us against time and space itself!"
"Yes," said Zahidia, "the two of us. But remember, old friend, it was you who walked out on me and left me to rebuild the empire with my own two hands. If you ever betray my trust like that again, you'll wish you had stayed with The Enigma 13, for no punishment they have will compare to what I'll do with you."
"Think nothing of it," said Marissa, "I have every intention of being here for you. Trust me, you won't regret this."
"I hope so," said Zahidia. She then signaled for two servants. She pointed at the briefcase, "take this to the labs and have it installed in the machine post haste." The servants bowed and took the briefcase.
Another servant came in and waited for Zahidia's command, "escort Marissa to the guest quarters and let her pick her own room, she will be staying with us for some time."
"You won't regret this," said Marissa as she smiled. She then left with the servant.
"I may already have," said Zahidia to her self. She then signaled for a servant to bring Vicky, The Trix and the others to her.
As our anti-heroes headed towards Zahidia, several questions flooded their minds; who exactly was this Marissa and how deep did her relationship with Zahidia go? What was the race they belonged to that was now nearly extinct? What was the war that destroyed their race and another? Who was this other that choose to forget them? And who were The Enigma 13?
"My friend has graciously donated a Tachyon Transporter to the empire," said Zahidia, "it should be operational before the day is out. When it is ready, you, Victoria, you, your sisters and the others, you are to go to Wallach VII and kill Bloom, and if you can, eliminate Maya the Dragon Sage. I care not for the others with her, but Bloom must die."
"I've got a stupid question," said Kevin, "how's a taffy transporter gonna help us kill Bloom?"
"It's a Tachyon Transporter," said Vicky in a disapproving tone, "and there are no stupid questions, only stupid people."
"My feelings exactly," said Zahidia, "the Tachyon Transporter will help you go directly to Bloom. Her ancestors helped set up the Pyros Preserve, and built it in such a way that teleporting inside the preserve would be next to impossible."
"But a Tachyon Transporter would negate it," said Darcy.
"Precisely," said Zahidia.
"Then consider Bloom already dead, Lady Zahidia," said Icy, "we'll bring her heart back as proof of her destruction!" At that Stormy, Darcy and the others nodded in eager agreement.
"Then go," said Zahidia, "await the completion of The Tachyon Transporter, and carry out your duty to the empire."
"We live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky as she and the others bowed and left the room.
On their way to the labs they saw Diaspro having a heated technical discussion with an imperial scientist. From what Icy could understand, Diaspro and the scientist were arguing over who got what equipment and when they would get it.
But then Marissa walked pass all of them. Icy would later swear that she saw Marissa wink at Diaspro. It happed so fast that the frosty witch didn't have time to really think about it.
From her study, Zahidia watched the completion of the Tachyon Transporter. Vicky and the others waited for the machine to go online.
Two imperial advisers then approached Zahidia, "the latest intelligence report from Wallach VII, Lady Zhaidia."
Zahidia read the report, "so, there are others who seek the wisdom of The Dragon Sage, and they are traveling with Bloom. Won't this make things more complicated for Victoria and her sisters, complicated and interesting."
"Should I inform Victoria of this development?" the advisor asked.
"No," said Zahidia, "I wish to see how well they react to this little twist in the game. Victoria does enjoy games, it's time to see how well she and her sisters can cope when the rules change."
"But Lady Zahidia," says the second advisor, "four of the others with Bloom are Elemental Benders."
"I saw the intelligence report," said Zahidia in a cold tone, "are you questioning my ability to read?"
"Not at all, Lady Zahidia," said the second advisor in a nervous tone, "it's just that…"
"Just what?" Zhaidia asked.
"The Air Bender in this group," said the first adviso, "he's the current incarnation of The Avatar."
"Is he now?" Zahidia asked, "well, this will surely make things interesting."
"But this Avatar is the strongest one yet," said the second advisor, "he may be as powerful as you are, Lady Zahidia, with all due respect. If you send Victoria and the others against The Avatar, then…"
"I know what might happen," said Zahidia, "I am fully aware of the possibility that Victoria, The Trix and their comrades may be heading towards their doom. However, they may just find that I am kind."
"'Kind,' Lady Zahidia?" the first advisor asked.
"Yes," said Zahidia, "I can be kind. If Victoria and the others desire my assistance in this battle to come, then I will give it to them. They will find that I can be kind. Besides, we have nothing to fear from The Avatar. Once he has completed his business in this universe, he and his companions will return to their world. Trust me, The Avatar is no threat to the new empire, or myself. You may go now."
The two advisers bowed and left. "No," said Zahidia to herself, "nothing to fear from The Avatar. What I am concerned with is what Marissa has planned for me."
********
"I don't know if we can go any further," said Katara as she looked up another 600 feet towards the summit of the mountain where Maya the Dragon Sage waited.
Bloom, Aang and the others had traversed nearly all the way up the mountain and had stopped to rest at a large flat area the size roughly of a football field. Yet the rest of the mountain was nearly a sheer vertical climb to the top with no visible path nor any place for handholds.
This didn't discourage Toph at all. The blind Earthbender had already proven her salt by making the path up the mountain easier for the travelers. When an area of the path had been blocked by a landslide, Toph forced the offending rocks out of the way. When part of the path was missing, Toph Bended a new path into existence by forcing more rock out from the mountain.
But now, with the finish in sight, it still seemed so far away. Even with Toph's Earthbending, they were so high up the treacherous crosswinds were making it nearly impossible for them to continue without risking being swept off the rock face and plunging to a screaming death below.
"I really don't want to try flying in this crosswind," said Carmen as she held her sunglasses to her head to prevent them from being blown off, "and neither should you, Bloom."
"I concur," said Jake, "to try and fly in this inconvenient wind would put Princess Bloom at risk."
"Well that's just great!" complained Sokka, "we've come all this way, and for what?"
"We're not defeated yet," said Rei, "we just need a way to get past the wind."
"Appa could," said Aang, "we got winds like this all the time at the Air Temples back home." At that Appa rumbled in agreement.
"You sure Appa can get us up there?" Bloom asked, "I wouldn't want to risk anyone's lives, even for something as important as this."
"We'll be fine," said Aang, "but I wouldn't take anyone else along. Appa may be strong, but I wouldn't risk any extra weight."
"Alright then," said Bloom, "it'll just be you and me, Aang." She then told Carmen and the others that she and Aang would be going on alone, while Aang told his friends the same.
"You really think it's a good idea to go without us?" Karen asked, "we did come with you here for your protection."
"With all due respect, Princess Bloom," said Travis, "why drag us to this gods-forsaken place just to abandon us at the moment of truth?"
"Bloom knows what she's doing," said Carmen, "she wouldn't be here if she didn't."
"Indeed," said Jake.
"Well I trust Bloom," said Rei, "besides, she'll be with The Avatar. If Bloom isn't safe with Aang, then what's the point?"
Aang meanwhile was having an easier time with his friends, "I figured it would come to this," said Zuko, "it was your vision that lead us here, Aang, so it's natural that you should hear the worlds of The Dragon Sage."
"I was hoping I'd get to see Maya," said Toph in a disappointed tone.
"Maybe Appa can take you up there on a second trip," suggested Sokka, "after Aang and Bloom are done speaking with…" he then realized that Toph was teasing him, "you know," he had an annoyed look on his face, "one of these days that's going to get pretty old."
"She'll stop when it's no longer funny," said Katara. She then looked at Aang, "you be careful up there, we really have no idea what to expect."
"Master Giastu's once told me," said Aang, "'prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. I'll be careful, Katara. Besides," he indicated Carmen, Jake, Karen, Travis and Rei, "I don't think Bloom's friends would like it if I didn't bring back to them safely."
"I know you will," said Katara. They embraced and kissed, "just as long as you come back safely."
"I will," said Aang. He then walked past the two small ones, "Momo, you and Kiko stay safe while we're gone."
"We'll be back soon," said Bloom, "so don't worry."
At this the two furry friends nodded encouragingly. Kiko then began teaching Momo the basics of 'Rock Paper Scissors.'
"You really think Appa can get us up there?" Bloom asked, while Aang attached a set of reins to the horns of the large white bison.
"We won't know if we don't try," said Aang. He then helped Bloom to the saddle on Appa's back. Aang then sat atop Appa's head, "You ready back there?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," said Bloom as she held onto the edges of the saddle.
"Reddy, Appa?" Aang asked. The white bison grumbled in agreement.
"Then let's go!" said Aang. He flicked the reins, "yipyip!" and with that Appa took off.
"Good luck, Twinkle Toes!" Toph shouted after them
"They'll be fine," said Sokka, "they'll go talk with this Dragon Sage and learn whatever it is they need to learn, while we're stuck here doing nothing."
"I've got something to keep us occupied," said Suki, "but it's not something that'll our friends would want to see."
"What's that?" Sokka asked. He then realized just what Suki was talking about, "oh, oh!"
"Before you two lovebirds go any further," said Carmen. She then called forth an blue object, "sound-proof tent. You can fool around in there all you want and nobody will bother you."
"Thank you!" said Sokka. He and Suki then rushed into the tent and zipped it up.
"At least they're occupied," said Travis in a disgruntled tone, "I knew I should have brought a book to read."
"We told you to bring something to read," said Carmen as she pulled out a book from her overnight back, while Jake, Karen and Rei did the same. Katara and Zuko had also brought along reading material in the form of scrolls, while Toph busied herself by picking her feet.
"Well I've got something better than a book," said Travis. He rummaged through his overnight bag and brought out a portable chess set, "anyone want to play me?"
"No thanks," said Rei.
"No," said Karen.
"Never did like chess," said Carmen, "it's more Elise's thing
"I'd play you, Sir Traivs," said Jake, "but I'm at a critical juncture in my book."
"You just don't want to play me because you know I'll win," said Travis. He then looked to Katara and Zuko, "would either of you want to play?"
"I doubt they've even seen a chess set before," said Rei.
"If it's anything like Pai Sho," said Zuko, "I'll give it a try. I'm a fast learner."
"He wouldn't have become Firelord if he wasn't," said Toph.
"Really?" Rei asked, "Zuko, you're the sovereign of the Fire Nation?"
"I am," said Zuko, "it's not something I like to talk about with my friends," he then glared at Toph, "and I thought we'd agree we'd keep that bit of information quiet to any strangers we'd meet."
"They're not strangers now," said Toph as she continued to pick her feet.
"It doesn't change anything," said Carmen, "Bloom is the heir to Domino, and we've got three other friends back home who are heirs to the thrones of their respective worlds."
"They're going to rule entire worlds?" Zuko asked, "I sometimes have trouble managing one country, and my father wanted the world."
"Well I'm glad he didn't get it," said Karen.
"As am I," said Travis, "so tell me, Lord Zuko, are you up to this challenge?"
"You bet I am," said Zuko, "I learned a very important saying from my uncle, one that has sustained me in the worst of times; 'never give up without a fight.'"
"That's a good philosophy," said Travis. He then explained the rules of chess, Zuko picking them up rapidly, and they began to play.
********
Riding on the back of a 10-tone flying bison through near hurricane-force crosswinds was one of the most frightening things Bloom had ever experienced. Yet it was also thrilling to be on Appa's back as Aang fought to guide his friend though the crosswinds to the mountain summit.
And it was over before she knew it. In less than two minutes, Aang and steered Appa throught he crosswinds to the top of the mountain, a flat area about 50ft square. Almost as soon as they got there the winds seemed to died away.
"There must be a protection spell around here," said Bloom as she got off of Appa's back.
She and Aang then saw the modest-looking house in the middle of the area. Sitting on the porch of the house was a very old woman, her age was impossible to guess. She wore a simple brown robe and had very tan skin that was almost like leather and very white hare. But her bright orange eyes had a spark in it that time couldn't extinguish.
"Ah, Bloom and Aang," said the woman, Maya, "I've been expecting you both."
"It is an honor to meet you, Sage Maya," said Aang as he bowed in respect, while Bloom did the same.
"Please, just Maya." She got of the porch and walked to them with the speed and grace of a 20 year old. "I can tell that the memories of your predicessors live strongly within you, Aang," Maya then looked at Bloom, "and you bare a remarkable resemblance to your mother."
"Everyone says I look like Miriam," said Bloom, "and that I got my eyes from my father."
"Actually," said Maya, "your father, Oritel, he had brown eyes. Everyone keeps forgetting that you've inherited your eyes from your material grandfather."
"Really," said Bloom. In truth she had no idea about her grandparents.
"But enough small talk for now," said Maya, "come, sit, we have much to discuss."
They followed Maya to the porch and saw down on some chairs she called forth. Maya then summoned a table with a tea set. She poured the tea and served it.
"I know what it is the two of you seek. Aang, you wish to know how to restore your people, the Air Nomads, to your world, and Bloom, you seek to control your Enchantix."
"Yes," said Anng and Bloom.
"We'll start with the easy one first," said Maya, "Aang, the key to the revival of your people has already been given to you, and without even knowing it, you unlocked the door.
"I sense your confusion. Allow me to explain; even though your people, The Air Nomads, were massacred over a centaury ago, their knowledge still exists."
"I know that," said Aang, "while my people were murdered, the four Air Temples were left mostly intact, and each Temple had a secret vault where our histories and writings were kept safe, especially the writings on Airbending."
"So you can teach Airbending," said Bloom.
"No," said Aang, "it's nearly impossible to teach one Bender another form of Bending. The only ones who have mastered other Elements were The Avatars, and there's only one of me."
"The knowledge of your people still exists," said Maya, "and it can be taught to a new generation of Airbenders."
"What are you talking about?" Aang asked, "I'm the only Airbender alive."
"But there are others," said Maya, "throughout the other lands of your world, The Earth Kingdoms, The Water Tribes and The Fire Nation, there are normal people who have the potential to be extraordinary. These people, who have never practiced Bending the respective Elements of their lands, they now have the potential of Airbending."
"How's that possible?" Bloom asked.
"As I said," said Maya, "Aang had the key and used it to unlock the door."
"Of course," said Aang as realization dawned on his face, "The Avatar State."
"Come again?" Bloom asked.
"All Avatars have the power to call upon the knowledge and abilities of their predecessors," said Aang, "we call this The Avatar State. Origionally I could only use it on instinct, like when I was in desperate need or someone I cared about was in trouble, big trouble.
"But a very wise man helped me learn how to control that power to the point where I can use it at will. I nearly lost that power for good when Zuko's crazy sister Azula blasted me with a bolt of lighting," he then showed Bloom a very nasty looking burn scar on his back.
"The bolt hit me in one of my Chakra nodes, blocking my use of the power. But later during my fight with Firelord Ozai, in the battle to end the war, I hit a rock and the rock hit me in just the right spot to fix the Chakra node. I could use The Avatar State at will, and I defeated Ozai."
"Defeated," said Maya, "but not killed."
"True," said Aang. He looked at Bloom, "I was raised to believe that all life is precious, and that to take a life, any life, whether it is good or evil, is the greatest of sins. Even if it would save the life of someone precious, I will not kill."
"But then how did you defeat The Firelord?" Bloom asked.
"I took away his Bending," said Aang, "I used the ancient art of Energybending to block Ozai's power, permanently. He's just a harmless megalomaniac that's been locked away forever."
Aang then had a look of deep thinking, "when I used Energybending, I must have released some sort of power from my body, I remember now. Yes, I sent out this wave of energy that must have gone all over the world," he looked at Maya, "and this energy, it gave Airbending to ordinary people around the world."
"Exactly," said Maya, "Airbending has returned to your world, but these people, they have no idea of their power. It's up to you, Aang, you and your friends, to find these people and help them realize their power."
"If they're ordinary people who had no Bending abilities before," said Aang, "how will I know then for who they are?"
"These will help you in your quest," said Maya. She then conjured a small box that held six amber pendants. Bloom sensed that each pendant had a sensing spell on them.
"These pendants will sense the potential of an undiscovered Airbender," said Maya as she handed the box to Aang, "There's one for you and each of your friends. Unfortunately you'll have to be within 100 paces of a potential Airbender to determine if that person does have the power. The pendant will start glowing when it senses a potential, and the glow will brighten when you're close enough to see the potentials for who they are."
"This is more than I could have hoped for," said Aang as he grinned happily, "Thank you, Sage Maya, thank you so much!"
"It is my pleasure to give assistance to you, Avatar Aang," said Maya. They both bowed.
Maya then looked at Bloom, "now, for you, Bloom. I'm afraid the solution to your quest isn't so simple."
"I was afraid of that," said Bloom, "so, what do I have to do?"
"It is my belief that the curse that afflicts Domino is not the only thing denying you of your full power," said Maya, "true, Domino will need to be healed before you can use all of the abilities that come with Enchantix, but I believe I can help you control your Enchantix form and use some of your abilities, such as Fairy Dust and your enhanced magic.
"It will be very difficult, and dangerous on your part. Bloom, I believe that your own subconscious fears and doubts are holding you back from your power. To use your Enchantix, you must confront your own inner darkness, and you must do so alone."
All at once Bloom remembered when Darkar forced her to be evil, and they weren't pleasant memories at all.
"I can tell you're hesitant to face the darkness within," said Maya, "That's why I'll help you with it. Of course, it is your choice to face your demons, I will not force you."
"No," said Bloom, "no, I want to do this, I need to do this. Not just for me, the whole Magical Dimension is at risk. I need my full powers, if only just the use of my Enchantix without risking killing myself. I'm ready whenever you are."
"Now is as good a time as any," said Maya. She conjured up a pair of meditation mats and had Bloom sit on one, while Maya sat on the other. Maya then instructed Bloom in how to go into a meditative trance. Within ten minutes, Bloom's eyes were closed and she was completely oblivious to the outside world as she went inside herself.
"How long is she going to be like this?" Aang asked.
"For as long as it takes," said Maya, "it could be hours, maybe days. But I know that Bloom will succeed and master her inner darkness, for she is the kind of person that will not accept failure in matters such as this."
********
Back on the ledge below, Carmen Katara and the others were watching Travis and Zuko having a heated chess battle that looked like it would end in a stalemate, when Vicky, The Trix, Toro, Trabon, Kevin, Naz, Sara, James, Rolf, Johnny and Plank, teleported onto the ledge.
"It worked!" exclaimed Naz, "the Tachyon Transporter actually worked!"
"Of course the Transporter of Tachyons worked," said Rolf, "Lady Zahidia wouldn't have acquired said devise if it were not of the utmost quality!"
"I'm amazed how accurate the thing was," said Icy, "we're right were we need to be, more or less" she indicated Carmen, Katara and the other surprised heroes.
"I should have known you creeps would try something like this," said Carmen.
"Who are these people?" Katara asked.
"A motley collection of foul souls if there ever was," said Jake.
"We've been called worse," said Vicky.
"Let me guess," said Sokka. Having heard tales of the baddies from Carmen and the others, he pointed at Icy, Darcy and Stormy, "they're The Trix," he pointed at Vicky and Trabon, "she's their big sister, and that's the shape-shifting boyfriend. I don't know who the others are."
"We're the ones who are going to destroy you dorks," said Kevin as he cracked his knuckles in anticipation.
"Who are you calling a dork, dickface?" Toph asked.
"I'm calling you a dork," said Kevin, "and you're such a short dork, I think I'll squash you."
"You'll find that people like us aren't so easy to kill," said Suki as she drew her fans, while Sokka drew his sword.
"We'll just see about that," said Toro.
"Indeed we shall," said Zuko as he took up his fighting stance, while Katara and Toph did as well. Carmen and the others also got ready, while Vicky and the other baddies did the same.
********
Back at Maya's place, Aang sensed trouble. He looked down to see Vicky and the baddies facing off against Carmen, Katara and the others.
"Appa! Stay with Bloom!" said Aang as he pressed the release catch on his staff, the glider components unfolding.
Appa nodded and grumbled ina greement, and Aang took off into the crosswinds. Fortunately, being an Airbender by birth, Aang was able to successfully navigate the crosswinds down to the ledge. He landed in front of our heroes, his glider folding back into his staff.
"Looks like I got back just in time for the party," said Aang.
"Impeccable timing indeed," said Jake.
"Who's the bald kid?" Sara asked.
"Name's Aang, I'm a friend of Bloom. And you must be the baddies she was talking about."
"Just where is Bloom?" Vicky asked, a nasty smile on her face, "I've a few new games I know she'll just love playing."
"She's busy," said Aang, "but I like games, so I'll play with you if that's what you want."
"I wouldn't be so eager to play any of Vicky's games," said Carmen, "people tend to get hurt during them."
"Well aren't you the little wet blanket today, Carmen," said Icy, "perhaps you've finally realized that you cannot possibly stand against us and win."
"And it's clear that everything that's happened," said Carmen, "including being resurrected, has done little to cure you or your sisters of your megalomania."
"Just what has happened to Bloom?" Karne asked Aang in a hushed tone.
"She's working with Maya to get her full powers," said Aang, "but Bloom's in no position to fight back if she's in danger."
"Then we can't let the villains get to Princess Bloom," says Jake, "they'll kill her if they find her in such a helpless state."
"She's helpless?" Vicky asked in an eager tone as she used an eavesdropping spell, "well then, that makes me all the more eager to win this game!"
"Playtime's over!" said Aang as he took up a fighting stance with his staff.
"We decide when playtime is over, baldy," said Icy in a taunting manner, "Stormy, blast this kid."
"With pleasure!" said Stormy as she prepared to shot a bolt of Dark Lightning at Aang.
"Wait! Don't!" shouted Trabon. He had sensed the power within Aang, and recognized it from his studies.
Too late to stop, Stormy shot her Dark Lightning at Aang. Aang threw his staff in the air and stretched his left arm out with his first two fingers pointing at the Dark Lightning. took the bolt in one outstretched arm, the bolt entering his fingertips, traveled up his arm and across his shoulders, then out his other outstretched arm, the bolt exiting the fingers and shooting right back at where it came from.
Trabon pulled Stormy out of the way just in time to avoid being blasted with her own dark magic. In the same instant, Aang caught his staff
"What the hell was that?" Icy asked.
"That bald kid nearly killed me with my own spell!" snapped Stormy.
"He can do a lot more than that," said Trabon as he glared at Aang, "this kid is no mere kid."
"Trabon's right," said Vicky, "I recognize his energy from stories I heard when I was young," she glared at Aang, "you're The Avatar, aren't you."
"Yep," said Aang, "that's me!"
"Where did you learn that move?" Travis asked, amazed at how Aang turned Stormy's dark magic.
"I taught him how," said Zuko.
"Well you must think yourself pretty special," said Icy as she glared at him.
"We're all special," said Katara, "in our own way."
"Better be careful with them," said Trabon to his fellow baddies, "that girl, she can manipulate water like you wouldn't believe. And that girl," he pointed at Toph, "she may look like a helpless blind girl, but she can make the ground shake and more. That guy," he pointed at Zuko, "fire is his to command. I don't know about those two," he pointed at Suki and Sokka, "but that kid," he pointed at Aang, "he's got all four elements in his pockets; Earth, Air, Fire and Water."
"I figured as much," said Vicky as she looked at Aang in an appraising manner, "I've got an idea." She stepped forward and spoke to Aang, "we're going to end up fighting no matter what, so why don't we make this interesting. You did say that you like games."
"I do," said Aang, "what do you have in mind?"
"You and me, kido," said Vicky, "one on one. A few of my crew will also fight a few of your crew. There's not much room up here for all of us to get into a fight, and I'd rather not risk flying in this wind."
"Neither would I," said Darcy, while Icy and Stormy nodded in agreement.
"We'll pick three of our people to fight each other," said Vicky, "and the rest will watch. The side with the most out of four wins…wins. The losing side has to leave. Sound fair, kido?"
"Sounds fair to me," said Aang. He went back to Carmen, Katara and the others, while Vicky went back to the baddies.
"What kind of plan is this?" Stormy asked, "It's bullsh$t if you ask me."
"I didn't ask," said Vicky, "and no, Stormy, you won't be fighting in this little competition of mine, at least not yet."
"What are you planning at?" Toro asked.
"And who are you going to have fight?" Naz asked.
"I figured Icy, Toro and Kevin," said Vicky, "I've got my reasons for picking you. Now here's my plan. Sara, you have a really fast monster in your arsenal?"
"I've got just the beastie in mind," said Sara as she smiled wickedly, "and it's great for climbing near-vertical rock walls."
"Splendid," said Vicky, "now, while the losers over there are busy watching the fight, I want you, Sara to run up the mountain, find Bloom and destroy her. If you see Maya the Dragon Sage, eliminate her as well, but Bloom in the primary target.
"The rest of you, when I give the signal, attack the other pathetic excuses for heroes. They'll be too engrossed in watching the fight to realize that they've been double-crossed."
********
"You do realize that they're going to bamboozle us at the first chance," said Travis.
"I know," said Aang, "that's why I want the rest of you to be ready for any fast ones the baddies would pull."
"Who are you picking to fight?" Sokka asked.
"You, Sokka," said Aang, "with Zuko and Toph."
"Bring 'em on!" Toph said eagerly.
"What about us?" Rei asked.
"We know more about the baddies than you do," said Carmen, "I've fought The Trix enough to know what to expect from them."
"And we've crossed paths with those freak-a-zoids as well," said Travis, indicating Kevin, Naz and their crew.
"That's why I need you to hang back and wait for them to bamboozle us," said Aang.
"Avatar Aang knows what he's doing," said Jake, "I trust him."
"And if you trust him, I trust him," said Carmen.
"Then there's nothing more to it," said Aang.
"Just be careful," said Katara to both Aang and Sokka, "both of you."
"I wouldn't want to be the one who has to tell your father that you went down with the ship," Suki said to Sokka.
"And I'd really don't want to explain your demise to all of The Fire Nation," Toph said to Zuko.
"And I'd rather not have to tell your relatives that you didn't' make it," Zuko said to Toph.
"We'll be fine!" Sokka said arrogantly.
"Prove it," said Carmen, "Actions speak louder than words."
A few minutes later the fighteres were ready. Aang faced Vicky, while Zuko stood against Icy, Sokka against Kevin, and Toph against Toro. Carmen, Darcy and everyone else stood at the sides behind their respective fighters.
********
Bloom wandered down the corridors of the royal palace of Domino in her fairy form. She had no idea why her inner mind had taken the shape of her original home, but there it was.
She turned a corner and wound up in the throne room where her birth parents, Oritel and Miriam, once held court. Two empty thrones stood on a raised dais, waiting for their rightful owners to sit in them again.
But there was a third throne in the room, a smaller throne that Daphne would have sat in had she not sacrificed herself to save Bloom, Daphne being the elder daughter after all.
This third throne was occupied by a rather wicked looking young woman who sat in it in an arrogant manner, one leg draped across an arm of the chair. She was Bloom's exact double in every way, except her hair was a bit more wild looking and her eyes were yellow and slit like a snake. The evil Bloom's fair form was also like the real Bloom's, but the evil version was dark blue, almost purple.
"Hello, Bloom," said Dark Bloom in a voice that was dripping with malice, "it's been a while."
The end of chapter 22.
As The Dragon Princess confronts her inner darkness, her companions and friends fight against the dark souls who seek to destroy her. Elsewhere, the other companions and friends of The Dragon Princess face their coldest challenge yet.
Next chapter; The Dragon Sage part 3
'for those with wings, fly to your dreams'