Last time Bloom and her friends enjoyed a day of free shopping, courtesy of a special 'charge card' that Stella received from Elise. But as their day of rest and relaxation progressed, Layla received an unpleasant visit from her 'fiance,' Nabu. The wizard adventurer prince apparently was trying to make amends for past wrongs, but Layla still harbored a strong grudge.
At the same time, Vicky, The Trix and allies, set a trap for Bloom and the others, while at the same time obtaining two more Construct pieces. One thing lead to another, resulting in both sides escaping without anyone getting hurt, except for Layla's pride and sense of right and wrong. 'Nuff said, on with the show!
Chapter 26: Stella's Guide to Crashing Weddings
"So you've returned with the two Construct pieces," said Zahidia as Vicky, The Trix, Toro, Trabon, Kein, Naz, Rolf, Sara, James, Johnny and Plank, presented the two items to her, "yet failed to destroy Bloom."
It was just after the battle in the Museum of Magical History. The would-be empress was taking audience in a private study at that time. Being with their displeased mistress at such close quarters gave the dark lady an even greater evil presence that had the four sister witches and allies nearly shaking with terror.
"We did our best, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky, "I know that our best wasn't enough, but it was all we could do."
"They had us by the balls, Lady Zahidia," said Kevin, "these two dorks vanished the Construct pieces," he pointed at Icy and Stormy, "and then they got captured like the wimps they are."
"What who you're calling a dork, prick!" said Icy.
"And we're certainly not wimps!" said Stormy.
"Enough!" said Zahidia, "I know what happened, I saw it," she indicated her personal crystal ball, "circumstances and plain stupidity were against you, yes stupidity. Icy, Stormy, the next time you come into possession of valuable items, send them to where they need to go instead of simply vanishing them."
"Then you're giving us another chance?" Stormy asked.
"I should say two chances," said Zahidia, "one for each of the Construct pieces you brought here today. So yes, you will have the opportunities to prove yourselves. Now get out, I have other matters to attend to."
"We live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky, the Trix and allies. They bowed and left the room.
"We're lucky to have gotten away with that," said Naz, "Zahidia has slain others for lesser screw-ups."
"Stop blaming us!" said Icy, "we didn't intend to get caught! If anything, it's your fault for not killing Layla when you had the chance."
"I would have killed her if that new guy," said Naz, "that wizard, if he hadn't pulled her out of the way. It did give Sara the chance to get them both, but that didn't do us any good in the end."
"Are you saying it's my fault!" Sara asked in an accusing tone as her eyes morphed into that of a monsters'.
"If anyone is to blame, it's Bloom and her loser friends," said Darcy, "they are the causes of our problems, not us."
"She's right," said Toro, "we'd be hailed as heroes of the new empire by now if our enemies weren't always getting in our way. If we're going to get anywhere in life, we need to get rid of Bloom and the others."
"That's what I've been wanting all along," said Icy.
"Then we'd better figure out a plan that's sure to work," said Kevin, "we've only got two chances before we become Lady Zahidia's personal playthings."
"Rolf has no desire to be the toy of Lady Zahidia."
"Me neither," said James, while Sara nodded in agreement.
"Well in case we don't come up with a brilian, foolproof plan in the immediate future," said Trabon, "we should keep recovering Construct pieces. That way we'll still be in Lady Zahidia's favor."
"That's a good idea," said Vicky, "in fact, I'll see to it that we'll be given full responsibility of recovering the remaining pieces. I checked before we left for Magix; there's less than thirty left to find."
"Only thirty?" Darcy asked, "when we came here there were huge holes in the machine. How did they get filled so quickly if the pieces are only so big?"
"Apparently the machine can heal itself," said Vicky, "I was surpised as everyone else was when I head the machine could do that."
"A self-repairing machine," said Trabon, "fascinating."
It was then that they heard a woman coughing in an annoyed manner. Vicky, The Trix, Toro, Trabon and everyone else were still in the hallway leading to Zahidia's study, and in front of them was Countess Cassandra and her daughter Chimera.
"If you pesants have any respect for your betters," said Cassandra, "you'd stand aside."
"Don't try to reason with these savages, mother," said Chimera, "they clearly don't know any better."
Icy, Darcy and Stormy were on the verge of destroying the royal pair, but Toro, Trabon and Vicky stopped them, "these two aren't worth any trouble," said Vicky, "just forget about it."
The Trix glared at Cassandra and Chimera contemptuously before standing aside and letting the two through.
"They definably aren't worth it," said Darcy once Cassandra and Chimera were pass them and inside Zahidia's study, "they only thing they're worth is garbage, and yesterdays' garbage at that."
"My thoughts exactly," said a voice from behind the group of baddies. They turned around to see 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.
"You're Marissa," said Stormy, "Zahidia's friend."
"We were friends, a long time ago," said Marissa, "right now we're merely mutual allies." She walked closer, "I don't mean to pry, but are you really going to take that crap from those two sacks of pig vomit?"
"Nothing would please us than to make Cassandra and Chimera suffer the lies of which would make them envious of hell," said Vicky, "but we're in enough trouble with Zahidia. The last thing we need is to start a fight."
"I understand completely," said Marissa, "but let's assume you had leverage on the Cassandra and Chimera. What then?"
"Then we'd have the two of them by the balls," said Kevin.
"You really gross me out sometimes," said Naz, "but you're right, we would have the two bitches right were we want them."
"But we really don't have any dirt on them."
"You will once I do this," said Marissa, "follow me." she lead them to another study, one a few rooms over, and then cast a spell that showed Zahidia having her meeting with Cassandra and Chimera.
"An audio and visual evesdropping spell," said an impressed and shocked Naz, "if you get caught…"
"You mean we," said Marissa, "if we get caught, and no, we will not get caught. Now hush, they're talking."
In the image, Cassandra was desperately arguing with Zahidia, "you must lend me more money, Lady Zahidia."
"I've loaned you enough already," said Zahidia, "enough to secure your position on Solaria, so as to put you in position to marry Radiant and become queen. That is almost accomplished, and now when you're within weeks of completing your goal of marrying Radiant, assuming the throne, and then having your new husband assassinated, thereby becoming Solaria's sole sovereign, you have the gall to come to me for money."
"I wouldn't have come to you if it wasn't important," said Cassandra in a slightly softer, but still desperate tone.
"You mean we, mother," said Chimera, "we both need money."
"If the two of you are so strapped for cash," said Zahidia, "why didn't you take some from the Solarian royal treasury? I'm sure they have more than enough to cover your lucrative desires."
"I may be the future queen," said Cassandra, "but even with the approval of the king, I have only limited access to the treasury. I am already using that limited amount to keep myself and my daughter in our royal status.
"But the funds I need are for a more important cause. I need cash to keep the royal court and nobles of Solaria on my side. I've only been able to charm and blackmail a handful of allies on that wretched world. The rest I've been bribing, but without a steady supply of currency, I'll lose their support and be denounced as a traitor.
"More importantly, I need to keep my allies happy in order to prevent that bitch, that whore Luna, from returning and preventing my marriage to Radiant. The former queen is still alive and at large, and with her are those loyal to the king and the former princess."
"If I ever get the chance," said Chimera, "I'll rip Stella's hair out, one at a time. How dare she say that I'm not worthy of being the heir to the throne! And just what did she mean by what she said before, that if I had to ask, then I've already proven myself unworthy? What did she mean by that!"
"Be silent, Chimera!" said Cassandra, "you've already earned Lady Zahidia's displeasure once. I'm sure you don't want either of us to go through that again."
"Yes, mother," said Chimera in a muted tone, shuddering at the memory of being lashed by a reluctant Cassandra.
"So you need money to maintain your power on Solaria," said Zahidai.
"Once I am on the throne as queen," said Cassandra, "I'll have full access to the treasury. But until them I've been using my own funds, and they've suddenly ran short, and neither my daughter and I had anything to do with it."
"It was Stella!" snapped Chimera, "she stole our money. I just know it!"
"Have you any proof?" Zahidia asked, "or are you just accusing your enemy just out of pure hatred?"
"She did do it!" said Chimera, "I don't need to prove it, she did it! She did!"
"I said be silent!" said Cassandra.
"Let the child rave," said Zahidia as she smiled, "she's amusing me somewhat."
The sight of a smiling Zahidia frightened Chimera more than a dozen whips. She backed way and stood behind her mother as if she could protect her from Zahidia.
"So, Lady Zahidia," said Cassandra in an uncertain tone, "if you could…"
"I will not lend you any more money," said Zahidia in a firm tone, "you will not receive a single credit of imperial resources, not until you've made Solaria mine.
"You remember the rest of the plan; once Radiant is dead and you are Queen, you are to begin sending natural and magical resources to Xaldo. Solaria is to be a stepping stone for the new empire into The Magical Dimension.."
"I fully remember the plan," said Cassandra, "but nearly my entire private account was drained. It's only a matter of time before the nobles I've bribed demand more money for their support. What am I to do?"
"If you have to ask," said Zahidia, "then you don't deserve to know."
"What did you say?" Cassandra asked, while Chimera looked shocked.
"I believe I've struck nerves in both of you," said Zahidia, "I believe that Princess Stella meant was intelegience. You, Chimera, you clearly don't have two brain cells to rub together. Stella may be a bit absent minded and selfish at times, but she always has the best interests of others at heart, as well as knowing when to ask for help. In short, she's smarter than you, and therefore a better choice for the heir to the throne."
"She's not smarter than me," muttered Chimera, but Zahidia ignored her.
"The same applies to you, Cassandra," said Zahidia, "if you cannot think of a solution to this problem, then you shouldn't even be trying. But I believe you already know the solution, don't you?"
"The wedding will have to be moved up," said Cassandra, "as soon as possible. I need access to the treasury, and I'll get it when I'm queen."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Zahidia asked, "or rather, someone?"
"If you are referring to that whore, Luna," said Cassandra, "I've taken measures to ensure that she doesn't interfere with my plans. And even if she does, as a consequence, she will lose that which is most precious to her."
"Exactly," said Zahidia, "now, get out of my sight and return to Solaria before I punish you both for wasting my time. Go!"
"We live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," said Cassandra and Chimera hastily. The bowed and hurried out the door.
"Is that leverage enough?" Marissa asked.
"More than enough," said Icy as she smiled wickedly, while Vicky, Kevin and Rolf also smiled.
"I can just picture how big a scandal this would cause if the rest of the Magical Dimension finds out," said Stormy, while Trabon, Naz and Sara nodded and grinned eagerly.
"But why are you helping us?" Darcy asked, "what's in it for you?"
"I'm merely trading favors," said Marissa, "I've scratched your backs, so someday, and that day may never come, you'll scratch mine."
"Is that all?" Vicky asked.
"That's all," said Marissa as she smiled innocently. With that she left the room.
"I don't trust her at all," said Toro.
"Me neither," said Darcy, "that woman, whoever or whatever she is, she has her own agenda."
"Don't we all?" asked Naz.
"What now?" Stormy asked.
"We do what we were talking about before that creature Marissa included us in her diabolical intrigues," said Trabon, "we come up with a plan to destroy Bloom."
"Then let's get started," said Vicky, "I want our next move in the game to be the finishing one."
A few days later found Bloom and the Winx coming back from a gymnastics class. Bloom, Flora and Tecna found dancing with a ribbon most challenging. Musa and Layla found it highly enjoyable, especially Layla, whom needed something to cheer her up, and aerobic dancing was just such a thing.
The only one who hated the class was Stella, whom wound up tying herself up wit her own ribbon.
"I never want to touch one of those things again," said Stella once class was over and the girls were back in their dorm room.
"It's not really that hard," said Musa, "you just need to move with the rhythm."
"Go with the flow," said Layla.
"At least you had fun," said Stella.
"You are looking better," said Bloom to Layla.
"I am feeling better," said Layla, "about a lot of things. I'm willing to try and work things out with my parents again."
"What about Nabu?" Flora asked.
"I talked with Tatewaki earlier," said Layla, "he's back on Earth in Tokyo with his sister. Kodachi is doing research of some sort that she said would help."
"Knowing her it's probably something crazy," said Bloom.
"You're probably right," said Layla, "but reguardless, I admit that I too hard on Nabu. If I ever see him again, I'll be more civil."
"Glad to hear it," said Stella. She then that look on her face, the matchmaking one.
Bloom was about to talk with her about it, even though she knew that once Stella was in her matchmaking mood, almost nothing could stop her, when Carmen, Morgan and Elise burst into the room.
"Don't you witches ever knock?" Musa asked.
"Only when we feel like it," said Carmen, "but this is an emergency."
"Stella," said Elise, "remember when we talked about what we can do to hurt Cassandra, and I said that hacking into her funds would force her to make her move?"
"Yeah," said Stella hesitantly, "so?"
"So," said Elise as she pulled out a gossip magazine, "she's made her move. This is today's edition."
Stella took the magazine and read the headlines, "Solaria to have a New Queen," the picture showed her father, King Radiant, with Countess Cassandra. Stella hastily opened the magazine and read the article, "they're moving the wedding forward. It's in two days!"
"Guess we really struck a nerve when we spent all Cassandra's money," said Musa.
"I think there's more than money to this," said Bloom, "or that money has a greater role. Cassandra is the type who values power more than anything else. From what we know, she came out of nowhere and married into a rich Solarian family, and then the husband died under mysterious circumstances."
"And now she's marrying my father," said Stella, "she's going to make my father die under mysterious circumstances and then she'll be queen, with all the power of a single monarch. Well not on my watch! Girls, we're going to Solaria!"
"Aren't you rushing into this?" Flora asked.
"There isn't a second to spare," said Stella, "last I heard, my world is a wreck; most areas on the planet have been without sunlight for days at a time, violent thunderstorms on a regular basis, and it hasn't stopped raining in the capital since I left, and it never rains there, or at least it didn't before.
"Something bad is happening to Solaria, and it's not happening because I've been banished. I'll bet my entire wardrobe that Cassandra, and that cow Chimera, are behind it."
"That's a bold statement," said Layla.
"But can we prove it?" Tecna asked, "if we rush recklessly to Solaria and accuse Cassandra without solid evidence, the least that will happen is that we'll be ridiculed and thrown off the planet."
"I'm sure the evidence exists," said Elise, "but a proper investigation, even one where we ignore the proper channels and restrictions, would take weeks, and we don't have that much time."
"Regardless of proof," said Bloom, "we can't let Cassandra get away with this," she looked at Stella, "if you're going to Solaria, then I'm going with you."
"So am I," said Flora.
"Me to," said Musa, while Layla and Tecna nodded in agreement.
"Count us in also," said Carmen, while Morgan and Elise nodded in agreement, "and I'm sure Jake and the others will want to come."
"And let's not forget Brandon, Sky and the rest of the boys," said Bloom.
"You guys are the best!" said Stella. She happily embraced Bloom, Flora, Musa, Layla, Tecna, Carmen, Morgan and Elise, in that order.
"We'd better get started on this," said Carmen, "just getting to Solaria is going to be nearly impossible," she looked at Stella, "the usurping cow has set it up so that if you ever set foot on Solaria again, you'll be executed without delay."
"And security for the wedding will only make things that much more difficult," said Elise.
Flora then spoke; "I have an idea, that might just work. It all depends on if Mirta is willing to go on an adventure."
Back on Xaldo, the four Trix and their comrades were deep in a planning session, and unsuccessful one at that, when Darcy sighed in frustration, "we're getting nowhere. All our ideas have either been done before or are just to stupid to even try."
"Maybe we're just trying too hard," said Trabon, "we've been at this for days. Maybe we just need a break."
"Then let's take a break," said Vicky.
"Oh great," said Sara, "now we're bored and unable to think of a plan to destroy The Winx."
"And is that my fault?" Darcy asked in an accusing tone. Tensions were already high among the baddies. It was only a manner of time before someone started a fight, and Darcy was just that sort of person.
But then Vicky, her sisters and the others received a summons from Zahidia.
"The seers of the empire have foreseen that The Winx will prevent the wedding on Solaria," said Zahidia, "that they will save that kingdom from the darkness."
"Should we stop them?" Icy asked, "this would be the perfect opportunity to ambush them."
"They wouldn't expect us to attack while they're disrupting Cassandra's wedding," said Vicky.
"No," said Zahidia, "I feel that Cassandra has proven herself to be unreliable. I am declaring her, her daughter Chimera a loss. By now they should have delivered all of Solaria's magic to the empire, but they have not. Therefore, if they are defeated at the wedding, it will be their own fault."
"So we're not even gonna try and destroy The Winx?" Stormy asked, "even though we would totally take them by surprise!"
"That is my decree," said Zahidia, "do not even contemplate defying me."
"We would never, ever dream of defying you, Lady Zahidia," said Vicky haistly, "never."
"I thought not," said Zahidia, "now get out of my sight!"
"Well that was a waste of time," said Toro as everyone left the throne room, "now we're right back to were we started; bored and without a plan."
"What if we just go to Solaria anyway?" Trabon asked, "and end up destroying Bloom and The Winx. What's the worst that could happen if we come back victorious?"
"She could send us back to our own personal hell's again," said Naz, "do you really want to go through that again?"
"Not in anyone's lifetime," said Trabon, "I'm sorry I brought it up."
"I don't ever want to experience that," said Darcy, "I was surrounded by blinding light. I could feel it burning my eyes out over and over."
"You think you had it tough?" Toro asked, "I was surrounded by copies of my idiot godfather, Haposai. That pint-sized pervert, the one who gave me that horrible name, 'Pantyhose Toro,' he wouldn't leave me alone. Thousands of them, calling me by that name at once, it was defining."
"That's nothing to what I had to go through," said Stormy, "I was drowning."
"That's not so bad," said James.
"I can thing of worse deaths to experience over and over again," said Trabon, "it's worse what I had to go through. I was forced to watch myself decompose and regenerate. I lost count of the number of times I rotted away, only to start over again as a fresh corpse."
"I was drowning in bugs," said Stormy, "I could feel all those horrible critters, crawling all over me; Creeping and crawling in my hair, over my eyes, up my nose and down my throat and inside of me." She shuddered, "Zahdia was right, we each saw our own personal hell."
"She's got you beat hands down," said Kevin to Trabon.
"What about you guys?" Icy asked, "what's your personal hell?"
"Be surrounded by dorks and dinks," said Kevin, "no matter how many of them I killed, more and more kept coming. They crushed me over and over again."
"Asphyxiation," said Naz, "I found myself in the vacuum of space without any air."
"Being eaten alive by zombie pigs," said James, "I never liked either."
"Crushed to death by a steamroller," said Sara, "feet first."
"Rolf saw himself being devoured by rabid wolves.
"Plank was in a room full of termites," said Johnny.
"But what was your hell?" Darcy asked.
"I didn't see nothing," said Johnny, "but Plank sure was scared, weren't you, pal?"
"Whatever, you frigging freak-a-zoid," muttered Toro, "Vicky, what did you see?"
"I don't want to talk about it," said Vicky in a distant tone.
"Come one," said Stormy, "how bad could it have been?"
"I said I don't want to talk about it!" snapped Vicky. With that she ran off to her quarters.
"Must have been pretty awful," said Trabon.
"Shouldn't someone go talk to her?" James asked.
"No, she needs to be alone," said Icy, "this happened a lot when we were kids. Someone would upset her and she's go off to calm down. She'll be back to normal in an hour or so."
"Leaving us still without a plan," said Naz.
"I have a plan," said Marissa as she approached them from around the corner, "it has nothing to do with destroying Bloom and her friends, but you'll find it worth wile anyway."
"If you're still trying to get us to turn against Lady Zahidia," said Kevin, "you can forget it!"
"It's nothing of the sort," said Marissa, "I was merely suggesting that you should join Zahidia when she observes the forthcoming wedding on Solaria. All I ask is that you watch Zahidia's reaction to the events as they unfold, that is all."
"Why are you telling us this?" Icy asked, "what are you up to?"
"I'm just merely having my own brand of fun," said Marissa. With that she left Icy and the others.
"She's weird," said Sara, "weirder than Johnny."
"Nobody's weirder than Johnny," said Kevin.
"You're right, Plank!" said Johnny as he stood on his head, "the ceiling does look like a mountain from this way!"
It turned out that Jake, Mace, Payton, Kegan and nearly all the Domino survivors were busy with other tasks. Only Kurt could come. But Sky, Brandon, Riven, Helia and Timmy were available. And as luck would have it, Mirta was free to go on an adventure.
"You want me to put a cloaking spell on two starships?" Mirta asked, "okay, but I've never cast spells on anything moving that big."
"We'll help boost your magic," said Flora.
"So will we," said Elise, "with you being half witch and half fairy, the mixture of both light and dark magic shouldn't be difficult."
"It should be that hard at all," said Stella, "I just heard from Beauregard and Lucinda, The Night Rider is in the shop for a complete overhaul. The ship won't be ready for spaceflight for at least a week."
"I knew this was going to happen," said Brandon, "no offense, Stella, but that rust bucket of a ship your cousins have is just that, a rust bucket."
"I know," said Stella, "so it looks we're all going to have to squeeze into Riven's ship."
"The Sapphire Blaze can hold all of us," said Riven, "and it's not that far to Solaria, so we'll be alright."
"Okay, we've got transportation settled," said Bloom, "but we're still going to need concrete proof of Cassandra's plans if we're going to stop her."
"We still don't even know what her plan is for sure," said Sky, "if we do this wrong, we could end up starting a multi-world feud that could lead to war."
"Stella's already at war," said Brandon, "with Cassandra, and the fate of her home is on the line. I wouldn't even try to stop Stella, and I don't even want to."
Musa then asked, "who was that woman at the party? The one with Radiant and Cassandara? She defied both Cassandra and Chimera."
"Gabrielle," said Stella as she smiled. "Gabrielle Membrane, her family have been bodyguards to mine for generations. She was my bodyguard before this mess started, and she's still loyal to my family.
"After the fiasco at the party, where Bloom got that sleeping curse, then Sky got hurt, Gabrielle said she was going back to Solaria to work against Cassandra. She's been there for weeks now, so she may have leverage we can use. If anyone can find dirt on Cassandra, it's Gabrielle."
"How will we find her?" Sky asked.
"We have a system," said Stella, "a secure voicemail account. Gabrielle had it set up after she left, saying that if I really needed her, she's come." Stella then pulled out her phone and began dialing the secure number, "and now I really do need her."
They left Magix the next day onboard The Sapphire Blaze, streaming through hyperspace towards Solaria with one day before the dark wedding. Stella had arranged with Gabrielle to meet with her at a secure location outside the capital city of the planet.
"Once we're in orbit around Solaria," said Mirta, "I'll cast the cloaking spell. Nothing will be able to detect us, no shipboard sensors, no satellites, no ground based sensors, not even magic. But we'll be able to find the ship later."
"We'd better," said Riven, "I really don't want to lose my ship."
The Sapphire Blaze exited hyperspace and sped towards Solaria. Mirta used her magic on the ship once they were in orbit. They were completely invisible to the naked eye, to machines and to magic.
"A few minutes later found the ship in a secluded area outside the capital. True to what Stella said earlier, the sky above was completely overcast and raining, while a torrential downpour was falling on the city.
"Now I know it's true," said Stella in a disturbed tone, "something is wrecking havoc on the magic of Solaria, and I just know Cassandra is behind it."
"We still need to prove it," said Bloom, "and I'm sure we'll have that evidince once we talk with Gabrielle."
"Where are we meeting Gabrielle anyway?" Musa asked.
"In an old country house," said Stella, "it's not far."
Using hover bikes, our heroes soon arrived at a vine covered chateau. Stella lead the way inside. "I can tell that there's some serious protection magic here," said Carmen as they walked inside, "anyone not welcome will get the feeling that they should be elsewhere and leave."
"Anyone who persists on entering will most likely be stunned and teleported somewhere else," said Elise, "somebody really likes their privacy."
"More like their security," said a voice. From the shadows emerged Gabrielle.
"Gaz!" said Stella as she ran and embraced her friend and bodyguard.
"Welcome home, Princess," said Gabrielle, "I wish a proper, royal welcome could have been prepared."
"Just seeing you again is enough," said Stella.
"That it is," said Gabrielle, "you and your friends were right, Princess Stella. Cassandra is planning to assassinate your father and make herself sole monarch of Solaria."
"I knew it!" said Stella, "I knew she was evil through and through!"
"But what of the evidence?" Bloom asked, "your word and Stella's won't be enough to stop Cassandra."
"I've a complete case file ready to bring the usurping bitch down," said Gabrielle, "but first, I believe there's someone that Princess Stella needs to see, someone who also wishes to see Sir Brandon and Princess Bloom."
"Who want's to see us?" Bloom.
"And why us?" Brandon asked.
"You'll find out," said Gabrielle, "follow me, it isn't right to keep her waiting."
Bloom, Brandon and Stella followed Gabrielle to another part of the house where a woman in her early 40's waited. She was wearing a silver dress and shoes and looked to be an older version of Stella, but with natural silver hair.
"Mother?" a surprised and nearly overwhelmed Stella asked.
"Stella," said the woman, Luna, former queen of Solaria and mother to Stella, "my little girl!"
"Mommy!" exclaimed Stella, "my mommy!" she ran and embraced Luna as if her life depended on it, and the queen mother embraced back.
"My Stella!" said Luna, "how I missed you so! I am so sorry I couldn't be there for you, I'm so, so, sorry."
"I missed you to, mother," said Stella. By now both mother and daughter were shedding profuse tears of joy, "but I'm back now, and everything's going to be alright again."
"No, not yet," said Luna, "there's still so much to do. But first thing's first," she looked at Bloom, "you must be Stella's best friend, Bloom of Domino. I can't thank you enough for being there for my daughter. She has said so much about you."
"I'm sure she exaggerated a bit," said Bloom, "but I've always been there when she needed me, just as she's always been there for me."
"I'm sure of that," said Luna, "and I must say, though I'm sure you've heard this many times before, you are the exact image if your mother, Miriam."
Luna then looked at Brandon, "and you, brave Brandon, I wouldn't have anyone else as a champion and boyfriend for my daughter," she looked at Stella, "when you pick 'em, you pick 'em."
"Mother," said an embarrassed Stella, "at your age?"
"I can appreciate good looks as much as I want," said Luna, "and so should you. Remember, 'when you got it, flaunt it, just so long as that's all you do.'"
"You're right," said Stella as she smiled, "oh, you've got to meet my other friends!"
Stella then introduced Luna to Sky, Carmen, Flora, Helia and everyone else, then got down to business.
"Cassandra has always been a gold digging snake," said Gabrielle, "at first she and her daughter were content to be just a noble family in the Solarian court. But then a few months ago, when she and King Radiant began courting, that's when she really began becoming active. She's been using her personal funds to bribe other members of court and high families of the kingdom, buying support, while forcing those against her to get out of the way. Those she couldn't intimidate, she'd have arrested on false charges of treason.
"Once she is married to the king, she'll have him assassinated and have all the power of the kingdom to herself. But already she's wrecking havoc in the kingdom. You've seen how out of wack the weather has been. That's only the start. The entire magical force of the planet has been thrown into chaos. It's as if it's being drained and sent elsewhere. That's something I'm still working on, but it's definatley a foul plot that Cassandra is behind."
"I don't think so," said Bloom. She then gave a summarized version of all that's happened lately with Vicky and the Trix, "I've got a rotten feeling that the witches are in cahoots with Cassandra."
"What about Chimera?" Stella asked.
"Her to," said Bloom, "at the Millenium Ball, I sensed that Cassandra had a magical hold on Radiant. It was a faint trace, not enough to prove in a court of law, but it was there."
"We already have enough proof here to lock both usurping cows away forever," said Gabrielle, "what more do you want?"
"I want to find out if Cassandra is indeed working with Vicky," said Bloom, "because if that's true, then Cassandra is also working for Zahidia and the R'leyh empire."
"Well then we'll just have to keep her alive," said Luna, "I wanted her that way regardless. Even without the evidence of her plot to kill my husband, excuse me, former husband, I would have stopped the wedding anyway."
"But that cow has it in for both of us," said Stella, "she wants us both dead."
"I know," said Luna, "but there's no way I'm going to let her get away with wrecking this land."
"But how are you going to do it?" Brandon asked.
"There's no way you can stop her by yourself" said Sky, "you said it yourself; half the Solarian court is either on Cassandra's payroll or is being blackmailed into supporting her. Everyone else has either been arrested on false charges or banished."
"Banished," said Luna, "but not abandoned. Those still loyal to the kingdom are ready to move on my command, with their own private armies of course."
"No way," said Carmen, "you were planning of a full scale fight, even without evidence of Cassandra's evil."
"If you don't take Cassandra down at the wedding she'll fall back to a fortified position and fight back," said Sky, "resulting in civil war."
"My allies and I are prepared for that," said Luna, "and we'll do our best to keep any innocent civilians out of harms way."
"Cassandra won't feel that way," said Bloom, "she's the kind who would do whatever it takes to win, even allow innocent people to be murdered," she looked at Luna angrily, "I can't believe you're willing to risk civil war over what you believed to be a personal manner."
"This is more than personal," said an agitated Luna, "the entire kingdom is falling apart because of that woman. But that's not the worst she's done to me; she made my husband, the father of my only child, banish Stella, my only child. She has to be stopped, no matter the cost."
"Even if the cost is the people of Solaria?" Stella asked.
Luna tried to back up her resolve, but the sight of Stella looking at her like she was the villain forced Luna to relent, "no, not at the cost of the people, for a kingdom without its people is nothing." She smiled at her daughter, "when did you get so smart?"
"I had five very good teachers," said Stella.
"No doubt about it," said Musa to Bloom, "Stella ain't the same airhead as before."
"She's grown up on us," said Flora.
"So, what's the plan?" Stella asked, "how are we going to do this? Are we going to sneak into the wedding hall and confront the usurpers? Or are we going to ambush them before the ceremony?"
"Those could work," said Luna, "but we should make it something spectacular, something nobody on Solaria will ever forget."
"Yes," said Stella, "it must be spectacular."
"Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," said Bloom, "like mother, like daughter."
"I have an idea," said Morgan, "and trust me, it's spectacular."
"Well don't keep us all in suspense," said Sky, "what is it?"
"We'll just walk right in and confront them dirrectly," said Morgan as she eagerly smiled.
"That's got to be the worst plan I've ever heard!" said Riven, "no way that's going to work."
"I agree," said Gabrielle, "it's far too dangerous. Cassandra will have enough guards at the ceremony to occupy a small city. They'll see you coming a mile away and shoot you like dogs. I won't allow it! Queen Luna, as Princess Stella's bodyguard, I formally object to this plan."
"This stupid plan, you mean," said Riven.
"It is stupid," said Helia, "but at the same time, brilliant."
"It's the last thing Cassandra would expect us to do," said Sky, "we'll have the element of surprise."
"But they'll kill us as soon as they see us!" said Riven.
"You didn't let me finish," said Morgan, "I was going to say, before I was so rudely interrupted, was that Mirta here uses her cloaking spell to make us all invisible, well, not me, I can do that myself, but everyone else will need it. That way the guards won't notice that we're there. We'll walk past them and decloak inside the wedding hall, and that part will be spectacular."
"It is spectacular," said Luna, "I like it!"
"Me to!" said Stella, "Let's do it!"
"But then the guards will converge on us," said Riven.
"They won't dare risk harming any of the guests," said Gabrielle, whom was having a change of heart, "Over a third of the guests are on Cassandra's payroll, I have a list."
"Bring that along, Gabrielle," said Luna, "I believe that the royal court of Solaria is in dire need of a good sweeping out."
"Get rid of the parasites and criminals," said Bloom, "I'm starting to like this plan."
"It already has my support," said Sky, "but now I like it even more."
"Well I don't!" said Riven, "there is no way this is going to work!"
"Okay, I'll admit it," said Riven as everyone moved under the cover of Mirta's cloaking spell through the royal palace towards the wedding hall, "this might just work."
It was the day of the wedding, and true to Gabrielle's word, security at the royal complex was tighter than the lid on a pickle jar.
But then Mirta used her cloaking spell, which had been amplified with some assistance from Elise and Flora. Mirta was able to cast it individually on each of our heroes so they could move about the palace in small groups. Another aspect of the modified spell allowed Bloom, Sky and the others to see themselves and each other.
"I don't know how Morgan can stand being invisible," said Stella, "I just don't like it when people don't pay attention to me."
"Don't I pay you enough attention?" Brandon asked.
"True," said Stella.
They had reached the wedding hall as it was being filled by the guests.
"Now what?" Musa whispered.
"We wait until the ceremony starts," said Luna, "then, when the priest says the part about anyone objecting, Stella and I will reveal ourselves and state our profound objections."
"Darn right," said Stella, "our entrance will blow those usurping cows away."
"I'm sure you'll bring the house down," said Bloom, "but if you show up, Cassandra will order in the guards and there'll be a fight before we can accuse her of her crimes. I think it would be a good idea if someone else appeared first and delivered the charges."
"Thanks' for volunteering, Bloom," said Luna.
"I never…" Bloom started, but then she relented, "okay, I'll do it."
"I'll help," said Sky, "I want to."
Just then the last of the guests entered and the ceremony began. Bloom saw Stella and Luna tense when they saw Radiant standing at the alter. Bloom could still sense that Stella's father was under the influence of dark magic. But now that she had her Enchantix under control, Bloom could sense that the spell Radiant was under was far more complicated than she had thought.
Bloom focused her senses and realized that Radiant wasn't really under a spell, not one that had control over his mind and body that is. Rather, the spell was a triggering spell. It was as if he had to do as Cassandra wished, or the spell would activate. Just what the effect of the spell was, Bloom couldn't tell yet.
But before Bloom could relate her discovery to the others, Cassandra, with Chimera as maid of honor, entered the wedding hall.
"That has got to be the most hideous dress I have ever seen," whispered Stella as she and the others watched Cassandra approach the alter.
Bloom and Sky waited for the priest to go though the opening motions of the ceremony, then finally reached the part they were waiting for.
"If there be anyone who objects to this blessed union, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Once the question was asked, Bloom and Sky released the cloaking spell and stepped forward, "We object!"
Everyone in attendance of the wedding looked at Bloom and Sky, most of the guests let out shocked whispers, while Cassandra and Chimera were speechless.
"On what grounds?" the priest asked.
"On the grounds that Cassandra is a traitor to Solaria," said Bloom.
"She plans to assassinate King Radiant," said Sky, "and have herself set up as sole monarch, thereby having complete control of the kingdom, bending the land and its people to her sick will."
"Just who the hell are you lowlife pesents!" Chimera snapped. She then recognized Bloom and Sky, "wait, weren't you at that party on Eraklyon?"
"We all were," said Layla as she and the other appeared, except for Luna, Stella and Gabrielle, who, were saving their appearances for lasts, "and we can prove that Cassandra is a traitor, as well as half the noble families of Solaria!"
"You impudent brats!" snapped Cassandra, "how dare you ruin my wedding!"
"A wedding, Cassandra?" Luna asked as she, Stella and Gabrielle appeared, "more like bad comedy."
All the guests were shocked again at the sight of Stella and Luna, especially Cassandra and Chimera. But the one most shocked, as well as somewhat frightened, was Radiant.
"Luna? Stella?" said the king of Solaria, "what are you doing here?"
"It's okay, daddy," said Stella, "we're here to help you."
"Whatever foul magic that cow Cassandra has on you," said Luna, "we'll take care of it."
"You won't be taking care of anything!" snapped Cassandra. She then glared at Radiant, "right, darling?"
"You shouldn't be here, Luna," said a now sweating Radiant, "you and Stella, you need to leave, now!"
"We're not leaving until things are right again in this kingdom," said Luna.
"We're going to start by clearing out the home wreckers," said Stella, "that means you, Chimera. And if I find that you've arranged the furniture in my room, I'll shave every hair on your head!"
"You need to look after your own head, Stella," said Chimera, "Guards! GUARDS!"
"I don't think anyone's coming," said Morgan, "is there, Elise?"
"No, Morgan, no guards will be coming to the rescue of the usurpers," said Elise.
"We left the a surprise," said Carmen, "not much of a spell, sort of a spur of the moment thing."
"It was actually my idea," said Mirta, "I used an illusion that made every guard outside see what they're afraid of the most. If there's a guard within 100 yards of this place, I'll…I'll do something embarrassing."
"That may not be necessary," said Luna. She and Stella then walked forward, their targets the usurping mother and daughter, "so, Cassandra, are you going to surrender quietly to justice? Or are you going to make things worse for you by making me more angry than I already am?"
"Luna, get out of here!" snapped Radiant, whom now looked terrified that something bad was going to happen, "and take Stella with you!"
"It's okay, daddy," said Stella, "we'll remove the curse."
"That we will," said Luna. She then glared at Cassandra, "whatever wammy you've put on my husband, take it off now!"
"Former husband you mean," said Cassandra, "and no, I will not."
"Oh yes you will!" said Luna.
"Luna, just go!" exclaimed Radiant.
"Daddy, what's wrong?' Stella asked in a concerned tone as she walked towards her father, "what has that whore Cassandra done to you?"
"She's done nothing to me!" said a frantic Radiant as he backed away from Stella, "nothing's wrong, now please leave, Stella, for your own good, please leave!"
"What are you talking about?" Stella asked as she reached out to place a comforting hand on her father's shoulder.
Just then Bloom had a startling revelation. Radiant was afraid, not of Luna and Stella themselves, but of what would happen if they get too close, and Stella was about to get too close.
"Stella, don't!" shouted Bloom, just as Stella touched her father.
There was a flash of dark magic, and Stella collapsed to the ground in front of her father.
"NO!" shouted Radiant, Luna and Brandon at the same time.
"What just happened?" Musa asked.
"I should have realized it before," said Bloom, "Cassandra set up a curse that would hurt Stella. She forced Radiant to do what she wanted, otherwise Stella would get hurt."
"And now she has," said Carmen.
"Stella!" said Brandon as he reached over and held the fallen princess in his arms, "Stella, what's wrong?" But Stella was completely out cold.
Morgan rushed over and examined Stella, "she's under a curse, one that's going to kill her in less than three minutes!"
"I did warn you, Radiant," said Cassandra, "I told you that nothing would stop me from becoming Queen, not even your wretched daughter."
"You bitch!" exclaimed Luna, "You take this curse back! You take it off my daughter!"
"I couldn't even if I wanted to," said Cassandra, "if I'm going down, I'll at least have the pleasure of taking that which is most precious to Radiant with me; his daughter."
"Not if we have anything to say about it!" said Bloom. She and the rest of The Winx had just finished transforming, "Morgan? Are you up for a little Enchantix-boosted healing?"
"I'm game," said Morgan.
Bloom, Flora, Musa, Tecna and Layla then used their Fairy Dust to enhance Morgan's healing magic. In less than a blink of an eye, Stella was back on her feet and looking her usual fabulous self, although she had a confused expression on her face, "What happened?"
"You had a bit of a fall," said Brandon as he embraced her, "but you're alright now."
"It's worse than that, Stella my dear," said Radiant. He looked relieved that his daughter was safe. "I can explain everything," he then glared at Cassandra, "for the first time in months, I'm free to speak my mind without this wench lording over me.
"It was while you and your friends were out battling The Shadow Riders, Stella, when Cassandra first approached me. At first I thought it was all in fun, that she was just seeking companionship, and for a while it was just that; harmless royal dating.
"But then she said that she wanted me to marry her and make her queen. Naturally I refused, but then she put that triggering spell on me. She said that if I didn't comply with her wishes and send you and your mother away, both you and Luna would die.
"After that, every time I tried to make a decision for myself, Cassandra threatened to kill you both," he looked at Luna, "I know we have our differences, but I still love you enough to do anything to keep you safe, you and Stella."
At that Luna merely nodded at Radiant, before turning her wrath on Cassandra, "and now, what to do with you."
"Before you do anything, Queen Luna," said Bloom, "I have to check something." She walked towards Cassandra.
"What are you doing?" Cassandra asked, "get away from me!"
"Not until I'm sure," said Bloom.
"Sure of what?" Radiant asked.
"Cassandra wasn't all that powerful in magic to being with," said Carmen, "I checked. She had to have had an incredible power boost to put that triggering curse on you."
"And I think I know where that boost came from," said Bloom. She focused her senses again and detected a concentration of dark magic on the back of Cassandra's neck.
"There," said Bloom, pointing at Cassandra's neck. At the same time, she used her magic to move Cassandra's hair aside, exposing a black tattoo. Bloom then used her senses to find and reveal an identical tattoo on the back of Chimera's neck.
"What is that?" Luna asked among the shocked murmurings of the guests.
"That's the symbol for Cthulhu," said Carmen, "The Trix and their allies have the same symbol on various accessories they've been wearing."
"But what does it mean?" Radiant asked.
"It means that all our enemies are in cahoots," said Sky, "they're all working for Zahidia and the R'leyh empire!"
At that all the guests gasped in shock and alarm.
"It can't be," said Luna, "the R'leyh empire is just a myth."
"After everything we've been through," said Bloom, "there's very little room for doubt."
"Look's like the cat really is out of the bag," said Toro as he, Darcy, Vicky and the others, stood in the throne room, watching the events unfold at the wedding. Zahidia sat on her throne, eagerly watching.
"Now what?" Stormy asked.
Zahidia smiled wickedly, "activate the Tachyon Transporter."
A nearby servant bowed and carried out Zahidia's order. A nearby table held an elaborate looking laptop. The servant typed in a command.
Everyone in the throne room watched the image from Solaria. In a blink of an eye, Cassandra and Chimera had vanished from the wedding hall, leaving Bloom and everyone there shocked. At the same time, Cassandra and Chimera had appeared in the middle of the throne room on Xaldo.
Zahidia's minions backed away from the disgraced mother and daughter as a bright spotlight shone on them.
"You have failed, Cassandra," said Zahidia, "you and your daughter, you have failed your empress and the empire. For that you both shall die."
"No!" exclaimed Cassandra as she fell to her knees, "do not slay us, Lady Zahidia!"
"It's not our fault!" shouted Chimera, whom seemed on the verge of a temper tantrum, "It's that botch Stella! She and her bitchy friends did this! They should die, not us! Them!"
"Give us another chance, Lady Zahidia!" said Cassandra, "and we will prove our worthiness to you and the empire!"
"It's all Stella's fault!" screamed Chimera, "it's her fault! It's her fault!"
"BE SILENT!" exclaimed Zahidia as her eyes flashed angry purple, robbing Cassandra and Chimera of their voices, "You will suffer for your insolence!"
"Here it comes," said Vicky, whom had clearly recovered from her depression, "Cassandra and Chimera are going to be sent to their own personal hells, permanently."
But that's not what Zahidia did. She then smiled wickedly, "I have a better idea. Cassandra, you and your daughter shall live, but you will wish you had died here and now. Cassandra, for your failure, I sentence you to spend the rest of your life as the lowest of slaves in the palace. You shall perform the chores that even the most harden of housekeepers are reluctant to do. You will clean the filthiest areas of the palace. And when those places are clean enough to eat on, they will be made filthy again, all so you can clean them again and again and again. This you shall do until you die of old age.
"As for your lovely daughter, I have a different punishment in mind. The new armies of the empire are surely in need of, how shall I say, special, entertainment, if you know what I mean. Chimera, I sentence you to spend the rest of your life chained to the dungeons, where you shall stay as the plaything of the imperial soldiers. You will please their every carnal desire, whenever they wish it, and from what I've been told by the moral monitors, my soldiers are in dire need of gratification. You will gratify them, until your heart gives out, and considering just how harsh some of the soldiers can be in the heat of passion, your heart will not last very long.
"So let it be done! Take them away!"
"No!" shouted Cassandra, "don't do this to my daughter! She's innocent!"
"Mother!" exclaimed Chimera, "don't let them to this to me! I don't want to be a whore!"
By the several palace guards had grabbed them and were dragging them to opposite ends of the throne room. One door would lead Cassandra to the dirtiest parts of the palace, while the other door would take Chimera to the palace dungeons. They both fought against the guards, but their struggles were futile as they left the throne room and never saw each other again.
"Let this be a lesson to you all," said Zahidia to her minions, "that I will not tolerate failure of this magnitude. Regular success can purchase insurance against occasional failure, but those two have been nothing but failures. It was a mistake to even let them join the empire. Pray I do not regret anyone else who has joined the ranks of the faithful." she then waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.
"We live only to serve you, Lady Zahidia," said the collective minions. They bowed and left the throne room.
The four Trix and their allies soon found themselves in the room where they had been trying to come up with a plan. Waiting for them was Marissa.
"You saw what Zahidia did," said Marissa, "and…"
"She's completely unpredictable," said Icy, "and could send anyone to their doom at even the slightest provocation."
"Worse than that," said Darcy, "Zahidia could have any of us killed for no reason at all. No doubt about it, Zahidia is…"
"She's not insane," said Marissa, "just of a different mind than what you're used to. I know that you all eavesdropped on my conversation with Zahidia when I first got here. Remembered what she and I talked about? We're of a different species."
"I remember," said Vicky, "you said that you were the last of a group of families that fled a world that was doomed to be destroyed in war."
"Our entire race was wiped out," said Marissa, "along with the opposition. Zahidia and I are descended from those who choose to leave our people to their doom. We escaped and established the first R'leyh empire. Now, only she and I are left of a once proud but boring race."
"Boring how?" Stormy asked.
"That is something that will have to wait until later," said Marissa, "but until then, I suggest that you keep your options open, as well as know the best escape route out of the palace." With that she left them.
"I still don't get her," said Darcy, "Is she trying to help us? Or is she just messing with us?"
"I don't know," said Vicky, "but we have other things to worry about. If we don't find a way to destroy Bloom, then we'll surely suffer Zahidia's wrath." With that they went back to work.
"The rain has stopped," said Stella in a bright tone as she, Bloom and everyone else walked outside the palace, "the sun is shining again!"
"Whatever Cassandra was doing to the planet," said Tecna as she scanned the area outside the palace, while Timmy used his PDA and Elise used her Sonic Screwdriver, "it stopped when she and Chimera vanished. I'm still working on how she pulled that off."
"I'm just glad that mess is over," said Gabrielle, "the rightful order has been restored to Solaria."
"But not everything is perfect," said Brandon. He saw Stella as she watched her mother and father talking. Luna and Radiant were being civil enough to each other, but it was clear that the two would rather be somewhere else, away from each other that is.
"Are you alright?" Bloom asked Stella.
"I'm fine," said Stella, she then indicated her parents, "and they'll be okay, more less. I used to dream of them getting back together, but now I know that's not gonna happen."
"Do you think they ever actually loved each other?" Bloom asked.
"I think they loved each other enough," said Stella. She smiled, "otherwise I wouldn't be here, now would I?"
At that Bloom was speechless for a second, "that has to be the wisest thing you've ever said, Stella, and that's saying something."
Stella then smiled, then looked up at the bright sunlight, "I'm so glad that the rain's stopped. All that rain and humidity's been murder on my hair."
"She's still our Stella," said Musa, while Flora, Layla and Tecna nodded in agreement.
The end of chapter 26.
The Dragon Princess and her companions are to soon learn an important but difficult truth. At the same time the dark souls will also learn an equally important and difficult truth. But the two truths are one and the same, and will change the course of destiny for both sides.
Next chapter: Mind Blowing Revelations
'for those with wings, fly to your dreams'