Disclaimer: I do not own W.I.T.C.H. This is a work of fan fiction.

Season Three Episode Eighteen: "M.A.C.E., Part One" Chapter One

Author's Note: This episode begins two weeks after the events of episode seventeen.

Heatherfield. The Vandom/Collins apartment. The Guardians gathered around as Will once again held the Heart over the enchanted map and asked the question "Where are the Dominators?" She had tried this several times over the last ten days, with no results. Once again, disappointment was to be had. The map didn't react.

Slumping back in her seat, Will said "I don't get it. They can't be on Varthan thanks to the veil, and if they were on Meridian we'd know it by now. So what gives?"

"Are we sure the map still works?" Cornelia asked.

Will answered "Oh yeah. Watch." She held the Heart over the map again and said "Show me where Alchemy is." A green 'X' appeared instantly. "And now Napoleon." Another 'X' formed on the map.

"Could they be shielding themselves from detection somehow?" Irma wondered.

"I'm sure they've got the power to do that." Taranee said. "But why would they? They can't know about the map. No, the most likely explanation is that they're off on some other world. Of course that begs the question of what world, and how they got the coordinates to it."

"All good questions." Elyon agreed. "You know, it's been over two weeks since we last saw them. There's no way they've been quiet that long. I feel sorry for whatever world is dealing with them…"

Zambala. After a weeklong conflict, the Dominators had taken control of the Temple, forcing Ironwood and the remaining Zambalans into retreat in the jungles. From their new headquarters, they continued to launch strikes to harass the natives. Ironwood organized the people into an army to fight back, but even with the power of the Heart of Zambala, they could do little more than hold their ground. "If only I had complete mastery of the Heart," Ironwood thought, "I could drive them out."

"Shouldn't we go for help?" A Zambalan asked. "Surely the Guardians would help us."

Ironwood answered "Yes, they would. And I will go to them if I must. But only if I must. I would prefer for us to win this battle ourselves."

Meanwhile, deep inside the Zambala Temple, the Dominators were also having a strategy meeting. "Is it just me," Uriah asked, "or is fighting trees getting old?"

Bess replied "It's not just you. Somehow, taking out my rage on plants is just less satisfying than on actual people, even if those plants do walk around and talk. And Courtney, I know you're getting tired of staying here."

"I sure am." Courtney said. "There's nothing of value to steal in this stinky place. Can't we go back to earth now Judas?"

"We're not going back for good. This place is a perfect headquarters for us and we're staying." Judas declared. "That said, though, I admit that I miss real fights against the likes of the Guardians, not to mention we could use some comforts of home."

"Comforts of home?" Uriah asked.

Sandra said "I think he means stuff like earth food, clothes, furniture, that kind of thing."

"Now we're talking!" exclaimed Courtney.

Judas said "Sandra's partly right. I did mean that kind of stuff. But we could also swipe a generator from somewhere and have power for lights and video games and stuff too."

"Dude, sweet!" Uriah exclaimed. "When do we start?"

Judas opened a fold to earth. "Right now." He said. "Sandra, Uriah, you come with me. Bess and Court, next trip is your turn, but guard the temple for now."

Kandrakar. The Oracle and Halinoor walked side by side into the Aura Mirror chamber. Luba and Alfor were already present, busily working. Both stopped and stood when they saw that the Oracle had arrived. "What is your progress my friends?" he asked.

"We're basically done." Alfor answered. "All is ready, we were really just making one last check over the systems to make sure we hadn't missed anything."

Luba said "And we haven't. Everything is ready to go now. We are awaiting only your order Oracle." Himerish nodded. The order was given. Luba placed her hand over a magical switch, activating the process. Alfor monitored what now began to occur.

While they waited for Alfor's report, Halinoor said "I'm still amazed that Queen Elyon would have us do something like this. The level of maturity the decision exhibits is years beyond her age."

"Well, the Browns raised her in a manner intended to prepare her for her eventual destiny." The Oracle said. "That explains a great deal, as does the maturing influence of her experiences with the Guardians, and even the bad experiences with Prince Phobos."

"I suppose so." Halinoor agreed.

Alfor looked up from his monitoring. "Excellent news Oracle." He said. "I can confirm successful power transfer. The energy is flowing at full efficiency and penetrating the dark veil just as we expected. The new additions are also functioning at one hundred percent of their designed performance."

"What happens now?" Luba asked. "And how long until we know if this has worked?"

The Oracle replied "What happens now is we contact the Queen and let her know the process has begun. As for how long it will be until we know if we have succeeded or not, that will be in the hands of the keeper. When she uses the Heart, we will know one way or the other." Together, the counsel hurried to make contact via the Oracle's communicator…

Earth. Elyon was walking with Joel after leaving the movie theater. At first they had just walked side by side, talking idly about nothing of importance. In time they had started holding hands, though neither consciously realized it at first. Elyon blushed slightly when she finally noticed.

"So," she said, "I understand you guys are the only band still in the running against Matt's band to perform at the dance next month."

"Yeah. I feel kinda bad about it, seeing as I still consider Matt a friend. But that's not gonna stop me from doing my best to get the gig. After all, since I don't go to Sheffield anymore, I wouldn't be able to be there to dance with you if we lose. But if we win, I get in as part of the band, and I know Gideon'll let me sit out a couple songs…"

Elyon grinned. "I like the way you think." She said.

Before any more could be said, Elyon heard Will's voice in her head. "Sorry to interrupt, but I've got Kandrakar on the line for you."

"I'll be right there." The Queen replied. She then excused herself into a restroom and teletransported to Will's house. "Let's make this quick. Joel's waiting outside a door for me." She took the phone Will held out to her. "I'm here Oracle. What have we got?"

"We have success, or so it appears. The power is flowing." He answered.

Elyon said. "That's good news. I'll gather them up, fill them in. We should be able to give it the real test tomorrow."

"Then I will contact you again at this time tomorrow. Good luck Queen Elyon."

"Thank you Oracle. Good luck to us all." Elyon hung up and returned to her date…