Lord Evil awoke with a start. He could make out voices talking in an adjacent chamber. His eyes opened and he blinked a few times. The night had given way to daytime and sunlight poured in through the windows of the private master bedroom of the Empress.
It was good to be home, Lord Evil thought to himself. While born and raised on Earth, he had spent the majority of his life on Terra Nova. He had become accustomed to living in a magically dominated society as opposed to one powered primarily by technology. On Terra Nova he was the consort to a powerful and feared Empress. Back on Earth he was just another man most considered to be a criminal.
It had been years since Lord Evil and Lady Darkness had been exiled on Earth. Their magicks were significantly reduced in power on Lord Evil's home world. Even worse an enchanted barrier had been erected by their enemies to block return passage to Terra Nova. If the pair were to return, they would have to find another way.
Lord Evil threw himself into researching a technological solution to their problem. He had been a minor technician in the Navy before being displaced to Terra Nova. What he knew of technology had vastly changed in the nearly forty years he spent on Terra Nova.
Aided by magic, Lord Evil began to retrain himself in things scientific. It was during this time he hit upon the notion of duplicating the accident that had sent him to Terra Nova in the first place. He would attempt to recreate what some now called the 'Philadelphia Experiment'.
The original idea was to create a powerful magnetic field around a ship to make it invisible to radar. The test vessel for this experiment was the USS Eldridge of which Lord Evil was a crewman. During the test not only did the Eldridge disappear from radar it also vanished from our reality!
The intense magnetic field had momentarily opened a door in between dimensions through which the Eldridge passed. Lord Evil panicked and threw himself overboard only to find himself trapped on Terra Nova. The rest of his shipmates were not as fortunate as he would later discover.
Using his newly enhanced technological skills Lord Evil began to design what he called a Portal Device. The Portal Device was a technological creation that would duplicate the effects of the 'Philadelphia Experiment' on a much smaller scale. The device was constructed piecemeal using components acquired by agents unaware of their employer's true identity and by those enslaved by Lady Darkness. The final piece of the puzzle was an Energy Amplification Array that would focus and intensify the magnetic field.
Finally the Portal Device was ready for testing. By basing his work on the original Philadelphia Experiment notes, Lord Evil reasoned that using their settings for the size, shape, and strength of the magnetic field they should reach Terra Nova.
The day of the first test came and it went off without a hitch. Lady Darkness and a small group of her enslaved villains departed through the portal back to Terra Nova. All Lord Evil could do now was wait to hear word of their success.
In the meantime, Lord Evil tested the portal on two other occasions. By changing the settings of the magnetic field, different dimensions could be accessed and reached. Even more worlds for the two to conquer and control were now within their grasp.
Strangely enough, a peculiar phenomenon occurred over New York City at the exact same time that the Portal Device was activated. White vortexes were appearing randomly across the city. Confused by this side effect, Lord Evil ceased using the Portal Device.
In the end, it didn't matter. Lady Darkness returned after reclaiming her empire. The barrier that had been erected to block their passage between worlds had been lifted. They were now free to move back and forth from Earth to Terra Nova unhindered.
With the time of the Joining fast approaching, a sorceress needed to be selected for the honor of joining with the darkness. The heroine known as the Enchantress was selected for this honor. The former Morbane Lady Zee was also on hand and for one the very few times in history two sorceresses took part in the Joining.
But before the Joining could be fully completed, the mansion serving as the pair's headquarters was attacked. Using the magic of the newly created Enchantress version of Lady Darkness, they all fled back to Shadowhold on Terra Nova. They had finally come home.
Lord Evil yawned and stretched. He got out of bed and the chamber servant helped him don his robe. The morning meal had probably already been prepared and more servants were awaiting his arrival. After all, that's what servants and slaves existed for: to serve their masters in any capacity without question.
The voices Lord Evil had been hearing grew louder as he approached the dining hall. Reaching the door, he opened the portal and stepped inside. The chamber beyond was full of activity. Several women were seated at the table eating their morning meal and conversing. A small army of servants catered to their every whim.
Lord Evil started to approach, but then suddenly stopped. At the head of the vast table was Lady Darkness herself. As always her skintight black outfit covered her body from the neck down. The Stone Crown rested on her head. However, seated to either side of Lady Darkness were two other women who were identical to Ashley!
Realization quickly came to the still sleepy Lord Evil. The other two women must be the Earth-born sorceresses who had just undergone the Joining. They must be using magic to take on the form of the Ashley version of Lady Darkness. For a brief moment Lord Evil was unsure which woman was which until he realized that only one of the lovely women was wearing the Stone Crown.
The three Lady Darknesses were nearing the end of their meal and conversation. He had no way of knowing how long they had been plotting and scheming. Lord Evil could only wonder what diabolical plans they had constructed in his absence.
"It has been decided," the Lady Darkness with the Stone Crown announced. "I shall remain here in Shadowhold to coordinate our activities and continue our conquest of this world. I shall also monitor how our weapon is faring on the third world we've discovered."
"I shall return to Earth and expedite our conquest," the Lady Darkness on the left stated. "There are many earth-based creatures that will serve our plans nicely. Powerful and evil beings held in check by only the thinnest of restraints. Together with my followers, I shall unleash these beasts and enjoy the destruction that we cause. I shall sow the seeds of chaos to weaken our enemies before moving in for the kill."
"I shall begin our conquest of the fourth world we have discovered," the Lady Darkness on the right added. "While lacking your raw power, this world is virtually defenseless and ripe for the picking."
"Agreed," Ashley said with a slight purr. A malevolent smile was locked on her lovely face. "Even now Vilsimbra is assembling a small staff of Ectolians to accompany each of you. They should be ready by this afternoon. Furthermore explore the storehouse of magical equipment here in Shadowhold. There are many items that will aid you in your missions."
"Agreed," the other two Lady Darknesses said in unison as they rose from their seats. "We'll gather our equipment immediately." Together, the two women made for the exit of the vast and grand chamber. Guards beside the doors opened them allowing the black clad women to depart. Soon they would be ready to depart on their missions of conquest across the various Earths.
| Roll Call: |
|---|
 Black Diamond |
 Enchantress |
 Firestar |
 Nightingale |
 Supreme |
 Texas Ranger |
Guest Starring Guardian Angel |
 Scarlet Sabre |
Black Diamond streaked across the Westchester sky, her long blonde hair and light blue sash buffeted about due to her rapid flight. Diamond wore her black outfit with white accent diamond shapes on her mask, chest, and at the tips of her long boots and gloves. The Avengers leader had just finished up her duties at Ryker's Island and was now traveling at her top velocity to reach the Carrington Estate.
Thanks to information passed on by Jaime from the Scarlet Sabre, the truth about what had been going on at Ryker's Island had not only been uncovered, but dealt with as well. The East Coast Stronghold was back under PRIMUS control. However, Lady Darkness had escaped with all the former inmates. (Editor's Note: Ryker's Island was liberated in Avengers #33.)
While that was going on, Muskateer, Scarlet, and the Sorceress had tracked the missing Enchantress to the Carrington Estate. They were expecting to be facing numerous supervillains that were now controlled by Lady Darkness. Firestar and the Texas Ranger were dispatched to provide assistance. Now Black Diamond and the remainder of the Avengers were traveling to the Carrington Estate.
Cradled in Black Diamond's arms was the powerful Supreme. The strongman wore a garish red, yellow, and dark green outfit that was his everyday costume. Only the Thing was stronger and tougher than Supreme on the Avengers. Unfortunately, he lacked the power of flight, forcing Black Diamond to carry him. Not that being this close to Di was a bad thing in his mind.
Finally the Carrington Estate came into view. Neither hero could readily identify the place, but the presence of several PRIMUS airborne transports was a dead giveaway. Firestar had reported earlier the Estate to be secured and PRIMUS was dispatched to haul away those criminals who had been captured. She also said that Muskateer and the Sorceress had left to continue their pursuit of the Enchantress. Their present location was unknown. (Editor's Note: Check out Muskateer #25 for where they went.)
Black Diamond and Supreme landed close to the front entrance. Firestar and the Texas Ranger were standing off to one side. They were watching as the PRIMUS Operatives moved the prisoners to the transports. Even now Thermax and Mechassassin were being loaded into the transport. Once secured, the craft lifted off and began to fly off towards Ryker's Island with its cargo.
"Di!", Firestar cheerfully called out and waved upon seeing the new arrivals. "Glad you guys could make it. Having this many crooks around was beginning to make me nervous."
"We came as fast as we could," Black Diamond responded.
"She's not kidding, either!", Supreme piped in. "I think I've got windburn all over my body! We left Songbird and Ms. TV Heroine in the dust." Songbird in this case being the psionic Avenger Nightingale while Ms. TV heroine referred to Guardian Angel.
Ignoring Supreme's comments, Black Diamond began to question Firestar. "What's the current situation, Firestar?"
"Well, PRIMUS is loading the bad guys up right now," Firestar reported. "We only captured three of them. Thermax and Mechassassin you saw. Ogre is still inside. Scarlet said that many of them just slipped away when no one was looking. Oh, and Lightburst is here was well."
"Where's that crumb bum at?", Supreme demanded. "I can't wait to get my mitts on him!"
"Don't start with me, Terry." Black Diamond curtly cut off yet another of Supreme's tirades against Lightburst. Diamond was dead tired from lack of sleep and between the recent events involving the Avengers was emotionally exhausted. The Thing was undergoing some type of metamorphosis, while the Huntress had been nearly beaten to death. Top that off with the Enchantress seemingly vanishing, Lightburst revealed to have been a traitor, and the shouting match with Muskateer. Black Diamond simply wasn't in the mood to put up with anything or anyone right now.
"No need ta get yer britches in an uproar there, pahdner," the Texas Ranger drawled as he gestured towards Firestar. "The lil' lady barbecued his tumbleweeds real good."
"I have no idea what you just said, cowboy," Supreme chimed in with a wide grin on his face, "but from the sound of it, I think I like it! Sounds painful!"
"Cassie, can you explain what happened to me in English?", Black Diamond commanded.
"Well, Di, it's like this," Firestar began to explain. "Tex and I were going to help Scarlet when I spotted 'Burst. He was trying to get up and with all the trouble he caused with Musky and the Enchantress, I wasn't going to let him get away. I mean they're like my friends after all! So, I blasted him."
"Ya did good, kid!" Supreme punctuated his statement with a hearty slap to Firestar's back. The gesture forced the Blood heroine forwards a few steps. "It's just too bad I missed it!"
"Uhm, thanks. I think."
"A prudent course of action, given the circumstances," Black Diamond diplomatically agreed. "From the sound of it, you both handled this situation very well. I'm proud of you both."
"Shucks, twern't nothin', Ma'am," Ranger humbly countered. Firestar, meanwhile, was virtually beaming with pride.
A commotion from just inside the Mansion attracted the heroes' attention. A pair of PRIMUS Agents was dragging Lightburst towards the prisoner transports. Large manacles encircled the man's wrists. Diamond and Supreme recognized them as PRIMUS Suppression Cuffs. The restraints were highly effective in neutralizing the powers of those wearing them.
"Speak of the devil," Supreme muttered under his breath.
"Unhand me!", Lightburst vented towards the PRIMUS Agents holding him. With his powers neutralized, 'Burst was essentially a normal man. "I serve a power beyond your comprehension! I must be free to serve her! Release me!"
Upon seeing his former teammates, Lightburst turned towards them. "This is just a minor setback," the man raved. "My mistress will free me and I will serve her once more! You will all bow down before her! You are nothing compared to her!"
"I think it's safe to assume that his mind control is still in full effect," Black Diamond commented as she stepped forward.
"Kinda hard to tell," Supreme quipped. "He always was a bit nutty."
Ignoring her teammate and current boyfriend's comment, Black Diamond stepped up to Lightburst. Her own feelings towards the man were highly conflicted. Many years ago, when Diamond was younger and not so worldly, she had a relationship with Lightburst. She thought it was true love until Di discovered that 'Burst had been seeing other women at the same time.
It was a devastating blow to Diamond's own personal self worth; a wound that had yet to completely heal, in spite of Supreme's best efforts. Other teammates had tried to warn her, but Diamond didn't listen. She never thought that Lightburst would ever do something like that to her. Diamond learned of her error the hard way.
Now history was repeating itself. All the signs that something was wrong with Lightburst were right before her eyes and once more she had ignored them. He had done something she didn't think possible and she had been burned once more.
"We know that you've been under mind control these last few weeks," Black Diamond told Lightburst. "That you're not responsible for your actions."
"You could be powerful, like my mistress," Lightburst countered while being held back by the PRIMUS Operatives. "But you are weak and pathetic! You use your strength to help the ungrateful masses. How dull! How stupid! Oh, yes, I know you and know all your failings. If only the world knew the real truth about Black Diamond! That she's only a useless and gullible girl in reality! Easily manipulated by anyone nice to her!"
"Shut up!"
Unexpectedly, Black Diamond lashed out with a right cross to the chin that sent Lightburst flying backwards, taking the PRIMUS Agents with him. He was unconscious before hitting the ground and would be out for a very long time. Having reached her own breaking point, Diamond just couldn't help but lash out at the source of her frustration.
"Just shut the hell up!"
The action momentarily stunned everyone present. Black Diamond silently stood there, shaking from the anger she was feeling. The PRIMUS Agents scrambled back to their feet, retrieved Lightburst, and dragged him to the nearest transport.
"Wow!", Supreme said as he went to comfort Black Diamond. "I didn't think you had that in you. Such fire, such passion. I like it." He wrapped his large, muscular arms around the heroine. Diamond returned the gesture and buried her head in Supreme's chest.
Firestar and Ranger backed off to give their teammates privacy. It was an awkward situation and both heroes kept their thoughts to themselves. They had only heard the rumors about the past relationship between Diamond and 'Burst and how badly it had ended.
Finally, the calmness was broken when one of the PRIMUS Agents came up to Firestar and Ranger. "Could one of you give us a hand moving Ogre? The guy must weight a ton or something!"
"Sure thing, pahdner," Ranger answered. "Let's get that bull back to the corral." The Texas flavored hero followed the PRIMUS Agent back into the mansion and both were soon out of sight.
Having regained her composure, Black Diamond slipped out of Supreme's grasp and stepped up to Firestar. "Is Scarlet still here?"
"Oh, yeah, that's right! She's poking around down in a laboratory in the basement. I have no idea what's she looking for, but she wanted me to send you to her when you got here. Just go straight in and down the big hole in the floor."
"Thank you, Cassie."
"What's going to happen to him?"
Black Diamond paused and turned back to face the young heroine. "To who?"
"Lightburst." Firestar fidgeted a bit as she made her reply as if she was treading on a delicate subject.
"They'll hold him at Ryker's Island until the mind control he is under wears off. After that, I don't know. Stay here and wait for 'Gale and Angel to show up. We'll be back in a little bit." With that, Black Diamond entered the mansion, trailed by Supreme.
Down in what remained of Lord Evil's laboratory, the Scarlet Sabre continued to search for clues. The Portal Device had been totally destroyed between the efforts of Ogre and Firestar. That action, coupled with the collapse of the floor above had devastated the laboratory.
Scarlet casually scanned through notes left by Lord Evil. Behind the scarlet-clad heroine, the Texas Ranger used his telekinesis to pick Ogre up. The child-like strongman was then taken away and into PRIMUS custody. Scarlet didn't pay them any heed.
A moment after that, Black Diamond flew down into the lab and gracefully landed beside Scarlet. Supreme simply stepped off from the ground floor and dropped into the open basement.
"Looks like you had a wild party here, Red," Supreme commented as he looked around. "Too bad I missed it."
"Hey, guys," the Scarlet Sabre said in greeting. "Glad you could make it."
"Firestar said that you wanted to see me," Black Diamond stated as she moved closer to Scarlet. "What did you find?"
"Answers to several nagging questions," Scarlet answered. "Such as who was behind all those thefts of high-tech equipment and the cause of those strange vortexes." (Editor's Note: the 'strange vortexes' opened in Avengers #23-24)
"We already deduced that Lord Evil and Lady Darkness were behind everything," Black Diamond stated. "You mean that they were responsible for the vortexes as well? For what purpose? What were they trying to accomplish?"
"You talking about that strange thing that created Guardian Angel and that Ravager galloot?"
"It was a side affect from what Lord Evil dubbed his 'Portal Device'." Scarlet gestured towards the scattered debris that now comprised the device. Included among it was the Energy Amplification Array that had been stolen from Campbell Industries International. (Editor's Note: the Array was stolen by Thermax, Thunderbolt, and Ogre back in Scarlet Sabre #3.)
"Explain."
"Jaime had already deduced that some of the components stolen could be used to create a device that, theoretically, could open up doorways into other dimensions. In one of the video clips we found in the Ryker's Island computer, Lady Darkness spoke about going to another world. These notes I've been going over confirm that hypothesis. Lord Evil and Lady Darkness are from another dimension and they built this device to get back to their home."
"That's all fine and good, but what does this have to do with the vortexes?", Supreme demanded.
"Everything. The heart of the device was the Energy Amplification Array. It focused and intensified the magnetic field used to open the dimensional doorway. What they didn't know was that the focusing element of the array was flawed. The effect was like a mirror with a crack in it. Every time they used the device a second doorway opened as well, a sort of distorted image of the first doorway. It wasn't as powerful and just punched a hole in our reality into whatever was inside that white vortex."
"It holds the same kind of radiation that originally changed Ben into the Thing," Black Diamond added. That relationship had been revealed during the Avengers recent investigation into the vortexes. "It's also similar to a form of white energy the Zodiac once attempted to collect on top of the Empire State Building."
"Right, back when Morning Star took her big dive," Scarlet continued. "I'll never forget that."
"So let me get this straight, Red," Supreme interrupted. "By using this portal doohickey, these guys accidentally created those vortexes?"
"Yes. I would guess that this white energy comes from a dimension that lies very close to ours and it can manifest itself in our world at points where the dimensional boundaries are weak. These 'reflected portals' weren't strong enough to open a full fledged portal, but were strong enough to let the white energy momentarily pour through."
"So let me guess," Black Diamond said. "This portal device of theirs took forty-six hours to recharge?" Muskateer had noted a forty-six hour gap in between appearances of the vortices.
"Correct. Furthermore, the location of the reflection is directly tied to the size, shape, and strength of the magnetic field used to open the doorway. Lord Evil theorized that by altering those properties, he could access an infinite number of other dimensions."
"So how come those vortexes opened up in different locations?"
"Because," Scarlet explained, "they used the device to access three different dimensions. Why, I'm not sure. Perhaps they didn't reach their desired destination on the first or second attempt. It is noted that they suspended use of the device until the relationship between their tests and the vortices could be established. There's no further entries after that."
Black Diamond considered everything she had heard thus far. She was far too tired to understand the full ramifications of what had been discovered. It just seemed that every time they got an answer it led to two other questions. Di wasn't sure if they were making progress or not.
"If only there was someone we could question who was working for those two," Black Diamond lamented. "Someone who wasn't mind controlled. Perhaps then we could get some straight answers."
"Hey!", Supreme cried out, snapping his fingers. "There's the Chameleon back at Ryker's Island. Songbird said that he wasn't mind controlled. I think we should have a little chat with that faceless creep!"
"That's a very good idea."
"Hold on a minute," Scarlet interrupted. "There's someone here in the Mansion as well. I nearly forgot about her during all the excitement. Come on, I left her up upstairs!" Scarlet quickly led the way out of the destroyed basement, trailed by a pair of puzzled Avengers.
Firestar waved as Nightingale and Guardian Angel drew closer. Lacking the sheer velocity of Black Diamond, the two women had fallen way behind in the race to reach the Carrington Estate. By now, Ranger had rejoined Firestar and was content to wait along with her.
Guardian Angel landed first. Before being transformed by the strange vortex, she had simply been the actor who portrayed Guardian Angel on television. But after the transformation, she believed that she really was the television heroine. She wore the same costume, possessed the same powers, and acted in the same manner. It was kind of creepy at first.
The Guardian of the Foundation Stone wore a costume that might have looked good on television, but was somewhat impractical in the real world. It had a cheap Hollywood Egyptian motif going with it, including lots of jewelry and ancient patterns.
"Well met, comrades," Guardian Angel boomed. "I am pleased that you were both able to carry out your mission without injury. Truly, the forces of evil have been struck a mighty blow on this day! You are to be commended for your efforts."
"Hey, 'Angel," Firestar said as she greeted the heroine with a hug. When she was growing up, Firestar had always idolized Black Diamond as her real world role model, while the fanciful Guardian Angel was her TV favorite. Now she was an associate of both. It was almost a dream come true to the young Blood.
Silently, and with less fanfare, Nightingale landed close by. The mentalist was feeling a bit tired from her efforts back at Ryker's Island. The power of the mind control Lady Darkness used was frightening. The will of her victims were literally drained away making them totally obedient slaves. That coupled with how many minds she could dominate at once was almost terrifying.
"Where's going on?", Nightingale inquired.
"Not much right now," Firestar answered. "PRIMUS just left with the prisoners and Di is inside the mansion with Supreme and Scarlet. I'm not sure what they're doing. She told us to wait out here until you and Angel showed up."
"Now that we're here, let's go see what they found out." With Nightingale leading the way, the heroes re-entered the mansion.
Exhausted, Blaise Morgan laid on the floor regaining her strength. The apprentice sorceress had no idea where she was or what was going on. The last thing she remembered was being struck down by her own spell. The Scarlet Sabre had reflected the enchantment back at Blaise defeating her. (Editor's Note: Back in Muskateer #24.)
When Blaise regained consciousness, she found herself tied, gagged, and blindfolded in some unknown location. Her hands and ankles had been bound separately and then tied to each other behind her back in a hog-tie, forcing Blaise to flop around like a fish on the floor. The apprentice sorceress struggled for a time but was unable to free herself. Bound as she was, Blaise was helpless and unable to make any use of her magic.
Faint voices could be heard off in the distance and they steadily grew louder in volume. Blaise didn't recognize the speakers' voices. Were they the ones holding her prisoner or were they coming to rescue her? A door very close to Blaise opened and the voices became clearer.
"Now there's something you don't see everyday," a man's voice boomed in an amused tone. "A curvaceous babe in a skintight catsuit lying in a closet wrapped up like a Christmas present."
"Who is she?" It was a woman's voice this time.
"I believe her name is Blaise." The speaker was a second woman. "From what I gathered she worked for Lady Darkness. She seemed to be free from being mind controlled during all the fighting. So I figured we'd want to question her later and tied her up with a bunch of scarves to keep her out of mischief."
Blaise could feel herself being picked up by very strong hands. A few moments later she was dropped onto a bed. The blindfold and the gag were removed. Standing around Blaise was the trio of Supreme, Black Diamond, and the Scarlet Sabre. Blaise inadvertently gulped upon seeing them. Even if she were free to use her magic, Blaise was severely outclassed by those present. Blaise also realized that she was in the master bedroom of the Carrington Estate.
"Who are you?", Black Diamond demanded. Judging by the tone of her voice and the heroine's body language, she wasn't in any mood to be trifled with.
"Blaise Morgan," the bound woman quickly answered. Blaise then let out a huge sigh of relief and chuckled slightly.
"You find this amusing?", Black Diamond asked in an incredulous tone.
"Not at all. I'm just happy that's its finally over."
Puzzled by this response, the Scarlet Sabre drew closer. "What do you mean? I thought you worked for Lady Darkness and weren't under mind control?"
"I sought her out to help train me in the art of magic," Blaise explained. "That she did, but I never imagined the price of her service. No, she didn't control me, but I might as well have been her slave. It was almost the same thing. Only her slaves couldn't feel the horror and revulsion of what she was doing. I could."
"I see. Then you will tell us everything?", Black Diamond inquired.
"I'll tell you what I know, as long as you protect me from her. If she finds out I betrayed her... I don't even want to think about that."
"It's a deal."
"Our preparations are complete," one of the new Lady Darknesses stated. By visual inspection alone, Lord Evil could not tell which one was which. He stood beside Ashley who was the leader of newer ones by virtue of her length of service as Lady Darkness. It was only the Stone Crown she wore that differentiated her from the others. "We have gathered those magic items deemed useful to our missions."
The Lady Darkness that had spoken held up a small sack that contained numerous enchanted items such as rings, headbands, and wands. The other new Lady Darkness only had a few items. She wouldn't need as much help as her sister did to complete her mission.
"Very good," Ashley purred. "Vilsimbra will now introduce you to your assistants. General?"
Upon hearing her name, General Vilsimbra strode forth from the far side of the vast chamber, her dark green cloak twirling behind her. Following behind her were four other Ectolians.
"As you commanded, Empress, I have assembled a team of our finest operatives to assist you in your conquests," Vilsimbra eloquently stated with a bow of respect. "They are most skilled and eager to serve."
"Of course," Ashley commented offhandedly. The Ectolians had always served Lady Darkness without question. They were created to be the personal agents of the Empress. The need to serve the Empress was in their blood. There had been a few exceptions to that in the past, those Ectolians who had forsaken their heritage, but they had been hunted down and executed.
"This is Mira, Empress," General Vilsimbra continued. Mira wore dark purple leather over equally dark clothing. Her long silver hair was tied back into a ponytail. It provided a sharp contrast to her dark red eyes. Several blades were secured about Mira's body. "She is skilled in magic and in combat. I have selected her to go on the mission back to Earth."
"I am eager to serve and slay the enemies of the Empress," Mira intoned as she deeply bowed in respect. "Give me your commands."
One of the new Lady Darkness' stepped forward and eyed Mira over. Like all of her kind she was just barely five feet in height and had glossy jet-black skin. If Mira was nervous about being inspected by the Empress herself, or one of them at any rate, she did not show it.
"I approve, Vilsimbra," this Lady Darkness announced. "Come Mira, we depart for Earth immediately. There is much for you to do in service to your Empress. We have creatures to free and followers to recover."
"As you command, my Empress," Mira intoned. She obediently followed Lady Darkness to one side of the chamber. There the Empress cast a spell and the two winked out of the chamber in a flash of deep red light."
"The remaining operatives shall accompany you to the fourth world you've discovered, Majesty," Vilsimbra continued. "I present for your inspection and approval, the sorceress Ratana, her twin Katara who combines magic and swordplay, and Bethena who is skilled in reconnaissance and stealth."
While Lord Evil and Ashley watched, the remaining Lady Darkness strode forth to inspect her new charges. The fourth world that she and the others were going to be dispatched to was similar to Earth, but lacking in beings possessing superpowers. In spite of being the least powerful of the Lady Darknesses, the former Lady Zee would be facing lesser opposition to her efforts on that world.
Ratana had the classic look of a sorceress about her. She had long flowing white hair that ran down over her shoulders and fell below her waist. She wore an elegant, low cut black gown that reached all the way to the floor. The arms of the gown were flared and her eyes were black in color.
Katara, while being the twin of Ratana, was very different in appearance. Her white hair was closely cropped and exceptionally short. Katara wore black leathers for protection. A matching pair of swords was sheathed across her back.
Bethena wore dark red leathers and a matching cloak. Her white hair was shoulder length and her eyes were purple in color. Several daggers were concealed on her person along with several minor magic items.
"We live to serve," the three dangerous women told their Empress. "Death to the enemies of the Empress!"
"They will do, Vilsimbra," Lady Darkness casually remarked. "You will bear the full brunt of their failure should they disappoint me. Come, my faithful. We have us a world to conquer."
With that, the last of the new Lady Darknesses led her entourage away from the others. Once they were ready, another spell was cast and the quartet winked out of existence. Another Lady Darkness had been sent forth to conquer a new and unsuspecting world. Only Ashley, Lord Evil, and Vilsimbra now remained in the chamber.
"Do you require anything else, Majesty?", Vilsimbra inquired.
"No, my faithful general. You may return to your duties."
Vilsimbra bowed in respect and backed away from the Empress. The she turned and departed the chamber. There were always more duties for her to perform in service to the Empire. It was a role that provided her with much personal power. Vilsimbra relished that.
"Alone at last," Lord Evil said with a chuckle. He casually slipped his arms around Ashley. She smiled back and the two shared a kiss.
"It is good to finally be home, my love," Lady Darkness announced. "The natural order of things has been restored. The nightmare of being exiled on your Earth is now over. Now our plans for conquest can begin in earnest."
"Agreed. You seem to have everything well in hand thus far."
"Our plans have been nurturing for a very long time," Lady Darkness stated. Lord Evil couldn't be sure if she referred to her own plans or that of the being that coated her like a second skin. In the end, it really didn't matter. They were now one and the same.
"I am curious, however," Lord Evil stated. "You are here on Terra Nova, while one of the others has gone back to Earth and one to the fourth world. What of the third one? What plans have you for that Earth?"
"Even as we speak, my weapon is softening up the defenses of that world. Soon they will no longer be able to defend themselves. We shall move in and take control in one fell swoop. Shall we see how my plans are progressing?"
"By all means."
With a smug look on her face, Ashley began to cast a Spell of Transport. Upon its completion, she and Lord Evil had disappeared from Shadowhold.
