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

Author's Notes: What you are about to read is the first part of my own ideas for what the third season of W.I.T.C.H. could have been. This is based off of the cartoon, not the books or comics, about which I know nothing at all.

Prologue: The Dark Watchers

All through the war the spies were there. Slipping from shadow to shadow, watching, observing. The battle between Prince Phobos and the Guardians stretched on for many months, yet through it all they observed and waited. By the time Elyon was freed and Phobos imprisoned in the infinite city, they decided their data was complete. A silent call went forth from the leader, and they quickly gathered in the tunnels south of Torus Filney.

Aljax, entrusted with command of their mission, removed from his cloak a small triangular crystal, which he held aloft. Moments later a green portal opened in the veil. One by one the spies filed through. As was proper for one in command, Aljax passed through last, and the portal closed.

Safely back in his own world, Aljax hastened to the palace. His Empress welcomed him into the throne room with a smile, a terrible smile filled with madness and hunger. "Have you learned what we needed to know little one?"

"Yes, Dark Queen." He replied. "We observed the five guardians throughout their battle with Phobos, from their first arrival in Meridian, until the Prince's ultimate defeat. We have learned everything there is to know about the power each of them possesses. And, as an added bonus, we acquired some impressive data on the powers possessed by the new Meridian queen, Elyon."

"Excellent. For this loyal service, Aljax, I will let you live. Leave the data for me and go before I decide I'm hungry and change my mind."

Aljax ran. He honestly hadn't expected to survive delivering the intelligence on the Guardians. The Queen allowed so few to live. Perhaps he could now hope to be a part of the battle when the assault on Kandrakar's champions began. Aljax smiled at the thought…