Mimi always felt safe in her mother's arms, and Blossom only held her when she was in danger. However, she didn't understand why it happened. Why people wanted to hurt her so bad when she's never done anything to provoke them into doing so. Her mother said she was a special girl with special powers and bad people wanted her powers for themselves, but Mimi couldn't see what was so great about them.
If anything, her mother was the amazing one. She's fought bad guys at Mimi's age without a sweat! Mimi had no control whatsoever over her own abilities. She could levitate a few things, yes, but her mother didn't allow her to use this ability without the supervision of an adult.
"Ma... what if something bad happens, and you're not there?" Mimi timidly whispered from under the pink covers of her bed, her mother's arm draped over her small form.
"I'll always be there for you," the Powerpuff replied with sincerity, running a hand through her daughter's long hair. "I promise."
o.o.o
"Miss me, kid?"
Hardly, scoffed Mimi, not hesitating to show her revulsion of the ghost hunter's sudden appearance. She could have sworn he was dead, though. Didn't Aku smash his suit with one swipe? That's what Chi told her anyways. Mimi was unconscious during the extermination.
He slipped Aku's grasp. He is a ghost.
I don't like this.
"Alright, listen up," Skulker started, placing his hands on his hips. "Human trafficking. You've kids heard of it, right? While it's not really my thing playing with kids like that, business is business. As long as I get paid, the customer can do whatever the hell he or she wants with you. I don't care, but word of advice: don't piss 'em off. These guys are capable of doing anything to you."
Mina was the first one, and really, the only one capable of speaking up. "Human trafficking? That stuff happens... here? In the Underworld?"
"'Course it does. It's Hell, and trust me, you're gonna wish you were above."
Suddenly staying with Skulker didn't sound so bad anymore. Mimi didn't want to be in the receiving line of child slavery. But it'll be hard for them to contain her for long. She's too strong, they'll slip- No, they'll know who you are, and the Devil Essence is the only reason your powers are manageable. They'll get it out. I'm assuming you don't know how to use the powers your mother gave you. That is if you inherited any... No. Mimi chewed the inside of her cheek. She really wished the voice would hurry up and save her. It was taking too long.
I don't know where you are, yet, and with such a weak link, I might not be able to sense you at all, so be prepared for anything.
Sense her? Mimi badly wanted to pull at her hair in frustration. She hated not knowing what was going on, and she had to cooperate with the enemy if she wanted answers.
"Let's go," Skulker said, loosening the ropes on Dina and replacing them with handcuffs. He moved towards Mina, and Mimi observed quietly, wondering if the little leech would take advantage of this moment to try and make a break for it. If she did and succeeded, Mimi would learn that the only threat were the ropes wrapped around her. But after that? Would Mina bother to untie Mimi so they can escape together? And what about Skulker? He's no easy obstacle. Mimi was sure of that.
"Don't even think about it!"
Just as Mimi predicted, Mina did try to make a move, but Skulker's grip on the vampire's wrist was surprisingly strong. He had an air of confidence as he held up a hissing Mina, strapping her hands with a different rope and upon contact, Mina screamed. Whatever it was had her thrashing in pain. Mina was feverishly scratching at her wrists, watching in horror when her skin burned and began to peel off.
"Rope's laced with vervain; shit's worst than garlic," the bounty hunter casually informed. "You heal quickly, that's why it's so effective 'cus it burns your skin again and again. Try not to move so much and it'll hurt less."
Mina stopped moving, but Mimi could still see her shaking a bit. The demon girl recalled Mina using her mist powers to evade one of her attacks when they first battled, but the magical plant must have an effect on her powers, weakening her status. Dina started crying again, but no one seemed to be paying any attention to her.
"I'm not untying you," retorted Skulker, flicking his gaze on Mimi. "I'll carry you out myself, but first..."
Skulker grinned, holding out his recent favorite weapon. It was the taser he used to knock Mimi down more than one occasion. "Remember this little guy?"
Mimi's shoulders slumped. This day couldn't get any worse.
o.o.o
When Mimi woke up again, the ropes were discarded on the ground next to her, but instead of wooden planks and a steel door, it was a cold, concrete floor she was resting on. Her stomach rumbled in hunger. She can't remember the last time Jeff fed her. How many days has it been?
She moaned. She could really go for a muffin right about now.
"Awake, eh?" another voice rasped, but this one was kind.
A hand appeared on her right eye of vision, and Mimi instantly jumped away. A spike of fear crawled over her when she realized her claws and red skin were gone. She frantically tried getting on her feet, swatting whenever the individual's arms tried to reach for her in order to get her to calm down.
"Don't be scared, don't be scared!" the new stranger exclaimed. "I will not hurt you! My name is Matilda... you are the Princess of Hell, yes?"
Mimi only blinked, but her swatting ceased.
"A pleasure, my lady," Matilda curtsied. She was a human brunette with purple hues, but the dress she was wearing looked more like dirty rags. "A shame you were brought in such a place... no child should suffer in slavery, but if you're lucky, your master may be kind to you... whoever he may be... or she."
I'm far too valuable, Mimi snapped, not caring in the slightest that Matilda flinched at her tone. She wasn't here to make friends. That much is obvious. What's your purpose?
"I-I apologize... I didn't mean... I'm a simple servant for my master..." began Matilda, but realization crossed her features that she was able to perfectly understand Mimi. "How did you-- you're a telepath!"
Not quite. Although Mimi will be careful from now on. It was too dangerous for someone like Matilda to know. Don't tell anyone or I will kill you.
Matilda gulped. "I wouldn't dream of it, but do be careful, princess. You're already at a high price as it is. If my masters knew..."
I know. Where am I?
"One of the many warehouses they own. Girls are kept in rows with only a small blanket and a pillow," she explained. "But you're a special case, so you get your own room with your own bed. I'm here to settle you in and help you bathe before the presentation."
Presentation? You mean the selling? There's no way they can pull this off.
Matilda shrinked away at Mimi's increasingly heated stare. "For your sake, I hope so. Your father has many enemies. If they are to successfully s-sell you, it wouldn't guarantee that whoever your master will be... will want to keep you alive."
I'll get out, Mimi calmly replied. She wasn't scared - suspicious and in high alert is another thing. She knew she wasn't messing with an ordinary pimp if they have the resources to rid of her demonic abilities. It must be larger organization with power and tactics. Such confidence in kidnapping a royal can't exist without good material. Lucky for her, she was raised by two highly intellectual beings. She wouldn't be fooled by someone who doesn't dare show their face. Except maybe this once.
She turned back to Matilda. Who is your master?
"I-I don't know his name, I would have to investigate," answered the older girl with a questioning look. "What for?"
Figure it out and report back to me. I will see you again, won't I?
Maybe... let's go clean you up, then I'll introduce you to the others."
Mimi didn't answer, but didn't put up a fight when she was led to the showers. She'd cooperate and figure out a way out. It would be easy, and if she had time, she'll pass by her favorite cafe and order a chocolate muffin.
o.o.o
AN. A Monday update as promised. The ending was going to be different, but I decided to cut it off and add it onto Chapter 3, and I do hope this chapter doesn't bite me in the butt.. hm. *squints*
Anyways, Matilda will have an important role, so keep an eye on her. ;p See ya hopefully next Monday.