A/N: Hello again lovelies- I do hope you enjoy this second installment! XD

-Thanks to "CrashdownBabe" for inspiring a scene in this chapter. Thanks Lovely!


""I wanted to see you again, touch you, know who you were, see if I would find you identical with the ideal image of you which had remained with me and perhaps shatter my dream with the aid of reality

Victor Hugo

0-o-0

She was finally asleep. Passed out on the luxurious bed - he chuckled before he pulled the covers over her. She was a little thing- not much meat to her so clearly she'd been freezing. She unconsciously burrowed deeper into the glossy fur but otherwise hadn't stirred.

He'd felt a twinge- minute as it was- of pity. She wasn't one to like not having control of a situation and here it had been made clear Blossom Utonium had no control over well anything.

And no doubt… it was driving her crazy.

In reality though- Blossom never had had it to begin with. None of them did.

Hence: She'd given up control as soon as she'd walked towards Brick in that fight, fists up and ready despite the glazed look in her eyes having been fueled by alcohol and misery.

But there had been something else as well behind that icy facade- a burning rage that despite the booze running through her system… had been beautiful all the same.

She'd continued to pace. Trying every available door and growing more frustrated it seemed the more they didn't work.

The dress she'd worn lay discarded on the floor- ripped to near shreds. Shame. He'd liked that one.

Brick admittedly was somewhat disappointed the evening had gone as he'd known it would. Brick would have loved the pleasure of being the one to instead rip those tiny red straps that had been taunting him that entire evening before bringing her to bed and staying there the whole night but… Brick was a realist.

She wasn't going to be an easy "catch" and fuck if he wanted her to be. She was exciting- scintillating and he'd been mesmerized watching her after the fact.

She'd ripped the gown off- and hacked away at it with her bare hands in a pure wild rage. Her usual carefully chosen words and actions had vanished and instead had been replaced by a lovely spontaneity and refreshing honesty in her sudden violence.

Sure, Mother also hadn't been pleased when the jewels Brick had left for her had been swept to the floor in the course of her temper tantrum but it was to be expected.

It had been breathtaking. A sight to behold. He hadn't been able to look away.

Brick stared at the scene now bemused. The entire room had been near destroyed but one area remained untouched and it made him near laugh out loud.

The vanity and the treasures within- those fine makeup brushes in their lovely case were the only survivors of her otherwise uncontrolled rage.

It was so absurd that it was funny. Truly hilarious.

She was fast asleep after all. Worn out from her tirade no doubt- the adrenaline rush had fizzled out. She didn't even stir when he sat by her side.

Her hair had a slight curl to it- he hadn't noticed before. The subtle wave added an overall natural elegance to her appearance. This hair was likely the envy of women everywhere… in its luster… and feel.

Like spun silk, as soft and pleasing to the touch as the actual red silk that had lined her body…

Red. He liked her in red…red like those lips… they were naturally red… swollen and plump… soft and…

He removed a strand of that vibrant hair from her mouth and brushed it away from her face in general. So silky smooth… her skin. He hadn't been able to get the taste of her out of his mind. That faint sugar sweetness to her nonetheless mixed with a sharp bite of spice… Delicious. He wanted more… no he needed more.

He was like a man starved. Addicted. Craving her skin like a dog craves a thick juicy bone. He needed to taste her again. Preferably in this room. Unclothed, with her clinging to him as they made love from morning to night- night to day.

Making love… the idea. Taking a woman and instead of the animalistic claiming he was used to… simply lying with her instead, caressing every inch of her, exploring and discovering all her secrets…while she explored and ultimately discovered his.

It was unheard of. But he'd dreamed of it all night regardless.

Blossom Utonium lying there barely covered by those silken sheets, streams of fire spilling out around her, around him- reaching out for him…

As Equals…

As...Lovers

His hand hovered over those petal lips, just a taste… just one but-... No.

He pulled away.

He was getting distracted. He'd come here for a reason. There'd be plenty of time later for… this.

His mission however- took priority. He looked at the envelope again before leaving it on the pillow by her side on the bed.

Which would be his soon enough.

0-o-0

Part II: Thirteen Hours

0-o-0

Blossom,

I understand why you're upset so I have a plan- meet me at-.

The letter was crumpled and tossed in the garbage. Blossom glared at it for good measure. While she longer had heat vision in of itself perhaps the sheer fire in her gaze itself would cause it to burst into flames!

She glared at her reflection too. The room was back to rights. As if her rage last night had never occurred…

And the sight made Blossom furious.

He "understood" did he? Oh really now? How very convenient. If he was so "understanding" then why the fuck was she still here versus deposited back in her freezing apartment to begin waiting for her foolish boyfriend who if this volcanic problem was indeed accurate about to be in need for a new bed!

If not a new place to live.

But no- instead she'd woken up still in this fancy prison cell. Even those insulting bribes with pretty jewelry had returned. She glared at the gilded box on the table surrounded by other elaborate bribes with nothing but disgust.

As if Blossom would ever sink so low!

She would never ever agree to this! Ever! He was better off killing her-!

… Except… no she couldn't die yet. Her sisters… her sisters needed her and the city…

God knows what they all were doing now without her to guide them. To get them out of this!

She slumped in the chair and covered her face with her hands. This… this wasn't going to be easy.

Every single door was locked and locked tight.

She had no idea what else was out there.

And she had no idea where the hell she even was.

… He had called it… Hell but…

Could it really be true? Could she be in…?

No. Not Blossom Utonium. Not her. She wouldn't be here. She had no reason to be here-! She didn't belong in-!

Tap. Tap. Tap.

She swirled the powder listlessly before applying it to her face. It was an oddly therapeutic thing with her… applying makeup. Focusing only on the subtle blending and mixing needed for a proper job. It helped soothe her nerves and ready herself for the day ahead…

She stared balefully in the mirror. Her eyes were bloodshot and her skin was pale. She'd raged and destroyed and finally had passed out.

At least the remains of that loathsome dress had been removed- everything else was back but she never had to see that red nightmare again!

In fact she hated red. Everything about it. Now and forever.

Case in point she shuddered and snapped the red hued blush shut immediately. The camel hair brush instead went into the subtle peach then swirled onto the apple of her cheek.

She wasn't looking for an aroused look after all. Never.

Her finger trailed her lip.

...never.

Now for eyes. Subtly was key- a simple blended natural look with a highlight of gold to emphasize the pink.

Makeup was a balance one had to see. It was a delicate art of achieving a blend of perfect balance and shade. Too much would erase one color, too little would hide another. Her mind was sharp and alert from the very moment she tapped the first brush.

It wasn't like… well she did have a choice but as she knew… everyone had a vice and makeup… as well as breaking routine was her's. It was the one "no-no" in her life…

How pathetic did that sound? She was likely going to get fired too for not calling out because who knew how long she'd been here at this point. Except well maybe her father wouldn't let that happen…maybe? At least without fighting for her?

Would he? Would it matter?

Was her boyfriend still alive?

… Was he still her boyfriend?

Dexter had loathed her routine in the morning. Called it a waste of time. She was naturally attractive why did she seek out more attention on herself?

… Naturally it had also been fueled by insecurity and doubt on his end. She'd obviously wanted, "to look pretty for other men!" - Nonsense but perhaps that was reason she'd never gotten her brushes…

Until now.

Blossom sighed and took her next brush- the contour brush and carefully began to blend. She assessed her job so far.

Powder fine. Eyes fine. Contouring in progress - lips…

Her lips were still bare. They just needed the light touch- they looked rather full today-.

Those red eyes smoldered in her direction- her breathing quickened and that hand cupped her face before biting hard on her bottom lip-.

She bit her lip and then shook her head quickly.

Nude gloss it was.

No red for her- never red. Never again.

"Having fun there?" She froze in mid stroke but didn't make any further move as he strolled over. She tapped a brush only and leaned over to apply the second step.

"Don't interrupt me." She said simply. "This is very precise." Quick. Succinct. To the point. Don't acknowledge him- he will go away.

He folded his arms and cocked his head like a simpleton but didn't go away. Damn it. Instead the ass peered at her over her shoulder into her reflection.

What are you doing to your nose?"

"It's called contouring."

"Ah. And that is-?"

"It's shading to sculpt your face. It's complicated don't bother trying to figure it out you'll fail."

He blinked. "Oh… uh cool."

"No it's not." She arched her neck back to reach the underside of her chin. You're simply saying that to try to put me in a false sense of security. I know your tricks."

Again he just blinked like a fool.

"I don't get it why are you-?"

Of course he didn't. She rolled her eyes. "I'll stop you right there as I've heard this all before." She cleared her throat daintily and turned in her chair. "Oh a pretty girl like you doesn't need makeup- who are you trying to impress? Is it me? It better be me." She recited dryly before she turned back around to the mirror. "I actually find doing my make up quite calming in fact it's quite fun."

He blinked for a third time and then shrugged, pulling a chair over and plopping himself next to her. "Oh alright then. Looks good."

She slowed her application. "That's it?"

"What's it?" He was examining the cases with a feigned interest- and also looked completely lost- she raised an eyebrow and plucked the blush case from his clumsy paw before he broke it.

"No protestations? No- "You don't need it! Stop wasting your time on such mindless-!" She trailed. "... Never mind."

Brick snorted, "Ahhh- Yeah okay Babe, I'm not some insecure little dweeb. You like makeup- so what?" He leaned back and rested his hands behind his neck. "And you're damn good at it too it looks like." He smirked. Her face warmed but she kept her gaze forward and focused on the blending.

"So… contouring. Sounds uh… interesting-."

She snorted. "Again Brick- don't bother. I'm not going to fall for any pathetic schemes."

"Oh I know Babe." He put his palms up. "Just it looks… complicated. Can't be easy." She stiffened when he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "But you're making it look like a breeze… no shock though." That piece was twisted around his finger. "You are brilliant."

Another swirl in the brush. "Don't try to butter me up with false compliments. I'm not marrying you. As soon as I finish my face I'll be escaping here with my sisters-."

Her voice was calm. The hysterical panic of yesterday was gone. Thank God. He frowned in her reflection but she didn't care.

She'd been taken by surprise yesterday- a horrified surprise. Now however, she was ready.

The commander and leader was finishing her mask- the face of the pink Powerpuff Girl. Flawless and sculpted.

Nothing could stand against her.

Even the Rowdyruff said nothing more he only released her (thank God) and returned to his chair to continue fiddling with cosmetics.

He looked completely lost- any other man it would have arguably been adorable. He just looked more like a fool than usual. Case in point he was holding the blush compact upside down. Fool.

Blossom grabbed it back and gave him a withering look- snapping it open and closed with a raised eyebrow. He looked sheepish.

Again, it wasn't fair- on any other man that expression would be adorable. She was stuck however with a wretched blundering buffoon.

She reached out and grabbed the nude color lip stain.

"Why not this one?" Brick commented idly- playing with another small tube again. She frowned.

"Red can be garish. I don't wear it." She snatched it back. He blinked. "Though of course you'd like that wouldn't you… last night certainly showed that."

He bristled. "Look- I was a bit… forward I get that-."

"Dressing me up like some kind of mafia slut - giving me no choice but to entertain some sick fantasy of yours." She popped the nude shade open and began applying. "Mmhm. Yes Brick- somewhat forward- I'd agree."

"You rocked that dress." He muttered.

"That doesn't mean I liked it."

"Noted."

She scowled and pursed her lips. One more coat and-.

"You liked the kiss though."

The tube went smearing off her bottom lip forming a jarring peachy line to the base of her right cheek. Ruined.

He looked infuriatingly smug. "You did- I can sense it in a woman."

She grabbed a napkin and dabbed the stripe away- she'd have to redo her lips. Bastard.

"In your perverse little mind you do."

"No… see." He stood up and she stiffened at his approach. "You liked it." His breath scalded her ear. She clutched the arm rests.

"I most certainly did not."

"Nope." He popped the p'- "You did. You kissed me back. Don't deny it."

Her grip on the armrests tightened.

Badum. Badum.

"A coward would deny it. I acknowledge it happened- but I also can tell you it won't happen again." She said quietly.

"For now."

"For-ever."

At least he seemed to accept that truth. He only gave a short nod and returned to his own chair.

"So, tell me about this grand escape plan you must already have. How do you intend to leave a place when you don't even know the name of it?" He cocked his head like a simpleton with an even stupider look on his face. A look of feigned "innocence"- she despised this man. Truly she did.

"Do you think me a fool?" She said dryly and pursed her lips again.

"We're all fools at least once in our lives." He retorted smoothly.

"Oh?" Her lip curled somewhat even as she applied the new coat. "So you acknowledge you're a fool then? Huh- makes my life easier." She murmured.

He laughed a low deep laugh, on another less irksome man it would almost have been pleasing to listen to. "Doesn't that make me a better person then? Better to acknowledge the fact I've been a fool then hide any insecurities I have as a man by hiding behind false compliments." She didn't react this time to the obvious jab. "Or in a volcano." He said simply. "Can't say any of the stupid shit I've done tops making a volcano erupt."

There. Complete. She frowned… this wasn't as nude as she would have liked. There were some red-... Berry undertones in it. Oh well. It wasn't like she picked these colors anyway.

"I was under the impression an actual eruption was averted." She wiped her brushes down after dipping them in a convenient glass of water before tucking them carefully back into the case. "Don't worry though, Dexter will be taken to the proper authorities upon my return. His "mad scientist" phase will be over." Blossom stood and patted her lap of any excess powder off her bathrobe.

Brick stood as well. She frowned.

"You are aware I'm about to get changed and you're not going to be in here when I do correct?" She said dryly.

He nodded, "Of course Babe, just like you're aware the Einstein wannabe is no longer your or anyone's problem- except anyone living near the volcano- that smell will probably pervade for days." he beamed.

She stiffened, "Oh I see." Calm, collected. Don't let it faze her. She strolled over to the wardrobe smoothly. "Let me guess- Butch lost his temper and threw him in? Lovely way to go- by the way if there are nothing but more mafia dame dresses in here I'll be very upset."

His palm suddenly went against the door. His hand on his hip and a big grin on his face as he barred her from opening the wardrobe. "Pushed him in actually. The idiot tried fighting me. Tried sending me in the lava. Not that it would have done anything… but I was wearing my favorite jacket so…"

Blossom stiffened more. Her brow rose. "So Butch pushed him?"

"Brotherly loyalty Babe… I can imagine Buttercup would do the same no?"

FUCK OFF AND MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS YOU BUSY BODY BITCH

"...Of course." She said idly. Brick nodded but still didn't move away from her wardrobe. "Out." She said calmly.

"I'll be a good boy. See." He turned clear around. She rolled her eyes. He was facing the mirror.

"I had a boyfriend in college and many admirers regardless- I know that trick- you want to stand here then face the other wall." She pointed. He bristled but nonetheless actually did as he was told.

No more mafia dresses greeted her thank God and she grabbed a random shirt off the rack, a pair of jeans was in the bottom, folded primly with even a pair of sneakers somehow in her size.

She dressed quickly- keeping a sharp eye on the Rowdyruff Boy who insisted on invading her privacy but he didn't even move. Tch, a pervert with manners? Now she'd seen everything.

"All set?" The voice was directly in her ear and - wait how had he-!?

Her eyes popped open and she jumped back startled- with a shoe half on of course the inevitable trip occurred and oh wasn't this cliché- he grinned down at her.

"Have a nice-?"

"Don't." She put a finger up. "Do not finish that statement- help me up and then take three steps back. Go."

Again, oddly enough he listened to her and did exactly as she said. Again… odd. A perverted jailer… who nonetheless had manners.

"So heading out then?" He folded his arms.

"As soon as I figure out what's keeping our powers at bay- then yes. Are you not planning on stopping me?"

He shrugged, "Can I though?" Another shake of the head. "You're pretty stubborn and my head still hurts from all the glass I had to pull out of it last night soooo-."

She flinched. She didn't know why. It served him right to have glass in his head!

"Although…."

And here we go.

"Before you - you know- run into a suicide mission head first I might have another way for you to get out of here with that beautiful head of yours still intact."

Silence.

"...Oh?"

He nodded, looking so damn proud of himself and he extended a hand. "I want to show you something. You trust me?"

Trust him?! Had he gone bonkers-?! Wait of course he had- with this crazy marriage scheme of his but-!

"You expect me to trust you." She said dryly.

He threw her another smirk, "You'll like it." He baited. "So c'mon Babe just trust me."

She highly doubted that. All she would like around here was a handy dandy door leading back to her normal blasé life.

Where here was. She had no clue. She'd read Dante. She'd read Greek mythology but there was no set kind of "Hell"...

So how to find her way out… without…

...help.

He was still standing there with his hand extended to her like a dope. Her eyes narrowed. "I don't trust you….Not in the slightest." She averted her gaze. "But show me anyway."

0-o-0

His grip on her hand was firm and he'd laced their fingers together much to her chagrin. He was also like a damn burr, no matter how many times she tried to shift her fingers free he just tangled them more. Fool.

Maybe he wasn't a pervert. Maybe he was just an idiot.

Case in point he stopped in front of yet another large looming door. This was becoming almost cliché at this point. She frowned and admittedly somewhat jealously watched him open the monstrous door with ease with one hand. Must have been nice to not have one's powers stolen from them.

Brick pulled her in the room with ease- again not fair- and… whoa.

Not to… seem even more cliché but...whoa.

The room was huge and while no screens were on these walls Blossom was nonetheless looking outside? Wait- how the-?

The large shelves loomed high above her.

"Is this a…?" She began.

"Library. Yeah kind of. Him… likes to collect shit like this. Most of its in dead languages so you can't read it… I got through the Roman stuff-." He pointed. She blinked but took one of the scrolls he handed her. "But they're kind of full of themselves… makes for a boring read."

Her eyes widened.

"You… read Latin?!" She demanded.

He looked at her over his shoulder. "I do have a genius level IQ. School just bored me. Standardized tests and memorization… whoopty fucking doo." He waved it off.

He… had a point one could argue sure but…

Brick turned her around. "The more modern scrolls are over there- the books are through there." He pointed to an archway that hadn't been there a moment ago.

"One… could spend a lifetime here and never…" She breathed.

"... Well yes and no. A lot of the ancient stuff is infuriating. Wrong science and shit- you don't want that. The scholars are okay I guess- philosophy." He shrugged. "It's alright. You just… have to pace yourself." He trailed. "Make the time go faster or slower depending on… you know."

She was silent but then turned her gaze from him. "... Would I be wrong in saying neither Butch nor Boomer spend much time in here?"

He was quiet for a moment. The look he gave her was odd. He seemed surprised (?) She frowned but just as quickly that incorrigible smirk was back. "Tch. No. They got their own shit."

"... I see." She murmured.

The two of them stared at each other for a moment silently- it was impossible to tell what he was thinking and on her end…

The odd moment passed anyway and he finally let go of her hand in front of large platform of sorts in the middle of the room. A very high platform.

"Want a lift?" He smirked. "I'll carry you over the threshold with pleasure."

She paused. "... And with that I'm gone."

Back down she went and he descended. "It was a joke."

"Ha...Ha." She said dryly. Being leader sucked sometimes- no it really did. Oh how she would have loved to have punched this belligerent asshole in the face!

He at least looked somewhat sheepish.

"In all seriousness though- you want a ride?"

She grabbed the ladder. "No thank you." Blossom sniffed. "I'm more than capable on my own."

"Suit yourself."

Brick floated on up higher while begrudgingly she climbed the nearby ladder. Show off.

It wasn't that high- just a few feet is all! Just a few… stories off the ground. How long had she been climbing?

"Sure you don't want that ride?"

"I'm quite sure thank you." She grunted. Couldn't be much more. Just a few more rungs. Just a few.

…. damn it.

"... Fine." She muttered and of course the fool heard it. He was immediately at her side arms outstretched.

"You rang Babe?"

She hesitated they'd… gone much higher than she'd thought- she couldn't even see the floor anymore (!) - How the-?!

Her grip on the rung increased and Brick cocked his head. She looked away - not at the ground, the off putting missing ground but-.

"I swear if one threshold joke comes out of you I'll bash your head in as soon as I get my powers back." She muttered.

He grinned before he scooped her up as she yelped and- OH GOD WHY WAS THIS SO HIGH?!

Her grip tightened by sheer survival instinct. He was infuriatingly smug - but that Cheshire grin at least didn't give way to irritating innuendos or anything of the like. He only floated up serenely while she clung to his neck for dear life.

Means to an end. Means to an end.

Finally they reached the top (?) and Blossom had never been so relieved to see solid ground in her life!

Though… what was this? All she saw was another large sofa- a table and some weird sculpture- what the hell-?

PLOP - OOF!

Brick walked casually towards the sofa she'd just been tossed onto like she was some kind of rag doll!

"You never said anything about throwing you over it." He said simply with another shrug.

Oh… this… wretched little-!

She flew up. "You-! You! This better not be a trick! I've seen this movie! There better not be some creepy little goblin man waiting behind that thing over there to "marry us" or whatever!"

"Relax Babe. It was just a joke-." He rolled his eyes. "Besides- like you'd get a "Hole in the wall" fiasco like that." He shrugged.

"I am not marrying you!" She shrilled.

"I get that woman! Calm down before all your makeup melts off or whatever." She bristled and he sighed. "Look. This isn't going to be easy okay- Mother wants us married- He doesn't like when His plans are challenged… we have to be smart about this- so just… I dunno- sit your pretty little ass down and…" He trailed.

She frowned. "What?"

He blinked and shook his head slightly, "Nothing- you just got a nice pert little ass there-." Blossom's cheeks flared, "kind of wish I could have gotten a closer look but from what I saw in the mirror…. I liked what I saw." He grinned and wait… mirror-?! Oh that- THAT-!

With another yelp she grabbed a pillow and clutched it to herself. Cheeks burning… irritation slowly turning to rage-!

"You- Y-Youuuuu!"

Brick didn't seem fazed he only walked over to that weird sculpture. "As I was saying… Beating Mother isn't usually recommended … or wise but… there is one thing He likes more than terrorizing that lame ass city of yours- it's lame. No offense but seriously it's lame and you know it."

She kept her look away from him. She wasn't even going to acknowledge him. Let that… that no good peeping Tom just blabber on away-! The moment his back was turned he was going over the edge! Yes he was-! No good pervert! The indecency! The-! The-! Oh she was going to-! The second her powers were back-!

Her murderous thoughts were interrupted.

"But what Him does like is a challenge. A game." Brick murmured. "You knew this already of course- remember the Diner?"

Blossom stiffened, "Last I checked… that was both before your time… and all over a breakfast bill." She said slowly.

Brick blinked, blinked again and then threw his head back… and laughed.

"BABE! Are you - are you kidding me- Blossom, Blossom." He strode over and took her hand and put it to his mouth without her permission mind you (!). "You're beautiful." Kiss. "You're brilliant" Kiss. "You're witty." Kiss.

"Well… Well yes I… I know this." She said awkwardly from the sudden barrage of compliments pouring from this admittedly somewhat… minutely…barely noticeably… attractive enemy's mouth… this rather warm mouth… um… umm….

"But fucking hell are you naive." He breathed. Kiss.

The slight glow she had started to feel from the wave of compliments immediately dissipated and she scowled before yanking her hand away. She sat up straighter and fixed him with an icy look. "I beg your pardon?"

He wasn't cowed at all. "You're naive Babe. C'mon do you seriously think that entire debacle was seriously over some overpriced pancakes?"

"... Him was always a wild card." She began but again he silenced her with a finger to her lips.

"Professor Utonium knew some bad shit was starting to happen in Townsville Blossom, some bad shit- and he didn't want you girls to be involved with it." The Rowdyruff Boy- as in one member of said aforementioned bad shit took her hand again without permission. "That whole thing was a front and you know it." He gave her hand a squeeze. "You're too smart not to."

….. Indeed she was. But… one… one problem at a time. Right now her priorities were on finding her sisters and then finding a way out of here.

He was rubbing small circles in the underside of her palm and she pulled her hand away and instead turned back to the odd sculpture. It was strange but the shape… reminded her of something… for all it being just one giant marble stone…

Still though, how very… peculiar. It was smooth and cool to the touch but… something was nonetheless… off about it.

"... Brick what is this?" She asked him again. "This isn't a regular sculpture is it?"

He was silent but in a few strides he was at her side. "Mother isn't pleased with me. But I managed to convince Him this was owed to you. Everyone who comes here is always given a shot. A chance for a way out. Some take it- others don't."

She froze. Her mind racing with all the possibilities… she remembered that day- that dreadful day where they had raced around performing mindless task after mindless task- it had taken all three of them to ultimately conquer the Demon's riddles… and in the end they had still…

She wouldn't face him, she only stared straight ahead at the odd sculpture.

"And how many have won?"

Brick stuck his hands in his pockets. "None." So simply. So… nonchalantly. "Absolutely no one."

"...I see."

The silence seemed to increase, and it was near suffocating. Say something…. Damn it say something! For someone who was just a constant chatterbox a few scant moments ago now he chose to stay silent! She clenched her fists and then took a deep breath.

"Well then, I suppose I'll simply be the first." She said simply.

Brick still wouldn't look at her. "You're asking for the challenge then?" He sounded so damn serious it was… a little discomfiting to be honest. She nodded.

"Yes. I would like to take the challenge." Blossom said grandly. Without fear. Because she wasn't! Afraid she meant- just… Say something damn it!

Brick exhaled slowly, "...Like clockwork." He murmured with a slight curl to his lips. She raised an eyebrow but before she could question him further-.

CRACK. CRACK.

The whole room (?) seemed to shake then and grabbed the nearest solid object- immediately released the Rowdyruff Boy a moment later and managed to grab hold of the damn sculpture. Brick didn't seem fazed of course- but then again he could just float off the damn floor and- HEY!

He held Blossom to his side, as the statue suddenly began to crumble… her eyes widened and she felt her jaw begin to drop. Brick's grip only tightened. The white marble went crashing to the ground revealing the gilt hidden underneath. As more and more marble crashed to the floor, it became apparent that the odd shape had indeed been familiar for a reason.

She was looking at a monstrous… hourglass. Huge and stately- golden and encrusted with jewels of every shade one could think of, but around it was a dark demonic stone gargoyle of sorts- decoration only- or at least she hoped- its claw was holding the top dome, where the snow white sand lay in wait.

It was both lovely… astoundingly lovely… and absolutely terrifying to behold.

"What?" She whispered. "What is-." Brick set her down and removed his jacket.

"That's your timer." He shook the coat out before setting it on her shoulders.

"My...timer?" She shivered. Funny, she hadn't realized it but indeed it had gotten colder in here. Odd. She hugged the jacket closer regardless of the giver. "Timer for what? What's going-?"

"You asked to take the challenge and now you're going to. Mother isn't pleased by the delay but like I masterfully argued it's only fair and the laws of this world-." He turned her towards the hourglass.

"Laws?" Blossom raised an eyebrow. He snorted.

"We're not barbarians Babe- we do have laws down here and the law states anyone who wishes to undergo the challenge has to be allowed to do so."

She looked up at large hourglass- where the gargoyle's clawed hand seemed to be raising. Her eyes widened. Brick looked up right alongside her and flashed her a smirk. "Luckily for you though Babe-."

He pulled her even closer and only her hand on his chest kept him from invading her personal bubble even more than he already was-!

"I not only risked my hide in getting this challenge for you…. But I also got you extra time." He said lowly.

Blossom's eyes darted to the large hourglass, and then back to the Rowdyruff Boy.

"... What?" But… why would he help her in what essentially an escape from him?

"Most challengers get twelve hours- half a day to complete it." A chill went up her spine. "You however- I managed to negotiate on your behalf for more time." His grip tightened and she whirled around to face him.

"More time?" She repeated. "How much-!" He raises an eyebrow and she paused. She sounded… a bit too eager. That wouldn't do. Blossom took a breath, and put on her best "hero" face. "How much time was allotted to me I meant to say."

He leaned in to her once again invading her private space and-!

"Thirteen hours." He murmured.

Her chest clenched and for a moment the world seemed to spin.

"Thirteen… Thirteen-?! How is that any sort of-?!" Her voice went higher than she would have liked but-!

Thirteen hours to negotiate what for sure was going to be some sort of hellish exercise in wits, brawn and … what had Bubbles done in that Diner incident again…? The three of them had barely… How was this -?!

"Most challengers get twelve. Mother wanted to give you none- I got you an extra hour." Brick murmured in her ear. "Much to my own peril had anything gone bad, but you were worth it-." That warm breath from this… this well-seasoned Casanova scalded her ear again. "Blossom."

She pulled away and turned from him. Hiding the small gulp- not caused by him or his actions obviously but-!

Thirteen hours…. thirteen hours wasn't a lot… and… wait… own peril?

She turned back.

"Him is… displeased with you?" She murmured. Brick stiffened for a moment but then once again only shrugged that devil may care shrug and threw her another nonchalant, lazy smirk at her.

"Mother is a bit cranky… yes. But He'll get over it." She flinched by sheer instinct. His eyebrow rose.

"What's this? Worried about me Babe?"

"As a fellow human… minutely." She admitted. "Not even remotely close to being anything more than an afterthought-."

He looked absolutely delighted regardless. "But yet I am in your thoughts."

Badum. Badum.

"You can choose to see it that way but-." She inhaled sharply, those hands wrapped clear around her waist and she was pulled back first into a hard chest.

Badum. Badum. Badum.

"I can hear your heartbeat." The whisper sent shivers down her body. She curled her fists. "Badum. Badum." he began tapping her stomach to the rhythm. "So fast Babe…" he commented simply. "Why is that?"

She squeezed her eyes shut. "Release me please."

He did so. She almost stumbled. Blossom hadn't been expecting him to actually listen(?)

"... Thank you?" What exactly she was thanking him for she didn't know but Brick's smirk increased and he gave her another mocking bow.

"Like I said Babe, at your service." A wink. "With everything."

She folded her arms, "that won't be necessary." She said through gritted teeth with warming cheeks. Wretched… somewhat attractive… foolish… villain with unfairly warm breath!

…Damn it. She backed away somewhat. "So….thirteen hours." She tapped her foot. "That's not…a lot."

Brick's brow rose again.

"N-Not… that it's a big deal! I mean-!" She gave a small laugh. "As if the commander and leader would let something… so… so paltry get in the way of… of…" She cleared her throat.

Brick pushed himself off the wall and gave her a long look. "Hey, think of it this way - you have extra time that most people don't get…" another shrug. "Gives you some… breathing room then right?"

She paused. She tapped her foot listlessly, "... of course." She finally answered quietly. "But still though! That… isn't a lot-?" She continued to protest even while his hand went on her shoulder and fixed the collar of the coat she was still wearing.

… Why was she still wearing this again? He smoothed the heavy fabric from her shoulders all the way down her arms, his far too warm breath invading her personal space mind you (!) and…

"Yeah, you know I bet it'd be easier to just… I dunno- call this whole thing off. You still can you know." The hair on the back of her neck stood as he breathed silkily in her ear. "Just say the word, and we can forget about this whole thing."

"...in exchange for surrendering myself to servitude." She muttered.

"Hey now, who ever said anything like that- I never did."

She frowned, "It was basically implied." She muttered before she started to walk closer to the hourglass. It loomed high above her, the gargoyle's claw… had also moved.

"Thirteen hours…" She repeated. "Thirteen hours for what?"

"Find your sisters. Find the exit. Find yourself. Beat Mother at his own game." Again that voice was low and she clutched the coat around her tighter.

"I see…"

He took her by shoulders, "Keep your guard up Babe. This is no diner. There's no going back." he said ominously serious.

"I understand."

"Do you?"

"... Yes. I understand there's no going back. Only forward. I am prepared for whatever may come out of it."

He stared at her briefly before finally he nodded and even chuckled a bit. " I should also tell you however...you always have the option of throwing in the towel. I negotiated that for you too."

Badum. Badum

"... That isn't necessary."

"Oh I know… but I got it for you regardless- who knows what's going to happen in there Babe. Anything could really."

"...I can do anything if I set my mind to it... I'm a Powerpuff Girl."

She pulled away from his grasp and both of them walked towards the hourglass where that claw was rising higher and higher. She gulped discreetly, thankfully Brick didn't seem to notice- or at least chose not to comment on it.

"What a horrid looking…." She shuddered. The gold on the glass was being shadowed by the growing dark claw of the gargoyle. The pristine white sand was beginning to shift. It was a striking contrast though.. She frowned. "... Well perhaps the better word is… unique." She murmured.

"Mother is rather fond of that piece actually. Holds the sand that is everyone's fate in there you know. So…you ready?" Huh? He gestured before them.

The claw rose up then lifting the sand and now there was a space open between the two domes. It made a semblance of an archway even.

...Well then. She took a deep breath before she began to remove the jacket off her shoulders but it was pressed back on.

"Keep it." He murmured and then once again he leaned into her ear. "You're going to need it."

Her face warmed, as he'd said it his other hand had lingered on the curve of her waist and started rubbing small circles though her shirt as he held her from behind- that claw was rising higher and higher.

"Oh… is it cold where I'm going?" She hissed. Another low chuckle.

"Don't know Babe- that's up to you." She frowned but he didn't elaborate on that point, instead he went back to his old standby. "Now you're sure you don't want to just… call this whole thing off?"

She clenched the jacket closer.

The portal because that's exactly what this was she realized finally seemed to be pulsing, almost having a pull towards it of its own regard. She took a tentative step towards it.

Thirteen hours… only thirteen…

"No judgement if you do Babe. Just say the word and we can just move on with our lives… start with our wedded bliss."

Blossom stiffened her shoulders before turning to him with a hand on her hip.

"Tch." tossed her hair back and stepped away from him and put her nose in the air, "This'll be a piece of cake. Watch and learn Rowdyruff. I'll be back in an hour. Two at most."

He raised his eyebrow before his mouth slid into another crooked smile. Odd. "Heh- That's my girl." He gave her a strangely gentle push forward.

Again… his behavior was… odd. Very odd. It didn't make much sense… it made her somewhat ominously curious actually.

What was he up to…?

One moment he'd been spouting about "inevitability" and "no one can beat Mother!" - But… yet he goes up to bat for her? His worst enemy and…

Curiouser… and Curiouser.

She gave him another odd look over her shoulder but he just threw her a wave. Not a care in the world.

Well then...perhaps she had more than mystery… paltry and insignificant of course (!) - As if she cared what was going on in that brainless skull for any reason except strategy!

Her finger trailed over her lip subconsciously but thankfully she'd caught before he saw-!

She cast one more look behind her to be sure but… he was already gone.

Well then… c'mon Blossom. Chin up. Commander and Leader- save the world… before bedtime.

Blossom approached the portal and-the crack was loud and she felt the sprinkled sand begin to fall on her head.

… She closed her eyes.

0-o-0

Thirteen hours in all

For a task none too small

Discover the truths hidden within them all

0-o-0

To be Continued...


Thanks as always for reading lovelies! Stay Tuned for:

Part III: Roulette