I do not own the Powerpuff girls or any of the characters related to the cartoon. They all belong to Craig McCracken.

Chapter 9:Unwanted Acquaintance

Buttercup stirred in her sleepy state, and opened her eyes slowly. After adjusting her vision she could see she was under some tall tree. Buttercup turned her head to the right and saw a sleeping Blossom breathing evenly with a bandaged head. Buttercup then groaned as she felt exhaustion hit her body at once.

"Butters.. you're awake?", a happy Boomer peered at her face smiling way to close for her comfort.

"Boomer...where are we? what happened?" Buttercup managed to say weakly.

"We're at the river bank, but don't worry we are safe", Boomer said reassuringly as he offered her some water.

"Some guy saved you from drowning, and helped me with Blossom" Boomer commented

"huh?",Buttercup managed to pronounce in confusion while Boomer pointed towards her left.

She looked in that direction ,and saw the back of a man sitting close to the river. She only managed to distinguish the man wearing a black hat and a black duster coat. The man turned around and walked towards her direction,and stopped a couple of feet in front of her. Buttercup couldn't distinguish his features very well since her mind was still a little foggy.

"I see you're awake "a husky voice commented .

The voice sounded familiar to Buttercup and was sure she knew it, but was to tired to think.

The man got closer to Buttercup's spot and the ravenette gasped as she recognized that face. Her face instantly changed it into a scowl;It was that traitor she swore to take revenge upon.

"Butch!", Buttercup said bitterly

"Hey there not happy to see me eh?" Butch said teasing.

"Why would I be happy of seeing a lying, backstabbing, traitorous jerk" Buttercup spat venomously and she could have sworn she saw sadness cross the man's face.

"Butterfly calm down",Butch said in a calm tone

"Don't call me like that don't ever dare to call me like that again in your life", Buttercup said angry as she sat up and looked at Butch with hate in her eyes.

"Calm down Butters whatever happened between you guys couldn't have been too bad..so please lie back", Boomer smiled trying to calm the girl, but regretting what he said once he looked at the girl's s murderous stare.

Couldn't be so bad?...really Boomer? this guy left me to rot in jail", Buttercup said angry.

"And you!"Buttercup said directing her at Butch.

"You can go do whatever you want. You've already helped so you can now scram" Buttercup said directing her gaze at Butch.

"Buttercup...",Boomer mumbled, but the ravennette sent him a glare daring him to speak.

"Listen Butterf...cup I understand you, but if you want me to leave then I'll do as you say" Butch said.

"Yes that's what I want you to do. Just leave!" Buttercup said with a scowl.

"But are you sure you don't need my help? There's an injured friend next to you."Butch stated.

Buttercup suddenly remembered about Blossom and looked at the redhead. Butch was right, but she didn't want his help she was sure both Boomer and her would manage alone.

"We don't need your help, so you can leave" Buttercup concluded folding her arms.

Butch let out a heavy sigh.

"Okay, if you don't need me then I'll take my leave" Butch said as he started to walk away.

"Wait..don't leave pal" an alarmed Boomer ran after Butch

"Don't listen to Buttercup that wild ride must have hurt her head, we do need you specially my sister" Boomer explained.

"Boomer how dare you? ",Buttercup said angry.

"Oh...Buttercup forget for once in your life, and accept someone's help" Boomer pleaded.

"you very well know I can't accept help from this man" Buttercup spat pointing at Butch.

"I say we vote who wants this man to stay...I do and since blossom is unconscious I vote for her so we're two agaisnt one" Boomer grinned.

"Oh, so that's how is going to be..fine then I don't need any of your help" Buttercup said angry getting up from the ground .

"I will look for those bandits alone and rescue my friend myself" Buttercup huffed as she walked away angry and proudly .

She heard some a discussion behind her but she didn't care because she was very angry at the moment.

Buttercup walked some meters and noticed she wasn't familiar with the place. The river must have taken them far because she was now in a kind of dark forest and couldn't tell what time of day it was.

She didn't care though because she would find a way out and continue her journey to show those men her awesome abilities.

"We need him accept his help",Buttercup mocked Boomer's words angrily.

A rustle from some nearby bush caught her attention and stopped her angry rant.

"I hope is not some bear because I'm not in the mood of dealing with it",Buttercup thought annoyed.

However out from the bushes not a bear, but her unwanted acquaintance came out.

"Hey, just come back with us you could get lost or injured" Butch said with a serious.

"Since when did you care about my well being", Buttercup spat.

"Look, if it were me I would let you go on your own" Butch said with a smirk which made Buttercup gasp.

"But your friend insisted on bringing you back, and besides you don't know your way into this woods", Butch said serious.

"Let me inform you I'm not some damsel in distress you can rescue, and I'm sure I can find my way out of these woods", Buttercup huffed crossing her arms in front her chest stubbornly.

"So goodbye", Buttercup smiled then turned around to leave, but tripped on a root.

"Stupid tree!" Buttercup said angry while Butch supressed a laugh.

"You never change Buttercup that stubbornness of yours" Butch said chuckling and offering her a hand which she slapped away.

"I can't get up myself thank you" Buttercup spat.

Butch rolled his eyes took Buttercup's hand and slumped her over his shoulder like a potato sack.

"Hey put me down I told you I'm not some weak damsel in distress",Buttercup protested angry hitting Butch's back, but the guy didn't seem to hear her or care as he continued to walk towards the river.

Once they were back at camp Butch dropped Buttercup on the ground. She landed with a thud and glared at Butch who just ignored her.

"Here is your friend",Butch said to Boomer who nodded grateful.

"You should have let me go I would have been out of these woods by now "Buttercup said crossing her arms. Butch let a long sigh escape his lips and then answered

"Really? and once you were out of these woods how would you manage to go dressed like that? Butch said with a mischievous grin.

Buttercup was left speechless and puzzled so she looked at what she was wearing. Her cheeks instantly flushed when she noticed she was only wearing her knee length bloomers and her white camisole.

"You knew this and you didn't warn me about it you pervert!",Buttercup said angry, but also embarrassed

"C'mon I thought you had already noticed",Butch defended.

"I bet you did it on purpose just to look at me, and where are my clothes?"Buttercup demanded desperate.

"Well I had to remove your clothes since they were soaking wet, and there's nothing to see anyways if you worry about that",Butch said bluntly.

This made Buttercup feel even angrier. Why did she feel offended about what this jerk said? Its not like she wanted his attention, either way she was sure she didn't look too bad. She admitted her chest was a smaller than that of other women, and her hands were a little rough, and her hair was not silky like Bubbles, and she never wore dresses, but that didn't mean she wasn't attractive. People always complimented her eyes saying they were entrancing and they also liked the shape of her face. Bubbles even said she envied her full lips and her beautiful smile which she rarely showed.

"Where are my clothes?" Buttercup asked .

"They are hanging dry over there" Butch responded.

Buttercup nodded and sat down in silence. Moments later a cool breeze ruffled her hair making her shiver so she got closer to the fire, but put some distance between her and Butch. He seemed to have noticed her state because he pulled something out.

"Here take it",Butch said offering her a blanket. Buttercup took it with out hesitation and wrapped it around herself instantly feeling better. Butch looked at her as if expecting something.

"So youre not going to say thank you? or reject my help?", Butch said surprised.

Buttercup stayed quiet. If he thought she was going to say thank you he was very wrong because she wasn't going to let him win by starting another argument. She was just going to ignore him and give him the silent treatment. Even if it took all her self control Buttercup wasn't going to talk but she had to admit Butch had a way of making her lose her patience very easily.

"A little thank you would be nice" Butch mumbled but Buttercup ignored him.

"Hey so what were you doing so far away?,Butch asked curious, but Buttercup ignored him by looking at the fire like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Boomer who was sitting next to Blossom a few meters away from the raven heads had a worried look on his face because he knew any time now Buttercup would explode.

"Helllo earth to Buttercup" Butch said snapping his fingers in front of her. Buttercup felt her self control was starting to slip away.

"Hey Butterfly", Butch said grinning when he noticed this finally made Buttercup look him into the eye.

"I told you to never ever call me that name again", Buttercup fumed letting all her control disappear.

"Well at least I got your attention", Butch said with a mischievous grin.

Buttercup realized how she had fallen into his trap, so he turned her back on him feeling angry at herself for losing so easily. Butch chuckled behind her then she felt something soft touch her cheek. Her face instantly turned red with embarrassment which turned into anger. The ravenette turned around and slapped Butch square in the face making a loud crashing sound.

"Ouch, you almost knocked out my teeth!", Butch said angry rubbing his reddened cheek

"Don't ever dare to touch me again" Buttercup said angry.

"Fine I will never touch you again you WENCH", Butch yelled angry

"What did you just call me?",Buttercup said flabbergasted

"I called you a WENCH", Butch spat

"Hey you guys" Boomer who until now had stayed silent was trying to get their attention but both Buttercup and Butch were to busy arguing.

"I might be a wench but you're a lying, backstabbing, traitorous bastard",Buttercup said angry

"oh yeah well then I think you're a stubborn, hardheaded, exasperating wench",Butch said annoyed

"Pervert "Buttercup spat

"You guys" Boomer tried again to get their attention, but he was being ignored.

"flatchested",Butch countered

"dudnderhead" Buttecup continued

"numskull", Butch said

"birdbr..."Buttercup was about to answer but,

"YOU GUYS!" Boomer said angry because he had had enough of their bickering.

"WHAT?" both said in unison

"I think Blossom is waking up", Boomer said happy. Buttercup's face instantly changed from one of anger to one of relief as she ran towards her friend.

"What happened? where am I?", Blossom asked groggily

"You're safe Bloss we managed to survive that river", Boomer said reassuringly

"Really? "Blossom said relieved

"Yes and here is Buttercup too", Boomer chimed in.

Blossom's pink stare shifted from his brother to the green eyed girl beside her.

Buttercup...I'm glad you're okay" Blossom said trying to get up, but failing to do so because of her pain

"Blossom don't push yourself you need to rest because you have a concussion after all" Buttercup said worried.

The trio then heard Butch clear his throat from behind. Blossom looked towards that direction and saw a man looking at them.

"Oh yeah Blossom this guy here helped us his name is Butch", Boomer explained

"Nice to meet you Miss" Butch said kissing Blossom's hand making her blush to which Buttercup just rolled her eyes.

"Thank you very much for helping us", Blossom said politely

"You're welcome fine lady", Butch beamed

"See it isn't that hard to say thank you", Butch said directing his gaze towards Buttercup who only ignored him.

"Blossom do you need anything a pillow?, water? or maybe you're hungry do you want me to fetch you something?", Buttercup said concerned for her friend's sake

"Whoa don't worry buddy right now I don't need anything, but some water would be nice" Blossom responded

"Boomer go fetch your sister some water", Buttercup commanded

"Me?", Boomer asked surprised

"Well duh, or do you see anyone else named Boomer here" Buttercup pointed out. The blond left grumbling something about bossy women and what not .

"Hey you dunderhead Do you have anything edible for my friend?" Buttercup turned around directing her gaze at Butch who looked at Buttercup surprised.

"well ...I only have some crackers with me right now", Butch said scratching his head

"figures...well that will have to do. Bring some",Buttercup ordered. Butch reluctantly went to look for the food but he didn't really like to be bossed around.

"You know you didn't really need to do that" Blossom said concerned once the guys were out of sight.

"Oh c'mon Bossy we need you healthy, so we can get out of here and continue our search. Besides I don't want to stay with that man any longer than necessary so once you're okay the three of us are leaving", Buttercup said with a smile.

"Ok, but I don't get why you don't like that man? he seems nice" Blossom said puzzled

Buttercup hadn't told Blossom about her past with Butch and she didn't really want to do it right now. She might tell her once they were out of these woods and away from Butch.

"Don't worry about that focus on getting better okay ",Buttercup said reassuringly to which Blossom nodded.

Hours later...

The silverblue light from the fullmoon glistened on the rivers surface. An owl's hoot could be heard as a heated conversation was taking place.

"I said no Boomer ",an angry Buttercup said

"Why not? we lost everything on that river and you don't have your horse with you either" Boomer said.

"Yeah but we don't necessarily need his help", Buttercup said pointing at Butch

"Yes we do. We don't have a horse, guns, supplies or food so I think our best option is for us to ask for Butch's help" Boomer explained trying to convince the ravennette for the umpteen time

"I already said no.I agreed on him helping us with Blossom,but not with this " Buttercup huffed

"Blossom back me up here", Boomer pleaded the red headed girl who was now sitting down leaning against a rock eating some fish broth.

Blossom felt cornered and didn't know what to say.

It was true they needed help but she also understood Buttercup's feelings.

"You think we need his help too Blossom'", Buttercup said defeated

"I don't mind helping you besides those morons owe me one", Butch who until now had been silent interrupted.

Boomer had explained to Butch everything that had happened to them and about their mission with Buttercup. Butch in turn had told them that a year ago the gangreen gang had stolen his money and left him to dwell by himself on the desert. Buttercup had felt the urge to laugh at Butch's situation, but restrained herself once she saw Blossom's scolding glare.

"I already said no and there's no way you guys are going to convince me", Buttercup huffed determined. At his Boomer heaved a long sigh.

"Buttercup" Blossom prompted beckoning the ravenette towards her

"Oh no Bossy I know that look in your face and you're not going to convince me"Buttercup said

"just come over here ." Blossom said in a mother like tone. Buttercup reluctantly obeyed because that tone always made her obey when she was little.

"Yes",Buttercup pouted

"Do you mind?" Blossom looked towards the young men.

"Let's go Butch they need their space. Women issues I guess" Boomer said as he made Butch follow him away from the girls.

"Lets see Butters I know you don't like that man, and that means something bad must have happened between the both of you that I'm not aware of", Blossom said

"Yeah Blossom I...",Buttercup started but blossom shushed her

"You don't have to tell me right now just do it when you feel comfortable", Blossom said reassuringly with a smile

"With that out of the way...will you let him help us?" Blossom prompted as she looked Buttercup

"Do it for your friends sake if you don't want to do it for yourself. You know that the more time we waste we have less chances of catching those guys .Besides Butch has the supplies we need and he seems to know these woods like the palm of his hand",Buttercup reasoned.

"I don't know Blossom" Buttercup said with a troubled face.

It was true they needed to get out of this woods fast if they wanted to rescue Bubbles but Buttercup couldn't help but distrust Butch.

He had betrayed her after all.

"I know you don't trust that man, but lets make a deal all right" Blossom offered and this got Buttercup's attention

"I'll help you keep an eye on the guy, and if he does anything suspicious I'll beat him up for you", Blossom said with a smile

"Woa Bossy I didn't know you had it in you",Buttercup teased.

"Okay but are you going to let him help us?", Blossom inquired expectantly

"Yes, but only if you help me beat the guy up", Buttercup chuckled

"its a deal lady", Blossom said with a fake aristocratic voice shaking hands and bursting into laughter along with Buttercup.

"I see you girls are quite in a good mood", Boomer said with a grin as he and Butch walked towards the girls. Buttercup's blissful face instantly turned into her usual poker face once she saw Butch.

"eehm boys I think Buttercup here has something to say ",Blossom said prompting Buttercup to speak with a reassuring smile

Buttercup heaved a long sigh as she looked at the men's expectant gaze.

"Okay Boomer you win I'll let Butch help us are you happy?", Buttercup said trying to sound angry

The poor girl didn't have time to make her scowl deepen when she felt a pair of arms lift her in the air

"Yes Butters I knew you had a something soft inside that rock hard heart of yours," Boomer said hugging her in a tight bear's hug and then lifting her up a twirling her around excitedly.

"Okay okay Boomer I get it you're happy, now could you please let me go? you're choking me", Buttercup said trying to breath.

"oh sorry ",Boomer said with a flushed face. Buttercup noticed Butch was looking at them with furrowed brows.

"Besides you should be thanking Bossy she was the one who convinced me ",Buttercup explained.

Boomer then ran towards his sister trying to do the same but the redhead scolded him saying she was still weak and injured.

"Em..Butch will you help us out of these woods?" Buttercup prompted with a calm voice.

Butch who until now had been staring at the blond finally looked at Buttercup with a surprised face.

"Wait you're asking me to help you ?,Butch asked and Buttercup nodded.

"So do we have a deal ",Buttercup inquired

"Deal" Butch said shaking hands with Buttercup.

"Okay so I guess we can start our journey tomorrow "Buttercup prompted and Butch nodded in approval.

"How long do you think we can take to get out of these woods", Buttercup asked

"About two hours", Butch answered.

"Are you going to stay on guard",Buttercup asked curious.

"Yeah, we don't know who could be lurking in the shadows bears, bandits, or maybe ghosts" Butch said jokingly to which Buttercup rolled her eyes

"Okay then I'll go to sleep then", Buttercup said with a yawn.

"Good night Butters", Butch said teasingly.

"Good night ", She said annoyed as she laid down but after a few seconds she got up alarmed.

"what's wrong?", Butch asked worried.

"I'm just warning you! Don't try anything funny while I sleep or you will wake up tied up to the railway",Buttercup warned.

"Don't worry I don't mess with little girls", Butch said with a chuckle.

Forget about their time somehow peaceful time Butch was back to his jerk self. Buttercup turned her back towards Butch and covered herself with the blanket all the way up to her head instantly falling asleep.

To be continued...

Whoa I think this was a long chapter and we finally see who the traitor is :0

Yes,Nerdy vampire boy you were right about it :)

Now that Butch is with them let's see how everything goes between the two stubborn greens.

See ya next chapter :D.