Again... sorry for the delay, but I just didn't know what to write anymore. There has to be an end, but I don't know if the one I'm thinking of will be good enough. We'll see...

Isumo1489: Should I really tell you how it will work out? Who would read my story then? Don't be disappointed, but I don't plan a showdown with many special effects... more of a psychological one, even if I'm not that good with these things. We'll see how it will work out.

PPG should belong to everyone, so that everyone can torture them like I do! But sadly enough, they belong to Craig McCracken.

Buttercup – Facing the enemy

Buttercup cursed, frustrated. Had she really thought that the time, where she and her sisters were slowly drifting apart, had been frustrating? Oh, she hadn't even known what frustrating meant! Yes, it had been a hard time, every second of it. After all she had been blaming herself for their wrecked relationship, and she had had no idea of how to tell them what she had done. But at least she had known back then, that it was her own fault.

But in the current situation she didn't know what she had done wrong. She had quite some experience in being scolded for something she had actually done. After all she was Buttercup. She had been scolded by nearly everyone, by the Professor of course, by Blossom, by Miss Keane and other teachers, and so on. Of course she hadn't liked it… but at least she had been able to understand WHY she had been scolded! But she didn't know what the hell she had done to Blossom to deserve her sister's cold shoulder!

After the Professor had told her and Bubbles, that he had talked with Blossom and that he was quite sure, that their red-haired sister's behaviour would become normal again soon, she and Bubbles had been quite relieved. Although while she hadn't been entirely convinced, Bubbles had immediately visited Blossoms room to talk to her. Buttercup would never forget the face of her blonde sister when she had returned. It had been pale, her eyes had been watching the floor – it was like if she had seen a ghost. Buttercup had known immediately, that nothing between them and Blossom had changed.

It had taken her nearly 20 minutes to finally make Bubbles tell her what had happened. Nothing extraordinary, or so you'd think. Blossom had just told her, that she was sorry for embarrassing them in school, that she hadn't known about HIMs attack and that she wouldn't do anything else to upset her sisters. Bubbles would have been quite relieved, if it hadn't been for Blossoms eyes. They had still been cold, not really glaring at her sister, but showing no such thing as guilt or friendly warmth. And the next words Blossom had spoken had confirmed her suspicion.

"So you can relax, Bubbles" Blossom had told her, a fake smile on her face. "I won't do anything… but I expect you to do the same." She had ignored Bubbles' confused look. "You see, I don't want you to enter my room again, Bubbles. You AND Buttercup. I will greet you and sometimes even talk to you in front of the Professor, and of course I will help you fighting monsters, but that doesn't change anything. We WILL go separate ways once we enter college. I don't want to disappoint the Professor, so we should all act like everything was okay between us, but don't try to talk with me about our… problem again. There is nothing more to talk. Leave now, Bubbles."

Bubbles had been completely shocked. Buttercup could understand why. Her own sister telling her such a thing with a calm expression… it must have been creepy. In this moment Buttercup wanted nothing more but going upstairs and knock some sense into this cruel little redhead! Yet still there was a feeling inside of her that overpowered her growing anger. Surprise. Because from one second to another Bubbles suddenly started crying and threw herself into Buttercups arms.

She asked herself why she was surprised. After all she had known Bubbles as a crybaby for so long. But in these strange last days her sister had been so different… strong-willed, even a little wise, and… mature. She had completely forgotten how Bubbles had been in the past, being a real child or acting. Yes, acting… for one moment she had asked herself, if Bubbles was acting again… if she was lying again. But she dismissed this thought immediately, a little ashamed. Bubbles would never make this mistake again, she was sure of that. Buttercup wondered how long it would take them to regain their complete trust.

Anyway, she had really thought that the world had completely changed, that she was a coward and Bubbles was the tough one. But that wasn't true… not entirely. Bubbles could be tough. She could be mature. She could be the right person to analyze your problems and tell you how to set things right. The problem was the word "could". She was able to become such a person, but Buttercup had been wrong. Bubbles wasn't able to be tough all the time, like Buttercup herself had been pretending to be. Deep inside she was still a girl that wanted to trust, to rely on others. She didn't want to be strong all the time, she wanted to be "the joy and the laughter", the one, that supported the ones with the responsibility with all her strength, the one that cheered you up all the time. But not the one that wanted to lead… or to stay alone.

Somehow Buttercup was… relieved. She had been quite glad that Bubbles had finally grown up, that she wasn't a ditzy, naïve little girl anymore, that she had found the strength to help her sister to face her fear. But she had been a little sad too… because it had seemed like the "old" Bubbles, the carefree and lighthearted Bubbles, had disappeared. That the sister she had known for so long wasn't anymore. But now she knew… she knew that the little girl was still inside of this body, which was currently wetting her T-shirt with tears.

When the heck had she become such a softie? Ten years ago she'd have done nearly anything to make Bubbles a little more mature… and now she was actually glad, that a part of her sister was still this annoying crybaby. She sighed and absent-mindedly patted Bubbles' back. Being strong or being weak like now… she somehow had the feeling, that she would need Bubbles' help in the following weeks, if she didn't want to strangle Blossom.

She had been right. She had been so right. It was hell.

Buttercup didn't really know how she had survived these final weeks in school. When they were at home, Blossom would be friendly, politely asking them for salt at dinner, helping them with their chores, wishing them a good night… everything just to please the Professor, to deceive him! It was unbelievable to Buttercup, why the Professor couldn't HEAR the deceit pouring out of Blossoms words… or SEE the malicious glee in every single gaze she gave her sisters! He thought that everything was alright again, just because they were around each other again, but it was far worse than before!

At least she had had an obvious reason to be mad at Blossom back then! When she had put on this show at the classroom door, it had been clear to everyone why Buttercup had been blind with rage. But now everyone was thinking that the Powerpuff Girls were of one mind again, and no one would understand if she attacked this red-haired bitch. The Professor would probably even scold her, AND SHE WOULD HAVE WON, DAMNIT! SHE WOULD BE THE POOR LITTLE GIRL AND BUTTERCUP WOULD BE THE HOTHEADED JERK!

Blossom was doing really well. She used all of her genius that had been so useful in their fights against villains, just now she used it to fool everyone around her. She made everyone think that she loved her sisters, but at the same time she was telling Bubbles and Buttercup how much she still despised them. With glances, a mocking tone of voice or even being in the same room with them, knowing exactly how mad Buttercup got when she did that!

Honestly, the only thing that saved this she-devil from Buttercups divine judgement was Bubbles. Like she had finally noticed all these weeks ago, Bubbles was the one lending strength to others. Strength to endure painful times. Or just strength to keep yourself under control, when you're about to burst. Buttercup knew, if it hadn't been for Bubbles, she would have tried to strangle Blossom even before the last days in school… well, maybe that wouldn't have been that bad, considering that their situation was getting worse with each day, but at least Bubbles had kept her from attacking Blossom with all her power. Because no matter how mad she was, no matter what Blossom did – Buttercup would never forgive herself, if she seriously hurt one of her sisters in a rage.

And the strangest thing was, Bubbles didn't do anything extraordinary. All she did was… being with Buttercup. Like a sister. They were spending much of their free time together, even if they were completely different people. Buttercup would accompany Bubbles on shopping sprees or simple walks through the park. Bubbles would watch Buttercup making stunts and doing sports, sometimes extreme sports – and she would even try some, just to be with her sister. But most of the time all they did was… talking. They talked about school. They talked about their friends. They talked about the future, and of course they talked about their situation with Blossom too. And it was strange, every time when they were talking, Buttercup could feel herself relax. True, there were still times when Bubbles was a little naïve or simply clueless, but unlike in the past Buttercup didn't get angry anymore. Annoyed yes, but not angry. Because these were the things that made Bubbles human, contrary to her superhuman ability to look into Buttercups mind.

It didn't even scare her anymore that Bubbles could read her emotions. They had found out that it was easier for Bubbles to do that, when Buttercup opened her mind to her. It had taken a little while to get that far, but Buttercup knew deep inside that she would still be a wreck, if Bubbles hadn't broken her door open some weeks ago. It was somehow… relieving not being forced to hide things anymore. Bubbles knew that Buttercup wouldn't like to have an invader in her mind all the time, so she had promised her not to dive deep, just looking at the general mood of Buttercup once in a while. Buttercup didn't mind, if it meant that Bubbles would immediately know when she was pissed and ready to calm her down. Or cheer her up when she was frustrated. "The joy and the laughter", indeed.

Some people were actually surprised that she and Bubbles were suddenly getting along so well. She had even heard some guys in school discussing if she and Bubbles had been gay all the time. And if they just didn't need to hide it anymore, because it was out now. These guys had been lucky, because Bubbles had been with her that time, and she had overheard the talk too. When they had noticed that she and Bubbles had been able to hear them, they had become pale. But Bubbles had just held her back and had asked them a few questions. Like if they would like her to leave Buttercup alone with them, because they seemed to think they shouldn't walk around together. That one had made Buttercup laugh. The guys had been quite rueful after a few more – serious – questions. Maybe this was a more effective way than intimidating people.

Them and all the other people didn't get the point – she and Bubbles weren't seen together that often now because they liked each other better. Okay, maybe they understood each other better and maybe she liked Bubbles a LITTLE better, but not enough to spend ALL of her free time with her sister. They did it to not be reminded of their situation at home. They had both lost someone and they needed to compensate this loss. Not that Blossom didn't want to be with them anymore – something both of them had been scared of for years – they needed to make sure that their own bond wouldn't break anymore.

Suddenly Buttercup was ripped out of her thoughts by the Powerpuff Phone. She already wanted to stand up and get it, since Blossom was in the library - well, when hadn't she been there in the last weeks? – but Bubbles was already there.

"What's wrong, Major? … WHAT? … In the library? Are you sure? … Yes, yes, of course. We're on our way."

"What's up?" Buttercup asked her, curiously eyeing her. Bubbles had a grim look on her face. Okay, that wasn't so uncommon after all they had been going through, but still… it was Bubbles. She faced her.

"It's HIM" she told her.

Buttercups eyes narrowed. Now those were good news. She had actually been feeling a little bit stressed. Some good workout was very welcome. "HIM? What is he doing in the library? Reading ,Paradise Lost' or ,Faust'?"

No smile on Bubbles' face. „The major didn't know" she answered her. "Just that HIM hasn't killed anyone… so far. And that he has been asking for us."

"Figures" Buttercup replied, shrugging. "I guess he wants a little rematch after I pummelled him last time. Well, should we go?"

Bubbles was looking at her a little worried. "Buttercup" she asked in a quiet voice. "You know that Blossom is in the library, don't you?"

Of course she knew. "So what?" she asked coolly. "She can defend herself."

"Do you really think that, Buttercup?" Oh, these damn eyes tearing right into her soul. "She is still our sister. She could be in danger."

"Why are we talking then?" Buttercup asked, getting a little angry. "She certainly hasn't been behaving herself like our sister in the last weeks!" But then she sighed and ruffled her hair. "Look Bubbles, I know you want her to forgive us whatever we've done to her in her imagination and stuff, but let's face it: In a few weeks you guys will go to college and she won't come back. She's gone. Can't you accept that?"

Bubbles looked miserably, biting into her lip.

"I guess you can't" Buttercup continued, a small smile on her lips. "That just wouldn't be you." She gently gripped Bubbles' shoulder and gave her an encouraging grin. "Come on, let's just get her out of trouble for now… and later you can still try to talk to her. Again."

"Okay" Bubbles accepted, forcing a small smile too. "Let's go."

"Hey, HIM!" Buttercup shouted, walking through the library doors. "Show yourself, you coward! What are you up to this time?"

"Do you really think that it is wise to march in like that?" Bubbles asked her, looking around nervously.

"Why not?" Buttercup asked back. „If it's really HIM I'm sure that he already knows that we're here."

"Sure, but you shouldn't call him names. He may have hostages."

"That's really not his style" Buttercup told her sister although no one could ever hope to understand HIM. Maybe taking hostages was part of his plan? Maybe even Blossom… Buttercup shook her head. Maybe Blossom wasn't even here. Not that she would care. Blossom had been an asshole for quite some time. Getting pummelled by somebody like HIM would maybe activate her brain again.

"Maybe" Bubbles agreed, but her voice was full of doubt. "But don't…?"

"HIM!" Buttercup shouted. She didn't want to think right now. She couldn't afford to worry. Had she really wanted to be the leader of the Powerpuff Girls once? The hell, she hadn't known anything. This was the ugly side of the responsibility. "Just tell us what the heck you want from us, so that we can kick your sorry ass!"

"What I want?" a feminine voice asked behind them. They turned around just to hear the heavy doors of the library close and see HIM standing in front of them. He was grinning. "I like you to come with me, girls."

"Where to?" Bubbles asked. She looked ready to fight. Good.

"For a place designed for young bratty teenagers that got into my way far too often" HIM told them, his eyes starting to burn. His claws clapped. "Hell, if you prefer to use human terms."

"Sorry" Buttercup replied dryly. "The Professor forbid us to take offers from older bad guys."

"Oh, it wasn't really an offer" HIM disagreed with her. His voice dropped, sounding male now. "It was a promise."

Buttercup snorted. This was SO melodramatic! „We don't give a shit about your promises, HIM. You should know that."

„I wasn't talking of one of my promises, dear Buttercup" HIM said, grinning maniacally. "Someone else promised me that you would be mine. Someone you know."

"Bullshit!" Buttercup exclaimed. „Like I'd…"

„Who?" Bubbles suddenly interrupted her. She had a terrified expression on her face. Did she know whom HIM was talking about? "Who told you that, HIM?"

"I did."

Buttercups eyes widened. Now she knew why Bubbles had been scared. She turned around as fast as she could. Still, even with her super vision she couldn't believe what her eyes told her.

„Blossom?" she heard Bubbles' choked voice. "Why…?"

Blossom looked strange. Not her appearance, she was still the pretty little redhead she had always been. But her eyes… they were strange. Not cold like they had been for months now. Not even full of burning hate, which would be unusual for her. No, they looked… dead. Like two glass beads that belonged to a doll, not a human. And her voice sounded like that too, monotone and disinterested.

"You know why I did it" she told her sisters. "You two are sinners. You need to be punished for your sins."

"Have you gone completely nuts?" Buttercup yelled. This was crazy… had Blossom really sold them to a demon? Not that she would believe in such crap, but still… "Like hell I will go with him!"

"Blossom, please talk with us" Bubbles pleaded. Her eyes were full of tears. "You can't really mean that. We are SISTERS!"

"Not anymore" Blossom countered, still in this dead voice. "Our days of sisterhood ended long ago."

"You're insane" Buttercup concluded, balling her fists. "Don't listen to her, Bubbles. We need to take out HIM, after that we can still knock some sense back into her…"

She was interrupted by Bubbles shocked cry. She turned her head again, but she couldn't believe what she saw… again. Blossom had attacked Bubbles, pressing her against one of the library walls. Bubbles' face was distorted with pain.

"It seems that Bubbles is indisposed right now" HIM interjected sardonically. He seemed to enjoy this. Buttercup clenched her teeth. This was HIS fault! It had to be! „I guess it's just the two of us now, Buttercup." His grin faded. "And this time you won't be able to catch me off guard."

"We'll see about that" Buttercup retorted and cracked her knuckles. "You know, I think you made your first mistake, HIM! I'm quite anxious to break some bones right now. And Bubbles is far more capable of bringing Blossom back to her senses than I am."

"Oh?" HIM asked mockingly. „Do you really think that? I thought you were the one that told Bubbles so many times, that she was the weak point of the team."

"Maybe" she agreed, getting into fighting stance. "But you already underestimated her once, do you remember? The chalk thing? And you are wrong. Your dreams made me weak and Blossom insane… but they only made Bubbles stronger. If someone can safe Blossom, than it's her. But enough talking." She made the „Come on"-gesture with her hand. „It's time to kick your butt back to hell, HIM!"

HIM just snorted. And attacked.

I guess it will be two more chapters. I just want this to end soon, I've got too much to do.