As Time Goes By

by Carriedreamer

Act 6 "Beast- Part 3: Townsville has always been a city with secrets, secrets that need to be revealed. Whether it be the culprits of a vicious high school prank, the longings of a teenage girl's heart or the heartbreak of betrayal within a family Townsville is a city of secrets... at least.. that's what Bubbles and Boomer see when they discover that blank face in the museum...

10. Act 4:Illusion Part 2-0

I'm baaaaaaack! At long last! * collapses*

No seriously... this chapter... did not want to cooperate... and why is that you may ask?

My outline was too long for one chapter.

I give up. I am no longer going to even TRY to predict how long an "Act" is going to end up being because... bad things happen when I do- like me staring at a word count rising and than at an outline only "half" crossed out. And then I begin to question all my writing choices as I weep into my keyboard XD - ( Not really but I did swear a little XD)

Yes.. what I am trying to say my lovelies is once again- Act 4 is going to be...longer than predicted.

In retrospect... this isn't too big a shock because my lovelies... Act 4 is when things start to get real: this is the Act I have honestly been waiting to write since this project started- on a personal "author's" scale... this is number two of her favorite Acts in the entire saga. It is by far one of the most important in the over all story and... I am making excuse after excuse as to why this is so late and I apologize- but hear me out for a second.

As Time Goes By... has been called by the omnipresent Editor... "an anime with words versus illustration." Thus... we are on "episode" 10- every chapter thus far one could think as an individual episode- except Act 0: That was the "pilot". Much of A.T.G.B. was actually in the early stages crafted USING the idea of typical "anime tropes"- I.E. - The school dance, the holiday episode, now we have a "Carnival" esque in the background- you can expect other typical "tropes" in the background of more or less every "Act"- it's a very handy organization tool at times- strange as that may sound - like:

"Ok- what would the team have going on at this time of their lives ALONG with the major plot points integral to the main plot and keeping the story going - what's going on in the background- what will the rest of the non "featured" cast be focused on?"

It helped me develop a "timeline" of sorts to keep it all straight XD - Will these tropes be the "FOCUS" of every Act... no absolutely not. In many cases they're just... kind of as I said in the Background- but others WILL be rather large parts of the plot of that Act. Again... it depends on the "episode"... but it was I will readily admit extremely helpful to do this- I don't know if it will work with everybody's projects but it is something I recommend if you have found yourself at a bit of loss over what to do next in your own writing/planning stages. It honestly... does work.

Or maybe I'm just overthinking because I am very... very tired. That is always a distinct possibility haha! So maybe y'all are just wanting me to stop rambling and start the chapter already XD

Well my lovelies, at long last here it is!

Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: Powerpuff Girls does not belong to me. All rights belong to Craig McCracken and Cartoon Network.

---

-IV-

Did ya hear about the Jojo brothers?

Yeah- Juvie I know- crazy how they just let em' out

Yeah…they're mad dangerous… why'd they let em' come back to school jeez!

Because innocent until proven guilty was an unknown entity to these ignorant fools. Fine. Fuck em'. What did Brick care? Wasn't like any of these fucking morons had the intelligence to see past "appearances" anyway.

Even the fucking teachers in this joint looked at him and brothers like scum. They didn't do anything! Fucking D-….Mojo had just… had just…

Fuck them! Just… fuck them all! What the hell did they know!? Nothing!

Nothing!

Did they know how much Boomer screamed and cried in the police van- how much they had drugged his ten year old brother to keep him quiet! Butch would freak out just by looking at a fucking needle and those fucking cops, or guards or whatever the hell they were called just didn't care so Brick just had to- had to- had to- ! FUCK THEM! Just!

He kicked the can. Go ahead. Give him detention! Brick just fucking dared the stupid hall monitor! Yeah that's right- keep walking!

It was after school anyway bitch!

His brothers would be looking for him- or more accurately Boomer would- the blonde was so petrified they'd be separated again that he stuck to Brick and Butch like glue. And Butch more or less did the same thing- Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Not a bad metaphor. As Brick had finished that… acid trip of a book… no seriously the guy must have been on some kind of mushrooms or something but whatever.

Brick was in his own wonderland aka hell.

He rubbed his head irritably- the sloppy bandage job ala Boomer now known as Tweedle "Dum" wasn't doing much. He'd seen a few sharp glances in his direction today- then again that old hag of a teacher was probably more pissed the justice system had failed and had the audacity of releasing three innocent criminals back into their own personal hell and the custody of…

Shit. The fuck man! This fucking hurt! Fucking… A'X! This should have worn off by now!

Da-…. The monkey…. His lab was… Brick had… it'd be okay. It wasn't him… after all.

He hadn't… meant it. He hadn't meant to go… flying at Butch… like that. He couldn't help it.

He… he couldn't.

It was gonna… he'd figure out a way out of it soon! He knew that!

He blinked and rubbed his eyes- shit the flaky powder shit he had swiped from that one upper classman didn't last long. The purple was beginning to show again.

Cripes.

C'mon A'X! This was ridiculous! And this shit wasn't cheap man! He'd seen it go for almost twelve bucks a… case? No… compact. Yeah that's what it was called. Whatever the mirror was cracked and she wouldn't miss it anyway. Aw… hell.

Still purple!? It'd been last night! Damn it… if Butch or Boomer saw this they'd flip a shit. Boomer was already fucking traumatized… and Butch was already barely hanging on by a thread- One more trigger and…

He squeezed his eyes shut and picked up the pad tentatively- maybe you were supposed to use this after all? Brick had more or less caked it on all over his left eye and then smooshed it around the rest of his face with his mitt- he'd looked pale as hell but the one loser who had commented had ended up running for their life…. Shit Brick really needed to stop doing that.

He couldn't end up in trouble again. His brothers needed him. Until… D-…. The monkey…. Got his shit back together… Brick had to be the boss. He had to take charge. Which meant no more… bullying and shit.

Not that Brick would demean himself in such a way anyway but he'd already had to read Butch the riot act about messing with the "normies" again. Boomer at least wouldn't be a problem that way. He was such a pansy all he wanted was to "make friends"- oh yeah. Okay. The "Rowdyruff Boys" making friends.

That was a joke.

This entire city cursed their existence. The very nerve they had in staying alive and even more insulting- trying to get an education! You know… be normal KIDS!

So they didn't have fingers or toes, so they didn't have noses or ears to speak of. There was another trio just like that that in this city! Didn't see them being glared at and hissed at- and treated like utter garbage for the crime of breathing.

But then again- the "Powerpuff Girls" were good.

Brick's mistake- the Powerpuff Girls were good, perfect little girls- whereas Brick and his lame ass brothers were the "rottenest of the rotten", toilet mixed hell spawn- the "Rowdyruff Boys".

They were bad.

So what they hadn't committed a crime to speak of since they were six years old… so what. Didn't matter- Just like it didn't matter that the boys had just been minding their own business- after having been dragged out of bed at three in the fucking morning by the monkey and then like clockwork completely forgotten about leaving them stranded, annoyed, and tired on some random rooftop with no house keys so they couldn't even go back to bed. Nope- they'd only been left to watch as the fool got his sorry simian ass handed to him by three equally enraged little girls' whose "beauty sleep" had been interrupted as the blonde had harped like a fucking banshee the whole time and her harpy sisters weren't too far behind. Especially the green one- cripes that chick had a temper.

It was never gonna work anyway. Brick could have told him that. Three times was not the charm. No matter how many times one stole the same Egyptian… artifact thing- seriously why the Townsville Museum of Art just didn't gee…. Transfer it- make an exchange or something! One Anubis head for… a mummy or something of equal… Egyptian importance- Brick just… this town was filled with idiots. Relying on a group of ten year old girls to save their sorry asses everyday… it was…

Pathetic.

He was so fucking done with this city. They didn't want them. Fine. Be a little patient- Give Brick enough time to fucking scrounge enough money together and… and…

Just give Brick time. Just let his brothers live in peace for now. They were done with the "crime" business. They had been for years and the fucking monkey would just have to… deal with it.

His eye stung again. Apparently… this makeup or shit could fuck with your eyes if it got in them- and this pad was kind of… useless actually. It just smeared the powder more- the hell man- girls used this shit every day? Kind of annoying in his opinion.

Ugh. He looked like a clown. Maybe if he smeared it this way-?

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.

He frowned then snapped the compact shut and rubbed the last of the powder over his eyes. Whatever- he had more important shit to think about than his stupid… black eye and shit. It'd be healed by tomorrow anyway.

This however. This shit. This was pissing Brick off.

Her prissy little Mary Janes clicked the tile as she walked down the hall- her books clutched to her chest and her head down. She was just too "good" apparently to look any of these mere "mortals" in the eye after all.

And now… now the goody two shoes was messing with him. Trying to fake him out before some kind of strike most likely. Brick had seen that fucking test. He'd seen the note on the bottom and that big red number on the top.

And Brick was no fool. He'd never be anyone's… fucking dupe again. This was a lame ass plan and it was time to call her out on it!

"Hey Pinky!"

She continued walking- continued ignoring him as she had for the last month!

Shit wasn't flying.

"Oye! I'm talking to you Puff!"

Still went a walking. Maybe these fucking "normies" were beneath her sure- but Brick was superior to them and this pink eyed… counterpart… of his.

He zipped in front of her. She didn't even look up, she just turned on her heel- like that would work- he zipped to be behind her.

"We're not supposed to use our powers in school."

She speaks! It's a fucking miracle! He sneered.

"It's after bell- I can do what I want."

She still was looking at the ground. It was pissing him off. She thought she was just so much better than Brick! Her and her stupid sisters! Well… as much of a trick as it was- he still had this over her for the moment!

"So Pinky- you know I don't know if you saw but-." He presented his coup de ta with a flourish. "Another perfect score for yours truly- let's see yours?"

She was infuriatingly silent- he grit his teeth and swiped the paper from her arms.

"Give that back!" She screeched. Well there was a reaction at least.

"Aww…. What's this? An eighty-two. Aww too bad Pinky- better luck next time eh?" He snickered but instead of the loud screaming match he was expecting… he was met by silence.

And stupid Mary Janes clicking. His eyes narrowed. He zipped in front of her again.

"Out of my way Brick." She murmured.

"But you got a B- I got an A!"

"Congratulations. Now if you'll excuse me." She turned around again and once again Brick was left zipping in front of her.

"The hell is your problem?" It came out as more of a hiss than Brick would have liked. But… this was getting irritating!

She scowled, "You're in my way that's my problem- now move!"

"You don't get B's… ever."

"There's a first time for everything-."

"Bull shit!" He snarled.

She growled, "Watch your mouth we're still on school grounds!" She hissed back.

"It's after the fucking bell-."

"LANGUAGE!" She scowled more and snatched the test back. "I don't have time to waste debating with you now get out of my way!"

He smirked. Bingo. He knew it. This was just some kind of stupid "plot" of hers' to ultimately beat him. Lure him into a sense of false security and then wham! She'd try to have him thrown back in to Juvie! Nope! Not this time!

Two could play it this game. Get her to fucking admit her asinine scheme and humiliate her more- Maybe she'd even go run and cry...Err… okay crying not so much. As amusing as it would be Brick… didn't like crying girls… they were kind of loud and… made Brick feel funny things in his gut.

Except the creepy Morebucks chick… she could cry all day long but Brick was not her boyfriend! … And never would be. Ew. Girls were… sort of tolerable Brick had come to discover… but no. Uh uh. Nope. Not her. Not this pink one either.

Except Brick didn't like the idea of Pinky crying very much either. So… he'd humiliate her… and if she started crying he'd... err… leave. He didn't like to hear it. Like that guy that had made her cry… a couple days ago- called her… what was it? It was kind of… dumb. Childish… oh right-

Pink eye. Oh wow. Real original. That toilet bowl had been too good for the unoriginal shit head. After all no one messed with Pinky except Brick. Counterpart privilege. Everyone else failed miserably at it anyway.

No one made Pinky cry.

Except him. Brick. Anyone else ended up meeting the toilet. And making a girl cry was a dirty trick anyway- beneath the honor of a Rowdyruff. So… yeah.

Rowdy's didn't make girls cry.

Even stupid Powerpuffs.

Brick paused. Which someone… clearly had again. Those eyes were… puffy. And not in her normal stupid way- they were raw, puffy and… red rimmed. He scowled. She tried to push past him fruitlessly. Please- she was off her game today. He jumped in front of her again.

"So what's your real game here Pinky? What are you up to? Lemme guess- Trying to lure me into a sense of false security right- Trying to use some psychological warfare on me!? Tch! Like that'll work- and you know it!" She grit her teeth harder and pushed past him again but again he zipped in front of her. "Or is this your surrender hmm? Finally admitting my superiority and that I am indeed the smartest kid in school and I'm in fact smarter than you." He smirked. Really rile her up! Show her who was boss!

This stupid… cold shoulder or whatever he was getting wasn't flying anymore! Ignoring him- Brick? Her greatest rival? Please- that was the dumbest plan to psyche him out he had ever-!

"Yup."

…Say… WHAT!?

He blinked like an idiot. He couldn't help it. She looked… serious. But… she couldn't be-! She couldn't be serious! She'd never just… give in!

"E-Excuse me!?" He snapped. She rolled her eyes and reached up for the paper but he held it up higher- heh she was still a shorty- he folded his arms and cleared his throat. Shit she was good at times- he'd almost fallen for it, almost. "Yeah, yeah- okay Pinky enough with the "psychological" shit- you suck at it. What's your real deal-."

"No deal Brick. You win. You're the smartest kid in school. Congratulations. Now leave me be."

…. What the fuck!? The fuck was-!? She tried to brush past him again but he grabbed her arm. This wasn't funny anymore! This was… what the fuck was this shit!?

"Okay… seriously- what is your problem?" He gave her a little shake. "Something… Something ain't right here- you don't even get fucking A minus' let alone- B's! The hell is wrong with you!?" He demanded.

Three tests. Three. Brick had beaten her in the last month.

Brick was brilliant of course. Far smarter than the average human on so many levels-but Pinky… was a formidable opponent. They'd been neck in neck for years… and suddenly… this year… she was… average.

…Something… wasn't right.

"Nothing is wrong with me- Unhand me! Now!" She struggled but she'd never stood a chance against his biologically superior strength.

"Not until you tell me what the hell is going on with you!"

"It's none of your business Brick!"

That grip remained firm. "The hell it ain't! How am I supposed to have any fun in beating you if you won't even react!?"

She stopped struggling. Good.

"Fun… Fun!?" She grit her teeth. "That's all life is to you isn't it? A game! Life's just a big joke for big bad Brick Jojo! Well let me tell you something Brick- life is more than that… more than a game… and it's certainly more than memorizing useless passages and stanzas from long dead individuals who outside of a school setting no one cares about!"

"W-What!? The hell!? Pinky what is the matter with-!"

In a surge of strength Brick hadn't been expecting he suddenly hit a nearby locker with a loud slam. He blinked and she was breathing hard, mitt outstretched for seemingly another blow. She took a step closer to him instead.

"I have far more important things to worry about… than some stupid… inconsequential… test, or homework assignment or… or foolish rivalry!" She hissed. "Therefore if it's so important to you that you have someone to "beat", to have a "rival" to lord your so called victories over- I'd suggest finding a new one. Now…leave me alone."

That voice was a silky whisper. But it was… her eyes that silenced the nasty retort that had been ready to come flying out.

They were… dead.

… There was no other way… to describe them. Despite the obvious anger that had gone into that throw… her eyes showed none of it. They were… dull. Lifeless.

There was no… light in them.

"Pinky?" He whispered.

She scowled and grabbed the test from his limp mitt.

"Find yourself a "new" rival Brick." She murmured. "I quit."

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.

Quit…Quit!? But…. But she couldn't?!

...But… I don't want… a new one…

But she… She was only messing with… it was psychological-!

But… why were her eyes so… so…

Empty.

Pinky… B-Blossom… what's going on!? What… what happened to you…!?

Blossom,

Mrs. Georgis was able to give you this grade due to the twenty extra points you received from your summer reading project. But otherwise a 62 from you is completely unacceptable. Please see me after school.

~Ms. Keane

---

Act 4: Illusion

Part 2.0

---

-IV-

From: The Cackling Hyena

Tell me what you think of the book when you finally finish it- I think we should just focus on the first part though- it's kind of long and I can almost guarantee Kellan will never have heard of this so she can't just skim and pretend to grade it like she normally does. So let's be nice and not have to make our dear teacher do "too" much work. Heh heh.

He rolled his eyes as he removed his sunglasses. Kellan was the laziest teacher around and more than ready for retirement. Brick had really gotten the short end of the stick with teachers this year. He'd have to take action to ensure that didn't happen next year.

Seriously Morris and Kellan. Ugh. What did Brick do to deserve…

Slugs. Did. Not. Count!

Seriously. They didn't. He'd been five. He'd been stupid.

… And it had been Boomer anyway!

… And spit didn't count either!

… Brick had been very stupid as a child. He could admit that- he was mature enough to do so.

Children were after all inherently stupid. Even Pinky for all her so called super genius had been stupid once. Her taste in boys back then for example had been atrocious.

…Fucking metal mouths…

Note to self: Any future children of mine will always have immaculate teeth and be taught from an early age the importance of good oral hygiene.

Brick may not have been a fan of children but one needed to be specific here- Brick was not a fan of other people's children. Any child with Rowdy blood in them however- would be a different story. His future nieces and nephews – though God help the world when Butch spawn started popping up everywhere- ugh- Brick while not a hundred percent a fan of them… he would at least tolerate.

No because see his nieces and nephews whether blonde or dark haired, blue eyed- or green eyed would be at least somewhat civilized. If anything because Daddy would teach them Uncle Brick didn't take any shit.

Because his brothers for all their own idiocy would not teach their children to be clingy little brats with no social skills, no tact, and no self-control… and they wouldn't pull Uncle Brick's hair. No… that'd be the first lesson taught to them. Not how to talk. (Especially Butch's) – Nor how to walk- (they could fly- walking was redundant anyway) no the first thing the second generation of Rowdies was going to learn was:

Never. Pull. Uncle .Brick's. Hair.

He'd have to begrudgingly allow his red eyed spawn to do it-it would teach them hand eye coordination and shit… plus their mother would probably go all weepy eyed and insist on taking a picture. Women tended to do that…take a picture of every time their spawn so much as blinked. Then again Brick had seen some men do that in Townsville common. It was… sickening.

Brick would not be like that. Brick would forever have self-respect. Butch wouldn't be able to remember who was who. Boomer would likely be the dumb ass who'd go through cameras like candy and those lucky Rowdy wives would be right behind him.

Yeah… Brick would admit he wouldn't mind getting married someday. It was a normal thing- pass down his genes- and in a way it was also a necessity-the Rowdyruff line couldn't be overrun by Green or Blue- there had to be Red somewhere… for the sake of the world.

So… yeah. Rowdy spawn… fine. Other people's spawn… fuck off. Simple concept.

His phone buzzed again as he exited his car- likely another message from Tweedle Dee whining over how Brick had "ditched" them- blah blah-. Cripes- despite the potential danger to it maybe it would be beneficial to retry the whole- here's how to cook without burning my kitchen down lessons Brick had attempted once… before the aluminum incident.

… Two years was enough. He surely had learned his lesson by now. He'd bring it up at dinner or whatever- he was going to be busy tonight anyway. The book was Brick would admit begrudgingly minutely interesting. A little bit "nature" heavy- but it was an ancient Japanese legend: likely influenced by Shinto traditions and such- the author would obviously focus on nature a bit more than necessary.

He'd have to make a note of that in his part of the paper.

He scowled as the phone buzzed again.

From:The Cackling Hyena

By the way Maggie misses you already XD look at those poor widdle puppy eyes d'aww I think you made a friend Jojo XDD .

The dog indeed looked morose. Brick blinked. He didn't need dogs on his phone. He hated the wretched things. He

From: Brick

She'll live. I concur on only doing part I- Kellan will have our heads if we make her do actual work. Also. That's not a dog. That is a bear. No dog is that big.

The reply was instant- as Brick slung his backpack over his shoulder.

From: The Cackling Hyena

You should still read the whole thing when you get a chance though- it's a damn good read. And course my Mags is a dog- what you never seen a pure breed Great Dane before? ;p

He almost dropped his bag.

A pure breed… GREAT. DANE!?

But... but- how in the fuck did a baker afford a-!?

A pure breed…. Great Dane puppy… gold coloring…. Direct from a breeder… he continued typing into his phone.

Five. GRAND!?

For a DOG!?

And not even a full grown one but a PUPPY!?

Huge House. Pure Breed Great Dane… but it was still a fucking bear.

… How much did Janey's make in a year!?

How the- how the fuck!?

From: Brick

I'll keep that in mind. I'll let you know when I've finished reading

Huge house… purebred… five thousand dollar plus dog…

He also remembered more or less the movie studio the kid had upstairs… after… Brick's… long… long night of bargaining had proved futile and he'd been forced to accept… his fate and his own… pathetic… slightly obsessive fixation on the beautiful pink Powerpuff Girl… and Believe had also helpfully gone downstairs to get an ice pack for Brick's throbbing head… the Rowdyruff Boy had been left to his own devices in a room surrounded by Believe's private things. And Brick was a master hacker- he didn't need much time… it should have been easy to find some dirt on the asshole and make him back off from this… ridiculous ultimatum!

Except the kid's computer was so badly organized it was painful to look at. Folders labeled with nothing but random letters and numbers-

PPGNORMSSUM2008

MRBHLWN2008

RM2009

Again… they'd been a total fucking mess. He could tell they were media files- that was it! Probably movies judging from the collection of cameras that Brick hadn't noticed on his initial look at the large room: And then there was an even bigger collection of what had looked like lenses on another shelf.

Clearly the guy liked his camera- he'd been in the running for school historian this year if Brick remembered correctly- but obviously had lost it to a senior. No fucking duh.

But one thing had stood out to Brick. And still stood out.

The names on those cameras. All brand name.

And fucking expensive as hell.

A fucking Gazoi camera went for an easy six hundred a pop.

… How much did that café make in a year!?

Then again… guess that's why… one worked two… jobs?

To afford… luxuries… like… Gazoi cameras and… pure breed… Great Dane puppies…?

But… how in the-!?

How the ever living-!?

Brick's head hurt. Shit didn't make sense. None of that made sense. And… HEY! Maybe that was it! Ha! GOTCHA! Mike Believe was obviously involved in some… illegal shit! Yeah! He was doing something screwy!

That's all Brick needed: one good solid piece of blackmail and he'd have Believe practically begging for mercy! Yeah! That'll teach the asshole for daring to threaten a Rowdyruff Boy!

Ha! Ice Cream? Pleeeeease.

He cracked his knuckles-

I'll show YOU ice cream… jack ass.

His plan of attack now decided Brick sauntered up the steps of his building- even a whistle in his wake. Brick did so love it when things worked out perfectly. His superior intelligence was far superior to any dirty handed tactics of a hyena! Ha! Let's see… where to begin…

OOF!

He blinked, " Aw crap- sorry-!"

Had Brick hit his head too hard last night or was he really currently staring face to face with… Major Glory.

All… seven feet of him.

Uhh…

What…the… fuck…?

A feminine swear suddenly erupted from Mr. Glory.

"Mommy you swore again!"

And then he rolled his eyes.

Never mind. He hadn't hit his head hard enough.

For there indeed was the New York Banshee herself, Kimberly O'Donnell who Brick had been just delighted to discover was indeed… his new neighbor- wrestling with… Major Glory… Val Halen and… that purple guy name who escaped him at the moment- Boomer would likely know- it was definitely… a large piece of "Justice Friends" furniture… a headboard maybe?

And the hyperactive screaming child by her side- a perfect example of what Brick's future nieces and nephews were not going to be like was bouncing up and down.

"Careful Mommy!"

"I-I got it baby- just- open the door for Mommy and-."

Well whatever it was-the brunette wasn't going to make it up the front stairs lets alone to the elevator with it. Brick rolled his eyes… being a hero really sucked sometimes. He buzzed his lips and strolled over to Madam Banshee.

There were times being a good boy really sucked.

He cleared his throat, "Would you like some help Ms. O'Donnell?" He fought the urge to roll his eyes from the yelp that suddenly escaped her- cripes this woman was jumpy. The spawn gasped.

"ITS HIM! ITS HIM!" He grabbed her arm and started jumping more. "MOMMY IT'S MR. FIRE! IT'S MR. FIRE!" He started pointing to Brick wildly.

That's… not my name.

"Who! Oh… It's you." She bristled and took a slight step backwards- her large piece of furniture barely made

Nice to see you too…

She cleared her throat, "I mean…hello… err Brock?-."

"It's Brick."

"Oh… yes… Brick… sorry." She cleared her throat again. "I'm… not the best with names I'm afraid."

Clearly. He folded his arms, "No prob… again I ask… would you like some… help with err… Mr. Glory here?"

"Ha. Ha. Very funny- I'm perfectly capable of handling myself thank you." She continued to struggle with the oversized piece of painted plywood that was taller than her. He rolled his eyes as she paused at the steps leading into the building. One had to wonder how that thing managed to fit in her car in the first place… then again physics seemed to avoid this woman like the plague.

He rolled his eyes and plucked the obnoxious cutout of her hands and briskly walked up the steps. She stiffened but he looked at her over his shoulder witheringly. Again the woman seemed to huff but nonetheless went storming past him.

Her spawn raced after him.

"Hi Mr. Fire! Did you beat up bad guys today? Did you beat a monster? How come you're still not wearing a cape? Do you wear a cape? I don't think you should wear a cape- it wouldn't look right- your hair's too long- Hey! Is your hair like your cape?"

"Do you have to get your mail?" She muttered by his side still not looking at him. "And I can handle this you know- I got it in the car."

"It's Sunday." He retorted with a grunt. Val Halen's guitar was sticking into Brick's stomach. " And I'd love to see you repeat that because physically that should have been impossible." She pressed the button and held the door open for him. "I'm going to take a guess this is for the kid." Said kid was still babbling about how Brick apparently needed a new costume. And… some other nonsense- he wasn't really listening.

He could tell this Kim woman wasn't really either.

"Yes. My son was nervous about starting school." She mumbled. "I take it that was your car out there."

He nodded, "Yep."

"I suppose a superhero… would be able to afford a Camaro." She muttered.

He rolled his eyes, "I didn't "afford" anything but the parts- I found it in a junkyard and fixed it up." Her eyebrow rose.

"Ah… Ja-… Mr. Walter helped you fix it up then?" She murmured. Nice slip lady.

"Yeah, you could say that- what floor-?"

"Oh- 22."

"I wanna push the button! I wanna push!"

Brick rolled his eyes and slapped the button.

"Aww!"

"You're too short kid- you can't reach it yet- drink more milk." He grunted and shifted the headboard- the fucking purple guy was manhandling Brick in a non pleasant way.

"Aw I hate milk!"

"Milk makes strong bones- you gotta drink it unless you wanna be puny- that's all Boomer would drink and look at him- then look at Butch who didn't drink any. Who do you want to be?"

Her eyebrow rose as the kid seemed thoughtful.

"I wanna be you!"

…Cripes.

"Then drink a glass of milk a day- or two. Don't go overboard. Cripes the hell is this thing!?"

She still seemed mystified. But Greg nodded eagerly and saluted.

"Yes sir! Mommy we have milk right?"

"… Yes…?" She looked utterly flabbergasted to be brutally honest. Odd. Whatever. The door opened and she held it open for him- huh so the banshee had manners after all- shock. She led the way down the hall- the place was still in the midst of unpacking- boxes and shit were everywhere but the layout seemed similar to Brick's. Save the loft area that had become Boomer's domain. The kid rushed to the kitchen and jumped on the island stool.

"Mommy! Mommy I want a big glass of milk! I wanna be big and strong like Mr. Fire!"

"… It's… Brick kid." He grunted. "Where do you want this Ms. O'Donnell?"

"Mommy!"

"In a minute Greg!" She sighed. "Um… well that's his room right there-." She pointed to the left and Brick did his good samaritan deed for the day. Just get this set up and his "good boy quota" would be satisfied for the day so he wouldn't feel as bad doing...less… wholesome things concerning maybe school records he had gained access to perhaps, maybe not so much legally.

… Cripes…

This place was a disaster area. Toys were scattered everywhere- he twitched. Yes this was a child's room… but there was no excuse for… he swallowed his instinctual ire as best he could- a bed was in the corner and Brick pulled it out- and plopped the headboard into place behind the frame.

Right… good deed done for the day and now it was time to-.

He blinked.

The kid's walls were covered in pictures. Mostly crude drawings scattered everywhere- mostly of the said "Justice Friends" Brick had just finished escorting but Brick definitely recognized the pufferfish in one of them.

And… he raised an eyebrow as he peered at it. Yeah… that was Pinky alright. The big red bow made that pretty clear: And he was going to assume the guy holding the big green bubble was Butch. His lip curled slightly- the crudely drawn girl yelling at him had black hair. The kid was observant apparently. The Tornado in the other side of the paper had two blonde stick figures in it.

His eyes widened slightly however.

In the front and center one of the figures was flying in the air- and he blinked. He was also holding what looked like a smaller stick figure in his arms and pointing at the other stick figures - ordering them… wait…

Is that… me?

Shit… it was. Why was some kid drawing pictures of him… kind of creepy. He backed away from it. Right… creepy stalking kid right below him- great.

He had a stalker at school and now he had one at home. Fan fucking tastic.

He also saw another picture in a crude frame and grimaced slightly again. Oh…

The picture was of three people in front of a rectangle Brick assumed was a building- and the crudely written "My family" on the top made him grimace more.

A woman on the left, a little boy in the middle and a guy on the right. Mommy. Me. Daddy.

Ouch. Yeah… judging from the fact that there was no sign of another male in this apartment… anywhere…

Despite himself he felt himself grimace again.

Cripes. Poor kid.

"Oh… oh wow! Mr. Fire! You're… you're in my room!? There's a superhero in my room!? WOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOW!"

Jesus Christ this kid was loud! Kimberly O'Donnell had followed her son, and her eyes widened.

"Oh! You… put it together?" She still seemed confused "You didn't have to-."

"Mommy! There's a SUPER HERO IN MY ROOM!"

"I can see that baby." She murmured and cleared her throat. "Err thank you Brick. That was very nice of you. Really-." She began digging in her purse. "Please let me-." She pulled out her wallet.

He put a hand out immediately. "Nah, it's kind of part of the job description Ms. O'Donnell. Plus you know- neighbor and all." He shrugged. The kid was still looking at him with eyes so big Brick was beginning to slightly fear for the muscles in his face. He was going to damage his eyesight…

"Well at least let me give you a cold drink or something." She mumbled. "I don't need charity."

He rolled his eyes, "Sure- I'll take a water." She seemed relieved- again… this woman was strange. The kid practically glued himself to Brick's side and scampered up on the kitchen stool- and continued staring at him like a creep.

"How long have you been a superhero!" Did you get bited by a radioactive spider- or or- did you get hit by a bolt of lightning- or did you get expimented on by a super secret lab- or- or!-!"

Cripes…

He took the glass she handed to him and then she more or less busied herself at the stove while her hyperactive child continued throwing questions at Brick left and right- No, Brick was not bitten not "bited" by a spider- no… his powers did not come from… a God… or what not… nor was he experimented on. He just...kind of had them. .

"But- But your powers had to come from somewhere! It's a super hero rule!"

"There… are rules?" He heard a slight chuckle and he saw her shake her head.

"Yeah! All superheroes have to fight for peace, justice and the good of all mankind!" He recited proudly. Brick blinked. "That' what Major Glory says!" His eyes widened. "HAVE YOU MET MAJOR GLORY!?"

"Er… no can't say I've had the pleasure…"

"But I thoughts all super heroes knew each other!"

"Uh… well I'm not… exactly.. err-." How was he to explain this to an overeager four year old. "I haven't been a… hero… for long kid."

"Really?" He cocked his head. Kim also raised an eyebrow.

"But you were born with your powers- you said so!"

"…Yes… but… just because you have powers doesn't mean… you necessarily use them… in public settings at least." He mumbled the last part. Ugh the last thing he needed was some banshee freak out. His head was pounding. They'd been up way too late with that stupid book… yeah the guy had had a few good points but cripes Brick needed coffee…

"So when did you become a hero then?" He was genuinely curious it seemed…. Odd. And that stove seemed clean enough- she must have wiped that top down about six times now. His gaze however centered on the calendar- was it… really that time?

…Shit.

Time really flew.

Six months… had six months really…? He'd only said that to Boomer… in a really sad way of trying to cover up his own idiotic obsession… no he had a little crush but he was not a lost cause… yet.

The kid was still looking at him oddly. Expectantly- he was clearly waiting for an answer. Even Ms. O'Donnell for all her obsession with keeping her appliances clean seemed oddly interested.

He crossed his arms. "It's uh… kind of a long story kid-."

"Aw please! Please! I wanna hear! Tell! Tell!" He pressed his hands together. "I'll drink a lot of milk see!" He started chugging his glass and the woman looked like she had just seen the second coming. Her jaw just kept dropping lower and lower.

Brick had plans. He had his much justified revenge to plan out…

The kid slurped the last of the big glass and wiped at his milk mustache triumphantly. She looked almost ready to cry. Brick took a sip of his water.

Revenge. Revenge would be Brick's. He would find something to utterly ruin the asshole hyena…

The kid was still staring at him with those creepy stalker eyes- looking at Brick like he was some kind… some kind of idol or something. Staring at him like… he'd seen many people… staring at Pinky and the Girls…over the years.

He took another sip.

"Okay kid… how much do you know about the Powerpuff Girls?"

"The Power what?"

Clearly nothing. Right…. From the beginning it was. His glass was empty but it was immediately refilled- almost instantly- he didn't even have to ask before Ms. O'Donnell returned to her redundant scrubbing.

"I ain't the best storyteller kid- I'll warn ya now it's a pretty boring story- but here goes: See… there was once this guy- Professor Utonium- he was doing some wonky experiments in his lab one day when his crazy lab monkey went nuts and started tearing up the place-."

The kid's eyes… for some weird reason… just kept getting bigger and bigger the more Brick spoke.

… Odd.

-IV-

It was raining…

It was always raining here…Raining and never stopping. She could hear every individual splash as she caught the individual droplets in her hand- she could smell the clean crisp air as vividly as if this were real… she could even taste the rain in the air- were she to stick her tongue out and catch the drops.

As if any of this… was not a figment of her mind's creation.

Hear. Smell. Touch. Taste.

Vivid. Strong. Unusually so.

A natural bodily reaction- the loss of one sense… would strengthen… the others.

She still saw nothing. Save blurs… shapes… the heavy veil covering her face- yes… she felt it now. She felt its weight- traced the intricate embroidery that seemed to cover it- the strange splashes of color in her otherwise black world.

Why was she shrouded like this? And why didn't she simply rip it off? How irritating… how silly… to allow a single piece of apparel to more or less reduce her to this sightless state…

Her bare feet curled around the cool grass- every blade was frighteningly solid… real. Tickled her skin- even as her feet began to move- despite her blindness… she knew exactly where she was going.

At least her body did. Or this body she was in. This body that was used to no sight… that was used to this inky darkness- walking blind. Walking true.

She picked up more footsteps. Behind her. Around her. In front of her.

Her hand was taken. Slowly- gently- Deliberately. As if not to frighten her.

As if she would ever fear him.

As if she wasn't terrified.

He was achingly cautious… as if she were a china doll… his touch was almost tentative.

As if he could break her.

As if his touch wasn't already destroying her.

As if this touch wasn't destroying them both,

Don't… Don't come any closer!

It was like a knife to her skin, that hand brushing against her cheek- that shroud being brushed back- but never removed- the rain dripped off her lips- down her chin-running down those hands holding her.

Release me… Let me go… Please… just leave me alone!

A chill wafted through the air. He went still.

It was a sharp sound. A Quiet sound.

A fluid motion. Well practiced. Hesitant.

"My soul is yours."

I don't want it.

I don't know you.

Yet I do… I do…

I do know you.

But I don't. I don't know you!

Who… Who are you!?

He released her. She couldn't move to grab him back. Nor could she run screaming into the rainy night away from him.

After him…

"My soul… is yours….never…. never forget that…"

I don't… I don't want it…

I DON'T WANT IT!

WHO ARE YOU!?

"Wait for me…"

Wait for me….

-o-o-o-

She awoke with a jolt- her head shot up so quickly she almost grew dizzy: Where… where was- oh… she was… she was in her office. Her heart was pounding. Pounding so hard… so fast. Her hand fisted her shirt and her eyes hurt- she squinted- that light… the light was so bright.. it was… painful- just! She made herself get up and stumbled over to the wall- and brought the lights down before she slumped against the wall- resting on the floor..

Breathe… She just… she just had to breathe.

The tears streaming down her cheeks- she wiped them quickly.

Breathe… Breathe Blossom.

Her chest hurt. No… it felt like it was going to explode- split open- she just wanted to weep- that icy feeling… that gnawing feeling of utter… despair…. Utter…

She bit her lip and began to hum. She didn't have her music box… but she had the next best thing. Her own voice. She could sing herself back to... back to normal. She hugged her arms and began humming louder- faster- even as she hugged her knees under her chin and felt her body begin to rock slightly. Oh... Oh not again...

Not real. Not real.

Think of those who matter.

Her sisters. They're real.

Michael and Robin. They're real.

Father. He's very real.

Mama. Also real.

The boys. Very much real.

Brick… he's… he's also real. And if he were to see… were to see Blossom like this he'd be so… disappointed? Ashamed to call her a partner. Yes… probably- it was shaming enough for her to be reduced to this day after day- night after night… but for Brick to ever see it-!... No... No he couldn't- just... no. She remembered the look in his eyes when he'd ever found her pathetic self huddled in his bedroom crying like a fool over a ghost of all things.

She was such a fool. Such a... weakling. Such a... She squeezed her eyes shut. NO! Just... Just... She... she was such a... disgrace!

She was a super hero. She saved the world before bedtime... she had failed once already and it had near cost her everything... she wouldn't make that mistake a second time.

Her back hit the door and she wiped her eyes angrily before she shuddered in sheer revulsion.

He had touched her cheek... a figment of her imagination that had felt.. terrifyingly real.

She felt disgusting. Used.

Blossom was always a realist but… but she wasn't a cynic. No, she believed in love- 'true love" even in some cases- Michael and Robin- there was an example right there. She… she could never be a girl who just… kissed a man willy nilly- for the "fun" of it… like some she knew.

She had to feel something. Anything. She'd been a girl who like a fool had dreamed of her first real kiss- that… unfortunate episode between her and Michael was something the two of them had both sworn never to discuss again with anyone. She shuddered. That didn't count. It had been a necessity. A last straw. But technically speaking her first real kiss had been an utter disaster and Blossom…

… Blossom wanted a real one. She wanted to feel it all the way to the tips of her toes and know that… that someone truly…loved her. Hell stupid as it sounded she even wanted her foot to pop up like one of those cliché golden oldies flicks and those glamorous movie stars of old.

And yet here she was night after night forced to be in the arms of some nameless specter whose very presence drew from her horrifyingly alien emotions- passion… lust… love.

But they weren't… from her.

They weren't… her.

Wait for me…

That…. That was new. And why should she "wait" when she was already forced to be with him! What was the point of waiting!? Wait for what!? Wait for him to tear her clothes and have his way with her!?

But… no… no he wouldn't do that… he… - wait… what!? No! How could she know what this thing was capable of!? How could she be so sure!?

Yet… she was.

He'd had… emotion this time. A… A personality even. He wasn't just the faceless specter that took advantage of the fact that she had no control over her own body or emotions and being as trapped as she was in that inky prison night after night assaulting her- making her feel things she did not nor did she ever want to feel!

Blossom always wanted to scream- to kick- to pry herself free from those goddamn arms and run as if her very life depended on it but instead something else had control of her- something she could almost… could almost feel… in those inky nightmares… someone had control of her body… someone made her… someone… something… made her… want… him to touch her. To press her against his body- to kiss her.

All Blossom had wanted to do was run… run from this faceless man. A man who was hell bent on offering her something. Demanding she take something.

Something Blossom: Did. Not. Want.

But… someone…something… else did.

Who… Who was he!? Was this some kind of… some kind of sick joke!? A showing Blossom had truly begun to lose her grip on reality!? If this is what a soul mate was then she didn't want it!

Her fingers touched her lips- shakily.

Wait for me…

What… What was going… how was this even-!?

She swallowed hard and wiped her eyes again.

"Who are you…?" She whispered and held her hands up shakily.

But… she had a clue now. That sound… that strange… almost high pitched squeal of metal… she'd heard it before. In movies.

He'd drawn… a weapon. She couldn't see it. But she'd heard it.

And then he'd sounded… frightened himself. Nervous. Hesitant. Before he had run… run somewhere she couldn't follow…

Wait for me…

Wait for me…

She folded her hands and squeezed her eyes shut.

Who was she supposed to wait for… why was she supposed to… no… no she was not… this was… who was…!?

She took a long shuddering breath- the panic slowly began to subside- the icy chill that had quite overcome her was fading away- and soon Blossom could breathe again. Her heart slowed to a steady rate again and slowly she stood back up.

She had… She had work to do. Nightmares… Nightmares couldn't stand in the way of that.

They were only dreams. They meant nothing…

Nothing.

Her desk was piled and in complete disarray. Dear God she was so far behind it was almost criminal. This entire… "Collector" incident had completely thrown Blossom's schedule into chaos! January wasn't even close to being finished and she still had the 2008 report to finalize and good God… she still had February to begin.

Thankfully at least… February had been relatively… calm. Only six X' incidents and a handful of minor transgressions. She sighed- perhaps some music would calm her nerves. Ah… there we are- yes some Tchaikovsky would do. The classical music surged through her new speakers: Ah her father knew her so well- top of the line and crystal clear quality- one could almost feel the music around her.

Much better… her phone buzzed slightly- she stiffened but relaxed: Just her Faceplace alerts- ugh she had to speak to Robin- maybe she could figure out how to shut off all these asinine " top friend" status updates: She frowned.

MOVIE ZONE: BREAKING NEWS: "Hollywood's newest starlet Mary Ellen Janison cast to play classic Tristan Prince heroine "Marie DuClaire" in the recently announced "Broken Glass" remake set to be released sometime in the late spring of 2011.

Oh dear God… that vapid twat… well this remake was going to be a disaster. She'd stick with her 80's cheese fest thanks.

Michael Believe: I just love it when things go my way. Victory will be mine. Mwahahaha!

Oh dear. That didn't bode well. Michael cackling maniacally was never a good thing-audible or not- for Blossom in the end…. But then again he was probably speaking of the Tri City Cup… Blossom was just paranoid sometimes.

Mitch Mitchelson: I'll be sure to remember all of you people when I'm rich and famous don't worry: Rockin' it out with [Boomer Jojo] and [Buttercup Utonium]

Ah. Yes they had rehearsal today didn't they.

Bubbles Utonium: MY BOOMIE IS THE BEST SINGER EVER! XOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXO

Buttercup Utonium: Rehearsing with the guys and watching my sister practically die in the audience because [Boomer Jojo] is serenading her like some kind of bard. Gotta love Saturdays. But I need to go puke now- Blues overload alert. Just kidding love you Bubs XD

Well sounded like her sisters were having a good time at least. They'd wanted her to come with them of course but… she sighed. She just… had so much work to do and well…her hands shook slightly and she hastily put the phone down.

It… It was nothing. For goodness sakes this was ridiculous! It wasn't like- It wasn't like she was-!

She began humming again. Louder. Quicker. But her hands still shook. And shook. She felt her breathing quicken. NO! Damn it! NO! Not now!

She turned her music up louder- listen to the music. Become lost in it. Breathe. Breathe deeply. In. Out. In. Out.

It was only a nightmare. A terrible… terrible nightmare. Dreams were not real. Dreams did not mean anything.

Dreams… were dreams.

Reality… was reality.

Her breathing slowed again and she slumped lower in her chair. Another buzz. She picked it up.

Townsville Tribune: Remember all you lovebirds- the Sweetheart Valentine's Day Carnival in Townsville Common opens its gates on Thursday, February 14that six pm and will be here the rest of February- closing Friday the twenty ninth."

Her cheeks flushed. That wasn't too far away: How time… flew. Though… this also meant that she was really running out of time to get all her paper work complete and ohhh…. This was bad. The Lenny Incident had involved so much red tape and the… other official paperwork that had had to be added to it this year… the League had… given her an extension thanks to that super woman Sarah Bellum and her incredible powers of persuasion. All the league thus had required from Blossom upon the day of the "deadline" two weeks ago had been the report detailing the Dosidicus Gigas incident and other mutant attacks- other than that… she'd been given another month. To fully sum up the "Powerpuffs''" activities and introduce… in full the X' Team. The "Collector" incident as that particular report was code named… at least that was done.

Blossom sighed and slumped in her chair. There were almost thirty five reports from January alone… ugh… she was going to be at this desk all night… but at least after this report… was finalized… she'd never have to look… that maniac in the face again.

Yes… it had been a living nightmare. Bubbles had ended up seeing a counselor for a few weeks- as Blossom and Buttercup had both been "lucky" enough to be unconscious… for most if not all of it. Her memory was thus the "clearest" of the three of them and-. She frowned and shook her head.

Her hands also brushed her lips idly-.

My Soul is yours…

Damn it… Stop that! She had work to do damn it!

Soul… bah. How cliché how… trite even. A soul mate? Tch. The idea.

Bubbles had clearly been watching too many romance movies and… Blossom had obviously been reading too many novels lately.

She frowned and rubbed her eyes. Damn it… coffee… she needed caffeine…

Lots… of… caffeine.

What time was it? She frowned and checked her phone. She and the girls had been up… until almost four in the morning- and then Robin had wanted to discuss their English project and had only just left two hours ago- she was a wonderful partner of course- they'd split it fifty-fifty. Ms. Kellan had frowned upon using the "cliché" Greek myths but Robin had had a point in that most people hadn't heard of the "Psyche and Eros" story and they could highlight more than one myth along the same lines- she couldn't complain about that.

Mmm… Psyche and Eros… the woman who had married a man whose face she was never allowed to see.

Subtle. Very subtle Robin.

… She needed coffee.

But first she needed to finish January… just January and then she could… yes… absolutely just finish January….

Her eyes grew heavy- and she leaned forward on her desk.

Just… a few more hours… then… She blinked quickly- oh dear. She almost dozed off there- couldn't have that- that was a bad thing- so… coffee… than report and -.

Blossom then remembered the Professor had made good on his threat from last month and had bought only decaf coffee for the kitchen. And Blossom's private stash had either been raided… or she had simply not realized how low she was getting.

…Well this was a problem. She sighed heavily- the mound of paperwork was just growing taller… and taller. She frowned… oh dear… well… thankfully February had onlythe six incidents so if she was lucky…

SHRIIIIIING

X ALERT: TVS PD: CENTRAL: in progress- X Team asked for assistance

Her face fell into the desk…

Okay… make that seven…

-IV-

"And so- the day was saved thanks to…"

"THE X TEAM!" The kid threw his hands up in the air and began "flying" with his arms out in front of him. "Cause, cause- Blue Lightning went POW POW- with his super speed and liting bolts! Like- ZAAAAP and then the Green Guy- sowwy I forget his name but he went BOOOOOM and kept all the yucky squid thingie's arms from smacking them with his green wall thingie- but Pink Ice was in real trouble and then- Da Da DAAAAA- CRIMSON FIRE TO THE WESCUE!" He cheered. Brick couldn't help it- he felt himself crack a small smile. For an annoying little brat the kid had… his moments.

"That… was quite a story.." Kim shook her head, "You don't hear something about that in New York that's for sure… I was expecting earthquakes when I moved out here… not teenage superheroes and mutant… marine life." she took a hasty sip from her coffee mug. They both watched as Greg began reenacting the best "moments" from Brick's story.

He shrugged, " Townsville's an interesting place Ms. O'Donnel but it's really not that bad- you just kind of get used to it." She gulped.

"Y-Yes… I figured... " Another gulp. "Is...Is there a reason the local kindergarten teacher has... " She cleared her throat. "Horns?" She said before taking a bigger gulp from her coffee.

"Oh you mean Mr. Green? Yeah he's got some monster in him-." She paled. " Like maybe a fourth generation, but he's an awesome teacher- trust me my brother volunteers there all the time-." He flicked his gaze at the kid who had decided the big fern next to the bookcase was the oversized calamari. Again… kind of… tolerable for a brat.

She was still rather pale, " I...I guess I have a lot of things to get used to… this isn't New York… that's for sure." She murmured and seemed fixed on her mug again before her gaze drifted back to her son. "I… haven't been fair to you Mr. Jojo." She murmured. "My behavior last week was inexcusable."

"You were in a complete panic- you'd been in Townsville what… two hours according to Janey before the Fugu decided to come and play." He shrugged, "And if you're apologizing for the hair comment- don't bother- I'm used to it really." He shrugged again.

"I meant… " She sighed. "It's not really an excuse of course but I made a judgement before I-."

"Even knew me?" He snorted. "Again I'm used to it. I don't let it bug me."

"But it was unfair regardless."

"One can argue that yeah- but like I said… doesn't really bug me- there are still people in this town who don't like me and my bro's very much: Hell there are some ass-." He looked behind him and the kid was still in the room - " asinine people who even don't like the Powerpuff Girls. It comes with the territory. A remark from a frazzled and extremely upset lady about my hair ain't gonna bug me much."

She sighed, " Still though… I owe you my life. My son's life- there must be something I can do-."

He put a hand up, "Lady- listen. We don't expect payment or anything- that's not what being a "hero"." He air quoted. " Is about. I acted because it was the right thing to do: Personal feelings don't matter in sushi fights- if you really feel that bad then I'd prefer you just I dunno stop freaking out about everything and get to know Townsville. Mr. Green's a great teacher- your kid's in good hands don't worry."

She bristled. "I never said he wasn't-."

He smirked. "Your face said otherwise. Is Townsville really that different from New York- I've never been but you didn't see crazy stuff there?"

She blinked, "Well… there was that young man who tattooed himself to look like an alligator down the block…"

His eyebrow rose, ""Alligator?"

She nodded, "Yes… he claimed it was due to worship of an Egyptian God-."

"Egyptian...God?" She nodded. He shrugged,. "Well there's no Crocodile worshippers far as I know in Townsville." He shrugged. "New York's weird apparently."

She blinked and chuckled. "Yes… Yes it is. Strange Egyptian God worship… Mutant Fish… I suppose Townsville's… not that different after all in some ways."

"Nope." He shrugged, " We're just the sushi capital of the world at the moment is all."

"You poor kids…" She shook her head. "Doesn't it affect your school work?"

He shrugged, " Not really in my case- Pinky and me… we're tied for top of our class anyway- we go back and forth almost weekly." Her eyes were huge. He swallowed the snort. Yep… the long haired "delinquent" was top of his class. "And yeah...I'll admit I'm a bit worried about my brothers but Boomer's so lovesick at the moment if it doesn't have blue eyes and blonde pigtails he doesn't care about it anyway."

Another laugh, "I take it… he's the one who wanted to get his girlfriend the promise ring."

He sighed, " Yep. Idiot. I'm happy for him really I am don't get me wrong but he's a nutcase."

You should talk. "Strawberry Ice Cream"

Her face became wistful then, "Ah… young love… I remember those days."

The picture in the kid's room flashed through his mind. And so did the comment about the "newest model" this lady had made in the garage last week. Couldn't have been easy- it wasn't hard to figure out. A new "model" had come in the picture somehow and the old one had been removed from said picture.

People were bastards sometimes.

"But… regardless Brick-." She grabbed her purse and began rifling through it. Cripes… this woman didn't know when to quit- was this a New York thing or something... ?

She pulled out what looked like a business card.

"I don't know how… superheroes… handle these things but if you or your team…? Ever need more… legal assistance please contact me it's the least I can do." He blinked this time.

Kimberly O' Donnell

Attorney At Law

"You're a lawyer?" He murmured and stared at the rather… fancy looking business card. "What kind of law… do you specialize in... ?"

"Well… mostly financial at my last firm but I specialized in financial and Civil matters regardless-." I'm getting the feeling this interests you somehow." She took another sip of her cup.

"... If you're willing to offer some legal advice… then yes I'm interested." He pocketed the card instantly. "What kind of civil matters… anything concerning… emancipation of a minor at all?"

Her eyes grew slightly bigger, " I myself no… but I have a few colleagues that handled cases like that- I could make a call or two: As I said it's the least I can do. I was wondering why three teenage boys… with all due respect were living by themselves right above me. You're… seeking emancipation from your parents?"

He grimaced at the plural. "I don't have parents. I have one. And he's my creator not my father but yes- we're seeking to emancipate ourselves from him in a legal sense. I've looked into what goes into it but-."

"You looked into it?! Brick with all due respect legal emancipation is no easy task- it's a complicated matter even in slam dunk cases- and one minor is bad enough but three?"

"It's a… legality I'll admit- but in our… line of err...work I don't want that… creator of mine to have any rights to make… decisions of… say a medical variety-." She grimaced this time.

"Oh…" Her gaze once again went to the kid who had turned his Justice Friend actions figures into… X' Team now apparently. " Yes… of course… I understand." She nodded. "You'll need to show you're financially stable." He nodded.

"I've been keeping our records pretty organized."

"Good. And you'll need… sponsors from an adult most likely- written statements- character statements: Especially if… your creator fights back and it sounds like… you believe he will."

He glowered, " He'll fight to spite me. To punish me for disobeying him. He doesn't see us as anything but failed lab experiments anyway." Her eyes widened more. Her hand even went out slightly before she drew it back but he shrugged, "Haven't needed him for almost seven years now- it's just rubber stamping something that's been a long time coming. Another shrug.

"Brick my eldest son there's something we need to… discuss."

"Like what Dad…?"

"Brick, eldest son despite everything that will… be occurring in these next couple of months never forget that I Mojo Jojo… no matter what… will never stop being your-."

Brick threw back his head to finish his water.

BZRIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGGGGG

Kim jumped somewhat and Greg whirled around.

"What on earth?" She exclaimed as he dug his phone out of his pocket.

X ALERT: TVS PD: CENTRAL: in progress- X Team asked for assistance

Shit. Well. Duty called. He swung his bag over his shoulder- Pinky was going to have his head if he didn't at least change into his uniform shirt- bullet proof and shit. Not that it'd "kill" him… but it'd still hurt like a bitch.

The little kid was in front of him holding his toys,

"Awwww! Are you leaving already Mr. Fire!"

He chuckled somewhat, "Yeah sorry kid- but I got Super hero stuff I guess." He turned to Ms. O'Donnell. " If you really don't mind my brothers and I would really appreciate any advice you could give us Ms.-" She waved it off.

"Absolutely Brick- no problem whatsoever. Like I said least I can do- I'll make a call or two." She grinned. "And seeing as we're neighbors why not just call me Kim hmm?" He smirked somewhat.

"It's very much appreciated by the Rowdyruffs as a whole, thank you Kim."

The little kid was still looking up at him with unnervingly big brown eyes, " Mr. Fire will you come back and tell me more X' Team stories?" He was practically rocking on his heels. " Pleeeeeeease- I'll drink lots of milk! I promise!

He blinked. Well… the kid was pretty puny… he probably could use the extra calcium. He shrugged.

"Meh don't see why not if your mum says it's okay." He whipped around and those huge brown eyes were directed towards Kim now. She smiled wanly and nodded. The kid practically jumped into the air.

"Yeeeeeeessss! I Have a superhero living next door! He's gonna tell me stories! Yaaaaaaaaay!" He latched onto Brick's leg and he stiffened. Okay… hugging… was not part of the deal. He patted the small human's head quickly and then cleared his throat.

"Okay kid- gotta go now. I've got… super-heroing… to do."

The kid immediately gave him a gap toothed salute. "Yes sir! Mr. Fire Sir!"

"It's Brick…"

"Yes Sir- Mr. Brick sir!" Another salute.

What's with the "Mr." shit… ugh never mind no point.

He shrugged again and waved idly. His phone buzzed again.

… Right… no time to change.

Hero time.

-o-o-o-

I fucking hate this place…

The Townsville Police Department was an immaculate state of the art facility- so clean it was frightening at times and had a stark almost "modern" feel due to a massive overhaul paid for by the city after an unfortunate encounter with a regular non sushi monster's behind about four years ago.

It was sleek. It was chic as the designers had raved on the evening news… it was still… a police station.

And Brick hated police stations. Allied with them or not he still hadn't had much fun times in them regardless.

Case in point: A bank robbery- who the fuck decided to rob a bank in the middle of the afternoon- whatever the robbery hadn't been the problem: Oh no it was a run of the mill operation run by the average run of the mill morons that decided it was a good idea to rob a city protected by their very own superhero team.

Because that always worked out for villainy in the end.

Cripes… people were so… stupid.

But apparently one of them- a lovely chap who went by the name of Harold… or Harry or whatever his friend had screeched it but Brick was too preoccupied at the time turning one of their pathetic weapons into melted putty- and dodging the screeched lecture from his furious co-leader because… he again had not worn his uniform. When it came to automatic weapons with high bullet counts… apparently that was also a time where protective clothing was required by protocol.

And so since these bastards had thrown Brick into the doghouse Brick had thus taken great pleasure into throwing them into the big house.

And then the H' man had decided he liked blondes and copped a feel on Bubbles' chest and incurred the homicidal wrath of Tweedle Dum and the equally murderous punishment by Buttercup. Not to mention he likely didn't have hearing in his left ear from where Bubs had ruptured his eardrum with a single uncontrolled screech.

Sucked to be a pervert didn't it? Bastard.

"LET ME AT HIM! LET ME AT THE LITTLE SHIT! ASSWIPE LET GO! LET GO!"

"Butters c'mon no killing allowed remember!"

" YOU FUCKING TOUCHED MY LADY YOU PIECE OF- NO BUBBLES HE OFFENDED YOUR HONOR BASTARD IS GONNA GET THE TASER TREATMENT!"

"Boomie calm down! You can't hurt people! Even if they're creepy perv's! Boomie!"

Both Boomer and Buttercup were more or less being dragged out of the station by their counterparts- the rather short portly man cowered behind the wall of officers who had no choice but to protect him: Bill of rights and all- innocent until proven guilty.

It really sucked to be "good" sometimes. He should go and help- Boomer had a pretty bad temper- enough even that get him mad enough and even Tweedle Dee backed off- would Bubs be able to calm the raging beast?

And well he'd heard enough stories about the green Puff's temper not to mention her sometimes unhinged protective streak over her sisters.

Question remained if Butch would have teeth by the end of this evening… so to be blunt Brick really should go over there to help…. Butch barely got the Green Puff out the door… Bubbles had already dragged Boomer by the waist

"Here's the forms you asked for Blossom." The police secretary smiled sheepishly and set down a pile of papers in front of them. Pinky sighed.

"Yes… thank you Mrs. Ming- sorry for the commotion- we'll be out of here soon enough."

"I take it you'll be handling it for Bubbles then?" The elderly woman shifted her glasses down and grimaced at the raging X' teens just outside the station- he couldn't honestly tell who was screeching louder- and now Butch and Bubbles had switched from counterpart to sibling. A tag team effort. A blue streak and there went the raging blonde followed by the infuriated raven head- Butch and Bubbles were left standing staring up at the sky- Butch's finger went up silently Bubbles nodded and with another nod in sync the two went shooting off after their erstwhile counterparts.

The three of them watched and Pinky's head went to her forehead with a low exasperated -long suffering groan. Brick merely shook his head.

Fools.

"Yes. If that's okay- I'll be filling out the report myself…." Pinky murmured as she began skimming the top of the pile- eyes skimming the wall of text at a rapid pace that made even Brick's head spin slightly. She clicked a pen and the top sheet was signed with a flourish- her elegant signature flew upon one page after another- almost like it was routine.

The secretary certainly seemed mystified, she gave a little shake of her head. "Well Blossom call me if you need anything- you too Mr. Jojo. I'll be at my desk."

"Yes. Thank you Mrs. Ming." She wasn't even paying attention- Brick folded his arms.

"Uh Pinky?"

"Mm? No… not a 4… her shirt was still intact… but it was definitely more than a grasp… mm… three and half… no no weapon was on her at the time… three. Yes Three."

"What… are you doing?" He cocked his head.

"An incident report- what does it look like- Brick would you call the perp's demeanor aggressive in a controlled manner or more of an impulsive aggression?"

"… Impulsive? How is one impulsively aggressive-?"

"Mmm… you're right- this is an outdated form. They closed that loophole years ago I'll have to call the League and get more delivered…goody. Lecture time. Yay."

"Lecture…form? Pinky what are you doing?"

Her pink gaze flicked to him before she set the pen down, "Bubbles was sexually harassed in an aggressive manner while in uniform- that's a direct violation of the Super Heroes Act of 1947." Her eyes narrowed. "There's after all a reason we wear uniform on assignment remember? It gives us… extra protection in not just a physical sense after all." Another pointed look.

He shifted his feet and leaned against the wall. "It was just a bank robbery." He mumbled.

She looked exasperated, "Brick. Both I and Miss Bellum explained this to you months ago- remember? At the X Team's introductory Press conference- did you seriously forget!?" She rubbed her brow

Press conference… oh… oh yeeeeah- That had been hell of a night- Brand new uniforms- everyone was cheering- the Tweedles were smiling like dumbasses and everyone there had made a huge deal about the three of them signing this one paper- Boomer hadn't even paused to read it he'd just had that ridiculous shit eating grin on his face as he waved to the crowd like a moron. Butch just scrawled his own signature- he'd only cared about the free food that was waiting and aping it up for the camera's that just kept lighting up the room every time they so much as moved an inch.

Brick had… skimmed it at least before he'd added his own signature- most of it was in legalese- but… he had noticed that odd sigil atop it- the golden shield with a silver eagle atop it surrounded by stars and S.H.L. embossed in the middle. Brick… hadn't given it much thought. He hadn't seen anything about signing their lives away- or agreeing to donate his organs to the black market or anything else relatively unpleasant- and Pinky had...explained it to him along with Miss Bellum.

He...just hadn't been...err… listening very much. In his defense though Pinky rocked her X' uniform. That glorious… skin tight… gorgeous uniform. He wasn't a slobbering mess like the Tweedles or half the male population of Townsville but…

Bellum had put them together. Seated them side by side. That table had been crowded- it was not made for six microphones and six people. Every little move and he'd be brushing against her thigh- inhaling her scent- like an intoxicating fog of strawberries and cream that threatened to completely overwhelm him.

So Brick… may have been a little… err… "drunk" that night… sort of… kind of… never mind. He smiled sheepishly and she continued to give him a withering look before she sighed.

"Well… in retrospect it was a while ago- and a lot has happened since then- so here's Superhero politics 101 Ruff." She folded her arms. "Basically imagine a typical skirmish between good versus evil so called- a villain and a superhero- now if the so called "super hero" say had to use a city bus as a battering ram against a threat- or if in the course of the fight broke an office building- that individual would likely be in big trouble correct?"

"Right…" He nodded.

"But- the 1947 Super Heroes Act finally relieved those fears- it makes it so that if this damage is allocated during a "paranormal" or otherwise "life threatening" incident- than that "hero" is not financially responsible for the damage. It becomes a matter for the League or the city in question- so long as the damage in question occurs during the battle or chase: With me so far?"

He shrugged, "I guess- so basically in the middle of a sushi fight if Butch breaks a bus we ain't responsible."

"Exactly. It was no longer necessary for a "hero" to have to be hidden away- they could live relatively normal lives without fear of either financial or civil personal repercussions- they more or less were able to make the "secret identity" clause obsolete. Super heroes could choose to go public without fear of repercussions on a legal or financial level: In exchange the Super Heroes league was formed and their activities became more regulated. Make sense?"

He nodded again, "So that's where the paperwork trail comes into play?" She snorted.

"More or less. It takes a bit of the glamor out of the idea of the "Super Hero" when one realizes there's a lot of bureaucracy involved in Super Heroism nowadays- but it keeps everyone safe in the end. Hero, civilian- hell even the "super villains" have rights- a hero can't say crash into their "lair" without due cause."

"A..super hero search warrant you mean?" She chuckled slightly.

"A crude way of putting it but yes- more or less." She signed another paper. " Of course that's not all the League does but it's a big part."

"What else do they do?" Her eyebrow rose.

"Interested are we? Or is your memory coming back?" She smirked and he returned it.

"A mix of both Pinky." He spun a nearby desk chair around and plopped himself on it. "Go on- educate me on the Superhero bureaucracy."

She rolled her eyes and leaned against the desk- her head in her hands, "Well… let's see…. Hmm." She chewed the pen cap slightly- lucky bastard. "Well… after the forties and early fifties many of the "original" heroes were older- their aid during the wars of that era had gone by and many of them were beginning to get up there in years- especially during the sixties and seventies- many retired in fact- it became apparent then that instead of merely being a "heroic" organization- banding together and such to "beat villainy"- there was another mission that needed their and the world's attention. Thus they became dedicated to aiding and finding the next generation. To find and aid those with… abilities that… unlike the super heroes of old that had had to hide themselves away in fear the League instead not only protects them but now provides a resource."

"So basically… they train the next generation?" He raised an eyebrow. She nodded,

"In a way. The League's mission is simple Brick: Protect the world. Protect the Innocent. Provide for the future. " She seemed to recite it from memory as a small smile spread on her face, "They do seek out new "heroes" per say- but as I said before they're also a valuable resource for well… many times children: Children born with abilities… they may not necessarily understand and to provide aid and support for. After all- not all "Paranormal" individuals wish to become superheroes- it is a choice. Why do you think I gave you one?"

He was silent. "So… wait do they know about me and-"

She nodded, "They have for quite a while- your existence had to be reported after the incidents of our youth- they have you three on file, as they also have Mojo Jojo and other paranormal individuals in the city."

He blinked, " Wait… there are more?"

She tensed slightly but then nodded quickly, "Well… yes but every major city in the US has a few "paranormal" individuals Brick and many times they just want to live normal lives, go to school, have a career, marry, start families- they tend to stay out of public radar until God forbid an incident occurs- the league then can provide them help- many times in legal or civil matters." She clicked the pen and once again began signing more forms. "It's a form of protection Brick. After all, if you and your brothers had chosen to live normal civilian lives you could have. You still can- it's all up to you."

He shook his head, "When my mind's made up Pinky that's it- besides the sushi patrol's only getting worse- we're not leaving you girls- we made a promise on the Rowdy Code after all." He shrugged, "Therefore- non negotiable you're stuck with us."

She chuckled again, "Ah… yes this famous "Rowdy Code" I've heard so much about." She set the pen down, "You know… you promised me a while ago… you'd tell me what it was but it seems your selective memory struck again." She murmured.

He flushed, "It's… not that big a deal it was more… of a I guess an agreement we made- i just wrote it down and crap to make it look official so the Tweedles would actually follow it you know."

"I see…" She straightened up, "Butch seems to make much of it though- he's always citing it I've noticed."

"Yeah… I know it's… this weird thing with him I guess." Brick buzzed his lips, "When we wrote it things were… kind of bad... "

"How so?"

He flinched, "Well… we wrote it the night after we got back from Juvey-." Her eyes widened.

"Oh! Say no more- I'm sorry I shouldn't have pried I was just… curious is all!" She wrung her hands nervously before she turned back to the paperwork quickly.

...Fuck.

Good one Jojo. Remind the Pink Puff of his criminal record. No matter how unmerited…. His arrest was.

"So… what'll happen to the guy? He's already in deep shit I know but-." She stiffened and gave him a quick look- she wouldn't face him. Great… wonderful… fan fucking tastic…

"It's a Federal crime harassing a hero in uniform- sexual harassment especially. He's looking at added jail time compared to his foolish friends." She said hurriedly- still avoiding his direct gaze.

Although…

"… Jail time you say? Question...does it have to be the entire uniform or could I just wear say the shirt or pants or even the vest and have it still count when Morebucks tries her usual shit."

She snorted, "In your dreams." She signed another paper. "That is a gross abuse of super heroic privilege. If you want to be accepted into the League and word gets out you did that-." She snorted again. "You can kiss your license goodbye."

"… I'm sorry this league has power over my ability to legally drive a car?"

"Not that license Ruff." She shook the pen slightly. "Damn it- is there another pen around here somewhere?"

"…What kind of license?" She sniffed and began digging through the desk's drawers.

"Your Hero license of course." She murmured.

"… My what!?"

She blinked and that eyebrow rose even higher, "What did you think anyone can put on a costume and become a "super hero"." She air quoted. "No see there are proper channels in order to become a sanctioned hero. Not like our masked friend." Her smile was constant. And slightly unnerving. Pinky… really didn't like vigilantes…

"… and I've… done this? "

She suddenly looked sheepish and she cleared her throat, "Ah…. Well… no… not… technically. Not yet." She mumbled and cleared her throat once more. "None of us have at the moment- we're um… too young."

"… Too… young?"

She nodded quickly, "Yes. The legal age to…" put on the cape" per say is technically…. Seventeen. Ah here's a pen."

"So what you're saying is I'm technically… an illegal… superhero?" That sounded so strange. He'd never heard anything so ludicrous in his life.

She gave him a withering look, " Of course not Brick. You and your brothers are completely fine. Legal and such- you're in the same boat as my sisters and I… at the moment we're not legal super heroes… we're…" her face seemed to twist. "Sanctioned… Vigilantes" She muttered.

He blinked. Oh… Ohhhhhh.

That. Explained a lot.

"Ah." He said simply. She nodded. "So… you've been… a superhero since you were five though shouldn't that be some kind of loophole-?"

Pinky shook her head, "No. Rules are rules- Brick it's a typical bureaucracy- nothing is done fast and nothing is done without every paper being stamped by at least three different people. Case in point." She tapped the pile of papers again.

"So… how do we become-?"

She shrugged again, "We wait until we're seventeen, head to the League Headquarters- as sanctioned vigilantes-." She grit her teeth. Oh she hated that term. Now her unhinged hatred of the "Trickster" made soo much sense. " Since we're legal vigil-... heroes in training- and already have experience our "probationary" or "testing" period has been nulled and I have no doubt your's and the boys' will be also-so we just have to show up and get our "capes"." She shrugged.

"... I'm not wearing a cape."

"It's an expression Ruff." She rolled her eyes. "Our plan is to head there before the start of school next year- but… wait…" Her eyebrows furrowed and then her eyes widened before she slapped her hands to her mouth. . He knew there had to be a catch. "OH-! When is your birthday anyway? You've never mentioned it really and- Oh! We didn't miss it did we!? Oh I'm so sorry if we did- we'll make it up to you three I promise but-!"

"My birthday…?"

She nodded quickly still looking utterly mortified, "Six months as partners and I never once- oh… bad Blossom." She moaned.

His birthday… err… he cleared his throat again. "Calm down Pinky- you didn't miss it we uh… we decided it was in the summer." He folded his arms. "Kind of complicated you know- what with err… two kind of creations so… when the school ends we just decide hey another year older. Easiest way to do it- it's in the summer." He shrugged.

"Oh." She seemed relieved. Odd. And then she started chuckling a bit, odder. "You too huh? Summer is the easiest way to justify it. Starting school at five… every beginning of school year we're another "year" older."

"It makes the most sense."

"It does." That chuckling sounded more like giggling now. "Bubbles and Buttercup just wanted an excuse to throw a pool party one year so we voila the Powerpuff Girls have a birthday sometime in August. Never a specific date of course- all that matters is the party." She rolled her eyes. He shifted his feet again- and those sharp eyes noticed it right away. "Do you… not celebrate your birthday either Brick?" her eyes were slightly wider than usual. "No, that's nonsense of course you do- everyone at least celebrates their birthday-."

"Err… no not really…" She was taken aback.

"No?!"

"Not really no…" He muttered and her eyes were huge once more- was she going to pull a Bubbles? Oh God he hoped not.

She turned back to her papers however.

"That's a shame." She murmured. "Didn't you ever want to? I understand your fath-." She caught herself thank god. "I understand… Mojo wasn't for the holidays in general but… not even your birthday?"

He flinched. "No."

Her eyes were even bigger but then they narrowed, "Well that's his loss then." She said quietly, "You say you consider your "birthday" in the summer- then this year we'll all celebrate together." Her eyes were piercing and that tone merited no argument. "You deserve a birthday celebration."

"Pinky it's really not that big a deal I mean we're over it-." She ignored him and continued signing papers left and right- how long was this going to take? Wasn't this a bit excessive? As if in an answer to his unspoken question she yawned widely- and rubbed her eyes.

"Long night?" He snickered.

"You could say that." She said quickly before she yawned again this time louder and her eyes fastened on a cop walking past them with a steaming styrofoam cup in her hands. There was an almost instant flash of pure unmistakable longing in those pink irises- he almost laughed out loud.

"So Pinky, how's about I go grab us a couple of coffees- sounds like we both pulled all nighters of some sort last night." She stiffened and her cheeks flushed.

"You don't have to do that- I'm perfectly-." Another yawn and her cheeks grew pinker. "… If you wouldn't mind however I'm not going to say no- I'll pay you-."

He put a hand out, "Nope. No need. I got it don't worry just focus on those… whatever those are." He shrugged and her cheeks simply grew darker and darker.

"Brick I really can't ask you to-."

"Pinky there's a Dippin' Donuts right down the block- it's no big deal. I need one too. Believe wouldn't shut up all night." He muttered.

She giggled, "Well Michael is quite enthusiastic about history you know that."

"Mm." She giggled more.

Oh yeah… history. Uh huh. Sure. More like a sick twisted revenge over a lousy ice cream cone…

Why… had the asshole gotten ice cream- why couldn't he have just gotten… cotton-. No. No that would have been worse Brick would admit uh… funnel cake! Yeah- why not get a giant funnel cake at a fair! Not ICE. CREAM.

Stealing my strawberry ice cream fucking metal mouth. Kissing my Puff- never heard of counterpart privilege fucking asshole- don't care if it was awkward and you didn't wanna do it- still did it stupid jock- stupid hyena-.

"Brick?" He blinked. She cocked her head,

"Hm?"

"I… asked if you wouldn't mind grabbing me a donut too…" She wrung her hands through her hair. "I um… didn't get to eat lunch yet…"

He blinked, "Oh- Oh yeah uh what kind of donut did you want?"

Her cheeks were still rather pink, "Oh… well I mean if you don't mind- I'll obviously pay you back but one of their jelly donuts would be wonderful."

He nodded, "No prob- and don't even think about it- what flavor?"

"Well my favorite is strawberry so if they have one of those I'd be much appreciative." She beamed.

….. Of… course… it…was.

"Brick?"

"N-No problem Pinky- two coffees and one… strawberry donut coming right up!"

He exited that room way too quickly for his dignity ever to recover from. Ever.

"Strawberry… it had to be strawberry- why couldn't she like blueberry. Or orange- or grape- it had to be strawberry." He muttered under his breath and ignored the odd looks he was receiving. Just walk… walk away.

Ignore the fools- nothing to see here- just your run of the mill lovesick Rowdyruff Boy- a common sight in Townsville by now nothing to see- move along- move along-.

"Please Officer Whitman- Please I am begging you! I'm begging you!"

"Miss Pinzarro… I'm so sorry, I really truly am- please believe me but… it's out of my hands - your brother was a legal adult… he has a right… to disappear. I'm sorry Lesley. I really am."

" Matt never would have-!"

" Lesley... Off the record... I agree with you…but he disappeared while enrolled in CITU... Even if there was a chance he was... here in Townsville for a time. It's still technically under Citysville jurisdiction."

"You know Citysville PD didn't even bother looking-! Please! Please Ken!"

"Lesley… I'm so sorry."

The office door slammed open and Brick barely got out of the way of the weeping brunette who went flying out- the officer just hung his head before brushing past Brick with barely a glance- he looked sick.

… They may have been recently formed but his "hero time" instincts were acting in overdrive. She hadn't made it far out of the station and… well the direction she was heading in was technically on the way to Dippin' Donuts. He caught up to her in the parking lot.

She was still crying- sobbing really. He made a face- she kept flicking a lighter back and forth. Ugh… the things heroes or… sanctioned vigilantes or whatever had to do sometimes.

"Excuse me Miss?"

"What! Lemme guess- no smoking! Well fuck you I've had a bad fucking day thanks to you people and I need a smoke so-!" She whipped around and her eyes widened. "Oh… shit… sorry kid I um-." She rubbed her eyes and sniffed loudly, "Sorry." She finished lamely.

"It's… no big deal- I heard you in there-." She blinked and her face crumbled.

"Well great- lemme guess here to make fun of me too!"

"Err… no?" His nose scrunched she'd finally gotten her lighter work. Ugh. Make this quick.

"No… course not- cause all you people here in this weird ass town are way too fucking nice- it's creepy cut it out." She spat. His eyes narrowed and her face crumbled. "Aw fuck… listen to me yelling at some poor kid. Don't… Don't mind me kid- Just.. Just had a bad day."

He folded his arms, "I gathered that. Mind if I ask what that was all about back there?"

Her face twisted, "None of your goddamn business!" She shrilled. "No like you can do anything!"

His eyes narrowed before he floated up somewhat- her eyes near popped out of her head and she yelped before stumbling back.

"Shit! The fuck!? How did you-… Wait…" She gasped and her hands went to her mouth, "You're- you're one of them!" She pointed to him wildly, "The… The X Team! You fight off all the monsters! Shit my professor talks about you guys all the time Oh …Oh shit I just cussed out a superhero… aw hell... Sorry- sorry kid I just had a bad-!"

"A bad day like I said I gathered that- well seeing as intro's are redundant now I'll get to the point-." He cleared his throat and folded his arms, "What seems to be the problem?"

She blinked and took a quick drag of her cigarette, "I quit weeks ago." She muttered before with a sigh she threw it to the ground and stomped on it. Another loud sniffle, "Matt would have been furious if he knew I started again…" She whimpered.

"Matt?" Her eyes were still swimming with tears and she kept rubbing her eyes,

"My… My older brother. Matthew. He's… missing." She whispered.

"I'm sorry…" Brick dug in his pockets and finally found an old napkin- she looked at it oddly but nonetheless took it.

"The… The cops say he just… he just ran away you know." She bit her lip, "He was… twenty… Twenty one…. You know he… he was a legal adult… he had every legal right to just… d-disappear. You know?"

"… But you don't think he did."

Her eyes blazed and she crumpled the napkin in her fist. "No. No I do not. My brother- never would have just left! He wouldn't have left without telling us goodbye! Never!" She hissed. "But the police… the police didn't give a shit. They just treated it like a run of the mill incident- investigated for a week and then called it cold. Closed the case- didn't matter."

He sucked in a breath, "Townsville PD-!?"

She snorted, " No. Citysville." She hissed. "Ever been?"

"Can't say I've had the pleasure."

"Good. Do yourself a favor and stay the fuck away from it." She snarled. "Those… Those crooked bastards didn't even try- they just looked my mother in the face and insinuated… so gently that maybe my brother had gotten involved in something he shouldn't have and was probably on the run." Her fist clenched tighter and tighter.

"They wrote him off." Brick murmured. She snorted.

"With the biggest fucking eraser they could. My brother was not involved in that shit! He was in college- he was studying to be a fucking vet! He wanted to- to!" She stamped her foot and then took a deep breath. "But what does it matter? No one's gonna help me- the police closed the case back home- police can't do shit here… maybe they're right. Maybe he really did just leave- maybe I didn't know my brother after all." She whispered.

"If you really thought that you wouldn't be doing your own investigation." She flinched. "Is there a reason you think something happened? Why are you in Townsville investigating if this happened in Citysville?" She tensed more and then slowly she shook her head.

"Because he wasn't there. He was… here." She murmured and pulled out a paper from her pocket. Crumpled- it looked like it had been folded and unfolded… dozens of times. It was brittle as she handed it to him. "Matt was here… in Townsville I mean."

The man looked to be in his early twenties, the same dark hair and deep brown eyes as the young woman in front of him- he was beaming ear to ear as he stood next to a-. Brick's eyebrow rose.

"Is he… hugging a… zebra?" She laughed though it sounded watery.

"He wanted to be an "exotic" vet. Work in a zoo." She wiped the bottom of her nose. " His ultimate goal was the San Diego Zoo… you know… the top zoo in California but… he was still pretty damn happy when he got his internship… at the Townsville Zoo." She bit her lip.

Which explained the khaki uniform he supposed. Brick could just make out the embroidery underneath a front pocket in the shirt. Though…he squinted. There was a flash of blue on the left sleeve. A…dolphin?

"He works in a zoo… but has a dolphin on his uniform?"

Another watery laugh, "Yeah… s-stupid I know. But… dolphins are my favorite animal… and… he promised he'd take me see em' someday-He'd take me to Aqualand… out in Florida… once he got enough money… we'd all go you know." She sniffed again. "We'd see… the dolphin shows… that they were famous for… the dolphins by the fire… fireworks and all that and the dolphins just kind of jump in sync with the music and there's fireworks and…" She swallowed hard. "I saw it on TV… and he promised me we'd go." She whispered. "I gave him that when he left home."

"And…how long has your brother been missing?"

She was silent before she rubbed at her eyes again, "A year… almost two now…" She whispered. "…I know my brother's dead." She said it so baldly. So… matter of fact. "But I don't know what happened to him. And that's… what's killing us. Even if my brother died in some kind of… back alley bust… or if he was involved in shit- or even if I dunno the goddamn tiger ate him or something and the zoo is trying to cover it up- we just want to know! He was… twenty one… years old. He had… the whole world going for him… and something… someone… took it from him. Took him from us." She squeezed her eyes shut and hugged her arms, "But what did Citysville care about that- they saw a kid from the hood- they didn't give two shits who my brother was- they just decided what happened- and maybe they're right… but we still don't know. All we want… is just to know."

Brick continued staring at the picture. He looked clean cut. This Matthew didn't look like he'd hurt a fly… maybe he'd end the lives of the ticks or fleas that tried to harm his animals but… his gaze fastened on the dolphin. That… out of place… tiny dolphin. He flicked his gaze to the young woman.

"You say… the police here can't help you? It's obvious your brother was in Townsville- I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how they're justifying not helping you. There's no question your brother was in Townsville-."

She sighed heavily, "He disappeared… over his final Spring Break at Citysville University- he just… never came home one night. But… he was meeting a friend- he was an intern too… I know he was coming here- I know it sounds crazy but I know he was coming here- I just got this feeling Mr. Hero-."

"Brick."

She froze, "Brick? … You're the kid from Central Square last week! The one on the news! I thought I recognized the red from somewhere! Shit… you're hell of a hero ain't ya- saving that kid like that."

He shrugged, " I work down there part time- it was just a case of right time right place. Nothing more."

"And humble to boot… so… you guys…the… X Team I mean… you help out the police… but you're not the police…right?" She murmured. He nodded.

"We help them when they ask and we'll assist in investigations but no we're not officially affiliated- we're separate…" He hesitated. "I… can't guarantee anything Miss-."

"Lesley." She said instantly. "Lesley Pinzarro- I'm a freshman at TVSU- my professor is always… raving about the X Team… I mean I guess he would… but-."

"You're one of Professor Utonium's students?"

She nodded, "Y-Yeah. He's a great guy- he's totally devoted to his kids- his office has got like… a shrine to them… well now to you guys in general- one whole wall is just all newspapers." She cracked a small smile. "I think I see why now." She hugged her arms again, "You… Do you really think you guys could- I mean I know you guys are probably super busy- you know the monsters and stuff but… if you…ever have time I mean-."

"Like I said Lesley… I can't make any guarantees but… the X' Team as a whole protects Townsville and everyone in it. No matter how briefly- it's just… what heroes do." Her lip trembled.

"Y-Yeah… I guess it is."

He nodded, "Right… well first off what's the name of the guy your brother was meeting- we have to start somewhere." She flinched.

"…Vince… but he won't be able to help you." She murmured.

"Let me decide that- Vince…?"

She looked discomfited, "Vincent… Young…but really Brick… he won't… be able to help you."

"Why's that?" He raised an eyebrow.

Her expression suddenly seemed haunted, "… Because he disappeared that night too."

He was taken aback, they weren't treating this as suspicious why!? Seemed pretty suspicious to Brick! The hell!? He narrowed his eyes. She sighed again,

"Look… I know you guys are super busy… and you have way more important stuff to focus on… than a missing zookeeper but-."

He refolded the picture, "We'll look into it." She gasped.

"Y-You will!? You're… You're not pulling my leg you're really gonna-!?"

"It's suspicious enough to merit our attention in my opinion-. Do you mind if I hold onto this for a bit?"

She quickly shook her head, " No not at all anything you need! I got the original on my computer back home- keep it." He nodded and carefully tucked it into his jeans pocket. She wiped her eyes again, "I… I have to catch my bus though… head back to the dorms but… but if you… if you do manage to find something… let… let Officer Whitman in there know- he's… he's the most decent cop I've ever met… he'll know how to reach me and.. my mom too."

"Can do."

She took a step back, "Thank you…" She whispered. He shrugged again,

"Like I said it's just what we do."

She smiled somewhat, "Yeah… I guess it is." She waved slightly and then jogged out of sight- heading for the bus stop at the corner.

Brick buzzed his lips and fished the picture back out.

Two missing college students… and yet no uproar… no… investigation?

What the hell was going on here?

"Brick?" He stiffened and whirled around, aw hell… coffee! Damn it! He'd forgotten.

"Pinky! Aw shit- sorry I got kind of-."

" I saw." She murmured before she peered over his shoulder, "May I?"

He handed the picture to her wordlessly, she frowned as she peered at it, "Twenty one year old City U student- wanted to be a zookeeper or zoo vet or something along those lines. Disappeared almost two years ago." Her eyebrow rose.

"Disappeared?" She frowned further.

"Yeah. Without a trace apparently- and so did his friend but that doesn't merit being suspicious enough to start a formal investigation according to the Citysville PD apparently."

She bristled, "That doesn't surprise me in the slightest." She muttered darkly. Now Brick's eyebrow rose higher.

"Whoa now- that sounds oddly nasty coming from you- what's the story there?"

She sniffed imperiously, "Let's just say I'm not the biggest fan of Citysville's local government and how they choose to run their city. It doesn't shock me in the least how such bigotry can occur- let me guess: the police simply wrote this individual off."

" Sounds it. They sound like a lovely bunch."

"Oh you have no idea." She was still staring at the picture. "Worst two weeks… of my life." She muttered. His eyebrow rose higher.

"oh now see- there's a story here I can tell. Spill." She bristled.

"Must I?"

"Yes you must."

She groaned and carefully refolded the picture, "Well aren't we nosy."

"Always." He snickered somewhat and she looked less than amused before she sighed heavily,

"Fiiiine-. But let's get coffee first I really am hungry." She mumbled before her hand somehow ended up in the crook of his elbow as they walked. "I miss Janey's already." She buzzed her lips.

"Tell me about it- Dippin Donuts' coffee is like brown water half the time- but it can't be that much longer right?"

"Michael said sometime next week they should be back open. It was mostly cosmetic damage but the roof took a hit regardless."

"Well that's a relief- and nice try: Story. Now."

"Damn it… too smart for your own good-. Ugh- fine. Where to start… hmm… well when we were just turning six or so the Professor was offered a new position at Citysville University-."

The story was somewhat disheartening and… at times slightly funny but…

All Brick… ultimately had been able to focus on… was that little hand on his arm.

And every time… their hips seemed to touch all the way down the road.

-IV-

To: The toughest fighter

From: Boomer

You. Me. Midnight. Let's go kick some pervert ass!

From: The Toughest Fighter

Fuck Yeah. I like the way you think Little Boy Blue! HA! Meet you at Townsville Common!

From: Boomer

Gotcha- I'll be there.

-IV-

To: Boomer, Buttercup

From: Blossom

One. The perpetrator in question has been apprehended and is thus now the responsibility of the authorities. Our work is done.

Two. Buttercup, you especially know we do NOT take the law into our own hands- we must let the system do it's job.

Three. Boomer, I both appreciate and understand your frustration and justified anger but this is no longer in our hands- the man in question has had numerous federal charges added to his already long list of offenses- he is looking due to his gross violation of the Super Heroes Act of 1947 (look it up) at a good seven years added to his already extensive sentence. You must be content with this.

Four. Buttercup if you take so much as a step out that window tonight the Professor is going to ground you for a month. Boomer I've alerted Brick- don't even think about it.

Five: In retrospect the man is now deaf in his left ear- suffering a third degree electrical burn on his right side- and is sporting a badly broken wrist. I think he's been punished enough.

Have a good evening Boomer. Buttercup I mean it. Don't. Even. Think. About. It.

-IV-

To: The Toughest Fighter

From: Boomer

O.0

HOW DID SHE KNOW!?

From: The Toughest Fighter

Leader Girl…. ALWAYS… knows… how I don't fucking know and to be honest I'm kind of freaked out myself… o.0

From: Boomer

…Her Majesty is a force to be reckoned with…

From: The Toughest Fighter

…Indeed.

From: The Toughest Fighter

…..Boomer. How good is your brother with hacking shit?

-IV-

To: Kitchen Goddess

From: The Butch

Hey Blondie hows Butters- still tryin 2 escape haha! LOL

From: The Kitchen Goddess

Yeeeeeeah BC is really upset but now she looks kinda freaked out- like she started going crazy with her phone-shaking it and she's taken the battery out like twice now- wonder why o.0

From: The Butch

Huh? Her 2? Yeah Booms running around checkin' everything in the house, throwin pillows and shit and looking under pictures yelling about bugs… we don't have no more of those nasty ass things- Boss did a total purge of the whole place- no more bugs in our pad haha XDD No need for u fine ladies to worry no more specially Red . LMAO

From: The Kitchen Goddess:

Huh. How strange. Well that's a relief about the bugs though Butch :D – Blossy is so like freaked out about them Brick must have felt so bad : O

From: The Butch

Yeeeeeahhh…. You could say that blondie…

From: The Kitchen Goddess

?

-IV-

To: Brick

From Blossom

Much obliged Ruff.

From: Brick

No prob Pinky.

-IV-

Townsville Security Network: TSN:

Please enter your credentials:

[User Name: B_M_Utonium]

[Password: P1nk1c3 3v3ryth1ngn1c3]

[Authorization Code: TVS6771]

[Password/authorization code accepted: Clearance level:2]

Individuals on the following document have been linked or are suspected to be involved or connected to the August, 12, 2002 incident that occurred from 7:30-10:28 PM codenamed CANDY LAND.

LVL 5 CLASSIFIED

Arthur Pensington

Age: 29

D.O.B. : 9/16/1971

Occupation: Contractor

Family/Next of Kin: Wife and son ( Left Townsville 2005)

Last known Sighting: 4:19 PM: 10/18/2002

Status: Unknown : Presumed Deceased :: UPDATE- 6/14/05: Mr. Pensington by request of family has been declared deceased- they have since left the city.

Notes of consideration: Believed to be the "first"non law enforcement personnel along with partner Lisa Grundel (33 ) in connection with CANDYLAND.

[ ADD / DELETE ]

Name: Frederick Ping

Age: 32

D.O.B.: 7/6/1970

Occupation: Lieutenant of Townsville PD

Family/Next of Kin: Wife ( Mary Lee ) – Daughter (Kim)

Last Known Sighting: 7:18 PM- 08/12/02

Status: Unknown/ Presumed deceased: Family has not yet given authorization to declare death: UPDATE: 9/14/07: Mr. Ping was given full military honors and laid to "rest" - family has since left the city.

Notes of consideration: Last to go in former "Carmie's Chewies" Manufacturing facility before PPG were called in for assistance::

[ADD/DELETE]

Matthew Pinzarro:

Age: 21 years old

D.O.B.: 7/18/1981

Occupation: Junior at Citysville University- double major in biology/zoology - minor in music theory

Family/Next of Kin: Mother ( Cynthia) , sister (Lesley) father ( Matthew Sr.) (deceased )

Last known sighting: 3/19/2007: 9:47 PM- Security footage at "DeMarco's" mini mart has led local authorities to believe this individual was in Townsville on night in question.

Status: Unknown/ presumed deceased

Notes of Consideration: Citysville Police have chosen not to cooperate with Townsville PD and have closed the investigation.

Blossom frowned and looked at the photo in her hands- Brick had been kind in letting her take it to make a copy- the individual in the photo looked… so innocent. So young. So carefree. As if his entire world… was finally falling into place.

Her fingers flew over the keys quickly.

Notes of Consideration: Citysville Police have chosen not to cooperate with Townsville PD and have closed the investigation. UPDATE: 2/9/2009:: Further investigation has effectively proven Mr. Pinzarro was in Townsville on the night in question in the company of VINCENT YOUNG: Last sighted: 9:20 PM in his home before meeting a friend- now believed to be MATTHEW PINZARRO: Further investigation will be required but on a personal note: B_M_Utonium believes this to now be a foregone conclusion:

In total the number connected to "CANDYLAND" can now be effectively confirmed to be 33.

She folded her hands in her lap silently and moved away from her desk.

Thirty-Three.

Thirty…three…

Thirty- three men and women… some were young… some were old… different faces, skin colors, eye colors, hair colors body types, social class… it didn't matter. They all had disappeared all the same.

Vanished. Gone without a trace.

Just…gone. Families left weeping clinging to desperate vestiges of hope that faded as every day…week…month…year… most had been declared dead… but some clung to hope- others refused until there was a body… but…

Blossom knew there would never be bodies.

Candy Land… how infuriatingly oblique… how insultingly benign. To name it after an innocent children's game…

"BLOSSY!"

"LEADER GIRL WHAT IS THAT THING! WHAT IS IT!?"

"JUST KEEP RUNNING! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME! THAT'S AN ORDER. JUST. KEEP. RUNNING!"

Her fingers shook slightly, she folded them tighter.

They had fought living monsters… through the years they had seen many things… terrifying things… silence unnerved Bubbles more than any insect big or small- a fan was always blowing in their room every night- and while she would always try to hide it Blossom knew Buttercup had a dream catcher hidden amidst her vast poster collection right above her head.

And Blossom herself… she would admit to a hesitation to watch… zombie films… and she had declined… many invitations to so called "magic shows" over the years.

Nightmares, living and fantastical- had come to life before both her and her poor sisters' eyes- the screams of terror, the clutching of limbs- but always they had looked to her- looked to her to keep a level head- to lead them to victory so they could snuggle into their own safe beds every night- so everyone in Townsville could rest easy- the Powerpuff Girls… would always save the day before bedtime.

Always…

Except… one night.

That...one night… where Blossom had failed.

And that failure… that shameful… error… had near cost them everything.

They had gone in expecting fists… kicks… perhaps a bullet or two…

They had found… a true…living nightmare.

Her sisters had looked to her to save them… to save the day before bedtime…

And all Blossom had done… could make herself do…

Was scream. Scream like the child she was. Grab her sisters…

And Run.

She had fled. Clutching her sisters for dear life she had run like a coward. Running away from those she had been brought into aid- to help- their screams mixed with her own.

She had just kept running. Running. Running. Running. So blinded by her terror that…she hadn't seen it coming before it was too late…

"Nani mo kojin-tekina chīsana hanayome."

Her chest clenched and she squeezed her eyes shut.

That oily voice… that smug little purr as colors had flashed before her eyes.

Lights… colors… fading to monochrome- Grey… to

White…

Its eyes were piercing… but not even there… looking through her… as if she were… not even there…

Growing… bigger… what is it looking at? Her sisters… they're trapped… they're…screaming. Begging…

"BLOSSOM! BLOSSOM NO! NO! TAKE ME! TAKE ME INSTEAD! I'M THE TOUGHEST FIGHTER! I'M. THE. TOUGHEST. F-F-F-IGHT-E-E-R!"

"No! No please! PLEEEEEEASE! YOU CAN TAKE AS MANY OF MY STUFFED ANIMALS AS YOU WANT! YOU CAN TAKE OCTI! YOU CAN MAKE ME YOUR SLAVE! JUST DON'T TAKE H-H-HER!:

The pressure increased.

"Such… annoyances- hush your tongues- I have no time for this nonsense." The voice was cool… and completely calm- in a murmur versus the usual high pitched breathy loud mockeries.

More screams- more crying… screaming...yelling… a roaring wind… rushing through her ears… the pressure increased- the white lights grew brighter and brighter… their screams became muffled by that odd wind… that… strangely comforting… wind in her ears… she was floating…

Floating…

The pain stopped. She opened her eyes- what…?

It was looking...at her. No… through her… past her… was something… something behind her? What was it...What… What is it looking at…? Her sister… Bubbles… Buttercup… they're over there! Not… what is it… looking… at?!

A...And… why…

...Why is it smiling?

"Is that… your game now… interesting. Hmm… very...interesting."

H-Huh…?

Game… what game…?

She was brought closer to that leering face- and she felt the poisonous hiss in her ear.

"Nani mo kojin-tekina chīsana hanayome."

Japanese… why was… wait…

Nothing… Nothing personal…?

Hana...yome?

...B-Bride?

Nothing… personal little bride…

Nothing…personal… ?

Bride… Little… Bride… ?

W-What!? B-Bride…. BRIDE!?

The pain was suddenly excruciating as the blood gushed like a fountain as she hit the ground- gasping, wheezing for air- her sisters' screams muted and dulled by the loud roaring in her ears as she continued to hack and cough- the world was spinning. Screams. Yells...

It… It had released her?

But… But… why… her world started to spin.

Black… white… black… white…

Her sisters' screams were wild- unhinged- the blows more and more savage with each hit- each sickening crack. Cracks mixed with wild screams, sobbing and…

Laughter… demonic… unhinged…

Laughter.

"Blossy?"

She jumped near out of her skin- Bubbles cocked her head while Blossom quickly logged off and practically slammed her laptop closed before she jumped up.

"Bubbles! You startled me- I didn't hear you-."

She giggled, "Sorry Blossy- I did knock." She floated casually in the office and folded her hands behind her. "You were kind of zoned out I wasn't sure if you'd heard me."

"O-Oh? I was… I….- I… I was distracted sorry I must not have heard you." She began gathering papers and tapping them straight on the desk- "What can I do for you?"

She beamed, "Oh well… I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind doing me a favor?" She blinked.

"Yes? Like what?" She shoved the picture into under a binder because yes- a random boy's picture on her desk would immediately catch her sister's attention and just… Blossom had enough problems- she did not need the "Love Doctor" to add to them at the moment.

Though… that look…still seemed rather ominous.

"Welllll- you've been cooped up in here all day Blossy-."

"Yes, well I had a lot of catch up to do Bubbles-."

She waved it off, "Yes, yes I know I know- lots of paperwork but Blossy you totally have to come and see my newest stuff- Blossy I think you're really gonna like it! Even BC is wearing one!" She grinned and pressed her hands together, "C'mon Blossy it's almost bedtime anyway! We got school tomorrow!" She giggled. Again… red flags were shooting up everywhere but her sister's eyes were just getting bigger and bigger and… oh god… no… not the jutting lip… don't give her the puppy eyes-!

Oh… but… work… she has so much-… oh god… the eyes… why must she-!

She sighed, "Oh alright… you're right… it is almost time for bed." She sighed and Bubbles clasped her hands.

"YAY! Blossy! You're gonna love it! I promise! C'mon!" She barely had time to turn the lock before Bubbles with her insanely powerful grip even for an X' individual pulled her all the way up the stairs gabbing about colors and fabric cuts and… other design aspects?

"NIGHT DADDY!" She gushed and their father looked up from his e-reader as he sipped a cup of tea and gave a small nod.

"Good night girls." He paused. "Did you girls want a cup before you go to bed? There's still some hot water in the pot."

"Oh that would be wonderful thank you." Bubbles' grip was like steel and that smile was…slightly dangerous.

"Thanks Daddy but we're okay! We have to get ready for tomorrow!"

"What's tomorrow?" Both she and her father asked in sync but the blonde didn't bother answering- except with another giggle she bounded up the stairs her redheaded rag doll in tow.

Their room… was a disaster. Blossom's eyes widened. There was paper and fabric and clothes everywhere and-. Bubbles abruptly released her with a flash of blue light before she dove into the pile nearest Blossom's bed. Said bed owner only folded her arms and took a deep breath.

One. Two. Three. Four.

"Sup' Leader Girl- glad to see you back on the surface." Buttercup snickered as she floated past her.

"Ha ha very funny- mind explaining why it looks like our room had a bomb explode in it- What on earth are you wearing?"

Her sister rolled her eyes and crossed her legs in mid air- " Madam Utonium's newest "edgy" look of course." She shrugged.

"Isn't that the dress she got you for Christmas?"

"Hmm?" She was examining her nails, "Yeah I guess- she fixed it up though- it's a fucking dress but it doesn't look bad I guess." Another shrug. "Whatever makes the chick happy." She adjusted the black skirt nonchalantly- the once flowy green bottom had been completely ripped off and replaced by a tighter sleeker looking leather skirt attached to the emerald green top- the V' neck had been risen so it wasn't so apparent and the recycled green material had been integrated in a smart new black jacket that looked as if it had always been a part of it all along.

Bubbles was truly a genius. Not to mention the only person alive on the planet who could not only get Buttercup Eva Utonium in a dress- but actually get her to like said dress. It was completely without a question pure Buttercup the garment she was wearing. Blossom smiled up at her preening sister.

"It looks great." Buttercup smirked.

"Duh I'm the one wearing it."

"Oh so humble."

"Oh you love me sister dear- but now it's your turn to be the human Darby doll."

"Excuse me?"

"AH HA!" Her sister cheered and emerged from the pile- the pile she was most certainly going to be cleaning up before bed- and zipped over to them clutching what looked like a bunch of pieces of fabric. Buttercup continued to hum nonchalantly as she floated in the air above them with a serene… almost smug look to her face.

Blossom didn't like this. Her green eyed sister only popped a piece of her ever present bubblegum into her mouth and blew a bubble listlessly.

Oh… Blossom reallyy didn't like this…

Bubbles was grinning from ear to ear before she circled Blossom- "Hmm… let's see... "

"Bubbles… what are you doing?"Blossom asked warily as Buttercup snickered again above them.

"Well… I was right- it is a little short… you're going to need to wear the tights…" She murmured. "But you'll totally rock them anyway!" She beamed. "Okay Blossy- close your eyes!"

"...Why?"

"Oh stop being such a party pooper! Now, BC." She snapped her fingers. Another round of terrifying snickers joined the unnerving giggles as a pair of hands slapped over Blossom's eyes from behind and above.

"Roger that Bubs. Work your magic."

"What magic!? Girls what is the meaning of- eh!? She was wrestled on their vanity chair. "Buttercup- release me at once! Bubbles what is the meaning of-!?" Her sisters were on either side of her and her ribbon was removed and tied clean over her eyes.

"What do you think BC- down or up?"

Pop. " Both. And make sure to braid it tonight- you know Leader Girl rocks the "wavy" look." Another terrifying giggle.

"Oh she so does- and she has to look amazing tomorrow! Let's see- let's see… ooh what do you think BC?" There was a bunch of shuffling by the vanity- the drawer was opened and clicks and clacks of various

"No." Pop. " Not that one- she'll look like a hooker… or Whorebucks… same difference but whatever." Pop.

Blossom bristled as Bubbles gasped. " Oh goodness no!- You're totally right! How about this one?"

"Nah... remember how Snyder did it for Homecoming with her eyes- do that."

"Hmmm….You're right! She'd totally rock that! Okay… how did Robbi do it… well she used a base coat that was like really pale… and then she used a lighter shade of her eyes so… lilac in this case… and instead of silver… what goes good with pink… ah gold! Here we go- I think I got some gold glitter right here- So natural and classy- totes Blossy's style- agreed?"

"Agreed." Pop. " And Snyder is ready for tomorrow on her end.." Blossom felt her hair gathered up and the brush running through it.

Robin?

Tomorrow…?

….GLITTER!?

" Girls! What. Is. Going. On!? What's tomorrow!?"

"Monday- stop moving." Pop. " Damn it Leader Girl-!" The brush hit her in the side of the head.

"OW!"

"Stop moving or you'll end up with a crooked braid!" Pop.

" And this is a problem why!? - wait… why are you braiding my hair- what's Bubbles' doing!?"

" Never you mind Blossy! It's for your surprise." She giggled. Oh God. "So BC- what do you think- this one or this one?"

"The one on the left- goes better with the skirt."

"What skirt…?" She moaned.

"Hush." Pop. " And. Stop. Moving. You wanna meet madam brush again?"

"No."

"Then shut up everytime you talk your head moves!"

Blossom quieted.

One sister continued humming cheerfully one side while the other continued to braid her hair- gum chewing prevalent.

"Okay BC- when that's done you can take her blindfold off- I think I have it- What do you think- magnifique no?"

"Mmm. Sure whatever- I don't know shit about this crap you're the fashion guru not me."

"Oh please- you're a girly girl deep down and you know it."

"I take great offense at that- for that I'm not finishing those gloves."

Bubbles gasped, "You wouldn't"

"I would. And I will. Unless you apologize inflicting such dishonor upon the "Toughest Fighter."

"I'm very sorry- I'll never call you a girly girl again- please finish my new gloves!"

"I'll think about it- right now." The ribbon was removed with a flourish. "Let's focus on one Puffy Darby Doll shall we?"

"Darby doll?" She whimpered before her chair was spun around and Bubbles spun in the air with a flourish.

"Ta da! Now ladies- may I present to you the latest in Madam Utonium's fashion boutique- what I like to call "Classy yet Sassy!'"

"You just made that up." Buttercup drawled. Bubbles paused and her eyes narrowed.

"You can withhold the gloves but I can withhold the cookies." Buttercup froze. "Just remember that." Her dark gaze however brightened quickly, " But anyway! Sooo Blossy what do you think!" She gestured towards the mannequin and… the well… Blossom couldn't lie.

It was lovely. A perfectly… fine lovely outfit- she blinked. Wait…

"Isn't that that skirt you bought-?"

She grinned, "Uh huh! Well I had to buy it for you because it's just so your style but like I'd ever let you go out in public without giving it the Bubbles treatment- see- see!" She zipped over and tugged at the skirt in question- " I know you were nervous cause it was so short and you were totally right- but - see I made it longer! Great huh!"

...If this was longer… than how short had it been!?

" Annnnd- see here- I bet you recognize this!" Blossom squinted.

"Err… I do?"

She giggled, "Blossy! It's your Homecoming dress silly! Well… sort of- it was kind of ruined sis I'm sorry I really did try but there was like grease and stuff all over it- I had to toss most of it buuuut- see a few adjustments and voila- can we talk about how cute this blouse is!" .

All Blossom saw was the horrifying low neckline. Her hand crept up to her neck. Bubbles clicked her tongue.

"Oh don't worry Blossy- I totally have you on this too- I was a little concerned about the neckline myself but then BC came up with the best idea today!" She gushed and Blossom felt her blood chill. Buttercup suddenly had far too smug of a look on her face.

Far. Too. Smug.

" See- chokers are totally coming back into style- and the bigger the better- sooo-!" A blue flash and her usual little kerchief was removed and something softer was put in it's place- "Ta daaaaa! What do you think!"

She blinked and looked in the mirror- and her fingers brushed the black velvet choker- cut thicker than normal no doubt but still… her neck felt… alarmingly… bare.

"B-Bubbles I don't know about this-."

"Oh Blossom- c'mon honey you can't even tell- see."

It was grotesque- how could Bubbles not see it!? It was a sick dulled maroon color practically and despite the black velvet covering a good portion of it… the biggest… gash was still… it was sticking out near the bottom and...Blossom bit her lip.

"Bubbles… it's lovely… really but-." Her hand crept up to cover but Bubbles shook her head- and something was plopped on the side in question- Blossom blinked.

"I got you sis- don't worry- see these were all the rage like years ago and I for one think it's time to bring the "side choker" look back- but you rock it anyway. See- that one place on your neck you're always worried about- voila can't even tell. Completely hidden." She giggled.

Blossom touched the silk rose tentatively. "I… suppose... " No. She was wrong actually. Blossom could see it clear as day.

Disgusting. Revolting. Nauseating.

" Of course I'm right! Have I ever steered you wrong? Sooo… you wear this- you can wear a ton more kinds of clothes now Blossy- including-." She gestured grandly towards the mannequin. " And I'll totally make you them in every color- and you'll have a bunch more embellishments to pin to them but right now BC had a good point- you always have something red on no matter what and roses are your favorite flower- so this can technically go with any outfit! How brilliant is that!"

Buttercup examined her nails idly and blew the biggest bubble of them all, " Mmm I know - I know total genius. But after all everyone knows how much our darling big sister just loves the color red." She smiled slowly, like a contented cat licking her chops… wait… red… RED!?

Oh… you… LITTLE-!

Bubbles sighed blissfully, "Oh you're going to look fabulous Blossy- it's like a new day for you- a new birth- a new beginning even!" She giggled. "We've had a lot of those this year huh- it's kind of fitting in a way."

Her… enthusiasm was… touching in a way. Buttercup's smug little preening however was going to earn her Level 18+ training for the rest of her sad little life- but that was irrelevant.

"Bubbles…"

"Blossy- listen." They were cheek to cheek as they stared in the mirror. " I know… you're a little nervous ...and I get why." She murmured. Buttercup knelt on her other side- the three of the stared into the reflection together. "But you can't keep hiding Blossom. You're just… you're just too pretty… and smart and awesome all around to just keep… locking yourself away in that office all day."

"Bubs is right Leader Girl." She fluffed up the "rose" petals up gently. "And newsflash- she's also right about the… you know what- you can't see it- to be honest… I think it's kind of faded- what do you think Bubs?"

"You know I was thinking that too- in the last couple of weeks especially!"

Hardly...if anything it's gotten worse… nauseating, disgusting… revolting…

"Tch- see Blossom- nothing to be afraid of. So let's leave the office behind and get out into the world- seriously you could do with a tan you're pale as a ghost no offense." She smiled.

"Not that there's anything wrong of course with being naturally pale Blossy!" Bubbles said quickly and flashed Buttercup an irritated look.

"I didn't say there was- just that our dear sister couldn't hurt anything by getting a little more sun once in a while is all." She put her hands up somewhat defensively.

"So what- am I too pale then too- seeing as I'm in my art studio all the time?" She tapped her foot impatietly.

"I didn't say that! Stop putting words in my mouth Bubs! I was just saying-!" The argument began and Blossom sighed.

Bubbles… Bubbles had obviously worked… hard on this. And… she bit her lip and swallowed down the panicked screeching protests to replace them instead with a tight little smile.

"Alright… Bubbles… I'll do it." She murmured. The fight abruptly ended and both her sisters whirled around- even Buttercup's eyes were shining.

"YAY! You won't regret this Blossy! Promise!" She jumped up and clapped her hands in pure delight while Buttercup patted her shoulders good naturedly with a broad grin.

"That's the spirit! Watch out World- Blossom Marie Utonium is making her grand debut starting tomorrow and she's gonna rock Townsville High's world!" she smirked then, "Or just a red one." She whispered in her ear and Blossom's cheeks went scarlet.

"BUTTERCUP!" She yelped as her sister's snickers grew more twisted. More maniacal.

Forget eighteen… oh no Buttercup Eva Utonium was going to learn the meaning of nineteen!

If not twenty!

Bubbles giggled and hugged her from the side, " Don't worry Blossy we're all right behind you and we're going to be with you every step of the way." She beamed. " And who knows… maybe this new Blossy… will help guide your special someone to you." She giggled again.

"Special… someone…?"

Her giggle was more high pitched, " hee- "his soul is yours" after all." She grinned wider and grasped her shoulder.

Wait… for me…

She clenched her hands in her lap unseen under the vanity.

"Yes… his soul… is mine." She murmured as Bubbles' giggles grew more high pitched and even Buttercup chuckled with a slight shake of her head as she rubbed Blossom's other shoulder with a wink and a grin.

Mine… always… mine…

Whether…

I wish for it or not…

-IV-

Townsville High was disturbingly silent. Brick frowned as he removed his aviators and cut the ignition.

This… was bizarre. Even Tweedle Dee looked around confused.

"Uh… did we miss something? School get cancelled or some shit? Where is everybody?" He swung his backpack over his shoulder and stepped out of the car.

"Hmm… my angel's not picking up." Boomer muttered as lowered his phone from his ear before he frowned and hopped over the side of the car- while Butch closed the door slowly behind him.

"Uh… Boss what's goin' on?" He murmured- Boomer was still trying to get in contact with Bubbles- strangely enough Pinky hadn't picked up her phone either- Odd… the parking lot was full though… so school was clearly in session… but-. His eyes narrowed and he caught Butch's eye. A slight nod in sync- something was up.

The usual crowd of students that lingered in the parking lot were missing- and it was a good twenty minutes or so before the bell rang- he frowned more and both his brothers cast him odd looks as they stepped into the building itself.

This was even odder- there were thankfully some of their fellow students around but now they were being… stared at. It was… this was slightly disconcerting.

"Is it just me or are we being stared at more than normal?" Butch mumbled. "I mean… not that I'd normally mind but uh…"

"Where the fuck are all the guys?" Boomer said baldly. "Seriously- where are the-?"

"AH! Rowdyruffs- There you are-!" And… cue one guy at least. Boomer waved and Butch rolled his eyes as Michelson came strolling forward- a huge buck toothed grin on his face- Brick didn't like that smile.

He had a feeling that smiled boded ill for him. Didn't know why… something in him just screamed- Danger!

"Sup' Mitch." Boomer fist bumped his bandmate, "So uh did we miss something? Was there like some kind of assembly...where is everybody?" That smile grew bigger.

"Ahhh- well see you handsome gentlemen are right on time- I was starting to get a bit worried myself but-." He shrugged, "Ce' La Vie. - Now… my Rowdy friends- do come with me."

Butch raised an eyebrow, "Uh… why?"

Brick rolled his eyes, "Seriously Michelson it's way too fucking early to deal with your little mind games right now- just tell us what the fuck is going on." He rubbed his brow. His head was killing him. He'd been on the computer all fucking night…

Fucking… bastards had installed a new Firewall or whatever- and it was being a bitch to crack. It was going to take Brick days at this point. He needed a coffee and a nap.

Or a Pinky. A Pinky would do wonders for his mood right now.

… Brick was a very sad individual… whatever he didn't have enough energy to lament his idiocy right now- so someone be nice and bring him a Pinky and a coffee.

They followed the grinning brunette with the unhinged smile- he looked like he was ready to burst out laughing any moment now- it was… odd. But again… Brick had no means of gaining caffeine so his brain was kaput until he did.

Thankfully his first class was history- he could just sleep there. Hyena's and their pen poking was no match for non caffeinated Rowdy naps.

"So Mitch… where are we going?" Boomer crossed his arms and continued to look at his phone. Ugh. Where was his collar? Where was his leash!? Pathetic… idiot… puppy dog!

And YOU'RE one to talk?

Ugh… caffeine. Coffee. Nap. Pinky. One of them! He'd love all three but that wasn't happening… least in reality- In Brick's sick and nasty dreams… maybe. Mmm… strawberries and cream plus coffee… yummy…

Brick… needed help.

"I tell you boys you missed quite the show- it was like something clean out of an "Eyes to the Wild" doc - you know like one you'd see on the Atlas channel- there the hapless morsel was in the midst of a pack of ravenous predators all itching to take that first bite- oh it was hilarious. Hilarious let me tell you- unluckily for them however the Omega was in the vicinity and he ordered me to go find the "Alpha" and well I wasn't about to argue with the Omega… or that goddamn hockey stick of his." He muttered and rubbed his head irritably- " Asshole wouldn't even let me take a video- jackass.

Boomer blinked, "Uh… what?"

Idiot.

Maybe Brick could sneak off to go get coffee- yeah… that would work- the hell?

Well… they'd found the missing male population. Along with a good chunk of the female.

"Uh… Mitch what's with the flash mob?" Boomer cocked his head.

"What he said only less dumber." Butch muttered.

"HEY!"

Well… they'd found the missing male population. Along with a good chunk of the female.

Surrounding a very familiar group of girls- and one slightly irritated looking male- sporting a hockey stick and a dangerous scowl as he held it- not threateningly of course but it was… still probably intimidating to the horde regardless and-.

And… Brick soon saw why it was necessary.

"Blossom- are you going to the carnival at all? Did you want to go?" There's one slobbering puppy.

"Hey forget that loser! Pick me instead!" There's… another.

"Err… thank you… but I must decline I'm afraid- I'm not even sure if I'll be going this year… I have…so much work to do you know-. Thank you though that's very kind-err… um what was your name again?"

The hell was going on? What the fuck was-!?

The world stopped spinning. He felt his breath catch. And… holy… holy… Brick had no caffeine… Brick couldn't think straight… Brick's brain go bye bye now. Sayonara.

"Uh...Boss?"

"Big Bro you okay?"

How...huh...wha-… holy… oh… what the… who… huh… what was...

She… Pinky…

She looked… fucking amazing. No… she always did but… but… huh...how-...she…- uh...um… holy…

"Uh...is he okay?"

"Dunno- not sure-. Err- Big Bro- hello? Earth to Boss? Yoo hoo."

"...Did you seriously just say yoo hoo?"

"Shut up Dum Dum."

Brick was no… he was no perv… he wasn't Butch… he'd admit… he'd admit that yeah… she… she was wearing a very nice… skirt… and… oh dear God her legs were long… and glorious… and perfect… and…

"He's gone."

"Yup."

Wait… she was wearing…Was she wearing? That….. wasn't a turtle neck. It was…her neck was-? She had on some kind of choker and the rose at the side was kind of obnoxious or would be on anyone else but… she rocked it… she rocked that… elegant… classy…look. But… she was- huh- was Brick dreaming?

Brick was clearly dreaming- he had fallen asleep at his desk again-oh well… dreams were...niiiiiice.

"Me? Why do I gotta do it?!"

"Cause I'm older! So… I have more authority!"

"Bull-! Rock paper scissors-!"

"UGH! You're such a loser fine- Rock, paper, scissors- WHAT!?"

"You think you'd learn- good luck Butchy Boo."

"I swear to God you fucking cheat."

"Not my fault you're predictable as fuck."

"Aw shut up dumb ass!"

Something poked him in the shoulder- but he ignored it. He was dreaming anyway so it wasn't like it was real. The poking continued. Slightly irritating but whatever- OW! Butch dove behind Boomer- and pointed to the blonde in question. Boomer however… was grinning… grinning like kind of buffoon…

Ugh...whatever- Brick rubbed his wrist irritably- stupid fucker- that had hurt damn it-!

...Wait… hurt?!

But… But dreams… dreams didn't… hurt… you didn't feel pain in dreams hence dreams the fact that Brick had felt pain of some sort meant that… he was… awake!?

But… that meant… Blossom...Marie… Utonium… really… was… standing right there...in...a...mini...skirt… and… uh… um…. But… that… how did… why was… he was… uh...um… brain… brain overloading… lack of caffeine… all nighter pulled…. TVHS security network upgrade with really annoying Firewalls…

Pinky… Pinky...in mini skirt…

Time seemed to freeze just then- because she turned towards him. Hair flowing free and hugging her hips-Her eyes seemed to sparkle more than normal- shining like… shining like gems… like two… pink… diamonds…

Brick felt his chest crash- flip and turn- his breathing quickened and he gulped.

Brick...literally gulped.

His brothers looked up at the foreign sound- well in Boomer's case it was down- stupid growth spurts… stupid milk- both a gold and a black eyebrow went up in sync before matching Cheshire grins curled on both their idiot faces.

One hand went on Brick's shoulder. Than another.

"OYE! Move aside!" Butch suddenly called. "Rowdyruffs coming through." He was pushed forward.

"You heard him! Move it!" Boomer put his long arms to good use and began fanning out the crowd in front of them.

W-Wait! N-No! Brick- Brick couldn't- he looked like shit! He hadn't bothered combing his hair this morning and- fuck- no! No! Damn it these two had grips like fucking steel!

N-Not that Brick was acting like… a stubborn dog or anything- dragging his heels- no it was the principle of the matter- she would be concerned over his disheveled appearance and that could lead to awkward questioning and- oh hell- he found himself launched forward.

Robin looked up first and she got as equal a Cheshire grin on her face… oh… hell. She elbowed the idiot hyena next to her with the hockey stick of doom and oddly enough he seemed almost relieved at the sight of them. He certainly took a breath fast enough and the grip on the stick loosened.

Mitch who had been watching the… show by the sidelines strolled over to the group. "Your alpha's Mr. Omega as promised." Robin snorted. Mike rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever- sup Jojo, Jojo Brothers- here for the shit show too?" He sounded infuriated. If not slightly frazzled.

"Mikey be nice." Robin took the idiot's arm and pinched it slightly.

"This is a fucking shit show Tweety and you know it."

"Shit show?" Brick blinked. " The fuck is going on?"

Believe only sighed- but a loud cheer and blue streak interrupted them- the norms barely stepped out of the way of the light blue streak that zipped right into Boomer's arms.

"HI BOOMIE!" Bubbles curled her legs around his brother's chest like a burr and proceeded to start giggling like a crazy woman. His brother's smile was just as unhinged as they bopped noses like a bunch of nauseating fools.

"Good morning Milady." He murmured and her giggles already way too high pitched for this early in the morning only grew higher- Brick saw even Robin's smile wavered slightly- she cast a look in his direction and squeezed Believe's arm a bit more.

"Please tell me we were never that bad." She muttered.

"No you were worse." Mitch snickered and both the norms went crimson. Though ironically neither made any attempt to deny it either- Bubbles however now having… "greeted" her boyfriend properly whirled around still in the beanpole's grip.

"Hi boys!" She waved cheerfully, "Well what do you think?" She hopped down and did a little twirl, "It's my latest designs- Robbi c'mon-!" The brunette sighed good-naturedly but nonetheless struck a brief pose.

"Designs?" Butch gave him an odd look and Brick only shrugged.

"Tch- you really are oblivious to anything that isn't your own reflection aren't you moron?" Buttercup strolled over- and Butch's eyes bugged out and that tongue almost lolled to the floor. Brick would admit to being impressed- she was rocking that… very out of character outfit. His eyebrow rose and she snorted.

"Why not take a picture- it'll last longer- that was to Cap Boy- not you asswipe- down." She blew a bubble listlessly.

"Oh BC be nice!" Bubbles giggled. "So what do you guys think- isn't my new line to die for!" She clasped her hands together. "I think this is my best yet- wouldn't you say ladies!" Buttercup shrugged but Robin nodded- she was also rather snazzily dressed now that Brick saw. He raised an eyebrow.

"Your new line?" He gave Boomer an odd look but the lovesick fool was apparently unperturbed by his very odd girlfriend and her even stranger antics. He just smiled benignly. Dumb ass.

"Bubsy is set to be the next Chanel or Gucci." Robin quipped, "She always designs clothes or improves them. We're all her favorite models."

"And seeing as I'm the single greatest sister in the world- I'd do anything for my baby sister- even wear a stupid dress. Which obviously I'm rocking." Buttercup flipped her hair back arrogantly and smirked but then her eyes narrowed again, "Can I help you asswipe?" She snapped.

Butch kept staring at her like a braindead zombie.

"… You're in a dress."

"I'm rocking this dress. And you're slobbering all over it- back off." She pushed him aside.

"But… you're in a dress!"

"And?"

"… Fuck can you wear tight leather anything more often Butterbabe? Cause the Butch likes-."

WHAM. BANG. CRASH.

"In your dreams asswipe." She seethed before she removed her foot from his brother's back.

"Every… night… baby." He groaned. Idiot. Boomer caught his eye and they both rolled in sync.

Idiot.

...Speaking of idiots however-Brick cracked his knuckles somewhat- well fashion show was fun and all but it was time for the paparazzi and the audience to let the models be- shows over. He saw Mike had stiffened once again- and that asinine stick of his was being raised slightly off the ground- Robin seemed to grab his arm again. Even Mitch stiffened.

"Come. On Blossy baby- Doll- I know you're acting all hard to get with me but it's getting kind of old you know?"

"I said no David."

Brick's eyes narrowed.. The louse in question- a thick set brunette with curly hair and what could only be described as having that "jock" aura so stereotypical it was almost sad continued leering over Pinky like she was some kind of decadent sweet.

"Again… the playing hard to get- real old- I know you want me."

"I've made it quite clear actually- I have no plans nor any desire to do anything of any sort with you David- now leave me alone!"

The guy seemed to roll his eyes, She bristled and Brick saw Mike's grip on his hockey stick tighten to the point his knuckles were white as Robin squeezed his arm.. Both her sisters even Bubbles looked pissed and even Mitch seemed… irritated.

"Mikey… don't…." Robin hissed.

"Believe… ix nay on the temper you wouldn't want a lecture this early in the morning now would you…" Mitch muttered.

This was a normal human. He was just a slime ball- Pinky could handle herself. His brothers both gave him a look but his co-leader would not appreciate him flying in- she could handle herself and…

"David. I said. No."

"Who the fuck is this asshole!?" Brick hissed.

"That would be David Graham. The most unrelenting and idiotic of Miss Utonium's over there would be suitors- he's been chasing her "skirt" per say since last year." Mitch muttered. "And fyi- he failed the "Mike" test so badly that if it were up to said hockey guard dog Graham would be forced to stay a good hundred or so miles away from the Pink Puff at all times…unfortunately he's also a fellow Briner."

"... You're kidding- this guy is one of Believe's teammates?"

"Afraid so- and he's also Mike's rival to become captain… if not the only individual I've known to ever make Michael Believe… angry." Mitch shuddered. "Like… seriously,... angry. Not… overprotective big brother guard dog angry… more... "I'm going to find a legal way to eliminate you from the human genus pool" angry."

That… didn't sound good. That also explained the unhinged snarling that was going on behind him despite Robin's soothing whispers.

Brick however felt his own teeth grit and a snarl of his own begin to sound because that asshole's hand suddenly seemed to trail over her shoulder and she froze in mid exasperated rejection. And then she finally seemed to see Brick and their eyes met.

He recognized that look. She wanted out of there. He cracked his knuckles again.

Blossom Marie Utonium was an incredibly strong, beautiful independent woman who didn't need "saving" from idiot normies (unless they had a gun)

When said Puff however called for backup from her dashing co-leader that was an entirely different story.

He braced his shoulders and rather calmly strolled over- the other idiots who had swarmed the puff in a mini skirt almost tripped over themselves to make room but the head of the pack continued hounding her.

"HEY!" One could hear a pin drop.

"Oh shit…"

"Are the sprinkler systems up to date? Cause the Red one's gonna hold a barbeque."

"Nice knowin' you Graham."

"Tch- who the fuck are you?"

Brick smirked, "The name's Brick- you know Brick Jojo- Rowdyruff Boy- Co-Leader of the X Team- Crimson Fire- any of those sound familiar?" He said silkily. The guy sneered. Brick was going to make that little look disappear real quick.

"Oooh scary -So what the Pink Puff's got two fucking guard dogs now?" He snapped. "Lemme guess- you're aiming to be number four in that little thing the three of them have right!" He sneered.

There were only a few things "three" entailed in a louse like this's mind. And Snyder's reaction let alone Pinky's was enough of a clue as to exactly what this bastard had just publicly implied for the entire fucking world to hear.

Snyder looked near tears. Pinky's face was white with what was likely sheer mortification.

Brick's own nostrils flared- he felt the heat in the back of his throat. But before he could give this shit head an obviously needed lesson in male behavior towards young ladies "Rowdy style" - He heard what sounded like a literal snarl and Brick suddenly found himself more or less thrown aside and Believe was in Graham's face- hockey stick unnecessary apparently as Robin was left clutching it with huge eyes.

"So you are the one spreading all that shit!" Mike hissed. "Oh...Why am I not surprised!?"

The guy's smile seemed almost unhinged now as he grinned, "Aw what's wrong Believe- pissed you might have some competition?" He snorted.

Brick had seen normie fights before- there were plenty on television but even he was taken aback by the sheer speed of that hand flying out and hoisting the admittedly bulkier guy against a nearby locker.

"I don't know how many times it will take to get it through thick fucking skull Graham but I'm warning you-. Stay. Away. From. My. Sister. Understand!"

There was no mirth or sarcasm in that tone- Believe meant business.

This David only sneered.

"You think you're all that- cause you're so buddy buddy with the Pink Puff and fucking the class President on the side- well guess what asshole you ain't- and pretty soon people are gonna see that- just wait until I'm fucking Hockey captain asshole- then we'll see who's doing the ordering around here!" David spat.

"

"Well until that sad day comes fucker you're still going to stay away from my sister- capiche? Oh wait do you even know that word or is it too advanced for your sad little brain?"

The guy stiffened and Brick saw the punch coming- and frankly he didn't feel like being witness to a fist fight before the first bell- he just didn't. He didn't have enough caffeine in his system.

"HEY! LET GO FUCKING-!" Brick clenched the fist- horrible form, amateurish for sure- and he smoothly shoved the two apart.

"It's not even homeroom and you're already picking a fight- how pathetic are you? First you accosted a girl that is so out of your league it is sad. Second. You attempted to sucker punch my English partner- I already don't like history- don't make me do what's more or less a history project for English alone. Third you made another girl over there cry- and newsflash- I might be an asshole but Rowdy's don't make girls cry. Idiots like you are usually not worth my time normally but in your case I'll make an exception- here's the deal: Keep that nasty fucking mouth of yours shut from now on and stay the fuck away from Blossom Utonium as a general rule. We clear? Good- we should have no more problems- Go to class- your brain will surely thank you starved as it is of intelligence."

"You- You-!" Brick snorted and crossed his arms- all muscle no brain- typical stereotypical "jock"- this loser's picture would likely be the one featured in the dictionary with the word "jock" if not the synonym of "dumb ass".

"Oh? Did you have something to say? Go on then- Let's hear it fucker- make my day." He smirked and blew a light flame from his mouth- the idiot paled. "Yeah I thought so- move the fuck along."

The kid backed up and kept glaring at both Brick and Mike who had stepped next to him, "Fucking… Fucking freak!" His stupid finger pointed to Brick and then he shifted his pathetic intimidation techniques at Believe- "This ain't over Believe you hear me! The fucking Rowdyruff over there can't protect you forever!" He snarled but nonetheless one more slight "flame" and the jackass bolted.

"That's right- keep running fucktard! Boss showed you ha!" Butch slapped his shoulder. "Dayum Big Bro look at him run you probably made him shit his pants ha!"

"Thank you… for that lovely visual Butch." Mike muttered. "I didn't need to keep my breakfast really." He looked behind them and his eyes narrowed. "As for you vultures- Show's over! Move along- nothing more to see here!" He snapped and strangely enough… the crowd dispersed almost instantly.

For a normie… apparently Believe was slightly...intimidating?

To other Normies of course.

"You're just lucky Boss was here to save your sorry ass Believe." He heard a slight snort,

"More like Cap Boy saved Graham's sorry ass Asswipe." Buttercup muttered. Butch gave her an odd look.

"Well that was an interesting way to start the morning." Boomer murmured and Bubbles frowned,

"Ugh he is such a creepazaoid- are you okay Blossy?" The blonde had hurried to her sister's side and Buttercup scowled next to her.

"Seriously when will you just let me hit the asshole Leader Girl?!" Buttercup snapped.

"Or let Believe finally send the asshole flying…." Mitch muttered but Robin smacked him over the head. Pretty hard it looked like. "Ow! Snyder it's true damn it!"

" Shut up Mitch!" She snapped. He blinked.

"Wait… doesn't he-?" He was pointing to Brick for some reason and the hockey player whirled around and flashed him a nasty look himself- Pinky was certainly glaring enough for the both of them however. She tapped her foot ominously on the tile. "Oh… guess he doesn't… uh...heh heh? Sorry… I'll be quiet." He gulped at another death glare from Robin before she went to Believe's side and drew him away.

Did Brick miss something? Even Boomer looked slightly discomfited- directly avoiding Brick's gaze and the girls were too… along with glaring at the bucktooth...for some reason?

Okay…Brick's "something's up" senses were tingling- what was going on here…?

Buttercup cleared her throat however before he could demand an answer.

"Well kiddies- while watching Cap Boy cause an asshole to piss himself has been hilarious this fine morning- we're here for an education not entertainment-. Let's go Twiggy- you too Asswipe." She grabbed Mitch's ear and Butch's shirt scruff. "See you guys later." She knocked on a wall. "Here's hoping it'll be a "fishless" day." She dragged the two of them away.

"Ow! Butterbabe! Watch the hair!"

"Damn it Butterscotch ow- ow!"

"Your hair is beyond help- and maybe that'll teach you about opening that big mouth Twiggy eh?"

"Hey the Butch's hair is magnificence incarnate!"

"I said I was sorry!"

Bubbles knocked on a wall herself, "Totally- I think we've had enough excitement for today already- c'mon Boomie-we have homeroom. See you guys later!" She took Boomer's hand who waved before hand in hand off the lovebirds went in their nauseating miasma of "honeymoon" bliss.

Brick frowned however, Snyder was still talking in a hushed whiplash with Believe. Well more like a scolding fromt he looks of it- he looked more like a whipped dog- tail between his legs and all and Robin was the pissed off owner- not a shock- it was ridiculously apparent Mike Believe was whipped by Robin Snyder. Still… Brick wasn't that good at reading lips but… he could hear bits and pieces….

Temper… know better… lucky Brick was… !

I know… Sorry… won't...again… got mad…

"Brick?" He stiffened his eavesdropping session interrupted but she was peering up at him in concern- she also looked slightly anxious. He swallowed an urge to go "jack ass" hunting- time for that later- she didn't protest when he decided that… strange behavior or not… he had other more important priorities at the moment.

"Are you okay?" She stiffened this time and once again she seemed to pull at that… however amazing skirt… it was ludicrously short- what the hell had Bubbles been thinking? She was going to get nailed for a breach of dress code the second a hall monitor spotted her.

"I'm fine. You know you didn't have to do that." She murmured the last part.

He frowned, "Your face said otherwise- how long's that shithead been bugging you?"

She sighed, "Brick… it's nothing I can't handle on my own.."

"Pinky." He furrowed his eyebrows. "I never said that- I'm more than aware you can handle yourself and why you didn't slug the guy I don't know- but answer my question anyway."

She bristled and pulled at the skirt again, "About a year…" She mumbled. "He's a Briner… he was acquainted with Michael obviously- when Robin and I would wait for him after practice he...would attempt to chat us both up but he decided to fix on me... " She shuddered. "And he's been hounding me ever since."

"Yeah well… not anymore." He muttered.

"Always the chivalrous type." She murmured. "Thank you for intervening though in this case… .Michael and David… have exchanged words in the past… if not…blows…." " She sighed and pulled at her skirt again.

"Fist fight?"

"Hockey fight- much worse when sticks and skating blades potentially become involved." She scowled. "And he's a brute- has no qualms about resorting to violence." She bit her lip. "Robin and I both worry sometimes- Michael is usually rather good at keeping his temper but…"

"Yeah… no with this guy can't say I blame Believe in the slightest." She frowned more and pulled at her skirt one more time. "Say… Pinky don't take this the wrong way but-."

"I know. I look like a total fool."

Actually you look fucking amazing and hot as hell and off school grounds if you were to wear that skirt again it would be a very good day indeed.

"No… I was going to say-."

The bell shrilled suddenly and she went white. "Oh God how am I supposed to walk around like this… that's it I'm going home-"

Brick frowned again, removed his jacket and held it out to her. She wrapped it around her waist almost instantly, " Now before you interrupted me I was going to say that I have a spare pair of jeans in my garage locker- usually they're in case of oil spills but in this case I think it's more pressing.

She froze, "You...wouldn't mind?"

"No. Would I have mentioned it if I did?" He raised an eyebrow and her face flushed again.

"No I suppose not." She mumbled, "That… would be very much…. Appreciated Brick I'd be very grateful-."

He nodded, "What are partners for- let's go if we hurry we can be back before second bell."

"Don't worry about it." Mike and Robin both walked over- the scolding session had apparently ended. "We'll cover for you guys- just uh... "Robin cleared her throat. "I'd like to make it known that skirt was not my idea- just saying."

The Pink Puff's eyes narrowed, "But you knew about it."

"... Maybe."

"Therefore you're guilty by association."

"... That can be argued yes." That look was withering- event he headstrong class president seemed to shrink from it. "If I buy you candy will that make it better?" She laughed nervously.

"No but it's a start- see you later. Ruff-."

An obnoxious whistle rang out.

Dayum looking good there Utonium!

Nice legs sexy!

She went crimson and covered her face with her hands, "Oh dear God Brick just get me some pants." She moaned. The cat callers - upperclassmen from the looks of it- continued and Brick felt his temper rise again for the second time this non caffeinated morning.

He glared at the offenders- they seemed to freeze in place- and their pallid colors grew worse when he plopped his hat over her head and she immediately brought it down over her eyes. The louses bolted- practically tripped over each other. Ingrates.

"Cover for us in homeroom- we'll be right back." Brick muttered and the two norms nodded.

Believe waved him off, "We got you Jojo- don't worry. Go on save the day Mr. Hero!" He snickered. Ugh the hyena returns. And-.

He paused.

Mr.… Hero?

Wait… why did that sound familiar? He'd heard that before… where had he heard that before?

Long delicate fingers curled around his hand just then however- and he was pulled away.

Whatever… in the scheme of things… not that important.

-IV-

She had never been more mortified in her entire life.

Now she realized why Brick kept the hat around… it came in handy. Oh so handy.

"Bloss… you can't hide forever."

"Oh yes I can."

An exasperated sigh, " Nice hat by the way."

"It's getting to be rather cold outside- it's keeping my head warm."

"Uh...huh- sure is that what they're calling it these days?"

"Shut up Robin."

This time the dratted girl snickered. "And you know it just goes so lovely with your outfit of choice this afternoon." Another snicker and Blossom sunk deeper into her chair. Well, while it was pleasant having the Norms now joining them for their Monday lunches as well as Tuesdays- what with lunch schedules switching and all for the new term… now Blossom was left dealing with a "hyenaness." - cackling away like one of those creatures… just like a certain other someone she knew.

She took a another sip of her juice.

"I do believe Michael is rubbing far too much on you."

"No… it's just too easy."

"I hate you."

"No you don't." Another snicker.

"No… but sometimes I wish I did." She sighed and sunk further into the long sleeves of the jacket. Robin raised an eyebrow. "What!? What now?! It's cold! I don't like being cold! I might have ice powers but the cold is still unpleasant!"

"Mmm and I bet that jacket is just super hot huh?"

"Shut. Up. Robin."

"Blossom honey- you are aware you are basically wearing-."

"It was a necessity- you saw that skirt!"

"Yes but there was nothing wrong with the shirt- therefore is the jacket really necessary… or the hat for that matter."

Blossom bristled and looked from under the worn bill, " It goes with the outfit." She muttered. "And I was cold."

"Mmm yeah I guess Brick style is in this year huh?"

"Shut. Up. Robin!"

More snickers and Blossom huddled more and more into this oversized jacket that was… truly quite delightfully comfortable and warm. Now she saw why Bubbles persisted in wearing Boomer's oversized clothes sometimes- err… well of course she did she was Boomer's girlfriend- Blossom had merely been in need of...clothing help and Brick like a gentleman had… offered his assistance.

Yes. He had noticed her being quite cold on this brisk February day and seeing as Blossom had no meat on her bones per say- she wasn't a waif like Miss Snyder here- who by the by was also happening to be sporting a certain hockey jacket over her thin shoulders this afternoon because it was indeed cold and-!

… Brick was clearly not the sort to let his friends be cold is all. Must have been an instinct stemming from his power over fire of course- and… well Blossom had managed with the help of a handy belt to keep these oversized jeans from falling down but the jacket successfully shielded the fact it was but a temporary fix and-... Well the hat just went with the outfit damn it!

… And for some odd reason those somewhat frightening males from this morning who had hounded her as soon as she had taken one tentative step with that far too short skirt into the school building had more or less dispersed and left her alone as long as she was wearing this particular piece of headwear.

Therefore… it made logical sense for her to continue wearing it…

And it was warm. Her head would get cold without it…

"So hell of a morning huh?"

"Can we not talk about that… ever. Again." Her head hit the table.

"Well I mean…. The skirt was a mistake but I totally am digging the choker Bloss- you really rock that look. And I'm sure plenty of people would agree with me… if you just take the Rowdy jacket off so they can see it." She snickered again.

"Its warm!"

"You're full of shit."

She looked up witheringly and Robin met her glare evenly with a serene smile.

"That is your opinion." Blossom finally said primly and then looked around. "Alright… where are the boys?" She murmured. "They should have been here by now."

Robin whistled lowly, " Yeeeeaaahhhh I'm still trying to figure out if this combination is the single greatest thing ever to hit Townsville or the single worst."

"They do make… an interesting pair." She murmured.

"That's... The understatement of the year." Robin muttered.

"...indeed." They looked at each other and then both of them giggled in sync. Robin beamed and adjusted her aforementioned Briners jacket.

"Seriously… am I going to have a boyfriend or are you going to have a "partner" after this project?"Robin giggled while Blossom rolled her eyes.

"Again remains to be determined- Michael Believe and Brick Jojo are two of the most stubborn individuals I think I've ever met. Them working together on a project is both terrifying and hilarious to watch."

Robin laughed out loud and Blossom took another sip of her juice. "Kellan was practically shaking in her boots today- only my Mikey would start a fight about "Shinto" traditions of all things."She giggled.

Blossom smirked somewhat. "Yes… but that argument was actually rather intriguing to listen to in a way wasn't it?" She cradled her chin.

"Yeah… it kind of was… " Robin steepled her fingers, ""Seriously who wasn't listening to that debate? Even Kellan wasn't doing much to break it up in the end."

"Mmm...yes…."

"Yeah…."

They both sighed softly in sync- and Robin rested her chin in her hand with a blissful smile on her face. Blossom's eyebrow rose.

"Someone's still swooning I see." She chuckled. " You must be getting excited- you and Michael's anniversary is coming up!"

She smiled more, "February 16." She murmured. " Shit… time flies. Hard to believe…"

Blossom snorted, " Nice pun. Again he has rubbed far too much on you. Although…," Her smile became devious and Robin blushed but then nodded.

"No!"

Another bashful nod.

"When!?"

"Last month." She giggled. "So… asshole or not… Graham got one thing right."

Her jaw had dropped, "You and Michael really-?"

"Yep." She popped the p'- " I mean he wanted to wait a full year but…." She folded her hands with another bashful smile. "Well… things have a way of just… happening." She giggled again and Blossom smiled with her.

"My, my so when's the wedding?" She snickered herself this time- ah the tides had turned and deftly dodged the french fry that went flying towards her face.

"Ha ha, smart ass- it won't be until we've both graduated college thank you." She said primly. " You have any idea what my Nonna would say to me if I got married out of high school." She shuddered. "Daddy's reaction would pale in comparison."

She snorted, "Very true." She folded her hands, "Do you really think you'll marry Michael someday Robin? In all honesty?" The brunette froze and seemed to be rather engrossed in her supposed chicken sandwich.

"Would you judge me if I said yes?" She whispered. Blossom shook her head. "Bloss… I know it sounds crazy… and trust me I know the odds are like… not really statistically in my favor but… yeah… I really do. Like… they say when you meet them… you just know you know… and crazy as hell as it is… I really do think… Mikey might be my… soulmate."

She flinched- she couldn't help it. Robin frowned. "Bloss?"

"Must… Must we always use that term?" She took a quick sip of her drink and Robin frowned more.

"Okay… I know that look. What's up… did you have another… you know." She leaned over the table.

"Wait for me…."

Blossom bit her lip and Robin's look grew more and more concerned, "Okay… why am I also now suddenly getting the feeling… these dreams… ain't so happy after all." She didn't answer her. The brunette's eyes narrowed.

"Blossom. You answer me right now." She ordered quietly. "What's wrong?"

Wait for me…

Wait for me…

"Well-." She began but a commotion interrupted them- Robin's face twisted at the shrill voices that echoed through the room and Blossom scowled.

...And there went the remainder of Blossom's lunch. Robin buried her head in her hands.

"Oh look it's the slut patrol." She muttered and Blossom took another sip of her drink.

"Robin resorting to their level does nothing."

"On the contrary it makes me feel better- six o'clock- ooh she looks angry." A snicker. An ominous round of various clicking was coming closer- mixed with a few stumbles and obscenities seeing as that girl had no business whatsoever in shoes that high.

CLICK. CLACK. CLICK..

"YOU!"

Sip.

"May I help you Princess?" She said simply- Robin continued to scowl as Princess's little followers joined her.. She especially exchanged a harsh glance with the blonde Julie Smith- who had decided to switch crushes this month once again as she was wont to- having realized that she stood no chance against a however kind and gentle blue Puff in gaining the blue Rowdyruff's affections the vapid blonde had moved on to the sand haired hockey player instead.

Well… it had been a lovely lunch while it lasted.

Princess Morebucks continued glaring at her like she was some kind of odious specter- and her eyes seemed rather fixed especially on Blossom's hair… ah. She swallowed the triumphant smirk that oh so threatened to curl on her face.

"You- you!"

"Again… Morebucks may I help you?"

"Preferably into the nearest lake!" Robin snapped.

Princess slammed her hands onto the table- effectively knocking over Blossom's drink. She'd been enjoying that. She did so hate to waste food.

"I was drinking that." She said simply.

"I don't give a flying fuck you little slut- why are you wearing MY BRICKY'S CLOTHES!" She near screeched and of course heads began to turn. Ugh. It had been a pleasant lunch.

"That's none of your business." She began wiping down the mess with a napkin.

"Like hell it isn't SLUT!" She bristled but Robin's eyes blazed.

"Look who's talking hooker heels!" She snarled.

"Stay out of this Chicken legs!" Princess hissed.

"Yeah you tell her Princess!" Julie cheered.

"Shut up Julie!" Princess rubbed her brow, "Whatever I am so not in the mood for this- whatever okay Puff I'll give you one more chance- Why. Are. You. In. MY. Bricky's. Clothes!"

" If you're asking why I'm wearing these jeans it was a necessity- if you're asking about this jacket it's cold and if you're asking about this hat?" She smiled wanly. " I don't know he simply put it on my head and it goes nicely with the whole ensemble wouldn't you agree?" She smiled broadly. The spoiled brat's face went near purple. " Now Princess- Robin and I were in the middle of a rather nice lunch. I've answered your question- now move along."

"I'll leave when you get my Bricky's hat off your nasty ass head!"

"I think not. And for the record Brick hates that nickname."

"Tch yeah right- as if- Bricky loves my nicknames- he told me so himself! So take it off before I rip it off!" Her cronies all nodded and Robin snorted. "You got something to say to me bitch!"

"Yeah- I'm just wondering if the looney bin called with your meds yet- obviously you're due for a new dose. Also something tells me Brick won't appreciate you ripping his fucking hat!"

More heads were turning. Today was effectively proving to be one of the most humiliating days of Blossom's high school career. And she had once spent an entire day covered near head to toe in parrot fish entrails.

" I meant her gross ass hair! I'm surprised something isn't growing in it by now with all the muck that's ends up in it!" She smirked and leered down at Blossom-

Sticks and stones. Sticks and Stones.

"Though I guess not all of us can have beauty, talent and brains: some of us have to clean up the fish shit. I'm happy for you Pink Eye - you've finally managed to find your life's calling." She laughed and her stupid cronies laughed in sync with her.

Blossom clenched her fist… but said nothing.

Sticks and Stones.

Sticks… Stones…

" So therefore- I'm going to be nice honey- I feel sorry for you- I heard all about your pathetic little display this morning after all- tch and how my poor Bricky had to demean himself to cover for your pathetic lame ass- oh wait you don't have one of those anyway- Ha ha!"

Sticks… Stones...Sticks… Stones…

"Least Blossom's is real and not a piece of cheap silicon!" Robin smashed her fist in the table.

"Again! How pathetic are you Puff- letting someone else fight your battles? Tch- you should have let me take over years ago- for sure we wouldn't be having this "sushi" problem if I was in charge!"

Sticks… Sticks… Stones… Stones…

"But whatever- I wouldn't bother with this lame ass little team of yours anyway- tch- and frankly I don't see why Bricky does either- but at least with him leading the way we can all rest easy knowing a real leader is in charge of things." She sighed and clasped her hands together. " Oh my Bricky - he was just so brave… protecting that little boy like that- oh I'm the luckiest girl in the world! And that's why- PUFF I'm going to warn you now- your sad little attempts to seduce my Bricky won't work and frankly you're embarrassing yourself- and him by association- which is of course my business."

"Oooh listen to all the big words- did you practice that speech in the mirror sweetums?" Robin cooed. "Well color me impressed- the twat can read!"

"Shut up Crow!"

"Make me Slutbucks!"

Now it seemed like every head had turned around and Blossom saw phones left and right being raised.

"Robin… calm down. You know it's not worth it." She hissed.

"That's right listen to Pink Eye over there- you wouldn't want to piss me off Snyder it won't end well for you after all!"

"Oh you wanna bet- you wanna take this outside!" She shrilled.

Oh… hell. She dug her own phone out of her bag.

To: Michael

From: Blosom

Michael- where are you. Princess has begun baiting Robin- you know this won't end well. Where. Are. You!

"Normally I'd gladly take you on in that pathetic little challenge- but I have more important things to concern my valuable time with- I have a carnival to prepare for after all- seeing as Bricky already asked me."

The world stopped spinning for a moment. She felt a slice in her chest so deep she almost gasped out loud. W-What? But… no- he couldn't! No… he… he wouldn't! He… he hated this girl! He'd told her himself-! That joke about the uniforms… the harassment… but… he had…

He'd put the hat on her head… he'd given her his jacket and refused to take it back because it was so cold and… but… but… he'd gone and…?!

"Brick… this is unnecessary."

"It's freezing. Take it."

"But… I'm not...that cold-."

"The goosebumps on your shoulders say otherwise. Here."

His hands seemed to glide over her shoulders, as he pulled the thick jacket over her - it was ludicrously big, the sleeves hung down empty for the most part but she bundled it closer regardless as a breeze blew. He smirked.

"What was that about not being cold Pinky?"

"Shut it. And now you're going to be cold."

"I'm a walking space heater- cold doesn't bother me."

"Well… in that chain of thought I'm a walking fridge so-."

The smirk died then replaced by a frown before he stepped in front of her, "Yeah I know. That's why." He zipped up the jacket. "You're wearing it."

Her hands lingered over the thick fabric- that had that faint motor oil and burning wood smell emanating from it… she gathered it closer- the bitch was still going on and on about how apparently Brick had…

She clenched her fists unseen hidden in the depths of those voluminous sleeves.

"So sucks to be you bitch- once again you're going to be all alone on Valentine's Day while my Bricky and I fall even more deeply in love by the day- poor little Ice Bitch." She finished triumphantly.

She looked smug. So incredibly proud of herself- as she preened like a wretched little peacock.

Blossom was going to puke.

Robin however burst out laughing before she got up smoothly, strolled over- putting a hand on Blossom's shoulder as she did so and giving it a light squeeze.

"Oh really? Really now Morebucks- oh do go on! You know I am such a sucker for romantic stories- I just need to hear this one- when did this miraculous event occur hmm?"

"Robin… please don't." Blossom whispered. She couldn't hear it. She wouldn't hear it. Her head was reeling.

"No Bloss- aren't you curious- I know I am- after all us being Brick's good friends and all you'd think he would have told us about this love story of his- hmm- you know I'm hurt in fact-." She dug through her purse and pulled out her phone. "I do think I'm going to ream him a new one- keeping juicy news like this from the official X Team PR- what nerve!" That smile was sadistic and Princess seemed to turn a putrid green color.

"Y-You… Since when do you have my Bricky's phone number!?" She near shrieked as Robin's hands flew over the keys.

"Well I mean Princess I have worked on school projects with him in the past and he and I have bonded over certain types of… stories and laughing our asses off at them- you know now that you mention it he does mention you a lot- guess I'm just- blind. She finished darkly and slammed the phone down on the table. Princess stared at it like it was some kind of ticking time bomb.

"Well Princess… I'm waiting." She tapped her nails on the table with a smile.

"Y-You… You-..."

"Yes….?"

Blossom felt a buzz on the table and she grabbed her phone once more.

From: Michael

I'm on my way- I'm getting Jojo- For the love of God Bloss don't let Tweety make any more contact until I get there!

"You… You think you're so smart don't you, you stupid Crow!"

"At least I don't make shit up- cause here' oh look here's the Red Rowdy's response- hmm oh but let me censor it for the little freshies listening though- " What the BEEP- is she on Beep Beep drugs!?- wait don't answer that of course she beep beep beep is! I am so beep beep tired of her beep beep - BEEEEP!" - Mmm yeah sounds like a guy in love all right." Her smirk became sadistic again,

Snickers began to emanate around them and she flashed angry overdone eyes at them all.

"So… So okay so technically...technically Bricky hasn't asked me yet- but he will!" HE WILL! As soon as he can escape from a certain "ICE BITCH!" and get us some much needed alone time-!"

Another fist slammed on the table- Robin's eyes were blazing.

"I would highly suggest you take that back you little plastic bitch before I make you take it back- we clear Slutbucks! And by the by- you know how I knew you were so full of shit you'd likely need to eat Fiberbites for breakfast for the rest of your damn life to get rid of all it- Because I happen to know from a very reliable source that Brick Anthony Jojo- your precious "Bricky" IS planning on asking a lucky girl to the carnival but guess what skank-! It. Ain't. You."

O-Oh… Really? Had Brick… found someone then...? Good for him! He deserved to find a girl he actually did care for!

Her heart continued to pound and then she realized dully she was still clutching his jacket rather… tightly. It… it was rather cold in here after all- someone must have left a window open… and…

Brick had… found a lucky young lady… how...nice.

"T-That's not true! You're lying!"

"Oh you think so!? Should I ask him again Slutbucks?! Hmm! Face it- when Valentine's Day comes around the only one who's going to be all alone is YOU! Aww poor Princess- Karma's a bitch ain't it sweetums!"

"W-Why you… Why you- you- fucking chicken legged crow!"

"Ooh ouch- my poor little heart- try to come up with a better insult you plastic whore!"

"Excuse me! I'm still pure unlike you! Unlike you ,you little chicken legged tramp who gives it to the first little Urchin who comes her way!"

The gasps were audible and Blossom shot up but Robin put a hand up in her face. Her expression was dark.

"What. Did. You. Just. Call. My. Mikey!" Robin hissed.

...Oh dear.

"Princess that wasn't very nice." Julie began.

"I said Shut. Up. Julie!" Princess's little sidekick gulped and nodded.

"Yes maa'm."

There were times Blossom had felt genuinely sorry for the blonde. When she hadn't been deriding her little sister at every possible opportunity that is.

She heard another buzz and she practically snatched it.

From: Michael

Almost to cafeteria- stall for time. Also I have an angry Rowdyruff boy more or less dictating the rest of this because he is too enraged to trust himself not to crush his phone. Also this is censored because whoo boy do we have an angry Rowdy here.

So

One. He did not ask Princess to the Carnival.

Two. He will not be asking Princess to the Carnival. He would rather eat rat poison.

Three. Can he please abuse the 1947 Super Hero act now! (I have no idea what this means but he is slightly frightening when smoke is escaping from his nostrils so I'm not arguing- but on a personal note I wouldn't mess with federal laws as a general rule but that's just me….)

Oh… Oh dear- when was this sent!? How far away would they be- oh Blossom recognized that dark look in those blue eyes.

"Robin…."

Princess and Robin were glaring at each other. "I called your sad little boy toy an urchin bitch- which is exactly what he is- you have a problem with that Crow? Why not complain to Pink Eye over there! You know the "third" in that disgusting little coup d'état- you three have- Gross! Disgusting! See unlike you loose sluts I'm going to be pure when my Bricky and I seal our love at long last!"

Blossom almost choked. Brick. Princess. In such a way! Vile! Never! Oh God she was going to be sick from that nauseating visual alone! Her fists were almost shaking- the white hot rage was burning in her very being- this… this putrid excuse for a husk of humanity- and who knew how much "humanity" was actually left in that plastic shell she called a body!

I'll... show you pure you wretched little-!

"Like hell you will!" She couldn't swallow it back and she shot up. "Keep your sick little delusions to yourself! No one wants to hear them! Especially in a place where one eats!"

Princess was suddenly in her face- her slightly ash smelling breath made her wrinkle her nose and she stepped back. "What's wrong Puff- jealous? Tch of course you are because everyone knows Bricky adores me and only me! And you can't stand that- you think I don't see what you're trying to do- you pathetic desperate little slut! Bricky is mine - Mine! And the sooner you fucking realize that the better! I will not tell you again!" She snarled.

She grit her teeth but then she smirked, it was so petty. So really… beneath her status as a "heroine" but… oh so delicious.

"Yet look who's wearing his jacket." The girl stiffened and Blossom's smirk widened before she leaned closer to the suddenly sputtering girl- her smirk curling wider and wider. "And his hat." She cooed before she took it off and...Rather immaturely she'd admit she fluttered the cap right under her nose. "Mmhmm exclusive hat wearing privileges right here- Counterpart prerogative."

Err… not really but seeing as Brick… had developed this foolish little habit of stealing her ribbon at random times Blossom had begun to steal his hat right back! And he never minded when she'd shove it on her head or… wear it but she'd never seen anyone else getting away with it so… it was… a logical conclusion and- oh dear- Here comes the punch!

The screech was shrill and she deftly avoided the punch that went shooting her way followed by a medley of near incomprehensible obscenities. Another side step- then another punch. Really this was so tiresome.

She caught the fist and pushed her back slightly,

"Morebucks- enough. You've made your albeit deluded point and frankly I don't feel like descending into a brawl with you- now leave both Robin and I be. I will not tell you again. Are we clear?"

She scowled and ripped her fist away. "Ice Bitch!"

"Would it be too much for you to come up with more of a variety of insults- listening to the same ones over and over does get rather tiresome- may I suggest a thesaurus be your next purchase versus another useless bauble you persist in adorning yourself with." Blossom rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair- waving Robin to do the same which the brunette did- reluctantly but at least she did it.

"You- You!"

"Goodbye Princess." She gave a little wave. "Until your next break with reality." Robin snorted- and the clacking was loud but at least the bitch left. Good. Well her lunch was ruined but it wasn't all that edible either… plus… she had lost her appetite… if not for the rest of the day.

Princess… and Brick… ugh!

"Bloss seriously I don't know how the fuck you keep your cool around her."

"Someone has to- and you need to control your temper. What would Sensei have to say if he knew you were stooping to such levels?"

She flinched at the mention of her beloved Karate sensei. "W-Well… he always says to be as non-violent and respect the art… but when it comes to the defense of others… all bets are off."

"No he doesn't."

"You have to read between the lines."

"Uh huh- well do me a favor and text Michael that the situation is resolved so he doesn't panic himself into a tizzy… again."

She giggled somewhat, "Yeah, yeah- Mikey's always been a worrywart- WHAT THE FUCK!?" She shot up.

"Robin- what's- AGGGGGHHHHHHH!" Tomato sauce, chicken, Jell-O and today's special chili rained down upon her in a sticky...gooey mess. All over the table, the floor, her new shirt and choker… and all over… Brick's clothes! Oh… Oh God Brick's hat!

"CAN'T WEAR THEM NOW BITCH!" That cackle made her blood boil- "That'll teach you!" She set the tray down with an unhinged smirk

She held her hands up shakily- too shocked to speak. Bubbles… Bubbles had worked so… so hard on this... one could see the love in every… every stitch… Brick practically lived in this hat… and she… she had- look what… she clenched her fists and squeezed her eyes shut.

One. Two. Three.

"Awwww what's wrong Pink Eye- you gonna cry! Pink Puffy wuffy is all dirty!"

Four. Five. Six.

"Why… you little-!" She began to rise.

WHAP

She fell back into her chair as blood gushed from her cheek. Princess grinned sadistically flashing her many diamond rings that lined each finger- Diamonds… the hardest substance in the world- even their X' skin was no match for the power of the Mohs Scale.

And being cut as they were into literal spikes… it was more or less like she was wearing multi-thousand dollar knives on each finger. That didn't help the situation either.

The cafeteria had gone still. Phones had of course gone flying up but no one made any other sound. The Pink Puff getting bitch slapped… sure to go viral.

"Tch- you're so weak- what are you gonna cry? Awwwww poor widdle Puffy got an owie-." Her laughter was unhinged as Blossom brought her fingers shakily to touch her badly bleeding cheek.

"I'LL SHOW YOU THE MEANING OF "OWIE" YOU BITCH!" Robin screeched and quicker than lightning the brunette… who was also a...second...degree black belt wouldn't you know had the redhead sprawled on the floor- with her on top of her. Princess of course… from years of villainy and being an overall nuisance was no stranger to fist fights- she and Blossom herself had been in plenty of them.

Though… trained or not soon this fight had descended into an emotional uncontrolled free-for-all. Hair being practically ripped out- expert kicks and punches replaced by nails, scratches and screeches.

Robin was nothing… if not protective of her friends.

And Robin also had a deep seated, malevolent hatred of Princess Morebucks. And had since childhood.

Almost being framed and arrested because of said girl would do that to a person.

Blossom looked at the frantic text messages still on her phone. Then at the sight of two young girls more or less attempting to rip the others hair out. Nails flashed- and heels went flying. Her face was almost numb with pain- this would leave a mark for a few days- a lovely victory for the unhinged little villainess there.

The catfight- for that was what this had devolved into was still raging-and of course… the audience was eating it up.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

… She had no choice. She shot up.

"Robin! Control yourself! This is not what your sensei would approve of-!" Blossom tried to grab her erstwhile enraged friend's arm but she was shaken off.

"The hell it isn't! You're going down this time Slutbucks!"

"Not if I bring you down first you little slut! I don't see your stupid Urchin around to save your sorry ass this time!"

"DON'T. CALL. MY. MIKEY. THAT!" Robin lunged and the two were rolling on the floor again- oh...oh hell! Intervention time!

"ROBIN. PRINCESS! CONTROL YOURSELVES!"

"NO! BITCH IS GOING DOWN"

"STAY OUT OF THIS ICE BITCH!"

And thus…. Did her patience…. Finally snap.

" ENOUGH!" She belllowed nd both Robin and Princess froze.

"... Oh shit." Robin said quietly. Princess had gone slightly pale. Blossom didn't care- she marched over to the two- she grabbed one arm and then the other.

"YOU SIT DOWN!" Robin went on one chair. " YOU TOO!" Princess went crashing to another.

"You two are acting like-!" Princess however shot up, Robin tried lunging for her but the girl had already winded up.

"I SAID STAY OUT OF THIS FUCKING SLUT!"

WHAP

Another slap and back on the chair Blossom went- more than one spike diamond ring on one hand ought to be classified as a form of deadly weapon! Her hand was shaking- the blood was already gushing down her cheek."

"YOU LITTLE BITCH! LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID!"

"Bitch ought to mind her own fucking business and keep away from other people's property to boot!"

"What are you Fuzzy Lumpkins now you stupid fucking-!"

The Cafeteria door suddenly slammed open- the loud cheering and cat calling abruptly ended. The only sound were two pairs of storming sneakered feet.

"THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!?" Brick roared as Michael hurried past him towards Robin.

"Tweety the fuck is-!?" Her hair was a mess- and her shirt was torn but she flashed him a determined smile. "Oye! Show's over people! Phones down!" Michael bellowed. "Did ya hear me? Or do I need to spell it out for you- PHONES. DOWN! - Tweety… Tweety what the hell did you do!?"

"I hit a bitch. Hehehe proud of me honey?" She snickered somewhat maniacally. Michael who had been picking random… whatever's out of Robin's hair and trying to set her headband to rights paused and then his face crumbled.

"Oh for the love of-...Tweeeeeettyyyyyyy…." And cue the long suffering… moan.

Princess seemed to preen and despite her completely disheveled appearance - Robin was a black belt for a reason after all- Princess smirked. "Now you're gonna get it bitches! Bricky she hit me!" She whined and batted her eyelashes but she was promptly pushed aside by an enraged Rowdyruff Boy storming towards them. .

"What the hell happened!?" He hissed and his eyes grew narrower and narrower when he ended up in front of her.

"A disagreement." Blossom muttered, his scowl grew worse before his hand latched onto her chin and he tilted her head up and to the side. His growling was growing worse… and sounded slightly… strangely enough… canine...like.

She bit her lip, "Brick I'm sorry about your-."

He growled more, "Don't care." He grabbed a napkin and started wiping at the gash that just seemed to gush more and more. His growling was growing increasingly louder.

"I'm fine Ruff…" She murmured.

"The hell you are- you're bleeding like crazy." He hissed, swore and tossed the bloody napkin down only to grab another one and then another for good measure- she winced and his growling only grew more menacing as Princess stamped her foot behind them.

"Bricky… what do you think you're doing!?"

Princess was near red with rage- shaking- she mashed her teeth together so hard it was a shock they weren't broken. Perhaps they were as fake as everything else this odious girl was comprised of.

"What does it look like skank!" Robin snarled and Michael had no choice but to grab her by the waist.

"Tweety! Baby c'mon! You know the bitch ain't worth it!" He grunted, "What would sensei say!"

"Kick her ass!"

"Oh for the love… Jojo… a little help here!" Michael begged.

His gaze was like literal fire. Burning into her like a hot flame- part of her wanted to scoot away from it but another part of her- that rather bad part of her wanted to do nothing more than indulge in it- surround herself in it- let it singe her skin and that blazing heat engulf her. Her throat felt dry- and it was only growing worse at each gentle caress from those callused fingers- she bit her lip slightly. He frowned,

"We need to clean this- I take it your magic first aid kit is in your locker." He murmured quietly. His voice sounded husky… deep and she squeezed her fists slightly but she nodded. His expression didn't change but he nevertheless extended his hand towards her.

"Good. Let's go."

"Bricky WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING!?" Princess shrieked again, stamped her foot and that red rage was slowly turning into a near purple- Brick said nothing at first but then he took a deep breath and she saw how tense his shoulders were- how stiff with rage he truly was. He whirled around to face Morebucks- and this time instead of a gentle flame those eyes were blazing.

"I'm going to make something very clear to you Morebucks. One. I have no intention of asking you to a stupid fucking carnival. Ever. Not for a million fucking dollars. Two. If you ever and I mean ever touch Pinky again you are going to be dealing with me- not her sisters. Not my brothers. Not Kung Fu Snyder over there- or even Believe the rabid hockey guard dog but me – we clear!"

She could only sputter and then she threw a menacing look in her direction- if looks could kill… Brick however sneered at her more, grabbed Blossom's hand, pulled her up and marched towards the doors.

"Believe let's go! I'm getting nauseous just being too close to this fucking twat!" He snarled.

"Right behind you Jojo- Tweety… honey come on- dismembering people is very much frowned on in this country." He grunted and Robin just kept growling and glaring- and with a sigh Michael had no choice but to gently take hold of his girlfriend's shoulders and push her behind them.

The shrill obscenity from behind them likely echoed through the entire cafeteria to the halls beyond.

-o-o-o-

"Tweety what the hell were you thinking!?" Michael's roar echoed through the air of the courtyard.

"She was asking for it Mikey!" Michael grunted but continued brushing out the dust bunnies or whatnot from

Robin's hair. "And hello do you see Blossom right now!?" Michael's grey gaze flicked to her briefly and his teeth grit.

"That's all well and fine and dandy Tweety but seriously what would your Sensei have to say!"

"Job well done Robin- you were defending a friend from an unhinged insane psychotic incarnation of Satan!" She snapped.

He sighed, "Tweetyyyyy…."

"No! See this is it! This is the final straw Mikey! Slutbucks wants a war oh no problem! No fucking problem I'll give her a goddamn war! It'll be my goddamn pleasure!" Robin stomped her foot.

"Honeyyyy…. I'm begging you…" Michael was almost on his knees at this point.

"Oh no Mikey- uh-uh Bitch declared war! It is on!"

Brick remained silent as he tended to her face- paper towel after paper towel was pressed against the cut- it was still bleeding… but it wasn't as bad- really there was no need for such… a fuss.

"This… is a role reversal." She murmured- he raised an eyebrow but then snorted somewhat.

"Guess so- chin up." He ordered quietly and when she hesitated he tilted it anyway. Her stomach was in knots. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap thankfully he didn't seem to notice- he was too engrossed in wiping off and examining her cut.

His eyes narrowed. "She landed a nice one on you." He muttered. "Bitch."

"Ruff… I'm fine trust me. It's just a flesh-." His glare was piercing and she clammed up.

"Yeah then why hasn't it stopped bleeding- stay still." She stiffened when she saw the cotton balls. "Don't give me "that's not necessary" crap either- we need to clean it- who knows what was in between those nasty nails." He more or less dunked the cotton ball in her antiseptic.

She shuddered, " I didn't need that thought in my head- ouch!" He smirked and continued dabbing at her cut.

"Pain means it's working Pinky." He snickered as she glowered. Getting his revenge at last apparently.

"Ha ha very funny." She winced again and his expression darkened.

"Cripes…what the fuck Pinky- what the hell happened!?" He tilted her head to the right and kept dabbing at the cut. Ow. Ow. Ow.

"The Mohs hardness scale: that's what happened. Her and her stupid diamonds." His eyes narrowed further. And that odd growling began again. "Princess Morebucks' favorite weapon of choice." She buzzed her lips and he scowled.

"The pointy diamonds you mean- the ones the crazy bitch had fucking cut to be practically- spikes!" Michael snapped behind them.

"Isn't that technically assault with a deadly weapon?" Robin muttered- Michael had grabbed the first aid kit and was dabbing at her own cuts.

"One can argue that- ouch! Brick it's fine quit it!"

He looked near murderous- "Pinky. It. Won't. Stop!" He threw another cotton ball down with disgust- "Do you have any C'X in here!?"

"You're being ridiculous- it's a cut-."

"Bloss… she hit you twice remember." Robin mumbled and Brick went still.

"Robin!" She hissed.

"TWICE!?" Brick roared. "That fucking bitch hit you twice! With those fucking-!" He jumped up but thankfully so did Michael- the hockey player lunged and slammed the Red Rowdyruff Boy right back down on the bench.

"Calm the fuck down Jojo! You think I don't want to go rip that bitch a new one too!? Right now however we have much more important priorities - Ladies now- Revenge later!"

They glared at each other but nonetheless Brick returned to his useless cleaning of this wound… which was still bleeding heavily. Michael's gaze narrowed.

"Jojo I don't think just slapping on a band aid is gonna cut it- I think you need to take her to the hospital." He grimaced- Brick paused.

"You think?"

"Hate to say it but… yeah."

"Fuck…"

She stiffened, " Don't even think about it Brick!"

"Pinky it's still bleeding- and you have X' skin! What if she'd hit Robin! Shit he's right- Cover for me in history Believe- C'mon Pinky.."

"We can't just leave school!"

There was a slight clearing of a throat, and Miss Keane stepped out in front of them- Robin and Michael stiffened, Blossom held her head in her hands.

Three… two… one…

"Miss Snyder." The brunette tensed more.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me." Michael hissed.

Miss Keane sighed heavily, "Miss Snyder if you'd please go to the office." She sounded weary, Mama Keane flashed her a brief almost apologetic look- she knew as much as Blossom what was about to happen and Robin said nothing- only grabbed her bag and practically threw it over her shoulder. Completely silent.

Michael stood up as well,

"Miss Keane you know Princess is the one that started the fight- Look at Bloss! Robin was just defending her!"

Another sigh, "Yes that is in conjunction with what witnesses claim happened. Mr. Believe if you'd accompany Miss Snyder." Michael's face twisted but he grabbed his own bag and stormed over. His arm went around Robin's shoulder instantly.

"See you guys later." He murmured. Robin was beginning to whimper- his grip on her increased. "Tweety… c'mon honey… let's get this over with." Robin's hand went over her eyes as they walked.

Though instead of following the norms Miss Keane walked over to the bench Brick had more or less plopped her on and Blossom met her "mama's" gaze.

Indignation. Fury. Worry.

All those flashed through the raven haired woman's eyes before once more her mouth fell into a professional thin line- though the edges of her lips were practically white:

"Mr. Jojo." Brick looked up. "I believe that cut merits more than a cleaning and a band aid. Well done but next time please bring Miss Utonium to the Nurse's office although..." She hesitated, and her hand twitched before she folded it back into her lap, "Miss Utonium… I'd like to call your father to dismiss you for the day….I'm sure he would agree with me that a gash like that will require…. stitches."

Blossom looked at the ground, "Yes, Miss Keane."

Another twitch of a hand and then Miss Keane gave a short nod.

"Brick I'll write you a pass of course but if you'd rather-."

Brick had grabbed both their bags, "Thank you Miss Keane but in the circumstances I'll be signing myself out as well. Someone should go with Pin- Blossom to the ER."

Their assistant principal nodded, "I thought as much. Thank you Mr. Jojo."

"Brick I can handle-!" She hissed.

He flashed her an irritated look and she bristled but said nothing more. Miss Keane sighed again,

"Alright- I'll alert Mrs. Federico you both will be leaving then- I'm also going to put this down as an X' dismissal." She hesitated again but then took out her notebook and scribbled something quickly before she handed it to her. "Show this to Mrs. Federico in the office before you leave Blossom- she'll let you into the supply closet- we have some extra pep rally shirts from last year in a box in the back- she'll know what you're talking about- now I have to go...take care of this. Please let me know if you wish for any charges to-."

"That won't be necessary Miss Keane." Blossom murmured. Brick looked at her sharply. Her mama bristled but then stiffened her lip more with a nod.

"Yes. It's of course up to you Blossom but I will respect your decision." She sighed, "Have a good rest of your afternoon you two."

She turned and left them alone. Brick whipped around then.

"You're joking- the fuck do you mean "that won't be necessary!"- look at your face! Like hell you're not pressing charges-!"

She snorted, "And what good would those do Brick?' She snapped. "She'll get a slap on the wrist and then her father will pay her way out of charges and right back for her to come make our lives a misery again- like clockwork."

"But-!" He looked taken aback,

"Her father more or less buys her way out of anything and if I do attempt to bring on charges what do you think she'll do to Robin! Because Robin did fight back-."

"Because the fucking twat sliced your face open! If you had non X' skin you'd be in a fucking ambulance right now!? You can't bring a fucking butter knife into school but she can walk around with those things!? They're spikes!"

"It doesn't matter Brick."

"So… let me get this straight- that crazy bitch attacks a Powerpuff Girl- starts a fucking fight which if what you're telling me is true Snyder is going to get nailed for- and fucking Morebucks is going to get… what? A slap on the wrist!?"

"If that."

His nostrils flared. "You… have got to be kidding me!"

"Brick. There are some things…we can't win against. No matter how hard or how long we try… there are some things- We. Can't. Beat." She clenched her fist.

He looked disgusted, unbelievably repulsed. "So Morebucks is going to get away with this Scot free… well that explains why Keane looked like she wanted to puke."

"It's not her call Brick."

"Yeah I know… but… it ain't right."

"The world isn't black and white Brick… it's grey- some people are just capable of turning that grey into silver… while the rest of make do with pewter."

"How infuriatingly poetic." He mumbled. "And horribly true." He sighed heavily. " Fuck... "

She sighed just as heavily, "Yes… which is why everyone knows somehow or someway… Morebucks will always get whatever she wants eventually."

He snorted somewhat and then suddenly they were nose to nose. "Not everything." He murmured and smiled wanly before he snapped the first aid kit closed, and extended his hand out again. "Come on- Keane's right, you need stitches at least- I'll drive you to the ER."

"Are you sure Ruff…?"

"Positive."

-IV-

To: Mikey

From: Robin

I HAVE DETENTION FOR A MONTH! A FUCKING MONTH! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! SHE GETS IT FOR A WEEK AND I HAVE IT FOR A MONTH! LOOK AT BLOSSOM'S FACE!

ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

AND I'M BANNED FROM STUDENT COUNCIL UNTIL APRIL! APRIL! WHAT ABOUT THE SPRING FLING!? WHO THE FUCK IS GONNA PLAN MY SPRING FLING!? PABLO!? EMILY!? JOSH!?

MY FLIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG

From: Mikey

This can't be fucking legal- this can't… I don't believe this! I can't… Tweety honey… I am so sorry- I know me saying that is gonna do squat to change it but... I love you?

From: Robin

I love you too honey. And don't worry… my fling will avenged.

From: Mikey

Uh… okay- anything I can do to help?

From: Robin

Give me the Jojo Brothers' numbers.

From: Mikey

Uh… okay… why exactly do you want the Jojo Brothers numbers?

From: Robin.

Just give me the numbers and you'll see honey.

From: Mikey

Robin… why do I suddenly have the feeling you're cackling maniacally on the other side of this conversation?

From: Mikey

Uh… honey? Hon? Why aren't you answering me?

From: Mikey

Robin… whatever you're thinking stop thinking!

-IV-

From: [ Unknown Number]

Greetings Butch Jojo,

I'm here to formally invite you to a gathering you might be most interested in this Tuesday evening at 5 PM. The location being 93 Sunset Lane. I am also writing to offer you membership to this most exclusive of societies in Townsville Proper. I do hope you'll be able to join us.

Looking forward to hearing your reply.

From: The Butch

Uh… sure I guess? Will there b food?

From: [ Unknown Number]

… Yes Butch. Yes there will be food. Now beforehand however I need you and your brother to do me a favor.

From: The Butch

Uh… if ur lookin 4 sum kind of 3sum or somethin- hate 2 break it 2 u but my little bro has a gf and my Big Bro kinda is fixed on the Pink Puff to the point it is sad so… ur out of luck but the Butch is always available baby haha ;) \

From: [ Unknown Number]

Butch it's Robin.

From: The Butch

O. Sorry. So… ur basically askin for our help 2 beat Slutbucks rite? Butterbabe told me about wat happened- kick ass Snyder! I didnt kno u had a black belt! Wish I'd been there 2 c it HAHA XD

From: Kung Fu Woman

Mmm. Thanks Butch. Now take note of everything I have to say to you.

-IV-

From: [Unknown Number]

Greetings Boomer Jojo,

I'm here to formally invite you to a gathering you might be most interested in this Tuesday evening at 5 PM. The location being 93 Sunset Lane. I am also writing to offer you membership to this most exclusive of societies in Townsville Proper. I do hope you'll be able to join us.

Looking forward to hearing your reply.

Also there will be food.

From: Boomer

Uh… Who are you? Is this some kind of weird hook up you're trying to get me in because I have a girlfriend…

From: [Unknown Number ]

I'm aware. I'm just saying this will be very interesting for you- I can assure you this will be worth your time.

From: Boomer

Um… yeah I think I'll pass… I don't do secret stuff like that… don't know you.

From: [ Unknown Number ]

….. Boomer it's Robin.

From: Boomer

Ohhh okay that makes sense- yeah you're pissed about what happened today right? That was such bull! Big bro isn't back from the ER yet- I guess Bloss really DID need stitches… : (

From: Robin

So you agree with me this is a travesty- a total injustice?

From: Boomer

Duh.

From: Robin

Good. Meet me at 93 Sunset Lane Tuesday afternoon at 5 PM.

From: Boomer

Okie dokie… should I bring Bubbles?

From: Robin

Uh… no. No you should not- you and Butch however have to do me a very important favor beforehand however.

From: Boomer

...Okay? Shoot?

-IV-

To: Little Bro

From: The Butch

Sooo…. Did u get a weird ass txt msg 2?

From: Little Bro

Yeah, from Robin- she wants us to meet up with her and a bunch of people at Mitch's house.

From: The Butch

And… we have 2 sumhow get Boss there.

From: Little Bro

Yeeeeeah…. w/o his prior knowledge.

From: The Butch

So…

From: Little Bro

Yeah we're basically going to have a pull a Rowdy-Round- About with him instead of you. And instead of the Doctors we're going to a mansion.

From: The Butch

This is a rly bad idea. And I hate u still 4 tat btw

From: Little Bro

Yep. And don't blame me. Blame the Rowdy King.

From: The Butch

Y r we doing this? - And seriously tats lame.

From: Little Bro

Because we're being offered free food and Big Bro bugged my phone. - And shut the hell up its brilliant.

From: The Butch

O. So this is revenge?

From: Little Bro

No. This is payback.

From: The Butch

Same diff.

From: Little Bro

Are you in or not?

From: The Butch

Duh.

-IV-

[ To the Anti- Morebucks Society [ hockeymaster90 ; toughfighter98 ; mitchrocks4eva ]

From: Madam Vice President: Tweetybird91

Greetings loyal members,

A grave injustice has occurred in the halls of Townsville High school concerning the tyrant and offending the honor of our beloved Madam President: Our own Blossom Utonium- thus I am acting in her stead and I, your lovely and talented Vice President Robin Snyder am thus calling an emergency meeting of the Anti Morebucks Society and am also calling for the induction of three new members to our exclusive gathering Tuesday afternoon five-o'clock sharp, at our usual meeting spot.

The Jojo Brothers as a whole will make excellent new recruits I believe and I've already taken the liberty of inviting them both to join us in our little gathering.

I do hope you all can make it- looking forward to hearing from you all.

Yours in the cause,

Robin

PS:

Yes there will be food.

-IV-

To: Brick

From: Blossom

Thank you for today. I'm sorry I more or less ruined your afternoon… and your hat. It's in the wash now- the Professor is a genius when it comes to removing stains! I absolutely promise it will be good as new tomorrow!

From: Brick

If you're talking about my shift at the auto shop than don't worry- Walter's more worried about you anyway- only thing he asked about when I texted him to tell him I couldn't make my shift- apparently all the teachers are in an uproar- keep that between us he's technically not supposed to say anything to me seeing as I'm a "student".

From: Brick

Also seriously Pinky. It's. Not. A. Big. Deal. Stains come out- infected wounds from dirty spike diamonds take priority in my book thanks.

But much appreciated about the hat regardless.

From: Blossom

I still feel terrible…

From: Brick

Don't. It wasn't your fault. Not even close to being your fault!

From: Blossom

Well… actually… I DID kind… of… maybe bait… her a little.

From: Brick

Oh? How so?

From: Blossom

… Um… I...may have sort of waved your hat in her face… and called it… my exclusive "counterpart privilege" to wear it… she didn't… like that.

From: Blossom

Brick? Are you there?

-IV-

To: Snyder

From: Brick

I heard what happened. It's bull. But I will pay you- literally pay you if you somehow get me video evidence of Pinky taunting that twat with my hat.

From: Snyder

No payment necessary. ah the wonders of cell phone cameras. It will be in your email shortly my Rowdy friend. ;)

From: Brick

Much obliged. Also... Snyder how long have you been a Black belt!?

From: Snyder

I live in Townsville Brick -_-;;

The Powerpuff Girls can't come and save me EVERY time you know.

From: Brick

Huh... touche.

-IV-

To: Jojo

From: Mike

I'm so fucking pissed but so fucking proud at the same time. Look at her! Look at the grace of my Tweety bird! Loooook!

From: Jojo

You seem to be ignoring this amazing sight that is Pinky taunting that twat with the hat… MY hat. Calling it HER privilege to wear it! Fuck yes it is her privilege- it is her exclusive privilege- I am putting that into writing- only that gorgeous Pink Powerpuff Girl may ever wear my hat. Bar. None. Signed. Witnessed. Sealed.

From: Mike

Yeah until the kids come then I'd hope you'd want to pass it down to your first born son ;D

From: Jojo

Shut the hell up…. And don't even joke about that shit. Asshole.

From: Mike

No joke. It's an important heirloom to pass down to the future Jojo generations I understand this - I AM a history scholar XD and by the way I forgot to mention- I owe you for this morning- fuck it's been a crazy Monday huh? XD - so consider your deadline extended to Sunday whoo! Aren't I the best?

From: Jojo

…. What I do with my hat is my business only- and what do you mean EXTENDED to Sunday! You gave me a week!

From: Mike

Ohhhh did I "forget" to mention by "week" I meant" schoooool week? Oopsie daisy- but cheer up man you've got this :D

From: Jojo

She hasn't even MENTIONED the Carnival! Or when she did this morning she was saying she didn't think she was going to go because she had too much work to do!

From: Mike

-_-;;;

Jojo. She was surrounded by drooling idiots.

From: Jojo

Yeah I know. But she sounded pretty serious.

From: Mike

Brick. Ask Blossom to the Carnival.

From: Jojo

… For someone who's in possession of the worst possible blackmail in the history of this city… you're certainly eager to help me… what's your deal… seriously what's your game Believe?

From: Mike

Ah my Friend, that is for ME to know and you to figure out someday XD

From: Jojo

Yeah… that's not very comforting.

-IV-

He stared at the screen.

You…Have… got… to be kidding me!

Still! What the fuck!

What kind of goddamn firewall was this!? Ugh!

Brick slammed his desk- Oh… Oh the fucking TVHS IT department thought they could beat him eh? Beat Brick Jojo? Oh no… nope- he'd get through their pathetic little securities- their little "privacy" measures- oh just wait! Just wait!

Because… no one… no one blackmailed Brick Jojo! NO. ONE.

Computers were… so frightening to some people and Brick really didn't understand why. They were relatively simple really- it was a science not based off of theory or speculation- a computer couldn't be "theorized" about- it was black and white. There was one solution. Only one- okay sometimes there were two- but those back doors were still man made. One didn't have to… theorize about anything. It was just… there. When one needed to change something then they had the power to do so. A man made invention- technology- nothing was truly beyond reach.

So long as one was willing to work for it. Anything was possible… in a technological perspective at least. And Firewalls and fancy schmancy so called computer security didn't stand a chance against Brick's superior brain power! His algorithms and "trap doors" he created were unstoppable!

It was time to bring out the big guns. He rummaged through his desk drawer and grabbed his coup de ta- his ultimate weapon. It had taken weeks of careful coding and planning but within this flash drive was the ultimate worm- all he had to do was shove this baby into one of the school's computers tomorrow morning and BOOM – He'd be in. It would take at most twenty seconds and Brick would have complete and full access to the entirety of Townsville High School's network.

He rubbed his hands together- Gotcha ya son of a bitch.

Was it dirty- Yes? Did Brick care…?

A...little more than he thought he would.

For all his being an asshole blackmailing hyena… Brick… kind of…maybe…sort of had become… tolerant of the fool. So blackmailing… the guy back wasn't really the most… salivating prospect as it might have been a few months ago.

But it was nothing really personal… Brick… just didn't like the idea of someone…anyone having… that kind of power over him… in any way shape or form… even if it was as Brick deep down suspected being kind of done for… more or less his own good…

Brick had written the Rowdy Code for a reason… and one of those clauses was…

We will never be anyone's lackey or chump ever again. We will never be tricked or forced into anything ever again.

He wasn't about to showcase the guy's dirty laundry to the world or anything- he just needed one solid piece of evidence- something to make the guy squirm… back off… rescind his threat…

And likely… end…this… acquaintanceship… they had struck but…

He scowled. Nothing personal. He had to do what he had to do- and besides… he had no idea still what Believe's game really was- it could have been a case of long planned revenge- feigning of an acquaintanceship and shit…waiting to strike- people were capable of doing that after all!

Brick always had to have the upper hand… always had to be the one with all the cards! Be ready for anything and any probability or potential outcome! Because If he didn't-!

Subjects Red, Blue, And Green are unsatisfactory-. Experiment is a failure.

He grit his teeth and slammed the computer closed.

"I am not… a failed experiment." He whispered and shoved the flash drive in his bag.

He wasn't.

He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. Wretched ape. Fucking monkey. Waste of organic matter…

"No, No, Brick my eldest son! Not like that! Like this! otherwise you will injure yourself or perhaps because of your X' enhanced skin you will more likely than not injure the tool- which means you will not injure yourself but you will be unable to complete the task at hand and then you will have broken this tool for no reason which would be an infinite waste of resources and valuable time which you as my eldest son have and-."

"Cripes Dad! I get it! Jeez! Calm down."

He scowled. He was hungry- time to make some grub. What was on the menu tonight… Tweedle Dee had requested meat of some kind but obviously hadn't done the smart thing and specifically requested what kind of meat… ugh- did they have steak? Yeah… a nice juicy steak- that would hit the spot- pretty sure they had some steak tips in the freezer actually and maybe add some habanero for some extra kick and ooh potatoes- yeah can't go wrong with steak and potatoes!

"Alright look alive idiots- dinner will be-!" He paused.

The television was off and no obnoxious video game was blaring. He heard no guitar or pen scratching coming from upstairs either. He blinked.

"Boom? Butch? You idiots home?"

Had they mentioned they were leaving? Shit what time was it had Brick been in there for too long? Oops- they'd probably gone out and-.

Not even five yet… so.. Boom didn't have rehearsal.. and last time Brick knew Butch didn't have a date… or hookup thing whatever one could call those… encounters his idiot brother would have. Ugh. Pig.

So… where were his brothers? Jeez not for nothing but just because he was working in his room didn't mean he was deaf- they could have had the decency of telling him they were leaving. Dumb asses- whatever- guess Brick was on his own…

Hmm… steak and potatoes all to himself…

Heh- not bad.

Brick being the culinary genius that he was quickly set to work- obviously he wouldn't eat the whole package but maybe he'd be a nice brother and make enough for leftovers for the dumb asses- no matter how inconsiderate and… he frowned.

Right… white shirt. Well… no one was around anyway so… he tied the stupid apron on- he'd have to hide the evidence after all that he had eaten the steak alone. Tweedle Dum would be most put out over having missed Brick's steak- and he didn't feel like listening to whining.

He paused- hmm? He sniffed the air- the fuck?

"Shit he can smell us!"

"Go! GO!"

"The fuck…? What are you idiots- HEY!"

The pillow case went clean over his head and he hit the floor- and then someone sat on him.

"The fuck you doing!? Do it now dummy!"

"I dunno how! I don't wanna give him too much! Uh… is this how you do it?"

"Don't look at me- Keep that fucking thing away from me! Watch where you're pointing that- Oh fuck it- Boom move over!"

"BUTCH! BOOMER WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!? GET OFF ME YOU TUBS OF LARD!"

"Butch are you nuts that's Big Bro's-!""

"Yeah well- it works for me don't it?! Move over dummy- Uh... sorry Boss but um- according to Snyder you'll thank us for this someday!"

CLONK

-o-o-o-

For being lame as hell… this carnival wasn't so bad. Fuck- he'd even go as far as to say this was kind of… fun.

And... The company wasn't so bad either if Brick did have to say so himself….

And now here he was- on this slightly juvenile ride but she had insisted and so Brick being the awesome guy he was he'd of course acquiesced to her every wish this evening- so ride the Ferris wheel together? No problem.

He smiled and she rested her head on his shoulder and well that was an invitation if any- her giggle was music to his ears as she cuddled closer when his arm went over her shoulders.

"You're sure you don't want this back?" She looked up at him- those pink irises peeking from under the bill of his trusty cap shyly.

"Nah,,,, I'll let you keep it for now Babe.".

She giggled again, "You know I normally hate that term- but from you… I find it endearing."

"Well I am a traditionalist babe- can't stop a good thing now can we?" She giggled again and took another bite from her ice cream cone.

"No I suppose not…" She sighed, "You know… I think this has been my best Valentines Carnival ever." She murmured.

"What the one with your first kiss didn't count?" He snickered and she glowered.

"Oh hardy har har- ugh- Michal was a terrible kisser- that was one of the worst moments of my life- bleh. I'd prefer not to remember how my first kiss was a total disaster- utterly ruined and such thank you." She bit her ice cream again. "Although… Brick how rude of me… here I am chowing down on a treat but I didn't ask you if you wanted anything."

He chuckled, "Well Pinky seeing as you basically pulled a fast one on me and sneaking off to buy it yourself-."

"Well I can't have you spoiling me all night now can I?"

"Aww but why Babe? I like to spoil you." Her cheeks went pink and she pushed him away slightly,

"Oh stop that you silly Ruff- but still I feel terrible here- why not have some of mine?" She murmured and stuck it out. The cart came to stop at the very top. He grinned and faced her while smoothly brushing the cone away- she sucked in a breath.

"Brick…? Don't you want… some of my ice cream?" She whispered.

"Oh I want some ice cream all right Blossom." Her eyes widened.

"Brick…?" She breathed and scooted closer. "Than… take some…"

"No see… but I want some Strawberry ice cream." His hand skimmed her jaw. "I have just been aching for a taste all night…"Her eyes fluttered shut.

"Oh… Brick…." She pursed her lips and leaned closer. Devastatingly close.

Closer… Closer…

Ice Cream… his own personal… strawberry…ice cream….

"Brick… I think I-."

-o-o-o-

"What the hell is he wearing?"

" He was about to cook dinner."

"Oh God you shut the stove off right Asswipe!?"

"Yeah yeah- course we did Butters what you think the Butch is stupid or something."

"No comment.

"HEY! SHUT UP DUM DUM!"

"Mmm.. my pwitty strawberry ice cweams...miiiiine. C'mere baaabe"

"The… fuck?"

"Okay that's it. BOSS! WAKE UP!"

WHAM

"Oh yeah real smart genius- okay you know what- gimme that- no more… cooking utensils for you- like ever. Now go sit over there."

"Hey! Gimme my- oh hey Boss you're awake! – See it worked!"

Buttercup leaned over him, and snapped a finger in his face, "Oye Puppy boy- you coherent or are you still making out with ice cream cones that are mysteriously the same color scheme as my elder sister?" She raised an inky eyebrow.

"Wha…?" He blinked. Brick's head was pounding… the fuck happened? Where was- aww what! Where was Pinky- where was his ice cream!? Wait… what? … Aw fuck!

He slapped his brow… or…

At least he would have if he could… move. His vision was still fuzzy and his head was pounding like he'd smashed it into something hard but… where the hell was…

Why… was Brick tied to a chair?

The fuck…. WHY WAS HE TIED TO A CHAIR!?

"The hell is this!? The fuck- what's going on- Butch, Boomer the hell are you-" he bristled. "The fuck did you do to my frying pan! That cost me seventy bucks!"

Buttercup blinked, "You spent seventy dollars on a pan?"

He scowled, "It's a CocinaWare! We eat a lot of eggs in my house! The fuck did you do- it's all bent- look at it- the hell! And why am I tied up- BOOMER! BUTCH! you are in so much fucking trouble you have no idea- Let. Me. Go!"

Buttercup whistled lowly before she plopped a piece of gum in her mouth and slapped his now useless pan in her palm, "Uh… right… I'm gonna go alert our resident General that the asset is finally awake. Good luck asswipe."

His idiot of a brother paled, "Eh-! W-Wait Butters! D-Don't leave me here! Butters!" He zipped after her. Brick scowled- fucking… idiots!

The ropes were tied pretty tight- he scowled and pulled- nothing. The fuck. His eyes narrowed. Wait… he recognized that smell…

"Did you fuckers coat this rope in A'X!? Are you kidding me! LET ME OUT OF HERE! THE FUCK! WHERE THE HELL AM I!?"

He was in an "underground" room- with a modern sleek look to it- he saw he was in one open room- with a huge whiteboard standing against the wall directly in front of him. Couches and what looked like a bar were on one side- and then there was a table filled with food.

His stomach growled. What the fuck… he didn't even get to eat his steak and potatoes!

"Well good morning - or should I say good afternoon Mr. Jojo- did you have a nice nap?" Mitch leered over him snickering like mad- the Pablo kid was behind him… looking very… confused.

"Are you...okay Brick?" He cocked his head. "Uh… is this really what she wanted you guys to do-?"

Boomer ended up on his other side, "She said and I quote- "get your big brother here without his prior knowledge."- We did what we had to do." He drawled and shrugged.

"You pulled a ROUND-ABOUT ON ME!?"

His baby brother's eyes narrowed and he leaned over, " Sucks to be backstabbed by your own bro don't it- maybe you should have bugged the house with cameras."

...Oh this little shit…

"It was for your own good Boomer." He growled.

"I'm aware. But you still hacked in my phone. Deal with being tied to a chair. I'm going to eat chicken wings now."

"Why you little- Traitor! Little traitor!" He snapped. "God damn it! This is fucking- where am I!"

"We are in a secure location- hidden from view." Boomer said sagely.

Brick blinked, "We're in Michelson's basement aren't we?" He said dryly with an exasperated sigh. Boomer stiffened and Mitch snickered.

"Too clever for your own good- indeed my Rowdy friend." His hand on his shoulder. "Welcome to my humble abode- though you really ought to feel honored- You're being indoctrinated in the most exclusive club in Townsville after all." Another snicker.

"Club? I'm only here for the free food." Pablo grabbed a plate. " Oh hey Brick want something?"

"I'd love something to eat- however I am currently tied to a chair having been betrayed by my asshole little brothers." He said dryly.

"It was for your own good!" Boomer called from the buffet table. Brick could smell Freddy's hot wings. Those mother fuckers.

"You're full of shit! Untie me asshole and don't you dare eat all those fucking wings!"

"Afraid not I'm under orders not to- mmm hot wings!"

"Under whose orders- no one orders you around but me! And you don't even like hot wings!" He grit his teeth and pulled. "Okay seriously- this ain't funny! Michelson untie me!"

The brunet shrugged, "Sorry my Rowdy friend- no can do. Not until we have deemed you… how'd she put it… err…"

"Trustworthy and worthy of our great cause." Boomer sauntered over- tears running down his cheeks as he continued chowing down on those glistening red wings. Boomer had no heat tolerance whatsoever. He was an asshole but he was still an idiot.

"Uh.. you okay dude?" Mitch blinked.

"F-Fine. So fine. Just… enjoying my payback wings." Boomer's voice was high pitched- "But could one of you be awesome and go get me some milk please?" He squeaked. The two shrugged and sauntered off.

Brick smirked, "How are the hot wings Tweedle Dum."

"Delicious. Ow. So satisfying- oh this is painful- Don't know what you're missing- Mitch, Pablo MILK!"

Brick rolled his eyes, "Boom. Stop torturing yourself. Jeez- it wasn't anything personal or shit but sorry- there that better? Can you please untie me now!"

He glowered but nonetheless put his self torture plate down and leaned against the wall, "No but apology accepted- and like I said under orders not to- trust me Big Bro this is for your own good."

"... I'm tied up in Michelson's basement after my own brothers kidnapped me…,how is this beneficial in any way to me?" He drawled.

"Cause it just is Brick- trust us- here you go Boom let me get you a-." Boomer snatched the jug from the bucktooth and started chugging it. "Or… not… okay you owe me a new milk." The blonde flashed a thumbs up and continued gulping the bovine drink down like it was water. Pablo blinked while Mitch shook his head.

"Dios Mios… look at him go." Pablo breathed.

"How else do you think the idiot turned into the beanpole." Brick muttered.

"Was your revenge as sweet as you imagined Boom?" Mitch called out. Boomer's only response was a certain finger.

"Okay...Michelson… Mendes… will one of you please explain to me what the fuck is going on here?!"

One of the doors swung open and in strolled the Green Puff followed by the other traitor in green, " Look alive men- the General is approaching." She raised an eyebrow, " And why is Little Boy Blue chugging the milk?"

Boomer plopped the now empty jug on the table, " Because there's no way those evil things were medium!"

"Ah- okie dokie. Right- places everyone: Our general approacheth. That means you too asswipe."

"I don't know what this General shit means- I'm just here for the food." He muttered.

Buttercup floated in the air and crossed her leg before she popped another piece of gum in her mouth, "Yep- whatever.- alright we're all here? - Asset secured- Yep- okay we're good- Twiggy let's give our fair vice president a proper welcome no?"

The fuck… was going on here?

Mitch snickered and grabbed a pair of drumsticks before he began…. Drumming a table. The… hell?

Was he in some kind of frying pan induced dream still!? Seriously… he had much preferred the nice pink ones… much more pleasant.

… And appetizing…

I'm Hungry.

The door opened again and this time in came walking…

What...the fuck?

Believe looked utterly exasperated.

"Tweety- Tweety honey I'm begging you this isn't a good idea- you know this isn't a good idea honey!"

Robin….dressed in… what Brick could only describe as one of those… old fashioned military jackets only gave him a withering look, "War is War Mikey- now go sit down Master Secretary."

"But-!?"

"Michael. Go sit down."

His face crumbled but he nonetheless slunk over to the rest of them- his eyes widened.

"Oh… dear God- Tweety why is Jojo all tied up? What are you doing!? Tweety this is not how we-.!" One piercing crystal blue stare and he clammed up.

"The hell is going on Believe?" Brick hissed.

"I'd like to make it known this was not my idea." He moaned. " And this is not what I meant."

"What?"

Robin flipped her hair back arrogantly and strolled over to that handy whiteboard- grabbed a marker and slapped it on the surface- "ATTEN-TION!"

They all looked up. Brick was officially in some kind of strange dream induced by too many computer screens- he had obviously descended from wonderful pink goddesses deigning to giving the scruffy Rowdy doggy treats to the depths of sleep deprived shit shows- sooner rather than later he was sure he would be witness to the Mayor arriving on some kind of magical steed comprised entirely of pickles- or he would see all his gathered… companions suddenly break out into some sort of flash mob and do the macarena.

Robin's eyes focused on him, " Ah good Mr. Jojo you're awake." She slapped the marker in her palm rather loudly. "Well done, Mr. Jojo and Mr. Jojo you successfully got Mr. Jojo onto the premises. Now onto business"

"Err yeah first order of business- I make a motion we make up code names or some shit- that sentence made my brain hurt." Buttercup popped a bubble listlessly. Boomer grinned.

"Aw yeah! Hey I'll be uh… Agent Blue! Yeah! Awesome right!"

"Uh no- that's fuckign stupid- you can be Dumb ass Blue while I'm Agent Green!"

"The hell you will be! Come up with your own name!"

"No I'm older! So I'm Agent Green!"

Buttercup slapped her head, " Oh My God! You- Agent Green. You- Agent Blue! Okay? Okay! Moving on now! Continue General!"

"Oh my God you actually have to deal with that on a daily basis don't you?" Mike muttered under his breath .

"Every fucking day…" Brick muttered back. That sandy eyebrow raised before he whistled softly.

"I'll write a letter to his holiness- your proof of sainthood should arrive in the mail by July."

Brick snorted. Robin looked up sharply,

"Find something amusing boys!" She snapped.

"No my darling- please continue." Mike countered instantly.

She gave him another withering look but nonetheless began pacing. " Yes- well as I saying- our business of this day is simple - we here at the Anti Morebucks Society-... Pablo what are you doing here?" She said dryly.

The kid shrugged, "Mitch told me there was going to be free food."

She narrowed her eyes but then sighed, "Do you have any liking, sympathy or any positive feelings whatsoever regarding Princess Morebucks?"

"Err… no not really- she's kind of a bitch who treats everyone like shit, she called my mom the "help" despite the fact she's a doctor and what she did to Blossom yesterday isn't cool mom is the one who stitched her up…plus… she's kinda loco…so uh… burn bitch burn? "

Robin nodded sagely, "Good enough- you're in. You may continue eating."

"Sweet." He hurried over to the food and Mitch smiled dreamily in his direction, there would be no more hot wings for Brick.

Bastards.

"Yes- as I was saying- we here at the Anti-Morebucks Society-."

"The...Anti-Morebucks… Society?" Brick drawled. "Not that I don't agree with the sentiment but what the fuck is going on here Snyder?"

Her smile was bright. " I am so glad you asked Brick- our mission here men…" Buttercup cleared her throat. "And Woman." Buttercup nodded, "is simple- We are here lady and gentlemen because we finally have here the means and the capability of destroying this sneaky depraved little insect, this foul cockroach who no matter how many times she is squished has comes back again and again- this evil little demon who has at some point harmed ALL of you fine people gathered here today in some shape or form- and- Yes Butch what is it?"

Tweedle Dee put his hand down- "Yeah...okay... I get how much we hate the chick Snyder but why is Boss all tied up again?"

"Hey you wanted Brick here- without his prior knowledge or consent- we did what we had to do!" Boomer snapped defensively as he leaned back against the wall. Mitch nodded by his side.

"Exactly, Brick Jojo all tied up... oh I have no problem with this...", Pablo glowered and tapped his foot. "What? Oh c'mon! You can't blame me!" Buttercup rolled her eyes and smacked him over the head,

"For the last time moron! The red one ain't' for you! Down!"

"I'm allowed to look damn it! She can't go all magenta on me if I'm just looking!"

"Wanna bet..." Mike mumbled.

"It's not my' fault the guy is hot! Boomer's hot too but he's taken! Brick ain't technically taken yet! Thus I am allowed to look!"

"Hey! I'm hotter than both my brothers combined and I don't see you drooling over me!" Butch pounded his fist in the table he was sitting on. He looked indignant. Idiot.

"Well... I mean no offense Butch but I'm not really into guys shorter than me-."

"I AIN'T THAT SHORT!"

Believe snorted, "Heh shorty." Butch stiffened.

"Watch it Believe!" He snarled.

Mike continued to snicker like a dumb ass, "Make me... shorty'.

"Why you little-!"

Shame- if Brick were gee… not tied up he'd be able to rescue Snyder's little boyfriend from the enraged Rowdyruff Boy- oh well.

"ENOUGH!" They all froze and Robin cleared her throat daintily, "That's quite enough boys- now focus." She said simply. "You can all fight amongst yourselves after we have completely and utterly destroyed the scourge of Townsville High School, Princess Morebucks until then however- COOL IT!"

Mitch nodded quickly- looking pale as death at that sickeningly sweet tone. Mike on his end abruptly cleared his throat and leaned against the wall averting his eyes from looking directly at his incessantly cheerful girlfriend. Butch even seemed subdued and floated in the air in a sulk but nonetheless his big fat mouth had been silenced.

Holy... shit.

Buttercup however looked completely unfazed, "Right... okay General Snyder- what's the plan?"

She beamed, "I'm so glad you asked Buttercup- you see." She slapped the marker on the whiteboard. "Who is the one whom Morebucks is madly in love with to the point of being even more unhinged than normal?"

"The capped red puppy you have tied to the chair right there." She said dryly.

"I ain't a dog..." Brick hissed. "Also I'd appreciate it if you could untie me now..."

He was ignored.

"Correct Buttercup, Morebucks is madly in love with our own Brick Jojo here- now... who can tell me who Princess Morebucks hates more than anyone in the entire world?" She beamed. "Hmm? Anyone? Anyone?"

This chick was nuts. 'Butch raised his hand timidly, "Ah yes Butch?"

"... Uh... I'm gonna guess... Red?" he mumbled. Brick stiffened.

"CORRECT! Princess Morebucks hates Blossom Marie Utonium more than anyone in this world- and who can tell me why Slutbucks hates our own Blossom so much'?" Okay seriously that smile was starting to get a little scary...

"That's easy- because she knows Brick is crazy about Blossom- she's jealous as hell."Pablo crossed his arms as Believe rolled his eyes. "It's sort of sad in a way actually."

"There's no point in pitying the deranged Pablo- very good. And thus my good people: We here at the Anti Morebucks society now have but ONE goal . To ensure that "Operation Queenship-."

"Hey that's mine!" Boomer whined.

Operation… Queenship?

The… Fuck!?

"It's catchy- anyway-!"

"The fuck is Operation- what now?! The hell is- AND WILL SOMEONE UNTIE ME NOW!? I'M HUNGRY DAMN IT!"

A hot wing was shoved in his mouth- he glowered but the green puff was serene. " There. Now be a good puppy and be quiet."

"I am not… a dog." He hissed but swallowed the meat regardless. Fucking… A'X….

"Tweety... honey I'm begging you..." Believe moaned and held his hands out imploringly. "This is not the way to do things- Robin… sweetheart-."

"Don't you Tweety me- I have detention for a MONTH because of her! Bitch. is. Going... 'DOWN!"

"I know honey but-!" Robin whirled around and his head went in his hands.

" ANYWAY! As I was saying- We here at the Anti Morebucks Society have but one goal- to ensure that Operation Queenship is a success- and that Brick Jojo- ends up with this! - She slapped a picture of Pinky on the board. " Not this!" She slapped a picture of Morebucks right below it. "See- 'this!" She tapped Pinky's picture again. "not 'THIS!" -" Bad!" Morebucks. " Good!" Pinky. - "Winner!" She tapped Pinky's brow with the marker. " LOSER!" The marker stabbed right through Morebucks' head and she began doodling all over the picture mumbling obscenities.

Mike walked over and removed the sharpie from her hand wordlessly.

He flashed Brick what looked like a long...long suffering look. His lips moved silently.

Sorry.

… Oh dear God Brick was in trouble.

Big... Trouble.

And Robin's smile was terrifyingly bright as she turned to face Brick straight on.

But she didn't see him... oh no... she wasn't seeing a Rowdyruff Boy who she had had the audacity to apparently order abducted and brought here against his will.

She was seeing... a weapon.

The perfect weapon to bring Princess Morebucks down.

Once and for all.

"So… let me get this straight… you ordered us… to more or less kidnap our brother just so… we could more or less get the Reds together?" Boomer said slowly Oh good- he was beginning to realize how unhinged this girl obviously was and-!

"Fuck why didn't you say that in the first place Snyder- we're in." Butch snickered and then shrugged, " Seriously Boss is so fucking fixed on Boss Woman that it's kind of getting sad to watch."

"Boss… Woman?" Boomer said dully. " Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Better than Puff Queen." Butch snapped.

"It's a metaphor!"

"A dumb as shit one- Dumb and the Dumbest!"

"I AM NOT THE DUMB AND THE-!"

"ENOUGH!" Brick bellowed and the two of them immediately quieted. "Boomer. You go on the right side- Butch- left- now someone untie me right now- I mean it damn it!"

Of course no one moved- except the dumb asses they at least went to their respective corners.

"So again… what's the plan General Snyder- you are aware that if we leave this up to Cap Boy we'll have to wait for him to interupt Leader Girl's wedding with a grand old "I OBJECT!" moment."

His cheeks went crimson- both his brothers snorted and Believe cleared his thrroat.

"That's a little… bit of a worst case scenario BC - you're… not giving the guy enough credit… he's...trying?"

"He saw my sister Monday and basically went into a blue screen of death Believe."

"... Well I mean in his defense it was a miniskirt… okay… so maybe Jojo could do with some... " He cleared his throat. "Help."

Gee….Thanks.

"Exactly my friends- and that's what we're here for and lucky for us Slutbucks more or less gave us the plan- she's expecting a Carnival invite- well… we're going to give it to her." Robin started giggling… that was a slightly unnerving laugh. " Oh yes. Yes- we're going to give Morebucks the Valentine's surprise of her life! Yes… Yeeees we are!" She rubbed her hands maniacally.

Fuck my life…

"You see Mr. Jojo." The brunette started walking towards him, " "You'll not only be asking Miss Utonium to the carnival oh no that is a given- But you're going to get her out in the open, confess your feelings and then you're gonna lay a nice wet one on her right where I can get it on film!" She grinned.

Mike's face had gone a pasty white, " Tweety! That is not what we agreed-!" His plea devolved into a moan before his head fell into his hands… and he began slapping his head… repeatedly within them. Seriously… hitting one's head against hard surfaces… wasn't the smartest move… who did that?

SMACK. "I"m a fucking idiot!" SMACK. "I'm a fucking stalker!" SMACK. " I gave I don't know how many swirlies to anyone who looked at her funny all through grade school and middle school!" SMACK. " I'm worse than Tweedle Dum!" SMACK. "Because at least he admitted it!" SMACK. "I've been in denial!" SMACK. "For six YEARS!" SMACK. SMACK. SMACK.

Again…. Only idiots… did that.

"You… You can't be serious- do I get… any choice in this whatsoever?" He wasn't squeaking by the way.

"No." She said cheerfully and those giggles were only growing more and more high pitched as she clasped her hands together. "I mean one piece of solid evidence that she's "lost" her Bricky forever and we'll send that scheming cheating vile little insect right into the insane asylum where she's always belonged and we'll be rid of her forever!"

He blinked.

"...Forever?"

"Mmmhmmm- won't that be nice- and really I personally don't see a problem with any of this- after all of us here share the same goal- get rid of Morebucks- Operation Queenship is the perfect way- Brick gets a girlfriend. Blossom gets a boyfriend. and Princess Morebucks cries herself into a vegetative state. All the world's problem solved in one simple step."

"Or her thin hold on her sanity completely breaks and we have another Morebucks temper tantrum to deal with!" Buttercup snapped. The rest of the room… including Brick flinched…

Morebucks… temper tantrums… never… ever… fucking pleasant…

Pablo however shook his head, " You know… actually… I don't think she actually will… Princess is terrified of Blossom."

"Tch- in what world Mendes you saw Red's face!" Butch folded his arms,

"Yeah…. But here's the thing…. Look what happened when Blossom jumped in the fight finally did you see Princess's face?" Pablo shook his head. " There's no way there's no way she'd purposely piss the chick off- She may hate the girl- but she seriously looked like she was about to shit her pants- she may run her mouth… but she won't act on any of it" Pablo folds his arms. "After all… I may not have been that close to you guys back then but I was there when… you know." The group stiffened except his brothers who were obviously just as confused as Brick at the moment.

"Eyes are red… you're fucking dead…" Mitch muttered- both Robin and Buttercup give him another death glare. He clammed up.

. Pablo didn't seem to notice. " After all we all know what would have happened if our dear friend Believe hadn't been there to stop her…." He trailed.

What?

More confused looks from his brothers. Buttercup cleared his throat awkwardly while Mitch shuddered and averted his gaze. Robin's bravado had even seemed to to fade slightly.

But her gaze had fixed right on the hockey player. Who had suddenly become very interested in the floor.

"What the hell are you talking about Mendes?" Butch finally snapped. Breaking the silence and all of them out of their little trances.

"Nothing important…ancient history really." Mitch said rather quickly. Too quickly.

"Uh… Yeah but-?"

"Yeah but-?"

"End it Asswipe." Buttercup snapped. "Look- Little Miss Morebucks learned the hard way to not fuck with a Powerpuff Girl once okay? Okay. Really not all that new or interesting." She rolled her eyes.

And...Mike intervened?

A normie intervened…?

"Y-Yes… well- okay so in the scheme of things we have a lot to do and not a lot of time to work with so I think the first thing we all need to do is-!" Robin began listing random "ideas" more like "orders" for Brick to follow but…

He wasn't listening.

Because that hockey player… was avoiding Brick's direct gaze like the fucking plague.

Eyes are red…

But… if Pinky… err Blossom - apparently that was step one- saying her proper ame was apparently a good way of wooing said Puff… but…

If… Blossom… really had had… one of her so called "red: moments… concerning Morebucks… a moment where Brick had seen both her sisters turn tail and practically run for the hills- even the "toughest fighter" over there wouldn't dare go near her sister when she was having a "dark magenta" moment… let alone…

A red one.

Brick had only seen it… once. In the confines of the Training Room… and every single person n that room… himself included…. Had seen the sheer… force the Pink Puff had suddenly become in those fleeting moments- her movements graceful and precise as always… like a dancer… or well more accurately a skater… she'd managed to be beautiful even as she had fought with all she had…

But it had been a deadly beauty.

And that had been a hologram.

In real life… in the course of a real battle…. She'd be unstoppable. A force to be reckoned with… how the fuck was Princess Morebucks still alive if she had initiated… a "Red" moment…

And furthermore…

How the fuck… had a normie… a Normie… how had Mike….intervened…

Let alone stopped her?

Mike was still avoiding his gaze and he saw Mitch was too… Robin and Buttercup were purposefully talking much louder than they had to… his brothers were absolutely… mystified though Boomer looked more uncomfortable… than confused.

...They were hiding something…

And no Firewall was ultimately enough to keep Brick out… because….

There was something screwy going on at Townsville High…

And then…. He caught that silver gaze- locked onto it.

Crimson. Silver.

Both eyes narrowed. In suspicion. In determination.

In Challenge.

Well…

Challenge Accepted.

-o-o-o-

"So you believe he is the one?"

"What do you think?"

"He… has potential."

"Can we really afford to be picky? In the scheme of things… what is one versus another?"

"Time is of the essence… yes but I am not yet convinced."

"So choosy… so fickle… you mortals fascinate me so in all your petty ignorance."

"He is far younger than most are."

"Is age but a number?"

"He is ill-prepared."

"He will learn."

"He is naive."

"As you were."

Hesitation.

"Very well… convince me then- show me."

"Patience...we must have patience…after all

It was so tiny… so… insignificant really- a tiny little hairclip yet… it had survived after all this time.

"The Boy will come to us soon enough… "

"You're so sure…?"

Remarkable really… that such a delicate thing had survived so long… a little thing of beauty… strong… but yet so infinitely…

Fragile.

Snap

"Ah my lonely warrior…."

And just like that… it was broken in two. The little red heart was now broken clear down the middle.

"I can guarantee it…"

-IV-

---

To Be Continued…

---

Oho... and thus does the plot thicken... Ha ha! See what I mean ;D

Also on a personal note... I had way too much fun writing that cat fight. Way too much fun. Robin is just amazing- I can't believe her part in the X' Chronicles was originally slated to be so small- what on earth was I thinking!? XDD - Bad Carrie bad!

Oh man this chapter was a doozy... a doozy- but splitting them at least means for the most part the next chapter is more or less completely outlined... and entire parts are already written because I'm the weird one who never writes scenes in order- oh no see that would make too much sense and I do so love to test my sanity at times XDD

But right now... I just bought "Paper Mario" for the Wii U VC and I haven't played that glorious game in years and this is going to be a disaster because I haven't played a video game properly for almost a year and this controller now feels like an alien object in my hands but I'm gonna try anyway because- childhood right there. So... I'll be indulging in another form of nostalgia before I put the writing cap back on for a wee bit XD

Also for anyone interested: Chapter three of "Caged" : " Three Perfect Lies" is also officially in production- I'm hoping to have that ready by the end of July at the latest :D - Along with "The Thing" because I miss my "Wolf Pack" Haha XDD

As always my lovelies, your support means the world to me and I hope you all enjoyed!

See you next time

-Carrie

-Reviewer Recognition-

GFMCTB

Yes... Brick needs to get it together. Not to worry though- he has many allies now! ... That may or may not be a good thing XD

Thanks so much for the review! :D

HardWrapping

Ah... Mike's a devious little "trickster" ain't he ;) hehehe- poor Brick didn't stand a chance XD - Have "all the ice cream" Brick... you know you want it... hehehe

The girls' night scene was one of my favorites- it brought a lot of nostalgia from my own high school days- my editor especially cracked up at Truth or more Truth hahaha. Aw man I was afraid it might be a bit cheesy but... it's an anime and thinking along those terms makes me feel so much better now XD

I'm so glad you enjoyed! Thanks again :D

shypuppylover19

Ahaha welcome back to the madness XD - Just kidding I'm glad you enjoyed all the chapters!

I've always found it perhaps not "interesting" but telling that in the show proper... there was as I've said before never a mention of the consequences of those monster fights or super villain fights- yet it is looking at it from a perspective of a writer- completely implausible that there was NOT casualties or at the very least terrible injuries incurred by civilians- it is ludicrous to imagine so even- and you are correct... Buttercup DOES take it the hardest as she is in her mind "the toughest fighter"- you got a hint of that in this chapter but we'll be discovering the Green Puff's mind in the next Act proper.

And indeed... Butch's reaction to Brick making friends is... interesting isn't it? Wonder what that's about? ;p

The Blues are living Disney Incarnate. Their playlist is almost 75% Disney- I should be ashamed but I'm not XD- everything from "The Fast and the Fastest" to their trek through the sky... just... think Disney. Pure Disney. There is the Blues ahaha.

And I've tried to make it a point in As Time Goes By... ( and other works incoming) that... it wasn't always the "supernatural" that made the big threats- most of the time yes... but the team will be discovering that...sometimes the most "evil" in this world... can be right next door. Humanity is as capable of "evil" as any monster.. and sometimes they're worse.

Lenny was my "introduction" to this- he was probably one of the most twisted characters I've ever "created" and I am genuinely happy with how his story arc was recieved- I was actually quite nervous about it - I'm glad you enjoyed it so :D

And Brick knows it was a kiss. He just won't admit it. And he'll never ever let anyone tell. ;)

And as for Little Greg... oh my goodness yes- you'll be seeing plenty of "Crimson Fire's" Number One fan in this Act and Beyond!

And yes... Blossom's dreams... were not so pleasant now were they... what's going on there I couldn't begin to tell you- I suppose we'll just have to wait and see ;)

And never apologize for long reviews- long or short- big or small I love them all! :D

They are simply candy for writers don't you know XD

I'm so glad you enjoyed reading as much as you did- thank you so much!

Annie

Ahhh! Thank you! I'm glad you like it so much!

I can see why you and others may think the Teams' powers have been "toned down" a bit but allow me to explain my reasoning a bit- Picture a "newborn" vampire ala most paranormal/horror fiction- they are unstoppable, their powers are "raw" and "new" and they are more or less demi Gods- but... "as time goes by" their powers... even out a bit- they are no longer... unstoppable tanks... they're still powerful... but they have reasonable limits- and this is what I believe X would work and how it does work in the X' Chronicles- the team's powers have developed over time- and the X' in their systems is more integrated. Their powers have thus... "calmed" slightly- still strong but other factors in their individual powers take precedence. - Boomer's speed. Butch's shield. Brick's fire. Blossom's ice. Bubbles' screams. Buttercup's own strength.

The team still are extremely strong- and most weapons or attacks will not injure them physically- but extreme cases they are capable of being hurt. They are still biologically human- just... "enhanced" if you will. The reason Blossom was "shot" in Act 0 for example is not because it was a "bullet" so much as it was "close range"- which no matter the enhancements- a bullet fired at close range is inevitably more dangerous for anyone no matter the caliber or other factors- physics was not on Miss Utonium's side. It was a painful nuisance- I.E. she dug it out of the more or less "HOLE" in her hand herself.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter and I hope this helped you out a bit o see my reasoning ( this is actually going to end up in my FAQ on my profile )

Thanks again :D

Error291

I hope your semester is going well! :D

Ahahaha Never apologize for too many questions though- It means I'm doing something right XD- all of your questions will of course be answered in due time- I hope at least haha

But I realize I didn't answer one of your questions before 0.o I totally missed it and I am so sorry but YES- Brick has indeed had these strange dreams- for many years in fact- Boomer hinted in chapter 8 they actually began shortly after the boys' stint in Juvey- but WHAT caused them is the bigger question- "The Dark"... is very ominous indeed and why Brick is dreaming about it... is a mystery that will be becoming more prevalent in the coming chapters.

Again thank you so much for your review and I wish you all the best! :D

LavenderMoonRose

Well your review made me tear up a bit I won't lie. I sound like such a broken record but I just can't get over how incredibly... amazing this community as a whole is- I just can't.

I think the "Sleeping Beauty" part of Act 3 was probably one of my favorite "Reds" moments in general in the entire saga- I'm currently in the middle of illustrating it actually- I'm no professional artist... but it's just one of those moments that needs to be "seen" I think so Manga Studio time XDD

I'm so glad you enjoyed- and thank you so, so much for your review!

thepacific

Brick and Mike... have an interesting past what can I say XD I'm sure Brick is regretting that temper tantrum more and more right now however XD And His interations with the O'Donnells both mother and son are some of my favorite moments in every chapter- Greg is just a little ball of adorable cuteness! And... Kim is beginning to understand Townsville... somewhat haha- don't worry she has "Jamie" to help show her things ;)

And Blossom is very much regretting opening her mouth at the Girl's night as well - Because oh yes Robin is a determined young woman, and so are the Utonium sisters- the Pink Puff doesn't have a chance! XD

And like I said- every "chapter" is an episode- every episode has a new plot- or continuation of a plot with added elements- I'm happy to hear you say it blends well- sometimes I wonder it might be a bit "too" random at times XD

Thanks so much for you review :D

Pink lemonade

You know... I don't know if As Time Goes By would work as a movie per say XD- no I'm serious I've pictured it for so long as an "anime" that... seeing it as anything but would be... bizarre for me XD- I mean yes I do have a "fan cast" but again that's for voice actors XD

Well... okay so Sam Claflin is totally Brick's face as well as his VA I'll admit that XD

And speaking of the red Ruff... will he ever cut his hair...

Maybe. You'll have to wait and see ;)

Thanks again!

blossom782

Thank you so much!

Again a live action movie... would be slightly strange for me but hey if it inspires you go for it XD This whole story is outlined start to finish- it WILL be finished no worries about that!

As for the ending... now where's the fun in telling you that XD

Thanks again!

SpiffyCupcakes

Aww you're making me blush! I'm glad you liked it so much! Yes... the Reds are my OTP- they must be adorable as a general rule- despite their brilliance they're completely oblivious XD And Brick especially is a smitten infatuated little Puppy- I love writing as them so much- the Greens and Blues are some of my OTP's yes but the Reds ARE my OTP. Hands down.

And yes little Greg who has proved to be more popular than I imagined he would be haha- has a very special role in the X' Chronicles- we will be seeing much of him and his mother in the coming Acts. :)

He IS remember- "Crimson Fire's" number one fan!

Thanks again!

Taylorlee

Yes, I know I sometimes over do it with the angst- my editor has threatened numerous times to pummel me with the tissue box she inevitably empties whenever she reads some of my writing XD- I'm glad you liked the chapter! :D

Thanks again!

MarshmallowFluff

Brick's description of Blossom skating was actually one of the earliest scenes of Act 4 I had written in general- I really did love to write it but then again I think there's honestly nothing I DON'T like to write in this at this point- but Brick's POV is one of the most "natural" to write as for some reason- have no idea why it just kind of is XD.

The Boys powers I had a lot of fun designing and planning- Brick being a giant puppy dog? What's not to love?

And A giant Great Dane slobbering all over him because to her he's just one giant new friend? Even better! XD

Thanks again- glad you enjoyed :D

Mrs. RoseGold

Oh goodness yes the X'Team deserved a break after Act 3- goodness yes... are things going to get dark again... hehehe- of course they are- where's the fun in not doing so XD - I'm a terrible person- my characters are going to go on strike XD

Like I always say though- I write as I "see"- have the right music playing in the background the battle is inevitably going to play itself out in one's head... then you just have to translate it to words... which doesn't always translate well but hey such is the life of a writer*shrug*

I swear though writing as a kid that young was probably the hardest thing I've ever tried so hearing you say that is wonderful let me tell you- I don't remember much from when I was four so trying to get in the head of a kid... whoo boy. And Kim's beginning to loosen up me thinks- "Jamie" is helping her see things- slowly but surely she'll come to understand the intricacies of Townsville- green guy with horns teaching her four year old? Nahh same old same old really XD

And Mike is the world's bravest man- yes he is- he has no fear of anything but his beloved Tweety Bird's frown XDDD - Ah the long suffering psychic- two oblivious best friends on one side... and his slightly crazy but he loves her anyway pretty girlfriend on the other. The kid deserves a medal man XD

And Samurai Jack was one of the most brilliant cartoons of my childhood- why ever would I miss an opportunity to pay tribute to it in some way or form... I mean that theory about its connection to the PPG is a pretty intriguing one lemme tell you ;)

But one more thing Rose- Brick did not "push" the "strawberry ice cream stealer" into the fountain- oh no he "threw" said thief into the fountain- flying in the air and everything- he was a very jealous and angry little puppy XD And Mr. Believe will never...EVER let him forget it either XD

But as you said Rome was not built in a day- we'll just have to wait and see XD

Thanks again! :D

sg-drabbles

Ahaha writing from one of the "Supporting" Cast members POV's is a pure "cinematic" decision I made for exactly the reason you desrcibed- sometimes its good to take a step back from the forefront and check out of the background- it's something I plan on doing for all Acts- Except Act 30 - the ending act.

And texting I find is a fascinating look at individual characters I... haven't seen a lot of in literary work in general- perhaps because it's still a relatively "new" form of communication but my contacts are all different than how my friends label their's. Its a personal choice and it does have a lot to do with the individual in question's personality which is indeed what I try to bring into a relatively contemporary setting- albeit it being almost "ten years ago" - As Time Goes By does after all technically take place in the "past".

You know I don't actually know who Brick would dress up as in that scenario... I actually see him rather refuse to do it in rather coarse language and stand sulking in a corner as the others do it around him XD - of course the Butch would be rocking Boogie's suit and Boomer likely would have on Fuzzy's overalls but as for Brick... nope can't see it XD

Mike is more or less harmless though! He wouldn't hurt a fly... unless the fly's name is David Graham... than he'd squish it. and laugh. Yes... Mr. Believe is not an individual one wants to annoy... And it IS an interesting book he's brought into play isn't it... hmmmm interesting indeed... ;) Funeral Shroud is an interesting guess by the way but... not quite.

Are Mike and Robin closer to the Reds... err it's a bit hard to call- these two have been more or less along with Mr. Michelson extremely fight with the girls since childhood- the "Normie" friendships are as a whole extremely important to the X' Chronicles as a whole- one of my goals of this project was for it to focus on things ""other" than the "shippings" including friendship as a whole :D

Buttercup and Bubbles indeed have their "own demons" to deal with and this will become more apparent when we enter their minds in the next Acts- and as for team free for all or one on one... again... that remains to be determined. ;)

Thanks for the review! :D

StraniqueGirl0684

Ahh you're making me blush! I just do the best I can- nothing more nothing less!

Ah... reincarnation... a most typical "anime" trope... is that is happening here? But who could the "reincarnation" be- seems slightly... out of place but who knows ;)

Kim had probably the worst "first" day in Townsville humanly possible but again... she's beginnng to calm a bit- and adorable little boy is happy as a clam living in a city of "heroes" that they are- ahaha.

And Boomer is a lovesick fool- what more can be said- but he knows not to anger the Emperor- oh God he knows the consequences. The Professor might be a kind gentle soul... but hell hath no fury than an angry PowerProf Daddy... nope... best run then.

Blossom's perspective was a bit of a challenge for me at first because she went through many different incarnations- one she was extremely cold and business like- another she was slightly naive and rather... blind to things around her. I settled upon this version of Blossom because I believed she would be the most likable- the heroien of this story... sort of has to be likable you know XD

If this chapter didn't show it enough- yes... Brick is VERY protective of His Pinky and it's only gotten more and more so as they become closer and closer- he's nt happy about Morebucks getting away with more or less assaulting Blossom with a deadly weapon- how he gets his revenge... remains to be determined of course XD

You know you brought up a good point about the pheromones though, and here's the answer- What do you think Brick is already smelling- there's a "reason" his Pinky's smell is mouth watering and so very strong- he doesn't realize it himself but I believe that is indeed the "pheromones " at work XD

And as for the Legend... that... remains to be seen- is it tragic? Again... we must wait and see...

Thank you once again for all your kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed! :D

ReadLoverNumber1

Yay! That makes me so happy! :D - I do live for entertaining people- I love making people laugh XD

Oh God Greg is just so popular this makes me smile :D -

But as for the Reds... oh yes... utterly brilliant and literal super geniuses... but oblivious to matters of the heart- those crazy redheads.

That folk tale will be coming into play over the course of the story- this is all I can tell you for now ahaha you'll have to read to find outif your theories are correct because my lips be sealed ;D

And the "Norms" give me life- I adore them so much. They're some of my favorite characters to write as- if you couldn't already tell XD- Oh my God the cat fight... that was was way too much fun XD

Thanks again and I'm so glad you enjoyed :D

Vipper73

Thank you so much!

Brick is far too stubborn for his own good- but he;s getting there.

And I'm a hopeless romantic despite my real life cynicism on the subject concerning myself so I suppose I'm a walking paradox XD- Don't worry though, everyone in my opinion is destined to find their love someday- no matter how long it takes it will happen eventually and most of the time when one least expects it :D

Just look at the Greens- Lust on one side, forced toleration on another- yet there does seem to be a bubbling "something" growing between them... it's... going to be an interesting journey for them me thinks XD

Thanks again for your review :D

amn waqar

Ah yes... the Reds- how we all must adore our Reds- I missed Brick's POV not going to lie- especially because Act 1... isn't really all that interesting I had fears people weren't going to like him too much because... not much happened in it XD- but he's getting his proper due at long last aha!

Oh God though our poor Trickster- he's had to deal with this "Red" nonsense for years now... is it any wonder he's starting to go slightly batty? And now that his beloved... and slightly unhinged at the moment Tweety Bird sees the Reds getting together as both incredibly adorable and the Perfect Revenge so what what coudl possibly go wrong... now poor Mikey's REALLY in for a heck of time... poor guy XD

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter so much! Thanks again!

A.T.G.B.

And to all my followers, those who have added me to their favorites and just my readers in general again I simply must say:

Thank you.

See you all at the next update.

Cheers,

Carrie