Whelp… this was unexpected: I won't lie- part of the joy of writing a huge long term project is that things are still going to surprise you no matter how much you've outlined and these two chapters are no exception: I think I've finally found a solution I'm going to be happy with/ I hope all you amazing people are going to be happy with- I hope.
Was I expecting this to the go in the direction it did? No… No I was not.
Am I complaining? No- No I am not :D - if anything it solves… another problem of mine that is like… ten Acts down the road maybe? XD
Now I'll admit I was debating on waiting to release TWO chapters at once this time… but the finale of Chapter 12… will take longer than I initially planned so it should probably be by the weekend or next week that Twelve is going up: And thus the "finale" of Act 4… will be Chapter 13 and you all don't know how perfect that is -well some of you might but shhhh ;)
Ah yes, because answers are coming- more questions are being asked and well- what am I rambling about- that isn't what you lovely people are here for ahaha- though I can tell you on a personal note… I'm rather pleased with the result of both 11 + 12 ( so far gah I'm just so cloooose) and I hope you all will like them too ;)
Enjoy my lovelies!
PS: 150 REVEIWS!? OH MY GOD I AM SPEECHLESS! I AM DEAD! I'm going to faint now: excuse me – I love you all- enjoy the chapter. Ciao. *faints*
DISCLAIMER: Powerpuff Girls does not belong to me. All rights belong to Craig McCracken and Cartoon Network. All quotes from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens obviously do not belong to me (though anyone who loves classic literature… simply must read that book.)
-IV-
If there was one good thing about living on top of a volcano… it was that no one ever bothered Brick when he wanted to be alone. He continued to read his book in a grim silence.
"In the little world in which children have their existence, whosoever brings them up, there is nothing so finely perceived and so finely felt as injustice."*
Wasn't that the truth? Ugh- for being kinda preachy… this Dickens guy had a bunch of good points. There was nothing more evident than "injustice" in the eyes of an average child.
Not that Brick was average in any way or form. Oh no, Brick was superior to each and every one of these… these fools in this city. Fools who had resorted to nothing more than the dirtiest and most obscene methods of control- drugging an innocent literally an innocent ten year old boy who already had a more or less phobia with needles- no matter how much it made the guy a sissy nonetheless Brick knew Butch had an absolute crippling fear of needles.
It didn't take a genius to figure out why, but nonetheless the bastards had put Brick's brother into a near state of nervous collapse on one side while on the other Brick had been left dealing with an utterly hysterical sobbing wreck on his other.
Cripes... Boomer was still waking Brick up yelling like a little baby- and pissing D-the monkey off.
Apparently little boys were not supposed to keep their "creators" up at night with unmanly pathetically pitiful crying.
Fucking bastard…. Fucking…
Brick buzzed his lips and turned the page irritably- he really should find a new book- summer reading and shit was over so he didn't have to keep reading this… Dickens crap anymore but…
He sighed and continued his reading. So… he may have had this memorized by now- one couldn't blame him for that- it being his only… means of entertainment practically for a few weeks as it had been and…
The cover was barely shoved together, the tape was already coming undone and the "fix-it" job was… amateur at best- fucking sad to be brutally honest.
But yet… someone had… fixed it regardless… and then sent it… all the way to that prison cell…
Fuck it. Whatever- the story was good so whatever. Anyone that made a comment about his sad excuse for a copy of Great Expectations could kiss Brick's ass.
No. Wait. Ew. No kissing. He'd already had to deal with that crazy brat Morebucks trying to lay one on him- she was under some unhinged impression they were dating or were going to be dating. Uh yeah no. Brick would pass thanks.
Girls were weird.
Girls were dumb.
Girls were whiny and weepy and loud and… annoying.
Just because hearing em' cry was beginning to make Brick feel weird things in his gut for some reason lately didn't mean… he liked em' or anything. He knew "cooties" didn't exist. The whole… thing that had happened years ago… yeah that wasn't really… the "cooties" so much as… shit went wrong in their… makeup or whatever.
Not the make-up Brick had mashed all over his face the last couple of days but… his literal… "Make-up" his genetics… his code.
Something had gone… wrong or something. Overwhelmed… chemically unstable… the monkey's notes… had gone into detail after all.
Subjects Red, Blue, And Green are unsatisfactory-. Experiment is a failure.
His page was getting all fucked up. Now the words were gonna get all smudged and… d-damn it! Just… just s-stop it!
He didn't mean it! He couldn't fucking help it! Brick knew that! He knew that!
Failure… Failed experiment…
"I…I'm not a failed experiment." He whispered and the stupid page was getting more and more foggy and splotchy and… and he couldn't even see the words anymore and... Fuck it all what was the fucking point!
He hit the air.
Experiment.
He'd… he'd called them… ex-… experiments…
Failures…
"How the fuck am I the problem… you were the one who didn't… who didn't-." He clenched his teeth. "You're the one didn't measure properly and- and who used the cheap ass snails… and the fucking… hair that was probably all… gunky and gross and… and it was probably a fucking mutt you used for its tail! Couldn't even fucking splurge for a mother fucking pure breed huh!"
I am not a failed experiment.
The Monkey was the failed experiment! Not Brick! Not Butch! Not Boomer! No him! The fucking lab monkey with the fucking mutated brain and… and….
Brick my son… you must know… and I must tell you this now- no matter what will happen these next few months just know and understand that I, Mojo Jojo, will always be your creator and-.
At least the sky was empty- well it was late and the two lame brains were passed out and the three little goody two shoes were obviously in bed seeing as it was their "bedtime"!
Whatever... What did Brick care? He was after all top of the school now- seeing as like some kind of fucking fucked up little joke the stupid girl still was under the impression her psychological ( pathetic attempt mind you ) warfare was working and she'd completely given up at school- getting average grades. Not bothering to answer questions in class unless specifically singled out or do any sort of shit except the bare minimum.
The stupid girl had completely given up.
And now school sucked ass even more than usual because now Brick was bored.
What was the fun in being the best if the one person who was capable of even giving a challenge- no matter how small and insignificant it was compared to his utter greatness and bad assery-.
Failure. Subject is a failure.
He grit his teeth and sucked in a breath.
What was the point if his only real challenge had completely fucking given up. For no good reason- just boom gone.
It was pissing Brick off. It'd been weeks since his encounter with the stupid girl and that stupid English test- a 62!? Seriously!?
A "B" was bad enough…
But for the stupid Pink Puff to have earned…
A D!?
That… that shit didn't fly. It was beginning to piss Brick the hell off as a matter of fact- and he had enough to deal with now than for some stupid Puff having some kind of elementary life crisis or something- seriously-
It was making Brick mad just thinking about it.
And these stupid people surrounding her like some kind of living wall were making Brick angrier and angrier- he couldn't even get near her.
And normally Brick wouldn't care but… this was getting super annoying and… he had enough to fucking have to worry about than some over dramatic pink puff spectacle - even if to be fair the girl wasn't making the scenes it was her stupid friends and even more stupid sisters who were hounding her constantly - jeez leave the chick alone already- it was getting annoying.
So many of Brick's master tricks and plots had been foiled already by those lame asses and their inability to just leave the Puff be!
...Whatever.
His plans were always going to work in other circumstances- because Brick was a genius. He was brilliant. He was… he was…
Subjects Red, Blue, and Green-.
He was not an experiment. He was not a failed experiment.
He clutched his book.
He wasn't… He hadn't meant it…
Of course he hadn't… it… it was exactly like… like Dad had said…
And… Brick just had to suck it up… and… Brick just had to… had to stick this out a little longer- just a little longer Dad had said… he'd promised. He'd promised. Everything… everything would go back to normal.
He'd find… a solution.
He'd get better.
And everything… everything would go back to normal! It would!
Brick… Brick just had to wait… a little longer.
And then...he'd have Dad back.
His cheek still hurt and he put a mitt to it uselessly. He hadn't meant it. Brick should have stopped Butch from talking sooner. So… it was Brick's dumb move that got him this nice shiner this time. It wasn't like… Da-… Mo-…
It wasn't like their guardian at the moment could help it. And Brick knew that.
He'd get better… life would go back to normal…
It had to.
He descended quietly- the last thing he needed was to attract unwanted attention- God forbid a scum of a Rowdyruff Boy want to take an evening walk in a public park. Oh no- heaven forbid.
That stinging in his eye was getting annoying- he rubbed at it angrily- stupid… stupid pollen. Dust… or whatever… whatever the fuck was in the air!
Stupid… Stupid…
Stupid everything!
He kicked at a rock and it went flying- and… that car alarm was ominous…
Oops…
Ugh… well so much for that plan! Sure enough- like fucking clockwork there was the pink streak now! For someone who had decided to just flat out give up on fucking school like it was beneath her priorities she had no problem obviously of coming to make Brick's night- already terrible- now even worse.
He folded his arms.
Three. Two. One.
…. Eh?
Uh… not that he was complaining… but where was… Pinky? Where was his lecture? Uh… where was she going…?
Not… that he cared in the slightest really… but… she was going… kind of fast.
Well…
He zipped back in the air- the pink streak had dissipated but he nonetheless saw pink somewhat in the distance. Jeez she was… booking it. He didn't recognize the building that he ended up in front of but it was dark and pretty empty so-.
Crash
… And that was a broken window. He looked up idly… and a pink streak went zipping in through said broken window…
… A Puff had just broken through a window. A puff had just obviously trespassed…
He blinked. O...kay….
One jump and he was on top of the glass roof - who the hell made a roof out of glass? Seriously… a lot of building engineers or architects or whatever… were kind of dumb. Aesthetically pleasing or not- one bad storm and kaboom this place would be a death trap.
And it was fucking cold. Seriously- the hell- it was freezing in here and Brick was a fire breather he didn't get cold and…
… The hell?
So… pink Puff was randomly sitting in the middle of a big empty… err… floor- no… ohh that explained them having fallen into Antarctica- He was in an ice rink- right… okay… so Pinky was just randomly sitting in the middle of an ice rink.
And people said Brick was the weird one.
Her face was buried in her knees, hidden in a sweatshirt with a hood over her head.. She just looked… kind of tiny in that big empty… space. A little pink dot in a sea of black.
...Weird…
He descended quietly- but she didn't move or look up.
Sniff… Sniff…
He stiffened.
Crying?
The fuck was she crying about?
He scowled. What could she possibly have to be upset about?!
… She needed to stop crying. She had no right to be crying! None! Not in her perfect little life! After all her dad wasn't-!
He grit his teeth.
Stop. Crying!
That was it! Code or no code Brick wasn't going to just sit here and-! He'd had enough of this! Enough!
"Crying's not gonna do shit you know!" She went stiff and then she whirled around.
"B-Brick!?" She choked and stood up shakily before she fell on her ass like a dumb fuck because she'd forgotten ice had slippery properties. Idiot. People had the nerve to say she was smarter than him.
So maybe once they'd been equals but not now.
She wiped those stupid pink eyes and then scowled- oho look at that Pinky actually did know how to make other faces than that mask of "everything's fine and dandy- oh look at the pretty birdies- nothing to see here I'm only failing school but its fine- kittens, rainbows! Everything is A' ok!"
God it pissed him off. She took another step back- again she'd forgotten about the ice and she was lucky Brick had a smidge of pity left in him towards her- because really this was pathetic- and he latched onto her arm and floated up somewhat.
She blinked before she remembered her floating capabilities and the apparent fact they existed. She pulled herself free and glared at him.
"What on earth do you think you're doing here?! Up to mischief no doubt!" She snapped.
"This is hilarious coming from you- or did that window just so happen to break on its own?" He retorted smoothly and her face went as pink as her namesake.
"W-Well… I… um… the structural integrity of-... I was merely testing… I mean-." His eyebrow rose and her cheeks flushed before she averted her gaze. "The window was stuck." She finally mumbled.
He nodded, "Yeah figured as much- those kind stick real easily- next time just take a bobby pin and hook it like this." He dug one of his trusty pins out and bent the bottom into a hook. She flushed more. "Quieter and less obvious." he shrugged.
"Of… Of course you'd know the ins… and outs of breaking and entering." She mumbled again. He snorted.
"I also know how to not get caught- I could hear you from outside- your technique sucks."
"Superheroes aren't usually in the breaking and entering business Brick." She folded her arms.
"Mm- yeah guess you are though at the moment eh Pinky?" He snickered and she bristled but shockingly didn't argue.
"Touché…" She whispered and then turned from him. He scowled…. Oh hell no. Not again!
"The fuck is wrong with you!?" He snapped. She blinked.
"Nothing is wrong with me-."
"BULL!" He snarled. "Bull. Shit. Pinky."
"Are you aware of how crude your vocabulary truly is?" She said dryly.
"Are you aware of how much I don't give a fuck?"
"...Touché."
UGGGH!
"Stop it!" She blinked again.
"Stop...what?"
"You know what!" He was in her face and she floated back. "This!" He threw his arms in the air, "This whole- not arguing- not doing… not doing anything shit! It's not working you know! I can see right through it- so whatever… whatever stupid plan you got planned or nothing it won't work! So just cut it out and… and go back to fucking normal! You're starting to piss me off!" He roared the last part.
She was silent.
"Seriously- you stopped doing school stuff which fine I don't blame you it's stupid anyways but do you have any idea how boring that shit is now! Where's the fun in me constantly beating you if you don't fucking react anymore!" Still infuriatingly silent- not even a prissy comment about his "bad language- he grit his teeth". "Your stupid friends are all worried sick! And they're all whiny and super fucking annoying- especially that four eyed kid who's in serious need of fucking braces- and it's pissing me the hell off! The fuck is wrong with you!? What's going on?!"
Silence.
"Pinky if you don't quit fucking ignoring me I swear I'll-!"
He grabbed her arm to spin her around but-.
His eyes widened-
"The fuck!?" He hollered and fell flat on his ass- but… but…
She...She'd… disappeared. Gone! Vanished?! All that was left was this lousy sweatshirt!?
But… Huh-!? Since when could Puffs teleport!?
He looked around…
"P-Pi-... P-Pinky…?" He whispered.
Silence.
But… she… she… the ice was black- the entire place… it was pitch black… but… but the stars… there had been stars outside- and… and… the fuck was going on here!?
"Why do you care?"
"I...I don't-! I just-! W-Wait who-!?"
"Do you think you can save her foolish child?"
His eyes widened before he scrambled back up- or at least tried to- the ice cracked underneath him- and his leg fell through- sinking down… down into… his eyes widened more.
No…
N-No!
Not the… not the-!
"Her fate is sealed. Her fate is decided."
He clawed at the surface- the ice… the ice was all melting- shit- SHIT!
"The hell is- What's going on here!? Who are you! Where's Pinky! Where is she you son of a bitch-! Where did you take her! Where is she! Give her back! GIVE HER BACK!"
It was spreading- the walls collapsed down- the glass roof gave in and he cried out and covered his head from the razor sharp shards raining down upon him.
She was missing. She was gone- the darkness… it was… it was seeping in… everywhere… engulfing everything in sight… his eyes widened.
He saw her. Standing there. Her back turned to him.
"Pinky!" He didn't care how much of a sissy he must have sounded like… but… but..
He couldn't leave her here. He… he couldn't!
"Pinky! Help me out here will ya! Can...Can you hear me?"
She remained eerily silent. He managed to climb out of the gaping hole where once there had been ice.
"Pinky… we…. We gotta get out of here! We have to-!" He reached for her. "Pinky- listen to me we can't stay here! Trust me! We just… we gotta go!"
She made no move.
"Pinky… listen to me… listen to me for a sec look I don't… I don't know what happened okay! I don't! But… But… you just… you just have to trust me!" He reached again, "The rink… it's not gonna last long! C'mon… we… we got to get out of here before the dark-!"
That sounded so pathetic. She was probably going to burst out laughing any second now… what with the head Rowdyruff Boy having just admitted he's fucking scared of the "dark" like some kind of-.
"Five summers… she is chosen." She finally whispered. He froze.
"...W-what?"
"Thirteen summers… she is awoken." The whisper was getting louder… more strained.
"Pinky… what… what the hell are you talking about- Just… just take my hand!"
"Eighteen summers….she is summoned." She finally turned to him and his chest clenched. Blood was pouring from a gash around her neck. He grit his teeth. Her eyes began to change- darken even- until they were….red.
"Pinky!" She took a step back from him.
"Run Brick." He stiffened… and then shook his head.
"No fucking way. Pinky- c'mon!"
Another step back. "Run Brick."
"I said no!"
Her eyes flashed more red, a bright scalding scarlet but there was no fury in those eyes… no… these red irises… those harsh… scarlet… eyes…
Were full of… Fear.
"Pinky…?"
She continued to back away, one tentative step at a time but… no… not again! Not this time!
"Pinky. Take. My. Hand." He hissed. She bit her lip and shook her head.
"Ruff… please just… run." His chest clenched and when he looked down he saw the fingers… felt his flattened feet… the mitts… the stubs… replaced with these alien… yet somehow familiar appendages. His eyes widened.
The child had suddenly vanished- a beautiful woman now stood in her place- he sucked in a harsh breath and he took a step forward- infuriatingly she took another quick step backwards.
"Pinky… take my hand!" He snapped. "We don't have time!"
"...Why do you care?" She whispered. He flinched. "Why won't you just run- get out of here- it's too late- you know it's too late!"
He scowled and he felt a savage snarl in the back of his throat, "It's not too late! I'm not going anywhere! Not without you!"
"Why….?" So small. So timid. He hated that sound. Hated hearing her sound like that… he stretched his hand out further- more ice cracked and he stumbled somewhat but he managed to keep his balance.
"Because… Because I just won't okay! Now… Pinky just… just c'mon take my hand!" That ice was caving in around them- but the inky darkness within Brick had a sick feeling wasn't water but… something else.
She still stared at him. At his outstretched hand, before slowly her own tiny hand reached for him- tentatively, hesitantly- his teeth clenched more.
"Pinky just- damn it Blossom take it!" He bellowed and finally lunged for her but the ice gave way completely under his feet- her scream echoed as he fell.
"BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCCCKKKKKK!"
The darkness surrounded him. Consumed him.
Until there was nothing…
Until he felt nothing…
Until...he was nothing…
Darkness surrounded him- he could feel himself fading away- fading back into that void- that never ending silence that was nothing- to become nothing. Not again… no not again!
Not… Not the dark!
NOT THE DAAAAAAAAAAAARK!
Brick… Ruff… help...help me…
Brick...
Pinky…!? But… where was!? All he saw around him was…
You must listen to me Brick.
The dark…
There is a shadow descending on your world…
It was swallowing him.. Engulfing him...
.A shadow only you… Brick Anthony Jojo… can hope to defeat…
Shadow…? But… how could there be a shadow… there was only…
Are you up to the challenge?
Darkness.
In five summers... she is chosen
In thirteen summers... she is awoken
In Eighteen summers… She is summoned
Brick…
I'm… scared…
-o-o-o-
Brick opened his eyes with a start- barely swallowing the scream that threatened to come spilling out. Where-!? Where was he-!? Why was-!?
He patted his arms, his legs, and his face by instinct-Still there. He was… still here. Still… here.
It… It had been a dream… just one… trippy...fucked up…
Dream.
His computer was screen was glowing faintly… he'd fallen asleep at his desk again hadn't he… ugh… oh look there was his discarded jerky bag… one would think Brick would learn- dried meat right before bed meant trips worse than any mushroom could possibly initiate.
Idiot… his eyes narrowed on the screen. He was almost there… this encryption...firewall whatever… nothing could stand against the power of Brick's mind! Nothing! No one could stand against Brick! He was the "bludgeoner" damn it!
Brick… help me…
His fist clenched on the desk.
No one.
-Act 4: Illusion -
Part 2.5
-IV-
From: Pinky
Hi Ruff, good morning! - I'm aware you are not a taxi service but I've been hounded to ask if you wouldn't mind giving us a ride to school today- of course it's up to you but it'd be most appreciated :)
His cheeks burned. It was pouring! It hadn't stopped since last night and aw hell- he should have offered to drive her uh them (!) last night- god damn it- brilliant Jojo- brilliant! Some partner he was!
The message had come in around… err… aw fuck- ten minutes ago- well wasn't he a rude son of a bitch. Damn it. Moron. He grabbed his jeans off the floor- clean enough- and another shirt from his clean laundry basket- right he should put his laundry away at some point this week shouldn't he?
To: Pinky
From: Brick
Hey Pinky, sorry phone was on silent- yeah I can give you girls a ride- No problem. So pick you up at 7?
This shirt was good enough- it was clean and one quick sniff meant it didn't smell so… okay- so-clothes- check- now time to wake the morons up so they could pick up the girls-.
He paused in his trek towards Butch's room before taking three hasty steps backwards back to the kitchen island. He blinked a few times for good measure.
No... He was not imagining things. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were indeed sitting at the kitchen table with cereal, all dressed and ready to go…
Before seven o'clock in the morning.
"Sup Big Bro." Boomer took a huge bite of his… sugared monstrosity cereal that Brick was pretty sure would give one cavities upon the first bite.
"Yo." Butch waved and returned to sucking down the last of the orange juice. Asshole.
"The hell are you two doing up!?" He pinched his wrist again,
"Uh- we got school?" Boomer cocked his head like a moron.
"... No shit moron- I meant how the hell are you up before-!?"
The idiot's smile was wide, "Oh yeah- well Bubbles called and said we were giving the girls a ride today and it's pouring like crazy so-."
"Yeah Butterbabe basically said if I made them late waiting for my sorry ass she'd drag me out of bed herself- kinky as all hell but then she said I'd be too unconscious to enjoy it." Butch buzzed his lips, "Fuck that woman wants me." He snickered and leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers, "Oh yeah does that hot piece of Puff ass want me."
"In your sad little dreams." Boomer muttered. Brick rolled his eyes but regardless he wasn't complaining… his brothers were up on time- it was a fucking miracle.
"So Boss-you know how you're gonna seal the deal with Red yet?" ZAP- "OW! What was that for Dummy!?"
"For being an idiot!" Boomer snapped.
"What!? It was a legit question!?" ZAP "OW! Cut it out Boom!"
"Then stop being an idiot!"
… Lord give me strength to not commit fratricide before my morning coffee…
Right… now he remembered why his head hurt- getting clonked over the head by one's own brother (!) with a frying pan - a very expensive frying pan mind you- would leave a decent sized headache in it's wake.
Operation Queenship… this couldn't be happening… the fuck kind of drugs was Snyder on!? She couldn't be serious-!? It was bad enough her deranged hyena for a boyfriend had some kind of vendetta or some shit against Brick because of a mother fucking ice cream cone and his unhinged desire for revenge but now... Now this!
Pinky wouldn't… she'd never agree to it!
Or worse she would. Out of pity.
Ugh… a pity date. That'd be worse than flat out rejection. One could recover from that with dignity intact after a while. But a pity date…
Oh God Brick would be laughed out of Townsville… if not California. He buzzed his lips and opened the fridge picking out a few good eggs before he paused- oh wait- they had no frying pan now did they? Both the traitorous morons stiffened and the green one especially cleared his throat.
"Yeah sorry Boss, we would have woken you sooner but Boom said some shit about letting you sleep cause' you were up late last night- I mean-."
"We made the coffee though!" Boomer beamed and held out Brick's favorite red mug, "See- just uh press the button right?" Brick continued to glare at the two shitheads who had robbed him of a well-balanced breakfast with their stupidity. He swiped it and poured his coffee silently.
The two were still clearly in fear for their life- especially the blonde one. Was revenge worth his life Brick wondered darkly?
"Mm. Right."
His phone buzzed.
From: Pinky
Yes seven will be perfect! See you then Ruff :)
His cheeks burned before he started chugging down his coffee.
"So Big Bro… in all seriousness-."
Chug.
"You are going to ask Blossom to the carnival right?"
Chug. Chug.
"I mean… Robin was pretty… insistent... "
Chug. Chug. Chug. Empty.
"I'm… considering it." Brick said simply.
"Considering...it?" Boomer's eyebrow went up. Brick frowned.
"Yes- considering it- has it occurred to any of you… that Pinky may not want to go to the carnival?" He rolled his eyes. Boomer blinked and gave Butch a look,
"Well shit… we didn't think of that."
Another eye roll. "Shocker beyond shockers." He muttered.
"Hey! That ain't cool Boss!"
"Let me pretend I care… okay done- get your shit and let's go- the girls are expecting us at seven."
Butch continued to glower but Boomer of course immediately grabbed his bag because obviously he couldn't keep his "fair lady waiting".
.. Cripes…
Butch rolled his eyes and twirled his finger next to his head,
"I saw that- and I'm not crazy- you're just jealous!"
"Tch you wish."
"No I know."
Again… it was far too early… for this kind of shit. His head was still killing him and fucking jerky had…
Shadow…
He clenched his mug.
Shadow only you can defeat…
"Boss?"
"Big Bro you okay?"
Shadows…
"Uh Brick?"
Fingers were snapped obnoxiously in his face and he glowered before he shoved the offending hand away.
"Lay off! Let's go!" He snapped and stormed towards the door.
"Uh… what's with-?"
"I dunno- let's just...go- he seems kind of mad."
"Wonder what's up?"
"Dunno."
Chosen...awoken… summoned…
Challenge…
What… Challenge?
Though in retrospect, the Rowdyruffs had another more "daunting" challenge to face upon reaching that big white square house in the suburbs.
At least according to the Tweedles… who just stood there like a bunch of petrified mice.
"I'm not doing it. It's your turn." Butch said quickly. Boomer paled.
"No way- uh, uh you do it." One shove forward.
"Uh no- you're the dashing Romeo here- you ring the bell." One shove back.
"I did it last time! It's your turn!" Sparks cracking ominously.
"No- you do it." Shield went up somewhat.
"Rock paper scissors." Hand went out.
"Oh hell no! Uh, uh! You fucking cheat! Boss tell him!" And… there went the last of Brick's patience this morning. He rubbed his brow- pushed past the two morons and knocked soundly on the door as the two morons cowered behind him.
Cripes…
He inhaled sharply, "It's been six months you idiots and you're still scared of-!" He hissed.
The door opened slowly and those piercing black eyes centered on all three of them like poisoned darts- Brick's words trailed and he immediately cleared his throat.
"Good morning Professor." He said politely.
"Y-Yeah- Good morning! Professor! Sir! Uh- lovely morning isn't it!" Boomer laughed nervously as he gestured at the pouring rain like a braindead moron. Butch merely stood in a petrified silence.
Brick needed new brothers.
"Ah, good morning boys- my girls mentioned you were coming. There's breakfast and coffee if you're hungry." He looked behind them, "Ah good- I was going to tell you to park in the driveway Brick but it seems you remembered."
That face was benign, but the eyes told a different story- they were after all three relatively in the scheme of things attractive hot blooded males the same age as his precious "perfect" young daughters.
Butch straightened up immediately in an attempt to look taller while Boomer seemed to almost slump to make himself seem shorter. Brick walked normally because he still had his dignity.
His brothers hurried ahead- fools: Though judging from the smell in the air Bubbles or someone had made bacon again. Well seeing as Brick had been robbed of a well-balanced breakfast by some people…
A blocky hand went on his shoulder then, and he felt a chill crawl up his spine.
"Ah, Brick it was very nice of you to offer a ride to my girls. I would have done so myself but it seems you beat me to it." The chill was growing worse and worse.
"Err, yes it's no problem- we all work together after all-." Grip didn't loosen.
"Mm. I also didn't get to thank you properly for escorting my daughter to the ER Monday."
That grip was getting uncomfortably tight. His brothers judging from the high pitched squeal had found the Puffs in the kitchen and knowing Butch there would be no bacon left so…
"Yes well… It wouldn't have been a good idea for her to fly, it could have gotten infected or something, Miss Keane said so…" Vacate. Now. Something in Brick's mind was screaming - Get. Out.
The Professor's grip however held firm.
"Mm. Yes. Sandi told me." Sandi? First name basis? "It seems I owe you not only for aiding my daughter that afternoon but earlier that morning as well. That boy has been giving… my little Blossom trouble for some time now." Grip… very… tight. "It's good to know there's someone looking out for her when I can't." Tighter. Ow.
"Yeah... she's my partner. She uh looks out for me- and I look out for her. You know. Partners." How is it a normal man's grip was almost painful? Ow. Ow. Ow.
"Ah yes. Partners. How nice." His smile was wide.
And then Brick knew.
Oh dear God. Fuck my life he knows.
"Uh. Yeah. Yeah it is. Pin-Blo-... Your daughter is - well she looks out for me I look out for her you know… we're...partners?" He finished lamely.
Fuck Brick's life the Professor knew. The Professor knew everything.
He knew Brick was madly in- in...Infatuated with his eldest daughter (!)
Which meant he probably also knew about the "X- CPR (which wasn't a kiss by the way!)
Which made it likely the Professor was also aware of Brick's… new little...hobby of sorts... watching… a certain… pink eyed… beauty skating without her prior knowledge… though in Brick's defense it was not very often ethereal beings ascended down to Earth… it was hardly Brick's fault.
Oh fuck Brick's life he was pathetic.
That piercing stare was oh so benign in its terrifying calmness.
And oh fuck my life I'm in trouble…
The Red Rowdyruff Boy was officially a dead man walking. This man in the white lab coat had terrifyingly easy access to Antidote X'- one false move and Brick would be knocked out, drugged and probably dropped off in the middle of bum fuck nowhere- like Antarctica.
And Brick wasn't wearing a warm enough jacket- this was going to be unpleasant.
"Oh for the love of- Down Father Unit." Saved by the Puff. Buttercup put a hand on her hip and rolled her eyes. The Professor seemed to bristle and the green eyed Puff smirked, "I think Cap Boy gets the point Daddy- now let him go- the idiots robbed him of his balanced breakfast by use of a frying pan as a club- we should let him eat."
A somewhat disconcerting growl was her only response, and the young girl peeled the blocky hand off Brick's shoulder serenely, "Go on now- the dastardly teenage male gets the warning don't you Puppy?" He bristled but nonetheless nodded quickly. "See- all good. Now let's let the starving boy eat hmm? There should be plenty left unless the walking hoover ate it all… I'd hurry." Another growl. "Daddy, we talked about this. C'mon you already traumatized Little Boy Blue out there - stop smiling that's not a good thing." She waved Brick out with a subtle hand and he backed away before strolling -not running of course-... towards the kitchen.
That… was horrifying.
Now… Boomer having come home slightly green and pretty shaky after his and Bubbles' first real "date" made so much more sense.
"Don't trust the smile man! Don't trust it! He sees us as the enemy… THE ENEMY!"
"Uh... Why?"
"We're… MALE!"
"And…?"
"WE'RE MALE!"
Brick had thought it had been because the dumb ass's brain had finally exploded.
Now he knew better.
Note to self: Never. EVER. Get on Professor John Utonium's bad side. Ever. Also... Always have parka in trunk of car in case of unexpected trips to either Pole.
"Ruff?" He whirled around, oh...holy...mother of-
Thank you Bubbles.
Another "Madam Utonium" original obviously, it had been a wonderful week. Clearly the blonde had a lot of time on her hands… or she had been waiting to ambush her sister either way- Brick owed Bubbles Anne Utonium so many favors at this point he was likely an indentured servant. Oh well. It was worth it.
She flicked a piece of hair behind her ear and flashed him that dazzling smile that made him almost weak at the knees and she pulled at the oversized sweater she had been assigned to wear as a dress this morning.
So...So worth it.
Brick was a very sad individual. This was truly ridiculous- he'd known this girl for how long and suddenly he was just another one of those slobbering fools that Believe had apparently had to beat off with a stick… literally at times from what he'd heard.
Brick also owed Mike somewhat of a debt then. Damn it. That was irritating. And… oh she was walking towards him- in that little sweater dress and-... holy shit hello strawberry ice cream….damn it.
He stuck his hands in his pockets- and stiffened his shoulders as the living icy treat was suddenly right in front of him.
"Sup' Pinky." Dignity. Poise. He was a leader. A Red.
"Did you not want breakfast?" Her head tilted somewhat and she gave him a bright little smile. Pink eyes sparkling and Oh dear God she was adorable.
"Oh- uh yeah- sorry I uh got-err-distracted- smells good though!" Stop being adorable. One had to choose- beautiful or adorable- to be both at once would result in complete and total brain overload for hapless mortal men- such was not recommended with over protective A'X wielding daddies in near vicinities.
She gave him another small but brilliant smile, "Well then, what are you waiting for silly Ruff- come on then before that brother of yours eats all of it." She cocked her head again and this time a stray copper strand escaped its prison and blew listlessly towards him and the strawberries almost completely consumed his nose- it took all his self-control- every iota of dignity, poise and control Brick had within him to not inhale it like some kind of addict.
Which he was. But come on-! She had to wear perfume or something- because for a single individual to smell so unbelievably good naturally… it just… it just couldn't be natural.
It just… couldn't.
Luckily (unfortunately) she tucked that naughty piece back into place but flinched when her hand brushed... It. He felt his fist clench. The bandage was still there- it'd taken almost twenty full minutes to get the damn thing to ultimately stop bleeding enough for Dr. Mendes to stitch it back up.
And Brick... hated looking at it.
She noticed his gaze and her eyes dimmed somewhat, "its fine you know. Doesn't hurt really anymore." Liar.
"Shouldn't have happened in the first place." That came out more gruffly than he would have wished. She frowned more before she sighed,
"I did bait her." She mumbled.
"So that gives her the right to assault you with a deadly weapon!?- I don't think so." Again… much more harsh than he should have. He could almost feel those piercing black darts hitting him in the back but… well living was overrated in some ways after all- he put a hand on her shoulder,
"Her reaction was unhinged and unnecessary- but I still escalated the situation." She persisted- this had become a familiar argument this week in general. Both him, Robin and Believe had tried to make her see it really wasn't her fault…but no dice.
Pinky… was a stubborn one. Worse even than Brick at times. His grip tightened on her shoulder.
"Pinky, you're human and she was going to lose that fight no matter what because not for nothing you rock the hat better than she ever would and she knew it." Her cheeks flushed somewhat and then she gave him another small smile, "She was pissed as hell from that undeniable fact- her constant denial started the fight thus not your fault."
She was silent but finally gave a small nod and a small squeeze on his hand before she slipped from his grip and faced him directly.
"Mm. I suppose you're right." She murmured. "I was wearing that rather well wasn't I?" Her eyes danced.
"Sure was." He gave a short nod. Idiot. Dumb ass. Stalker.
Counterpart prerogative. Reds privilege only- The sight of her in his hat… oh God yes.
There was something about that delightful image… something… tantalizing and… strangely… right. Like her in his jacket… ludicrously big and hilariously too long- but it had… suited her all the same.
And then he was hatless. He frowned somewhat- Bubs wouldn't be very happy to see all her hard work - because there was no way Pinky had sat and braided all those little braids together in one sitting by herself- and… now they were all hidden and mussed by his old cap. She flashed him a mischievous look and he felt the jolt in his gut.
And she can keep it. She can keep it forever. Counterpart prerogative. Dear God never take it off.
Her father was going to castrate him before sending him to live with the penguins- that hat didn't go with the color scheme of that outfit at all… and…she still managed to rock it.
Fuck she was beautiful. And Fuck Brick's life he was as bad as his brother. Fuck if he cared. Fuck that he didn't.
Just… fuck.
This was going to be a disaster. An utter disaster– how the hell was he supposed to get this splendid creature to agree to go to a damn… carnival and shit with him let alone-!
That… other thing the crazy chick wanted him to do…
The heat in his stomach grew at the mere thought of it. It was ludicrous; Robin was nuts- nuts- it would never work! And… it wasn't like… she would… ever agree to-... not with Brick and it wasn't like he was worthy of-.
"Brick? " He started.
"Huh?"
"Are you coming?"
He blinked, "Oh- yeah, sorry just uh thinking- can I have my hat back now?" He held his hand out.
"Hmm… No." She said it ever so simply with an even more devious grin that was threatening to turn Brick into Rowdy goo. He managed to get a hold of himself, even somehow got a smirk to curl on his face,
"Pinky. Hand it over."
"I can't wear it?"
"Doesn't really go with the outfit now does it?" She pouted. Oh holy shit she was fucking adorable. It wasn't fair- one minute she's fucking beautiful and the next she's adorable to the point that even Bubbles Utonium has nothing on her!?
Jesus Professor… Brick understood the whole "perfect little girls" idea but one should not take that literally!
Mere...Mortal men couldn't handle… living perfection.
"...Fine." He muttered. Woof. She beamed but then leaned over and then placed said piece of headgear back on his head. Her expression slightly sheepish,
"I'm no fool Brick. It was just a joke though...it's probably not a good idea for me to… play around like that anymore anyway...sorry." She murmured. That playful light in her eyes had vanished - he frowned before it was plopped right back.
"Fuck what the twat has to say- if I say you can wear the hat- then you're wearing the hat." He mumbled. " And like I said- if she has any further problems with this then she'll be dealing with me not you- c'mon Pinky, before my brothers eat you out of house and home." She peeked out from under the brim, pink eyes huge and luminous before she gave a small nod.
He would damn it. He'd protect her- it's what partners did.
Brick… help me…
He stiffened. It had been a dream. Just a dream. He'd been up too late… made the mistake of eating beef jerky before bed which was always a terrible idea because it fucked with his brain and made him see stupid things and…
Brick…I'm scared…
He clenched his fist.
"Brick?" He blinked, she looked at him oddly. "...Are you alright?"
Dream… Beef Jerky… just… dream.
"Yeah Pinky… just uh… something I ate last night didn't agree with me is all- no big deal let's uh go."
She seemed unconvinced but nevertheless led the way into the kitchen where their siblings were gathered and Bubs like clockwork howled in indignation over the "wreck of her "masterpiece" and BC almost toppled over laughing but ceased when Bubs held up the spatula threateningly.
Boomer flashed him a wretchedly smug smile. Butch made a discreet "whipping" motion under the table with a leering grin.
Pinky was of course shoved in a chair- apparently her "choice of hair accessory" meant a change in plans- an irritated baby blue gaze centered on him- and… then it turned strangely bright and once again Brick felt a chill the air…
That cheerful humming… was also slightly frightening and BC seemed to agree with him. A mug was shoved in his face by the Green Puff.
"Idiot." She muttered. "Don't say I didn't warn you." Another hissed whisper.
…..fuck my life.
-IV-
There was no excuse for braids to be so heavy. She really ought to cut her hair. This was getting ludicrous. How her sister had managed to braid and shove together a good six different individual plaits and have them still flow through in a ponytail… she hadn't the foggiest.
Either way however- this was ridiculous: And… were the stares necessary? She was aware her height did not merit this outfit being wholly appropriate for the weather- when they had Bubbles Anne Utonium as their baby sister then they would however see this was an unfortunate necessity.
The young woman in question had also been far too cheerful for Blossom's liking this morning. Far too cheerful.
This did not bode well.
She closed her locker door with a bit more of a slam than she had intended but these irksome stares were getting irritating. She was female and she had long legs- when did this become a crime? Other young ladies of this school wore much the same - in fact some wore less.
It's not the dress you little fool.
She felt her cheeks burn, the whispers continued and her X' enhanced ears picked up traces but she quickly blocked them out. Oh God…
Think they're doing it?
Did you see the hat this morning? Of course they're doing it.
Shiiiit… Morebucks is gonna be piiiiiissed.
Yeah I know pass the popcorn.
Like seriously.
Her cheeks burned more and she quickened her pace.
The class of 2011 was abuzz- and it was only going to grow worse before it got better. Oh…this was bad. Stupid Blossom… why had she- ugggh!
One could actually see the clear line between the sophomore class in fact- there were many striped ensembles going on after all.
Indeed, in protest of her "unfair incarceration" Robin had begun wearing "stripes" every single day since the fight- Michael had obviously joined her- word had spread and well… cue the… California Stripe Party... as Michael cheekily called it.
One could tell their as Robin called it "allies" just by looking around them.
Bubbles had jumped on it certainly. This sweater Blossom was wearing for example had a faint striped pattern to it- the black was interrupted by lines of a slightly lighter shade- it almost created a shimmer effect and it was a way of showing support.
A double whammy for Bubbles' fashion genius.
The boys had been slightly confused as to what the whole "movement" was Tuesday morning until Buttercup had explained it to them- and then their "plain" shirts had become "striped" that very second with the help of duct tape. Crude- but effective and the three of them had joined the "stripes" properly the next morning and since.
And well… what the X' Team did… many… were sure to follow. Now their peers walked around in makeshift stripes and plastered clothes with everything from ribbons, paint, even duct tape like the boys.
The mission was simple if not "unprovable" as a show of "harassment" as the brat would likely try to claim.
Put the class president in "prison" but not the instigator or aggressor of the fight due to technicalities.
Then the school would simply rebel. Blossom even saw a few upper classmen with the stripes- and a few freshmen as well. It was a well-known fact that Morebucks got away with everything due to her… father's influence and… fat checkbook. Not just fighting- but rumors of cheating, breaking school rules as petty as dress code violations, demanded and received grade changes and such- it was unbelievably unfair- and at long last it seemed the school was waking up to it as a whole.
After all the facts were clear and… infuriating.
Principal Yenko was completely in Morebucks' Inc.'s pocket- everyone in Townsville knew his being picked to be Principal over Miss Keane last year despite her momma being the well respected and obvious handpicked choice by the seventy year old Mrs. Langdon who was retiring at long last… had been… bull shit.
But the man willing to do what he was told and kiss Mr. Morebucks' ass while doing it if not beg at his feet like a common mongrel looking for a treat from his master- he'd had no problem with the Sports council ruling against X' being classified as a steroid in Citysville ( along with an equally disturbing addendum concerning " paranormal abilities" in general ) and banning both the Greens ( and any other known "paranormal" ) from competing in games held in the city: Hadn't even batted an eye. Despite the fact it was blatantly unfair, little to no evidence was corroborated and Metroville, Townsville, and other cities in the state had reacted with sheer horror at the blatant discrimination, prejudice and overall… bigotry of such a decision.
Of course- seeing as Victor Yenko hailed from Citysville, was obviously a plant paid to get the brainless twat through school and like Mr. Morebucks, Mr. Yenko could be sometimes heard to deride the "Paranormals"or as they were fonder of terming them - the "Abnormals" of America in general, none of this...had been of any surprise to Blossom.
Though for her sister's sake- for all of Buttercup's bravado: Blossom had fudged the facts and told her Townsville's "sports" council had "unanimously" been against the measure… though Yenko's announcement of having taken over Girls Basketball coaching had led to the awkward… but firm decision by the family as a whole that Buttercup would focus on Soccer and Volleyball and leave Basketball behind.
Her sister was no fool but she pretended an ignorance all the same for their father's sake.
Everyone also knew Mr. Yenko was if nothing a figure head - Miss Keane had the power in this school- she was the one everyone- student, faculty, administrative staff- didn't matter- Sandra Keane was the one Townsville High School listened to- and he could sit his portly butt in a chair and just twiddle his thumbs and keep polishing his stolen name plate and signing off on whatever measure Mr. Morebucks demanded next for his daughter's "well-being"- it was honestly a shock Robin had been able to "snatch" the presidency away from her- but after the disaster that was freshman year… even Julie Smith had been reportedly one to put Robin's name down on her ballot that first week of school.
It had been the biggest landslide of an election Townsville High School had ever seen. Rumors had gone around Princess Morebucks had received one vote. From herself. Even after the two do over's Yenko (Morebucks) had demanded- it had been the same. There was no denying it and Blossom wouldn't lie nor refuse to admit a certain degree of personal satisfaction as she along with her sisters, Michael and Mitch had jumped up and led the standing ovation as Robin had finally ascended the steps and took her place on stage.
A victory at last. So maybe in a way… with enough support… the Yenko-Morebucks machine wasn't invincible.
As she walked a few teachers discreetly gave her nods and other supportive looks - one had to be professional after all and faculty of course had to be a neutral zone - but nonetheless a few stripes had shown up on ties and pieces of jewelry nowadays. Brick had reported (somewhat gleefully) his shop teacher had especially been sporting the look. Mr. Walter didn't care about "technicalities or whatever BS had been scrounged together! He could smell a goddamn rat when he saw one and he wasn't tolerating it!"
Blossom liked Mr. Walter. She could see why Brick did too.
After all, he was correct-what was Mr. Yenko supposed to do? Ban people from wearing stripes? That would inevitably cause more trouble. Robin knew how to use Faceplace as a weapon if needed.
More and more stripes filled her vision. She melded her face into an impassive mask- professionalism. One had to wear a mask of discreet compliance. After all- Mama Keane was not wearing stripes- despite the fact she was utterly agog, disgusted and had already filed another complaint with the California School Board… which would inevitably conveniently become "lost" in the depths of bureaucracy and blood money- but nonetheless her mama was an example of perfect… silent defiance.
Case in point here she was now- no words were spoken, but she flashed a brief smile in her direction and she returned it. Another nod and her Mama continued strolling down the hall. No stripes… yes.
But her watch seemed rather fancy today. The stones lining it were a lovely mix of rose quartz, turquoise and polished jade. A lovely watch. Miss Keane was always a fan of the unique when it came to her accessories.
Also Blossom also had noticed a new rather pretty darker colored bracelet just above the gemstone lined watch- these stones however were of a deeper color, a garnet and a piece of blue and then a green tourmaline… funny- Blossom one of these days simply would have to ask Miss Keane where she found these unique treasures.
Another deep sigh- she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, and continued her trek down the hall - the whispers continued around her even as she continued trying to block them out- are they? I heard- they gotta be- I think they are- wearing his hat this morning!- No! -Yes!
. Oh for the love of… vultures- that's all they were!
Brick having plopped that hat on her head this morning after she had given it back was clearly another showing of defiance that had been hitting the school- his hat after all being his property so he would decide who would and could wear it- the crazed woman's declarations being proven wholeheartedly false- and true Blossom had whipped it off well before the first bell and practically smashed it back on his head but enough people had seen it and ugh…
Vultures… all of the gossip seeking carrion eaters.
Thankfully… she had a study hall- which would turn into a skating session because Michael's coach ( a striped tie in his wake this morning she noticed ) had given the Briners access to the rink during free periods- and Mr. Macifi always gave a blind eye whenever one of his players ( so long as the individual also had a free period ) brought along a friend or two: And in Blossom's case especially a mutant attack last year in the same area as the hockey coach's daughter's daycare had ended with the mutant destroyed and Blossom had herself been the one to personally hand little Lillian Macifi back into her daddy's arms.
She was given free reign of that rink from that day forward.
A good whirl around the ice was just what she needed now- clear her head and such.
The whispers continued but she decided filling her head with skating and strategies over how to finally conquer that triple axel were a better use of her time.
"Blossom wait up!" She paused and turned,
"Oh, hello Pablo." Mitch's "not" beau gave her a smile.
"Heading to the rink?" He gave her a knowing look. She nodded.
"Yes, are you?"
"Nah- I got class, my Madre just wanted me to ask how the-." He pointed to his cheek, "Is going. You know, no complications and stuff." She sighed,
"No, none- you know everyone's making such a big deal out of nothing."
"Err, Blossom, no offense… it was nasty." She sighed again as he gave another slight shrug. "So, for my poor Madre's peace of mind- no seepage, or other medical terms she threw at me that I can't remember at the moment." She snorted.
"No Pablo, none, we're in the clear- please tell Dr. Mendes to stop worrying."
He snorted then, "That's like telling the sun to stop shining Blossom. You know my mama` is a worrywart."
"Well, you can soothe her fears nonetheless- no infection, no pus or other seepage- it won't even leave a scar after a few days with enough X. It'll be like it never happened." He flinched.
"Isn't that how it always goes." He sighed, and pulled at his brown and white striped shirt. "You know all the Briners are uh… "stripers" today." He gave her a wan smile and then scowled somewhat, "Well… almost all of them." He mumbled. "You're going to the rink because you have study hall right?"
She nodded, "Yes, my English teacher isn't in."
He nodded, "Yeah… you got that with Mike right?"
A strange question, "Yes… why?"
He gave her a hard look, "Ask him to go with you."
"What?" She cocked her head, "Why- I mean he'll probably show up anyway but-."
"Blossom- listen, me and a few of the guys on the team have been talkin' and we're all kind of in agreement… you really shouldn't go to the rink alone anymore."
"...why?" She said slowly and then she sighed again, "Oh for the love of- Pablo- that's very… nice but I'm a Powerpuff- I can handle myself."
He was still strangely insistent, "Blossom, just do it for us okay? We all just wanna look out for you."
"No, you all think of me as some kind of mascot."
"Well you're better than a dancing pickle jar." They both snorted. Ah… the Mayor and his… odd fixation on...pickles. She shook her head, "But seriously Blossom...if you're going- at least let me walk you. It's on the way to my class anyway."
Well he was a stubborn one. She fought the urge to roll her eyes but nonetheless gestured him forward,
"Alright, lead the way Mr. Mendes. By the way- nice shirt."
He flashed her a small smirk. "Thanks."
"Mm, yes I thought it suited Mr. Michelson as well when he wore it last week." And then the hockey goalie's cheeks went crimson and he started coughing profusely as she sailed past him with a little hum.
"T-That's… uh… I uh spilled… he um… band practice we got our shit mixed up-! Yeah! That's it!"
"Uh huh, sure-c'mon Pablo I'm sure you won't want to be late for your next class- don't you also happen to share it with a certain-."
"Dios Mios Blossom, you're supposed to be everything nice!" He whined.
"And yet so many seem to always forget I'm also a third spice." She retorted smoothly.
He was still coughing, but then his eyes seemed to glimmer,
"Yeah- spice alright- I bet you like it nice and red hot don't you. By the way- where's your hat I saw you wearing this morning- it really seemed to suit you too." He snickered.
She folded her arms. "Did you wish to walk with me or not? She said primly.
He continued to snicker. It was just a chorus of snickers that were just following Blossom around lately.
-IV-
From: The Cackling Hyena
Sooo Jojo- after careful consideration I've decided that it's really in all our best interests to give you another… err week. So you have until the end of NEXT week now- ain't I great!
From: The Cackling Hyena
Cause you know everything that happened at that meeting- that wasn't my idea you know. That was NOT what I meant.
From: The Cackling Hyena
So btw how's your head?
From: Brick
How generous of you. My head is killing me but not as much as Tweedle Dee's head did the moment we got home.
And with all due respect your girlfriend is insane. This will never work.
From: The Cackling Hyena
-_-;;;;
….I know. But there's no stopping my Tweety Bird when she's on a warpath...
From: Brick
You are aware you're whipped correct?
From: The Whipped Hyena
…Yes.
From: The Whipped Hyena
Will it help when I say I tried?
From: Brick
No.
From: The Whipped Hyena
I figured as much. -_-;;
From: The Whipped Hyena
Again… I'd like to reiterate…NOT my idea.
-IV-
It was official.
Robin Hanna Snyder… was nuts.
There Brick had been- minding his own business; sorting through his locker- getting his stuff together so he could leave right from study hall- the next… He was in here. Pushed into a desk chair and this empty classroom being locked tight and an unhinged revenge driven Kung Fu master looking at him.
… Fuck this. He was out. He had much more important things to worry about then-.
"Uh uh- you sit down lover boy." For being a skinny chick with no meat on her bones- the girl was much stronger than she looked and down into the chair he went again. Snyder flicked her hair over her shoulder imperiously and looked behind them- "Got the goods Mitchy?"
The bucktooth rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes- I have it- You are aware this is bad idea- if Mike catches you-."
"I'd be more afraid if Leader Girl did- you did just abduct and drag Cap Boy into an empty classroom." BC examined her nails idly. Oh yes, the crazy brunette had had help dragging a sputtering Rowdyruff Boy away.
She waved it off, "War is war- she'll be thanking me later and you helped so you're implicated by association but whatever-hand it over Mitchy!" The buck toothed brunette cast him a bewildered look but then dug through his bag and handed Robin… a bottle?
Buttercup snatched it first and gave it a tentative sniff. Her eyes rolled again, "…Seriously Rob?" She muttered but the insane brunette grabbed it back peevishly.
"Like I said- war is war."
"Robbi… I mean this with love… you scare the fuck out of me sometimes." Mitch shook his head.
She beamed, "Thank you." Buttercup popped a piece of gum in her mouth.
"You know part of me feels like I should be insulted on Leader Girl's behalf… "Pop.
"Oh stop being such a party pooper you're starting to sound like Mikey." She snorted. "He has a lot of nerve- his way never would have worked little pacifist that he is- this is war- thus further action must be taken." She held the strange bottle up triumphantly." And like I said- you all will be thanking me soon enough." She smirked before she popped the cap off the bottle, "Now close your eyes Brick."
"Uh… why….? - THE FUCK!?" "He gagged and hacked as he tried to clear his lungs of the cloud of whatever sweet smelling gunk she had just sprayed all over him like some kind of-!? " The fuck Snyder!?"
Buttercup's eyebrow rose, "Yeah… I should however probably tell you that Cap Boy over there is more or less part dog so strong perfumes and shit are probably not going to be welcomed without prior consent." -."
"I AIN'T – Hack- A- Cough- DOG-"Brick continued hacking up a lung. Robin looked unimpressed but she did take a step back as Mitch began pounding Brick's back.
"Robbi! You're not supposed to spray the whole damn bottle!" He snapped. "That shit's expensive!"
"Well it's also bonafide Puffy nip- and you're exaggerating- it was a spritz."
Tell that to my burning lungs!
"Puffy… nip?" Buttercup said slowly. "Seriously." She continued rubbing her brow before with another eye roll she grabbed a piece of paper and started fanning the poisonous sweet smelling miasma away.. Brick took a deep breath- sweet air- wait… he sniffed that same air again… this was awfully sweet smelling… what the-...
…Oh you have got to be kidding me…
"Snyder… why do I suddenly smell like a cinnamon roll." He said dryly.
The girl beamed more and lifted the bottle, "Cinnamon cloves, mint, and a hint of natural vanilla mixed with a refreshing manly Spearmint scent actually." She tossed the bottle behind her and Mitch dove to grab it with a yelp.
"Fascinating… I ask again why did you just feel the need to spray me with essence of "manly" cinnamon roll." He drawled.
"I told you why- its Puffy nip- or to be more accurate Pink Puff nip."
"…What?" She grinned again.
"Well I mean- everyone here knows how much Blossom is suuuch a sweet tooth sooo…." She put a hand on his shoulder, "Why not make her a bit hungry hmm?"
He blinked and then his cheeks flared before he cleared his throat. Then he did so again. And again.
"You're turning the guy into a walking pastry." Buttercup's face went in her hand. "Again I really should be feeling insulted on my sister's behalf."
"But you're not." Mitch snickered.
"I said should." Pop. "It's still a terrible idea."
Robin's lips pursed somewhat, " That's your opinion- we'll see if it still stands when Bloss is all over the Red Rowdy over there gnawing at him like he's this morning's latest batch of-."
His stomach lurched and Buttercup gagged,
"Oye! That is my sister you're talking about Snyder- I don't need or want that image in my head- EVER!"
All over him? As in Pinky and him… Gnawing… like Brick was…food… food that inevitably meant lips would become involved at some point… lips… touching Brick's skin… those soft... delicate… lips that… Brick had… no… bad. BAD! X CPR! That's all that was! Bad! Bad Brick!
Bad Dog!
Down! Stay! Heel!
But… Gorgeous… Pink… eyed goddess… of Townsville High all over him… the most beautiful girl in the city… the smartest, funniest… gentlest…friendliest… most graceful… girl…in city.
All over… Brick.
Strawberries… cool air… strawberry… strawberry ice cream. Sweet and growing sweeter with every lingering bite.
"Brick…"
Swollen… swollen lips… Silken touches… Molten copper… streaming around them… Pink diamonds glinting.
"My handsome… brilliant… Ruff…"
Whispers.
"I adore you…."
Adoration. Admiration…
Strawberries… silk… kisses… promises…
SNAP. SNAP. SNAP.
Buttercup looked down at him irritably with a face like thunder- twisted in disgust. He blinked. Eh? "Oye Cap Boy! I'm right here!" Buttercup was glaring down at him with a face like thunder. .
"H-Huh what?" He looked around. Another loud groan,
"Can you not fantasize about my big sister in my presence please!? Okay? Okay. So glad we had this talk." She shuddered. "Oh my God the city doesn't pay me enough to deal with this crap…" She moaned.
"Aw Butterscotch- no need to be jealous- I'm sure plenty of guys do that about you-. OUCH!" Mitch yelped and hopped up and down due to his now likely throbbing if not broken foot. . Robin smirked and gave Brick a triumphant look before she extended the bottle out towards him.
"Gimme that." He snatched it and her smirk grew wider. Buttercup slapped her brow as he took another quick sniff. It was… tolerable. In small doses.
"Ah, good now you're getting it." Robin patted his shoulder, "Well then there's step one." She folded her arms, "Now let's see… hmm-."
"Step one?" He grunted,
She steepled her fingers and her smile became more maniacal. "Brick, you want the Pink Puff don't you?" Buttercup gagged somewhat, Robin ignored her, "Well you're going to need help."
He frowned, "You know… I'm perfectly capable of… doing this on my own!" A snort and Brick flashed the green Puff a withering look. Again she looked unfazed. "I am! You all are just… over complicating this-."
"Can't argue with that." Buttercup muttered, Robin flashed her a menacing glare.
"Is it such a bad thing to help out a friend in need?"
"That ain't why you're doing it." Buttercup drawled. "You're doing it to make Slutbucks pay for putting you in the school slammer." The brunette bristled and folded her arms.
"My Spring fling will be avenged." She hissed before she whirled back around to face Brick, "And I get to see my favorite shipping become canon- yes I do!" She giggled. "Team Blossick for the win!" She fist pumped.
"...Bloss...ick?" He said slowly. She nodded,
"Uh yeah! Totally catchy right? It will be trending all over Faceplace and Chirper before you know it!" She beamed looking just… so proud of herself.
"...Chirper?" Mitch raised an eyebrow, "Ain't that that new thing where people take pics of their food and post it online or whatever…?" He was still hopping. Buttercup rolled her eyes and plopped him on a chair.
Robin sighed dramatically, "No Mitchy, it's more than that- it's the next big thing I'm telling you." She nodded sagely, " I do my research on all these things- in fact you all will be happy to know the X Team is one of the first superhero teams on the internet to have their Chirper account- thanks to yours truly." She folded her arms, "Your social media presence is after all essential for maintaining good relations with the public after all and that is of course my primary concern being the official press secretary and head of media relations for the X Team!"
She looked so proud of herself. Buttercup rolled her eyes,
"You know- I'm still having a hard time recalling when you were given said position-." She raised an eyebrow.
Robin merely waved it off, "Not important."
"Of course not.- but… whatever Snyder I guess… we'll take your word for it on this… "Chirper" thing. "Buttercup gave him an odd look and he shrugged,
Brick however cleared his throat of the last of this sweet smelling miasma and stood, "Alright Snyder now that I smell sufficiently like a pastry can I go now?"
She frowned and suddenly she was in his face, "Well you have a study hall at the moment don't you?"
He frowned, "Uh...yeah Kellan is out- so you do too?" That smile was unhinged. That smile was slightly frightening. Brick was out of here! And… the hell for a normie this chick was fast! She blocked his exit smoothly.
"Oh good! Which means our Pink Puff will be having study hall too- and seeing as it's the end of the day there's only one place she'll be." She beamed.
...Oh fuck his life. "The library?" That wasn't a squeak by the way, his lungs were still recovering from the cinnamon gas that had been sprayed all over him.
"Nope." She popped the p', " Alright Mitchy, BC- see you guys later- C'mon Brick, Mikey makes a good hot cocoa after all." He found himself dragged out of the room.
Oh… Oh no. No. no.
"Snyder I ain't supposed to-!"
She paused, "Aren't supposed to what?" Her head tilted to the side and her hand went on her hip, he felt his cheeks flush.
"She… doesn't… I'm not… she doesn't want me to you know…" And the award for most coherent dumb assery of the year goes to…
Snyder looked unimpressed and then she snapped her fingers, "Ah. That. Yeah Mikey told me- kind of strange I won't lie."
He almost slumped with relief, "Yeah… I know so I'll just head off to the library now and-." That grip was like steel.
"Not so fast there Rowdyruff- you see this is war. And in war sacrifices must be made- and I have no idea what Bloss's problem is with you seeing her skating but Mikey and I are both in agreement it's bizarre out of character and frankly it's time to get over it. Let's go lover boy."
Cripes this chick had a strong grip!
"The hell- ow! Robin watch the hair! Cripes woman! Ow! Ow! She doesn't like. Me. to. See. Her-!"
"War is war Brick! Do it for the cause your highness!"
"...The fuck is this "your highness" bullshit you've all been spouting about lately!? Snyder- damn it. Let. Go. I'm. Not. Going!"
-IV-
Her foot sliced upwards, her back curled down before bending back up and then she was in the air- one spin- a passable single axel. She was sloppy on the landing still- no wonder she couldn't land the third. Perhaps if she shifted herself further to the right?
At least… the rink was empty. Despite Pablo's ridiculous fretting- honestly while chivalry was always appreciated it was unnecessary in this case- Blossom had the rink to herself- and she was planning on taking advantage of this accordingly- she had no fear of… foolish cretins who didn't know when to give up- really if it did become how had Pablo called it- ah yes- "bad" then she would have plenty of recourse for dislocating a nose is all.
Or jaw.
A simple flick of her wrist really. And the solitude was doing her some good anyway. She needed...to think.
At least… she could do that here. Her sanctuary.
Of course he'd stumbled across it-stumbled across her when he'd probably been looking for his brother who had been with Bubbles watching her sketching her as per school assignment and then worse what had she done- but Blossom had run!
She had run like a foolish little girl again instead of… whatever it was but she was lucky. Brick hadn't mentioned it again and thank God for that. It was a single embarrassing episode- and he had been kind enough to let it go. He may have known her...dirty little secret now but he wasn't judging her for it and maybe if she was lucky… he'd even forgotten all about it.
Spin. Twirl. Gain more speed.
After all it wasn't like really Blossom had anything to be ashamed of anyway- it was a hobby. No one judged her sisters on their hobbies- so no one had any right to judge her- and she doubted Brick would… anyway but…
It had been… Blossom's worst hour. Bar none- that night… that nightmare… she'd fled and hadn't stopped. She'd cried, she'd screamed, and she'd fallen. She'd hit the floor and she'd hit rock bottom- a pathetic heap of a little girl…who had just wanted to give up… everything.
And of course…her then greatest rival and the one person Blossom had never wanted to ever see her so weak...had been the one to discover her. See her at her weakest- see her at her worst- and it must have seemed like Deja Vu for the Red Rowdyruff- seeing her in here all those years later. Her standing even almost in the very spot they had argued that night-
"Your stupid friends are all worried sick! And they're all whiny and super fucking annoying- especially that four eyed kid who's in serious need of fucking braces- and it's pissing me the hell off! The fuck is going on!? What is wrong with you!? You're acting more stupid than usual and it's starting to piss me off!"
"None of your business! Leave me alone! Just leave me alone! You wouldn't understand so- so just leave. Me. alone!"
"Whaddya mean I wouldn't "understand"- I'm smarter than you!"
"Yes… Yes you are! Good for you! Be smarter than me all you want- just...just leave me alone!"
"Seriously Pinky?! That ain't gonna fly anymore! You're obviously freaking your stupid friends out, your sisters are more annoying than usual, and you're making school super fucking boring- so just quit it will ya! Go back to being… I dunno- back to normal."
"You say it like it's so easy."
"You think you're the only one with problems!? Well guess what- you ain't! But unlike YOU I don't just sit and give up! So you can just sit and cry but what's that gonna do? Nothin'- so do everybody a favor and just snap out of it already!"
"It's not that simple-!"
"Then make it simple! Do it in stages- I dunno- go to school and actually TRY to beat me for once, do your stupid Puff shit when you have to save the day and crap or hang out with your lame ass friends when you're not doing that - seriously I'm sick of hearing the stupid blubbering from the shrieky one who hangs with the blonde. Just do "something"! – Life sucks ass Pinky- everyone knows it but we get the hell over it too!"
"You have… no idea what I went through-!"
"Oh yeah? Try listenin' to your little brothers cryin' every night cause they're scared out of their goddamn minds, drugged up and you can't get to em'! Try being shoved in the slammer for doin' nothin but sittin' on a stupid roof readin' a book cause your Pops forgot about you again'! And let you take the blame anyway-! Yeah I don't know what happened to ya Pinky- and hey maybe it was pretty bad and you're not just acting like a stupid baby over nothin' but unlike YOU I have more "important" things to worry about than just cryin' in a corner. And so should you- so do "something" worth your time- or just sit here and cry. Tch- here I was thinkin' my so called "counterpart" or whatever was actually almost worthy of my time. Guess I was wrong. She's just as weak as the rest of em"
"I'm… I- I am not weak!"
"Then prove it."
And then he'd left her there.
And she'd stayed- frozen. Agog. Even in shock one could argue. Before she'd wiped her eyes and walked out herself.
Her investigation into the events of "Candy-Land" -ugh such an asinine name- had begun that next morning.
Because however much crude language he had used… he had been correct. She had wasted… time lamenting… and crying when… when she could have been… working. Finding a solution to a problem. That… creature would have wanted her to suffer- her behavior… previous would have been exactly what… what that creature wanted.
So she had defied it. She had begun working in school again- she was quickly back on the top of the charts- she'd begun patrolling the city again- her sisters had near wept. She had followed Michael to the rink one afternoon. He had cried before he had given her the ice per se and this time she had conquered it versus the other way around.
She had more important… things to worry about. Her duties. Her friends. Her family. They were her priorities and she couldn't nor shouldn't let fear consume her any longer. And no matter how crude a message it had been… it had been received loud and clear.
She would conquer it… or at least do her best to do so. She was a Powerpuff Girl… she had a duty… she had priorities… and she couldn't let a single… monster… take that from her.
Crude as those words had been…. They had never left Blossom.
Every day she would fight- she wouldn't allow that… thing to take everything from her. Every day she defied that creature by getting up, going to school, excelling at school, putting on the uniform and protecting her beloved city and every day she was more grateful for her beloved friends and family: her real priorities in life. Everything that creature had tried to take from her… and instead she was fighting back.
Though… some days were harder than others- which was where this rink came in handy but…
She didn't want Brick to know that. Well… she hadn't wanted him to know that: She hadn't wanted him to know… that despite her best efforts- the girl he knew now was still a facade of sorts and that… behind the mask there were still times she was that frightened little girl he'd come across here in this skating rink…
And now he did. The pure shock in his eyes had said it all- So… not for nothing but…
How could Blossom… not have run?
She sighed. Alright… speed gained… she was leaning more on her left… alright… one… two… three!
Up.
One. Two. Two and a half… and…
BOOM
Pain.
"Oooh! God damn it!" She punched the ice- grimaced at the small crater and hastily blew to reseal the cracks.
"Whoa… easy there Bloss, you're gonna break my rink and then Coach will break me." She rolled her eyes but nonetheless allowed Michael to lift her back up. He grinned, "Thought I'd find you here."
"Stalking me are we?" She muttered.
"Meh- well I mean I am the leading Pimp of Townsville High- have to know where my ladies are." He shrugged.
Oh God that image. "Michael. Never say that again." He already looked slightly ill himself.
"Yeah… bad joke. Sorry-forget I ever said that please."
"Planning on it."
He put his hands in his pockets and skated by her side listlessly, "So…" He grimaced. "Jesus Christ that looks painful. No wonder Jojo's ready to blow his gasket." He muttered and her hand went to her still bandaged cheek listlessly,
"It's fine. It doesn't hurt really it's simply… ugly." She muttered. "Just another to add to my collection I suppose." He gave her a withering look. She shrugged, "It is."
"Yeah well…" He began but then seemed to rethink it and rolled his eyes instead, "Never mind- I know it's like talking to a brick wall." She flinched. Ugh… of all the metaphors. His eyebrow rose then and that slick little smirk curled on his face. Oh hell.
"You know speaking of Brick-." Oh God not again. Why would this fool just simply- Give. Up. "Have you talked to him?"
Another listless spin. "About?"
He rolled his eyes, "Don't play cute with me sis- you know what." He snickered. She glowered.
"Well- little brother- how about yousimply respect big sister's privacy and keep that crooked nose out of her business- hmm." She flicked that literal crooked nose and he held it irritably.
"Oh hardy har har- you know I happen to think it brings character to my face."
"Mm, oh yes- and I'm sure that was that Citysville player's intentions when he broke your nose last year." She rolled her eyes. "Such a barbaric sport sometimes."
He snorted and let himself glide slightly, "It's typical of human history- the bloodier the sport- the more entertaining – look at Rome."
"Are you seriously trying to compare a five person brawl started over a hockey puck with Roman gladiators?"
"Well I mean we were padded enough- and the crowd certainly ate it up." He shrugged. "It was man versus beast- a most bloody day in the Townsville- Citysville rivalry." He cackled this time. She rubbed her brow.
Oh yes- delightful- my favorite way to spend an afternoon." She drawled. "Breaking up a dogpile of sweaty teenage boys all determined on sawing each other's heads off with blunt skates."
"Tch. I never said sports were always the most civilized." He air quoted. "Parts of human history. And the fucker cheated. Plus it wasn't me doing it- I was trying to pull the fucking asshole off Graham- then he sucker punches me- his own teammate!" He sounded indignant. "Bastard."
"Uh huh- and that entire jug of sports drink mysteriously ending up all over Mr. Graham in the locker room- that had nothing to do with you either."
His eyebrow rose but his smirk remained serene, "I don't recall."
"Of course you don't. Fool." Another flick. "You're hardly innocent in these cases don't even try to paint yourself as such."
"Uh, uh, uh- Nope- Innocent until proven guilty Bloss- that's a staple of this country's constitution." He put a finger up, and her eyes narrowed before she slapped it down and gave him a piercing look. He had the decency to look abashed.
"Oh yes "innocent" just like that odd rodent infestation that seems to have overcome the school is completely a coincidence."
He scowled, "Bloss. She put my Tweety Bird in the school slammer for a month, and physically assaulted you and all the bitch got was a slap on the wrist- if a sudden horde of rodents seem to be following the girl for the next month this is hardly my fault- rats are after all especially attracted to garbage." He snarled.
Her eyes widened slightly, "That's… rather ruthless of you Michael." His eyes were hard… and seemed to ominously lighter than normal. Oh dear… "Michael!" She hissed and he blinked.
White turned back to silver and he shoved his hands in his pockets.
"God damn it." He muttered. "Sorry. I'm just… it ain't fair and you know it."
"No… it's not. But what else can we do Michael… she's been apprehended again and again… and."
"Daddy just pays for it to go away I know. I know. But it still- Pisses. Me. Off."
"You think I like it?" She folded her arms, "You think I like playing nice with the little brat!? Do you not see my face!?"
He flinched. "Yeah I know… but…" He seemed to wilt. "Bloss, this ain't fair and you know it- isn't there something you can do?"
"Yes, I can grovel at her feet and beg for so called mercy from her imperial highness and maybe she'll deign to-."
He put a hand up, "Um can you do something that won't make me puke this time?" He scowled, "I quite enjoyed my lunch you know."
"Michael… you know what's coming…"
"Yeah well I don't have to think about it right now- so let's not. And God help you if Jojo finds out."
"If it's done for the greater good Michael-." He put a hand up.
"Nope. What did I just say- Don't. Wanna. Hear. It." She sighed.
"Michael…."
"Just because I know you're going to have to play nice with the bitch at some point doesn't mean I have to like it. Tweety feels the same just so you know." He grumbled.
She flinched, "You know… I'm sorry Robin got involved in this…"
He frowned but then shook his head, "Don't be sorry...Tweety's… got a temper Bloss you know that- and…trust me… when it comes to her you shouldn't feel bad… I think before the spike diamonds came out… Tweety had that fight won."
She cleared her throat, "Y-Yes… well we shouldn't be condoning violence in school Michael- especially me- it… looks bad. Common brawl and all-."
"Except she was wielding a deadly weapon on school property- anyone but you Bloss would have been in the hospital easy- did you hear about that jewelry ban the teachers are all yelling for now because of it?"
"It'll never go through." She shrugged.
"I dunno bout that- Keane sounded pretty mad."
"It's not her call- and you know whose pocket Yenko is in."
"But if all the teachers get involved-!" He pulled at his striped shirt in emphasis- "Hello! Look how many joined the "California Stripe Party!"- Yenko can't fight all of that! Unless he wants a media shit show on his hands- which trust me say the word- I would be happy to aid that cause." He made a gesture of holding a camera. "One fucking video. Just one. And the guy is finished." He snapped.
"Money, Michael. You know and so do I- it will always come down… to money. If enough teachers make a stink- Principal Yenko will just lift Robin's detention. Thus: Problem "solved." Everything will be back to normal. Et cetera. Typical
He frowned, "One of these days… one of these fucking days we're gonna nail her Bloss- I don't care how." He scowled.
"If we're lucky she'll go bankrupt before graduation. If not… only two more years after this one." She shrugged listlessly and did another half twirl.
"I'm already marking my calendar." He grumbled.
"You and me both Michael- God knows Brick must have the champagne all ready for that glorious day."
"If she doesn't try to follow him that is." She stumbled and he caught her arm easily before a smirk crawled up his face "Speaking of Whorebucks' imaginary beau." She shuddered and ripped her arm free.
"Don't even joke about that- I also happened to enjoy my lunch thank you!" She snapped. He snickered and made a mock "meow" sound and put his hand out in a "claw" motion.
"Oho did I strike a nerve Blossy Boo- Ow!" He held his nose irritably.
"Don't you dare call me that- you know that boy's on borrowed time- the day that Buttercup gets sick of him- his buck toothed ass is mine for starting that asinine nickname!" His snickers were turning more into cackles.
"Aw man- this is getting' better and better- okay, okay- put the claws down Kitty, kitty- I was only playing." He patted her head, damn growth spurts. She used to be taller than this infuriating hyena.
"I hate cats." She grumbled.
"No you hate one cat the rest are just now hated by association. Not all cats are evil mind controllers after your daddy Blossom."
"I. Hate. Cats. I prefer dogs."
This seemed to tickle him more than anything else- he burst out laughing and almost collapsed on the ice.
"What!? What is so funny?!" She demanded.
He was apparently incapable of answering her too occupied in holding his stomach's side and practically gasping for air. This… was unusual?
"Michael…? Are you feeling alright? I don't understand what's so funny? Michael hello?"
"She… prefers…. Dogs! This is getting better and better every fucking day! Oh my God! Oh my God." He seemed to finally compose himself and wiped his eye briskly.
"What!? I like dogs! They're friendly, they're cute- they don't scratch my furniture! Or me!" He threw a lanky arm over her shoulders in a hug, "I'm still at a loss at what is so funny. Care to clue me in."
He shook his head, "Nope, not as much fun."
"I hate you."
"No you don't."
She scowled but shook her head, "You're right… I don't. But I wish I did." She said dryly.
"Aw but life would be so boring without your favorite psychic."
"Yes, But it would do such wonders for my blood pressure." She retorted smoothly.
He shrugged, "So… listen Bloss… all…. Doggy talk aside." He snickered again but he cleared his throat, "I take it you and Jojo haven't decided to peruse the Carnival together yet."
"For the love of- what is with your obsession with getting me to that carnival- besides… Brick's already going with someone." She squeezed her wrist slightly and he whipped around,
"Say what!?" he said quickly, "Since when!?"
"Well… I heard Robin talking on Monday… and she apparently heard he was thinking of asking a girl… and well I'm not interfering in that-."
He blinked and then oddly enough suddenly slapped his brow.
"For the love of… Tweety." He growled while he scrubbed his hand down his face.
"Well I don't really see the big deal- I think… it's nice. Anyone's better than Princess after all." She felt her face twist slightly but she quickly suppressed it. "I'm happy for him. Don't worry- I can keep a secret."
His eyes widened, "Wait- what? No, no, no-Bloss- wait a second no, no, no- it's not a secret-well it is kind of is- but-." Chirping birds suddenly rang out around them- he blinked. "That would be Tweety she probably wants me to let her in- scuse' me Bloss."
She nodded, "Should I start the cocoa machine?"
He snorted, " Uh… Bloss I mean this with love… stay away from my mini kitchen." He snickered. She glowered.
"I am not that bad!" His laughter was infuriating. She buzzed her lips. Well fine then! See if she offered her assistance in the future then! Bah!
She closed her eyes and let herself breathe for a moment- she was likely too stiff- too tense- no wonder she couldn't land that third spin. She needed a vacation…
Tch… the idea. Vacation. Ha. Not with all those reports she had left to write- wretched fiend. Scum. That wretched man had put Blossom so behind schedule… ugh… what was she doing here? This was highly irresponsible- she should be working right now not…
The air was cool and crisp and refreshing- there was something about it that always… no matter what calmed her. Even in the worst of… circumstances Blossom would run here. Sad as that sounded- weak as that made her… and still made her.
God… Brick must have been so disgusted with her- he'd clearly been in shock - the look on his face had said it all: Mouth open, eyes wide, gaping at her like he couldn't believe what he was seeing and ugh!
The humiliation. She put herself into a simple spin, at least he was being nice about it. He'd never spoken of it again and she could never be more grateful for that.
It was like it had never happened. She could ask for no more than that from her... partner.
"Well if it ain't the ice angel of TVHS." She stiffened and felt a shudder creep up her spine but she hid it well enough. Her fist curled but she was a Powerpuff Girl of course- no man could scare her.
"I would appreciate you not calling me such things... David." She felt horribly exposed- Bubbles had gotten her in another of her creations today- and while this sweater dress was a much more comfortable halter cut… her legs felt alarmingly bare in the skin tight leggings- she'd noticed this fool leering at her all day but they'd already had one near miss with Michael this week… she didn't want to risk any more.
You are a Powerpuff Girl. You fight crime. You save the world. All before bedtime.
David Graham was a well-built hockey player, no wonder he was more or less the defense of the Briners- looking obviously for the sport he could take out his clear aggression and anger management problems with and unlike the football team… would not be penalized so much as starting a fight on the field… or the ice in this case.
He was nothing but a common brute.
Something Blossom had obviously dealt with many times before- but this one also had a crude sort of cunning as well- he was always after Michael, baiting him and hoping to set his teammate off- make him look bad: David was after the Captain's jacket- and he was willing to play dirty to get it: Despite Michael's "Center" position he had been upgraded to- something near unheard of for a sophomore- which more or less made him the shoe-in when Trent graduated this year and a new Captain was set to be elected... Mr. Graham was still determined on beating Michael out.
… By any means necessary. No matter how dirty. She shuddered at the leering look.
And she always felt like the wretched boy was undressing her with his eyes- like now.
He put on what she presumed he believed to be a "smooth" smile and adjusted his plain black tee shirt- no stripes in sight she noted inwardly.
"Aw but doll you are though- you know the whole team calls you our hottest cheerleader. Why don't you come over and say hi to me huh?"
She swallowed the bile, "I'm rather busy- and I was just leaving- perhaps another time."
Oh god he was climbing over the side- oh hell, one was not supposed to fly with ice skates on- at those speeds the blade was dangerous if it nicked someone's head but… but…
David however soon "slipped" and crashed back into the penalty box he'd tried climbing over.
"Ooh- ouch - you okay man?" Michael came sauntering over and Blossom saw his finger discreetly twirl slightly and it came to no surprise when David once again fell backwards- his shoelaces had somehow tangled together. "Mind if I ask what you're doing here Graham? I mean I'm here because Kellan likes to take days off with no warning but what are you doing here?"
The air became poisonous as the two glared at each other and David successfully climbed over the side this time.
"Tch- you don't own the rink Believe: I'm here to practice a bit you know- Get these muscles a good workout." He flexed his arm in her direction and she rolled her eyes. "Coach says we can on times we have free periods."
Michael's grin was maniacal. "Yeah, Macifi's great right? See though I didn't know Polewski was out today too- in fact she must have just left cause' I just left her class before I came here." he snapped. David's face went slightly pale but he recovered his bravado quickly.
"Tch- I don't need fucking math seeing as I'm gonna be bringing the cup to Townsville and all the scouts are gonna be looking at me!" He again gave her a leering look as he said that as if it was somehow supposed to impress her.
"Skipping class to come here Graham will just get you into trouble, and will get Macifi into trouble too you fucking idiot! You wanna ruin it for the rest of us!?" Michael sneered, "Get your sorry ass to class you fucking tool." He pointed a finger in David's face but the fool made no move-Michael looked alarmingly small compared to the brute- he had always been more on the lanky side… but he was completely unfazed by it- obviously he had nothing to worry about but…
"Michael. Perhaps we should just leave." She murmured, he went stiff and gave her an irritated glance.
"He's breaking the rules." He hissed. "If I let him get away with it Macifi will have my head Bloss."
"I'll cover for you- let's just go." She grabbed his arm which was beginning to tense up.
"Tch, yeah Believe- why don't you go off and be a boy scout somewhere else fucking goody two shoes." He snorted. "Blossy baby- you don't have to hang around this loser you know- you'd be better off playing nice with the future captain anyway…" He shrugged, "I mean it would be my say in the end if you wanted to keep skating here…you'd have to make it worth my while you know baby?"
She was just going to ignore those loathsome comments and the even more lurid hidden meaning behind them Yes she was. And she was also going to ignore that unnerving hungry look in his eyes as well.
You are a Powerpuff girl. You save the world before bedtime… you deal with creeps like this all the time and oh God don't touch me… please don't touch me.
But just as quickly as that odious hand had tried to clamp on her arm-it was abruptly yanked back and… that crash was slightly ominous. Her eyes widened and she felt her chest seize.
"The fuck is your problem man!?" David bellowed as he was casually plopped on the other side of the wall and Brick floated in front of him. He looked quite irritated at this point.
Wait… BRICK?!
….eep.
"My problem is simple- I already had to warn you once- are you aware of what happens when you make a Rowdyruff Boy warn you twice?"
"Fuck you! I ain't scared of you!"
He descended to be in front of him and despite his prior words David seemed to pale and took a hasty step back, "That right?" He folded his arms, "Sure about that?" His eyes glowed a faint red.
Michael snickered under his breath, "Sic' em boy." Though those snickers turned into a grunt of pain when she elbowed him in the side.
"Y-yeah. I… I ain't afraid of… of... -."
Brick put a hand to his ear, "Hmm? What was that? Sorry I couldn't hear you over the sound of your knees shaking."
He sneered but kept backing away slightly regardless, "Fucking… Fucking freak! All of ya are nothin' but freaks! Just… just- fuck you!" He bolted. Brick didn't look fazed in the slightest,
"Yeah, yeah, get the fuck out of my face asshole- and do not make me give a third warning you hear me it won't end well for you!" He called out as the door slammed behind the fleeing hockey player. "He put his hands in his pockets, "Sup Pinky."
Her gaze drifted to her skates and thus the evidence of her transgression.
She hid her shaking hands behind her back,
Oh God why me. Why me. WHYYYYYY
"Hello Brick. What...what brings you here?"
Ohwhywhywhywhywhywhy- Wait... Blossom. Come on now- Get it together.
He gave her another odd look, before he sauntered over. "Meh, Snyder dragged me here." Robin peeked out from behind the bleacher and gave a little wave. Oh… Oh that little-!
"Tweety?" Michael's head of course popped up right up and the willowy brunette rushed over and the hockey player of course skated to her side immediately and in a most PDA esque moment the brunette jumped on the half wall and they engaged in a most hearty lip lock- like they hadn't seen each other for days versus… lunch. She cleared her throat but the two of them were too engrossed in each other - literally one could argue - to notice.
Brick rolled his eyes and leaned over the side- eyes scanning the rink curiously. Avoiding her gaze like the plague too she noticed. She fought the urge to gulp but she skated over there anyway. One shouldn't be rude.
Though an awkward silence… could be considered ruder in many cases. She shifted her feet uneasily,
"Sorry about that." He murmured. She looked up,
"Hmm?"
He looked genuinely sheepish, " I didn't mean to ya know… jump in like that but… you kind of looked freaked and I remember what you said about Believe and him having a history and shit."
"No, no. I'm… grateful. He um… doesn't know how to take...no for an answer..." She sighed, his frown deepened.
"Well guys like that usually meet a fist in the face at some point anyway- I'll do my best not to be the one to do the honors but no promises." He shrugged again, "Hopefully he'll know better than to piss off another "freak." He rolled his eyes.
"Funny how he called you a…"freak" but in that mindset aren't I a freak as well then?" A small snort.
"You're a pretty girl he wants to nail. That gives you a free pass likely in his minute brain." Her cheeks burned. Pretty? His eyes narrowed, "Though in retrospect he's teetering dangerously close towards "angering" versus simply "annoying" me. You are by no means a "freak." Pinky." He said gruffly.
Her cheeks felt warm again, "Well you're not either. He's simply…"
"Deluded, uneducated, a moron? Shall I continue?" He smirked. "Yet in his sad little brain he deems himself worthy of a Powerpuff Girl… let alone the commander and leader… Tch the delusions of the misguided never cease to amaze me." She giggled,
"He thinks he's going to be scouted by the NHL."
Brick snorted, "He is aware most colleges have an academic cut off point right? Even Butch has to keep his grades up." He rolled his eyes. "Miracles indeed happen."
Flick.
"Ow!" He rubbed his head irritably, she ignored his nasty look and skated slightly backwards. He leaned further against the side and rested his chin in his hands. She stiffened,
"Err… what are you doing?"
He shrugged, "Nothing." His eyes were darting everywhere it seemed, taking in the entire rink, all the banners and such. She held her arm slightly,
"Oh." Obviously...Robin had dragged him here for...whatever reason and he was probably confused and inwardly mortified as she was seeing as his last experience in this rink she had screamed like a prepubescent child and scampered away from him as if he were some sort of ghost. So inwardly thankful for that handy Sushi mutant… and ugh she was the worst.
Brilliant Blossom… brilliant. Well then… she cleared her throat. Well at the very least she owed him an apology of sorts so-.
"So… how did this rink pass inspection- one bad shot and someone's gonna end up with a concussion." He waved his hand above the side emphasizing the empty space. She giggled somewhat again, but his look was nothing but serious. Ah. She nodded and knocked on the top of the side he was leaning against.
"They have Plexiglas that goes up Brick- see." She flipped the "top" off of the side and his eyes widened before he peered at it closer. "It's a rink and a basketball court so everything is sort of- automatized." She explained quickly but it seemed he wasn't actually listening to her anymore.
He bent over further and had begun examining it closely- even leaning down to the other side of the hall wall to get a closer look. She swallowed another giggle as he dug in his pocket and pulled his glasses on before he resumed his "investigation", "But how would they account for the rust what with all the condensation from the ice… they must have treated these gears with some sort of solution somehow or is it more a pulley system- no it's obviously hydraulic... automatic but then they'd have to-." He stopped and then hastily straightened back up and cleared his throat. "Oh- um yes of course- I knew that." He said quickly before he also snatched his glasses off and seemed to stuff them back in his jacket pocket far harsher than necessary.
This time she couldn't hold it, that giggle was loudest of them all.
"You know if you ask I bet Michael can give you a demonstration- he has the keys."
"Hardy har har, yeah, yeah I know." He mumbled. "Geek alert yeah, yeah." She blinked.
"Having an interest in machinery is nothing to ashamed of." She gave him another odd look. He looked genuinely embarrassed? How strange. She glided over to the side and looked at the open compartment, he stiffened and took a step back, "I for one have never understood how this works." She murmured. "The intricacies of everything, how that gear can make that one part move but doesn't affect another and that tool is used for this purpose and then another for yet another function. It's always been rather complicated for me." She sighed as he flipped the top back. "I suppose that's why I prefer the natural sciences." She hopped up on the wall. "It's beyond me I suppose."
He frowned somewhat before he joined her, "It's not so complicated really- it's just a puzzle. Every piece has to go somewhere, where it will only fit in the scheme of the machine- or the code or what not. And even if you lose a piece or if the one you have doesn't quite fit you just… can make a new one." His voice went somewhat quiet and she saw a flicker of… something in his eyes. It was brief but… there was a pain there.
"I've never thought about it like that before. Technology… only being a puzzle huh… you know I have a feeling you'd offend someone with that statement." He seemed to snap out of whatever odd… trance he'd been in and he smiled wanly,
"Probably but people get offended by anything nowadays." She laughed,
"Isn't that the truth?" She shook her head.
Her eyes closed somewhat, he chuckled, "Long day?"
"You have no idea. Being one of Miss Utonium's models can be very tiring work. I just want to go to bed but I can't and I hate it." That was a bit more of a whine than she would have liked.
"Why can't you?" He sounded genuinely curious. She sighed,
Because I have pounds of paperwork to do all due by the end of this month and I have to somehow get the "love doctor" off my back about this imaginary "soul mate" of my dreams who I am almost ninety nine point nine percent sure is actually NOT someone I want to meet.
"Work." She said simply.
"Work?" Her eyes closed completely as she nodded.
"Yes. Work." Why was she suddenly smelling cinnamon?
"What kind of work? X work?" Seriously… that's all she could smell… where was the cinnamon?
"You could say that…" She yawned loudly and her head hit something rather soft, and warm… and ah there was the cinnamon.
Nice...lovely… warm...cinnamon…
Something poked her and her eyes opened with a start, huh-what!?
"...You okay Pinky?' He sounded rather… stiff and she looked up at him,
"What?" She mumbled.
"You uh...just kind of nodded off." She blinked and then suddenly realized where not only that lovely cinnamon smell was coming from… but what this lovely soft thing she'd rested her head on was (!) -
"OH!" She yelped and scooted away from him quickly- too quickly- she fell backwards.
Or at least she would have if not for Brick's lightning fast reflexes.
"Whoa! Easy there Pinky!" His grip was like iron and instinctively she had latched onto the nearest solid thing to keep herself afloat… because she had once again forgotten about that handy little trick of hers' of being able to float.
His eyes were wide and she could feel her own becoming the size of metaphorical dinner plates as they stared at each other- she could feel her heart pounding and her own humiliation grew tenfold- no doubt he could hear said muscle going into overdrive and… goodness he was warm.
Warm...and smelled of cinnamon for some...odd reason; Blossom had had no idea Brick wore… such wonderful cologne and… um… well…
She should let go now. Yes. It was the proper thing to do. Let go now. Release strangle hold on… neck… that surely couldn't be comfortable and… and…
"Pinky?" He sounded confused. Mortified even. His voice was so deep and raspy from what was clearly him stifling justified anger over having been publicly embarrassed like this… and why couldn't she stop looking at his lips. What was wrong with her?! Why did he smell like a cinnamon roll!? Life wasn't fair.
And now Blossom was hungry.
"Ahem." They both stiffened and oh God more humiliation! Michael looked like a cat who had just gotten into the farm fresh cream and Robin mirrored his Cheshire grin like a pair of dual gargoyles. She was never going to live this down. Her life was officially over. And she had never mastered the triple. She released him.
Brick's grip on her waist immediately ceased and - he cleared his throat quickly and she quickly retreated back onto the ice. It seemed colder now.
"So… not to interrupt." Michael began smoothly. Blossom was going to kill him. Yes she was. "But Tweety and I were just talking' and we were wondering if you two had any plans Saturday."
She blinked and Brick gave her a quick side look but he also seemed to be… glaring rather harshly at Michael. Robin looked far too smug for Blossom's comfort as she lifted the gate up for her and even so helpfully handed her the skate guards.
"Cause you know- they're starting to put the rides and stuff up at the common!" Blossom stiffened in mid pull.
"Now?" She knew a set up when she saw one but… "It seems sort of early don't you think?"
Robin shrugged, "They've got that new ride this year- probably need to test it more."
"The structural ingenuity of any of those rides is questionable." Brick muttered.
"Not a fan of carnivals Jojo?" Michael quipped and for some reason Brick flipped him off, this only made him snicker more
"It's the ridesI'm not a fan of." He folded his arms. "Smart ass." He mumbled, and once again Michael only chuckled.
"Yeah well it's still cool to see everything set up they've already set up the arts and crafts booths in most cases and you know Bloss-." Robin sidled over to her, "You know they always have the best stuff there- and if you want the goods you have to get there early…"
She rolled her eyes, "Robin, this is more Bubbles' territory don't you think?"
"So says the bangle queen- you practically cleared out that booth last year." She flushed, Brick was looking at her rather oddly.
"It was for a good cause! All the proceeds were going to a medical fund for children!"
"You bought thirty of them."
".. It was buy two get one free." She mumbled- Brick's eyebrow rose more. "A-And like I said it was for a very good cause- and a Powerpuff Girl being seen wearing them aided that young woman's business tremendously- and she was far too talented to be lost in the crowd- So..so there!" She folded her arms and ignored Robin's snort.
"Okay whatever you say, regardless- it's looking like it's going to be a really good haul this year and while I'd love to make my initial round today or tomorrow like you know everyone I'm still currently under educational arrest." She scowled and both Brick and Michael's expressions darkened.
"Robin, I'm so-."
She put a hand up, "Nuh uh- no apologies from you: You didn't do anything- we were just minding our business before psycho bitch came and started yelling about your clothes like a psychopath." Robin snapped. "Seriously who does that!?"
"Crazy bitches that's who. Cripes…" Brick squeezed the bridge of his nose. "If anything this is more or less my fault."
"How the hell do you figure that Jojo?" Michael's eyebrow rose up.
"I exist." He said dryly.
"Brick, you shouldn't talk like that." Blossom murmured, their hands brushed slightly but he stiffened and she immediately pulled away.
"Yeah seriously dude- you can't blame yourself for what the crazy bitch does. None of us blame you that's for sure." Michael's eyes hardened. "And no one else better either."
"Yeah Brick, like there is no way in any way shape or form I blame you for any of this- like please tell me you don't think I do because I will feel so bad!" Robin wrung her hands. Brick looked somewhat mystified and she saw his gaze flick between the both of them uneasily… hesitantly even. He cleared his throat,
"Well I mean I wouldn't blame you if you did- she did kinda-." Michael immediately put his hand up.
"Nope."
"But-."
"Not your fault."
"Seriously!"
"Zip it and listen!" Brick actually went quiet. The brunette folded his arms. "Did you tell Slutbucks to have some kind of deranged hissy fit because Bloss was wearing your clothes?"
Brick clenched his fist, Of course I fucking didn't! But there's no fucking stopping her! She's insane!"
"So how are her mental issues in any way, shape or form your fault then?" He shook his head, "Dude, the chick's messed up- I mean messed up. This ain't your fault. No one thinks it's your fault at least like I said they better not." That last part sounded mildly threatening. Then again, Michael was rather protective of his friends as a general rule.
Brick still looked confused however- and slightly… discomfited- even uncomfortable in a way: She frowned but the Red Rowdyruff's veneer soon hardened once more and he gave a curt nod-
"Alright, alright- I get your point-Snyder don't feel bad you got enough problems- Believe I get it it's just… I dunno… it kinda just…"
"Sucks?" Michael finished for him. Brick's face took on that odd look again but then he shrugged, it seemed like a forced nonchalance to be brutally honest.
"Yeah… it… just kinda sucks." He murmured.
Princess had been after...no terrorizing Brick for years… years- her little school girl crush had turned into an unhinged obsession that Blossom… truly worried over sometimes- even before… Brick and her had finally become… friends… it had concerned her because sometimes it seemed Morebucks was truly under the impression she and Brick were together-that they were in fact in her own mind- dating.- and that… truth be told… honestly frightened Blossom at times.
She was unstable. Had been for years- what they had considered a simple case of spoiled "brat" syndrome… had as Blossom had begun to darkly suspect… been a smokescreen for something...much...much worse.
And Brick… despite the fact he'd never forgive Blossom if he ever heard her say this out loud- but it was obvious to everyone… Brick was more or less Princess's primary victim.
After all… every time another girl so much as looked at Brick… chaos would erupt- she remembered well that awkward first… and only ballroom dancing gym class their middle school had had- during what the city had called "fine arts" month- and she, Brick, Morebucks, and the other members of the seventh grade class had all been in the same gym - - their initial dancing partners randomly assigned- the first sign of trouble had been when Brick and Morebucks hadn't been assigned as partners. She'd made a stink about that- but it had been "random".
He'd been assigned Mary Walsh as his partner, they'd been indifferent towards each other, as would two people who had nothing in common except a school project would be prone to, Blossom had been chatting with Michael when she'd heard Mary make a off-beat comment concerning their gym teacher's sad attempt at dancing- she couldn't remember what it was exactly- it didn't matter really.
Because Brick had smiled. Or he had shrugged or maybe he had even snickered or snorted.
But… it didn't matter what had happened… because Princess had heard it too… and her jealousy erupted. Before anyone- especially poor Mary knew what was happening she had lunged- and started beating the poor girl to a pulp before her "super suit" had come out to play and Blossom had had no choice but to intervene.
The next day their "special gym" was replaced by regular class and Mary wouldn't - and to this day- still wouldn't look Brick in the face.
...In a way Blossom could see where his sense of guilt was coming from but it still infuriated her.
He deserved to be happy. He was a brilliant, brave and despite all his "bad boy" image he tried to portray he was a good person- rough around the edges at times but he was a good man.
She had no idea who this young woman was that Brick had his eye on but like hell would she allow Princess to scare her off! Oh no! It was her… partner duty to look out for him! Same as he looked out for her- he'd already intervened twice with that louse after all! And he didn't have to- but he did so… so…
Like hell was Slutbucks ruining this for Brick- Again- like hell!
Whoever it was… was probably a fine young lady. Good for him. Good for her.
Yes. Good for them.
"Ugh- can we change the subject please- I'd like to spend my last couple of minutes of freedom for the day not discussing Slutbucks- puh lease. I have so much better things to do with my time." Robin put a hand on her hips, "Like carnivals for instance which before we got so distracted Mikey and I were trying-." He blinked.
"Oh right! Sorry hon- so back to what we were saying before- we're heading off to the grounds Saturday and we want you guys to come." He beamed. "C'mon Bloss you're always so fascinated watching the rides go up after all."
She colored as Brick gave her a strange look. "It's… interesting… seeing them put everything into place and- so what if I like to watch! It's not a crime!" She said quickly.
"Yeah, you always do go on and on about how cool it is and what skill must go into designing them in the first place." Robin said smoothly. Blossom was going to kill her. Yes. Yes she was.
"It's interesting! My father used to invent things all the time- before work got crazy- and well… it's… cool." She finished lamely. "Sue me."
"Yeah you were the cutest little lab assistant weren't you Bloss- with your little mini lab coat and goggles- passing daddy his tools." Robin snickered and she felt her cheeks grow warmer and warmer. Now at least Michael was also giving his girlfriend a withering look- Brick was avoiding looking at her- ugh- he was probably doing his best not to laugh.
Thankfully however, Blossom was spared any further humiliation and any more of her dirty laundry being aired as the bell rang. Robin seemed to wilt and she buzzed her lips.
"Whelp… that's that." She muttered. "Well, I guess I better report to the penitentiary now- this is such buuullll." She whined, "Uggggh….okay guys… see you later I guess." She mumbled and picked up her bag with a huff before Michael relieved her of it and slung it over his shoulder next to his own bag.
"It'll be okay hon, c'mon I'll walk you." He pressed a kiss on the top of her head and sent both of them a wave. "See you later Reds."
The door closed behind the two and Blossom immediately began unlacing her skates.
"Not sticking around?" He murmured.
She kept her gaze to the floor like the coward that she was. "After school all bets are off for those in the rink- I've had enough encounters with-."
His expression seemed to darken, "Seeing as he's been warned twice now by a Rowdyruff Boy- I don't think you'll have to worry about him anymore."
"With all due respect Brick- Michael's tried warning him off many times… he's a persistent… one." She muttered and he handed her, her shoe.
"Well now he'll be dealing with a Rowdyruff too- we'll see how long it takes for him to smarten up." He popped his neck and then stood but he didn't walk away in fact he seemed to be… waiting?
Was he waiting for his new lady friend?
Speaking of which…
"So…." She swung her bag over her shoulder, "Not that I'm prying- because I totally understand if you don't want anyone to know yet but... "She trailed and he looked at her oddly.
"But…?" … Stubborn one.
"Never mind." She sighed, "I'll know soon enough I'm sure."
"...Know what?"
He held the door open-and together they walked down the path.
"Like I said - never mind- did you need to go to your locker?"
"Never mind what? And no I grabbed all my shit before Snyder came and kidnapped me."
"Never mind I said- and excuse me- what do you mean Robin kidnapped you?"
"Not flying, talk." He curtly acknowledged a few of the awed waves and greetings from some of the those who were milling in the parking lot already with a slight nod of the head as Blossom waved politely- it was obvious that Brick was still distinctly uncomfortable with the whole "fame" thing… it was… somewhat cute in a way Blossom would inwardly admit.
The so called "bludgeoner" of old actually could be known to grow quite flustered in the crowds. His hat came in handy- known as he was for shoving it over his eyes and quickly walking away after the required pleasantries were over or shoving Butch in front of him to ape it up as he was prone to do so Brick on his end could then make his "dignified" escape.
"Yes thank you we always do our best for the city! - And I'd prefer to know why my best friend decided to abduct you." She finished in somewhat of a hiss but the Red Rowdy stiffened for a moment before he shrugged again.
"She didn't feel like going to the rink alone I dunno- here." He took her bag and plopped it in the back seat as he crossed over to the driver's side having already opened the passenger's side door.
"I get the feeling that wasn't the case." She said dryly. Her sunglasses were still in the sun visor at least and he popped his own aviators out of the glove compartment.
"Snyder… is a special individual what can I say- ahem seat belt." She rolled her eyes and clicked it in place regardless. He'd become the seat belt police ever since the accident- case in point he pressed down on her buckle as if to truly check it was secure before the familiar hum of the car surrounded them and they pulled away.
… Why had Blossom ended up in Brick's car? They'd never had a discussion concerning their meeting up… oh God she'd just followed him like some kind of creepy stalker.
Dear God she was worse than Princess.
Oh dear God what was he thinking right now!? Oh… Oh God she was an idiot! He looked nonchalant. Sure… this had become somewhat of a routine but it had always been… spoken of first! Plans made at lunch or… class not Blossom following like some kind of creepy-!
"So, did you hear about the "Broken Glass" casting?" He was fiddling with the radio.
She scowled, "Yes, I'm not happy- she seems like a complete airhead." He snorted.
"Mm, they're trying to sex it up most likely- I've never seen her movies so I won't judge. Yet." He frowned.
"You're not missing much- it's mostly been chick flicks." She said dryly. He grimaced.
"They're going to turn Marie into a fucking scream queen. Fuck my life." He shook his head and she sighed,
"God knows what they'll do to Tony." She muttered. The car went quiet save the gentle hum of the engine. It was an optimized piece of machinery- Blossom didn't know much about cars but even she could see how much love and care this machine was given- it ran like a dream. Despite the… abuse it had suffered lately… car wrecks… scratches from hitting a gate at close to eighty miles an hour… but regardless this machine probably meant more to Brick than anything else in the world- it was truly his baby.
And Blossom was very much aware she in particular was responsible in some form or another for most if not all of "baby's"… recent injuries.
"You know…I don't think "Broken Glass" needed a remake personally…the original is timeless." Brick finally broke through the quiet.
"Well… if it's going to make them money-."
"Yeah, yeah I know- still though. They're gonna fuck it up. I can tell."
Her lips curled, "Aren't we a cynic?"
"Nah, I prefer the term realist Pinky." He flashed her a smirk and she wrapped a hand around her wrist and squeezed. Easy Blossom… easy there. . "And with that casting you can't say I'm wrong now can you." He raised an eyebrow- her grip on her hands was almost slightly painful at this point.
"No… in that regard I can't say I'm hopeful either." She murmured. He chuckled again.
"Now who's the cynic?"
"I believe the correct term is realist Ruff." She flashed him a smile which he returned. Her stomach seemed to dance. She willed it to calm down at once. This was… foolish. "Well if it is a disaster we'll always have our delightful eighties version now won't we?"
" Hell yeah, Butch can trash it as a "cheese fest" all he wants- at least it has a "story" - unlike that one they all went to last week… what was it… err… Zombie… something." He snapped his fingers.
""Zombie Horde 8"- Buttercup wanted me to go along with them but I declined." She rolled her eyes.
"You too eh? Yeah Butch and Boom wanted me to go too but… I have better things to do with my time but both your sisters did right?" He frowned somewhat.
"Well yes, Bubbles didn't see much of it but I believe she may have been um..." She cleared her throat and he snickered.
"Um yeah I don't think Boom saw much of it either." She felt her cheeks flush.
"Is it a bad thing if I'm still getting used to this." She rubbed her brow- he looked just as mortified.
"No, I'm still trying to not vomit at the thought of my baby brother..." He cleared his throat. "Having fun in a theater." They both shuddered then.
"Dear God how did the Greens handle it."
"Mitch was there remember, but yeah I get your point- I'm shocked it didn't burn down what with don't take this the wrong way- Buttercup's-."
"My sister's almost unhinged protective streak? No I'm aware- and as long as they… relatively… "Behave" themselves… Buttercup won't… err intervene."
He chuckled, "Remind me never to get on that chick's bad side."
"That's probably a good PSA in general to be honest- with all due respect is your brother some sort of-?"
"Masochist? Sometimes Boom and I wonder- but whatever so long as they don't kill each other you know?"
"Or cause extensive property damage."
"That too."
They laughed and she leaned against the headrest.
"Seriously though, Zombie Horde eight? How many of those mindless films can they make!?" He demanded with a shake of the head.
"As many as they'll make money off of." She murmured.
"...Touché." Another shake of the head. This headrest was rather comfortable. He'd clearly invested much into making this a very… very nice machine. Comfortable seats were a nice touch. "Seriously though if I'm gonna spend my money I'd prefer story over slasher you know? Make it worth some of my time- cripes."
She giggled somewhat, "I know the feeling- and this one was ridiculous… a haunted circus seriously? Could you be any more unoriginal?" She flinched, yes… haunted circuses… filled with zombified circus performers…." She shuddered somewhat- she couldn't help it...ugh… zombies…
Of course he noticed it. "You okay?"
Ah well may as well keep piling on the humiliation for today, she sighed. ""I'm… not a fan of circuses." She mumbled. He gave her an odd look but then he snapped his fingers,
"Ah…the color stealing mime right?"
She flushed, "Well… yes and… zombie… magicians…" She shuddered again.
"And….that… yeah right that would probably do it too." He mumbled. "Pinky don't take this the wrong way but… is there any sort of… paranormal creature you haven't fought at least once in your life?"
She paused and tilted her head, "Hmm… you know… I don't know… well… there was the aforementioned zombie of course… and we've fought against… extraterrestrial threats…. And while he didn't suck blood he did suck minds so one could argue that individual was like a vampire… ah! I got it! Werewolf! Never fought one of those!" She beamed.
He blinked and then chuckled, "Err… no… you have." He shook his head.
She frowned, "Oh? Who?"
"Me."
There was a silence and then she tittered as she put her hand to her mouth. He smirked and leaned against the driver's side door, cradling his chin and raising an eyebrow challengingly. She rolled her eyes,
"Ruff just because you may have some minute canine-esque DNA in your genetic makeup doesn't mean you're going to start sprouting fangs and a tail like a-."
"You forgot the obscene amount of fur." He snickered and continued giving her that challenging smile.
"Now see that I don't know about- that hair of yours is completely untamable." She felt her own lips curl slightly.
"Tch- don't be jealous of my glorious mane."
"I thought you turned into a wolf- or would the correct term be "were-lion" then."
"A were lion? Hmm… well I do like to eat myself a good zebra occasionally…" She snorted and he rolled his eyes. "And I seem to have a hyena following me around lately…" He muttered the last part. She frowned.
"A hyena?" He froze and then cleared his throat abruptly. ...Oh God what was Michael up to? There was only one person who could fit with that description after all.
"N-Never mind!" He said quickly and then cleared his throat again, "But c'mon one could argue my animal esque DNA merits calling me a "were-something" or whatever." He smirked again.
"Oh please Brick- it's not like you go off every full moon, laying waste to poor Townsville and terrorizing the hapless townsfolk while howling to the moon." He snorted. She smirked.
"Aww but Pinky I do tend to stay up all night sometimes- you know- how do you know I'm working in my workshop and not transforming into some hideous Rowdy monstrosity- a hulking beast sporting a stylish cap just sauntering down the road."
She really shouldn't have been laughing this much. "I don't think Townsville Police would appreciate all those "panicked" phone calls- because knowing you you'd just walk around all willy nilly- delighting in scaring the civilians and overall making nuisance of yourself Mr. Jojo." His eyebrow rose even higher than before.
"Is that so?" His smirk grew. "Well I suppose then they're lucky the Pink Puff would be there to bring me to heel of course."
"Mm yes- I suppose all I'd have to do is put a plate of Freddy's Buffalo wings down and you'd come running." He snorted.
"Those wings are gifts from God- do not diss the wings." He wagged his finger. "And look whose talking Miss Chocoholic. - how many of those milkshakes can you down in a single evening?"
She narrowed her eyes and sniffed. "Do not turn this on me Mr. Jojo." She said primly.
"As she doesn't answer the question." He snickered.
Now who's the hyena?
"So after I've lured you into your pen I would what- have to lock you in until you woke up the next morning with a moonshine hangover from hell?" He snorted. Loud.
"That was bad." Another snicker. She glowered which only seemed to tickle him more, "Real bad Pinky." He cupped his chin. "But yeah… guess you'd have to leash me up- make sure I didn't terrorize hapless civilians- break into certain stalkers of mines' backyard and shit all over it- you know."
"She'd probably think you were marking her."
He stiffened. "… Fuck." He mumbled. "Ugh she would wouldn't she?" He groaned.
"Afraid so Ruff." Another groan. "Isn't love grand?" He stiffened more.
"That ain't love. That's obsession. Stalking and delusion." He buzzed his lips.
"Yes I know, I was just trying to make a joke." He was still silent. She frowned. "Sorry…" She murmured. "I didn't mean to bring her up- I know her behavior upsets you…" She narrowed her eyes. "I'm going to make her lay off on you." She muttered.
"Tch. Many have tried Pinky- the crazy bitch has put herself into such a delusional state of mind she's blind to any and all reason." He mumbled. "Even if I was to go all were- whatever on her she'd probably still want to-."
"I had a lovely lunch Brick I'd rather not lose it." Blossom grimaced and he flinched.
"Right… sorry." He mumbled. "Yeah… not a pleasant image."
Brick and Princess Morebucks fornicating in any form? Yes. A vile, loathsome image. Brick touching her in any way. Vile. She hated it. It made her blood near boil. That overdone plastic face slobbering all over him like... like…!
"Pinky?"
No self-respect that one! None whatsoever! Imagine continually chasing after a man so clearly: Uninterested. Repulsed. Disgusted. Irritated.
"Uh Pinky?"
He deserved to be able to look for love- and her unhinged inability to see reality was keeping Brick from finding a girl he actually liked – wanted- not to mention infringing upon his school work at times and… as his… co-partner… it was Blossom's duty to rid him of such… a distraction! And Blossom would!
She became engrossed in that lovely thought of hanging the wretch upside down from a flagpole until she agreed to leave her Ruff alone (!)- Err… wait… in a counterpart sense of course- not in an err… not in that sense of course- Brick was certainly not err… her's- except in a counterpart way only and-!
Snap. Snap.
She blinked and his eyebrow rose even higher.
"Huh-? Wha-?"
"You kind of zoned out on me there." He chuckled. She felt her cheeks warm again.
"Sorry I was… thinking." She mumbled.
"I figured it was that or you were sleeping." Another deep chuckle. She folded her arms and flashed him another menacing look and buzzed her lips irritably.
"Jackass."
"Of course."
They had pulled in her neighborhood. Her eyes widened somewhat- she lived a good fifteen minutes in the opposite direction he would have to take to go home and… oh. Bad Blossom… baaaad.
"I'm sorry I um you know. In the rink?" She mumbled.
"Hm? Oh… yeah err it's no big deal. You were just err… tired." His voice lowered, "And… you still seem it no offense… how much paperwork or whatever do you really have left to do?" She flinched. "That bad huh?"
"It's my own fault. I feel behind because of what happened with-."
"Not for nothing I have a very hard time imagining you would be held accountable for that- and if you are that's bull and I'd have something to say about that!"
"No, no Brick- it's not that I'm… in trouble." He growled. "It's… it just looks bad." She murmured. "I don't want my own lack of time keeping." More growling. "To… potentially threaten… the team's' reputation in the league… my sisters have just worked so hard and now you three as well- I don't want to give anyone in the league reason to suspect… we can't handle this… that I can't handle leading a team... "
The growling ceased. "Who the fuck would ever think that about you?" She felt her cheeks flush, it was such a small… almost...dare she say it...intimate tone. "Pinky you work harder than all of us…if anyone deserves her "cape" as you called it… it's you."
Her heart was pounding, he looked so sincere. So… so… she bit her lip.
"T-Thank you… Ru-Brick." He chuckled.
"You know… I don't really mind you calling me Ruff- it's payback you know." He snickered. She flushed more. "I do...kind of need to work on not err calling you Pinky as much-."
"Why?" She said far too quickly, his brow shot right up, "I...I don't really mind it… anymore...it's… kind of like a nickname… versus an insult you know… you give your… friends nicknames don't you?"
He looked astonished, "Well I mean yeah… a lot of times I do but… you don't mind me calling you Pinky...anymore I mean?"
She shook her head, "No… in fact I...kind of like it…" She was an idiot. A fool. He probably thought she was some sort of insane stalker who-! His eyes were wide but then he chuckled.
"... Okay. I mean if you insist I'll keep calling you Pinky." He smirked.
"Mm… must be so hard for you I know." He chuckled again, a deep and husky chuckle and no… bad. No Blossom- it was very… very… Un… unprofessional to… flirt with co-leaders…
And… especially with co-leaders… that were… interested in bringing some lucky young lady to a...carnival.
They pulled in front of her house, her empty house: both her sisters being occupied and her father working late again. So many reports… so many… he seemed to frown when he saw the darkened windows.
"No one home?" She shrugged and undid her seat belt,
"No, it's just me." His frown deepened. "It's not a big deal, Buttercup's at practice and Bubbles had an art society meeting- they'll be home later I imagine and the Professor works late at least once a week. It's… just a thing he does- he likes having the weekend with us so he...works through the week you know?"
His frown was still apparent, "I guess…?" He seemed deep in thought.
"I don't mind you know. It just… gives me time to work and not be interrupted." Her laugh sounded fake. She really was tired- but… reports. Just a few more hours and she'd be… almost there. "And maybe I'll watch a movie- "Broken Glass" maybe- you know talking about it makes me want to see the original again you know and I haven't seen it in a while."
"Yeah, been awhile for me too." He agreed and tapped the wheel somewhat. Right… she was holding him up. He was probably itching to leave so he could… go pick up this mystery girl? Who was she, Blossom wondered- she was obviously beautiful, Brick was not one Blossom imagined to "settle" by any means- and she was likely very smart- hmm… well that didn't do much to minimize the pool now did it. Hmmm…
"Well… thank you for the ride Brick." However unexpected and probably irritating it probably was for you- "It was much appr-."
"What are your plans this afternoon?" He blurted out. She jumped slightly but then gave a side glance towards her house. "Oh… right we're already at your house- brilliant Jojo…" He muttered before he cleared his throat. "What I mean to say is what are you doing today...now?"
She blinked, "Um… work? I have ...work to do? And I'm going to watch a movie- I told you this already-?"
"Yeah I know just uh- I don't have anything going on… right now either and well I haven't seen it… I know you have work but I should - well I want to see what it's all about because I'm your- A co-leader of the team and I should see it- and I haven't seen "Broken Glass" in a while too so… err… would you wanna I dunno maybe-?"
"Would you like to come watch it?" She blurted out before she could stop herself.
His cheeks seemed to flare up and so did her's but he nodded. Oh the connotations of that sentence! Bad Blossom! BAD! The Professor would be furious if he ever found out she had had a… male in the house with no one else home- he was a rather easy going man at times but he still had rules! And… but…
Then again… it was… Brick. He was… rather fond of Brick- for all his being a teenage male and all and it was Brick not… err someone like… David Graham… and really the Professor had had no problem in the past with Michael being here before for example and… Brick… was similar in being they were really good friends and nothing more. And he had a point- maybe she really should show him the…err… paper trail that followed the X' Team and… and…
You are making nothing but excuses little fool.
She was nothing but a fool. Yes she was. He looked oddly sheepish. Clearly he was only pitying her for being alone in a big empty house and was being friendly and… fool. Little fool. She could feel her heart pounding- and she was holding him up! How dare she! He likely already had plans even though he'd brought it up first but he was only being nice and-.
Night Baron's "Broken Dreams" suddenly echoed from his pocket then and his eyes narrowed, "Scuse' me Pinky." He mumbled. "What is it Boomer!" He snapped. "None of your business you nosy fucker, you have five seconds. Five- four. Three. Two-. WHAT!?-For the love of- you're kidding me right!? How the hell did he manage to break a-!?" A long suffering sigh. "No… No Boomer I'm aware it isn't your fault- No you dumb ass you're not in trouble… accidents… happen…" His teeth had grit. "How bad is it- calm the fuck down- I'll be right there. Yes Boomer I'm coming- tell Tweedle Dee to calm the fuck down- I'm on my way." He shoved his phone back in his pocket.
...Oh. Well… never mind then…
"Cripes- fucking- how the fuck do you even manage to-!" He rubbed his brow. "Sorry Pinky. Tweedle Dee managed to break a shower head and the pipe that went with it." Her eyes widened. HE buzzed his lips "Damn it." He mumbled. "Sorry." He repeated again.
"It's not a big deal, its fine- these things happen."
He gave her a withering look, "No, most normal people don't trip and rip a pipe out of the wall trying to do some kind of stupid- karate move or whatever in the shower." He groaned and squeezed the bridge of his nose. "Lord give me the strength to not commit some sort of fratricide in the next twenty four hours." He mumbled, she frowned. "You can't blame me."
"Oh yes I can- he's your brother and you love him."
"Yeah well he's an idiot." Another grumble. She felt her mouth curl slightly as she undid her seat belt, "So… uh rain check?"
What?
She'd frozen, but he was looking at her still. Rain check? As in… a promise… to do it another time… as if he... wanted her to… for them to-? Wait…
"…Yes." She found herself saying. "I…I'm okay with this." So okay in fact that Handel's Messiah chorus was ringing through her head. Blossom was a terrible… terrible person. And a stalker. Morebucks had nothing on her… nothing.
He smiled then, "Sounds like a plan Pinky- now if you'll excuse me… I have to somehow figure out a way of cleaning up… a foot of water...from my bathroom… soon to be my living room floor because the idiots slammed the door shut instead of turning it off."
"...Oh dear." She murmured. His smile was somewhat forced.
"Yep, grand ole' time for me! So…" He looked at her oddly- oh yes… she was in the car still wasn't she. She hastily undid her seat belt.
"Yes. Water damage… can be… expensive."
"Yeah… it can….mess up the floor… and shit…"
"Uh huh."
"Yeah."
She still wasn't moving. Bad Blossom. This was ridiculous.
"Yes, well um good luck Br-Ruff." She murmured, and he flashed her another smile. Goodness he had white teeth.
…Whoever this girl was that he was planning on asking to the carnival had best remember how lucky a lady they were and they'd best appreciate it too.
…bitch.
"But uh Pinky about Saturday- I have a shift at the garage but-."
"Oh, don't even worry about it- Michael will simply have to content himself being the only male is all. Nothing more." She smiled.
"Yeah…. But uh… speaking of this uh carnival… uh you know… stupid shit… thing… with rides…and midway… I mean to say I'm not… not… going… to… said event- why is this so difficult- um… okay." He cleared his throat. Why was her chest clenching? He tapped the steering wheel – oh! Yes! Right- holding him up, she was holding him up and therefore-.
"Like I said it's not a big deal Brick don't worry- I don't know what's up with the Norms lately, they're acting rather strange… well in Michael's case stranger than normal." He snorted and she gave him a small smile. "You should go before-." His eyes widened but he latched onto her arm.
"W-Wait! Uh… Pinky… listen. This… thing… at the common- the uh carnival… you know… being the third wheel would suck- I know this uh… so… and what kind of partner would I be if-... Well...shit I'm rambling again- brilliant Jojo." He buzzed his lips she giggled somewhat, he gave her another sheepish smile and scratched his neck somewhat, "So… what I mean to say is would you…would you…?" He was stumbling for words… odd. Unlike him even.
"Yes…?" Heart pounding. Bad Blossom. He probably wanted her to help him woo the girl as what partners and dear friends would do- he wanted advice is all- how to woo a young lady- and… such.
Night Baron rang out again and his face twisted before he slammed the phone in his ear, "WHAT!? ARE YOU AWARE YOU HAVE THE WORST POSSIBLE FUCKING TIMING ON THE PLANET YOU STUPID- Oh for the love of! Yes I'm on my way! No, do not allow Boomer to do that- because water and electricity do not merge well- basic science here- ugh. Fine- yes- gimme twenty minutes- because I'm halfway across town and I have to stop by a hardware store. None of your damn business where I am! You're already on thin ice as it is Tweedle Dee don't dig yourself deeper! Yeah- no I haven't and you still owe me a new frying pan ya moron! - Just shut up and wait for me!"
She flinched on instinct from the wording but he slammed the phone down and then his head went in the steering wheel.
"Give me strength… whatever's up there give me strength." He muttered. She patted his shoulder and he tensed but she stepped out of the car anyway,
"You should go save your house Brick- as you said electricity and water don't mix very well." She giggled again and he smiled wanly,
"…True. I guess… I uh-."
"Well, I should be going, I have lots of work anyway."
"You're not gonna watch the movie?"
She paused, "I gave you a rain check didn't I?" His eyes widened somewhat but then he nodded.
"…Yeah… I guess you did. So uh… rain check."
She nodded, "Rain check. Now go save your house." She waved and walked to her door but it was only until she had stepped in that she heard the car zoom away- goodness… he drove fast.
Her heart was pounding, her stomach was dancing and that foolish… foolish smile was threatening to split her face.
The door closed quietly behind her and she leaned against it- Breath Blossom. In… out…
In… Out…
"Rain check…." She whispered.
-IV-
Brick Anthony Jojo was officially the biggest idiot in Townsville.
You blew it. You had the perfect fucking opportunity… and you fucking blew it! Are you fucking proud of yourself moron! I bet you are! Rain check!? REALLY!?
After what had been a grand ole' adventure somehow fixing a pipe Butch had indeed managed to snap in half because he was experimenting with a new "move" he'd seen on tv and he'd forgotten he had X' strength- shocker- Brick was now left alone in his room and… with his thoughts.
Though true to form… they were only on one person at the moment. He sighed. He needed to clear his head- he'd been in almost a fog even as he had scolded his idiot brothers to no tomorrow and both of them had retreated (fled) to their rooms after dinner.
He hadn't even asked if she'd wanted a ride… it had just kind of happened… was it really such a routine now it was almost like an autopilot? Brick was more or less human… and there was something about the sight of her sitting on his other side, calm and endlessly lovely- nonchalantly taking control of his music and… was it normal for Brick to just really like the sight of Blossom Utonium in his car…
Probably not but Brick was a lost cause anyway so this shouldn't surprise him.
After all- the pure fury he had felt upon witnessing that toad bothering her again- touching her again and that flash of fear in her eyes again had almost made Brick crave blood. Cripes, he could see why Believe had had such a hard time with the cretin- he was too stupid to know when to give up and to think with something other than his pitifully small dick.
Whatever, no fool was stupid enough to initiate a third Rowdy warning.
So there was one problem solved at least but now… Brick had… another sort of job to do.
Because see…
Blackmail was one thing…But...The way that room… had gone quiet…and the look in everyone's eyes.
No see… something screwy was going on here. Something was going on in Townsville- and well…
Brick was going to find out what.
And if people weren't willing to talk well…
It was time to play dirty.
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It wasn't like he had any other god damn choice!
No one in that room was going to talk. He could already tell- Robin and Buttercup's reactions had said it all- and Mitch had looked genuinely mortified.
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Did Brick like having to resort to shit like this… being reformed and all?
No. No he really didn't. And that was pissing him off too. But…
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But… he had this feeling… this weird… feeling in his gut… something… something was wrong. Something… was up.
"After all we all know what would have happened if our dear friend Believe hadn't been there to stop her…"
Eyes… are red.
Eyes are red… you're fucking dead.
Unless your name is Believe… and then somehow… you survive…
Because apparently… he had.
And he'd stopped it.
Brick had seen those eyes. He'd seen that unstoppable force.
He'd even seen her sisters cower- Buttercup Utonium had almost been shaking despite her calm façade in that training room. Bubbles had openly hid behind his brother. And the norms' reactions… Robin taking those quick steps away from the glass- and Mike…
His fingers stopped their incessant tapping.
Believe… had reacted in a similar way as the others sure… but…
Now that Brick… looked back on that afternoon… when those eyes had flashed scarlet.
The Puffs and Robin… they hadn't been watching her… or even looking at her… so much as… looking at...
Mike.
As if he… should… would… could do something… to stop her?
Why look to a normal human…? Believe was strong for one yes Brick would give credit where credit was due but… Believe was still….a normal human. A normie.
No…No see…Something screwy was going on here.
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In that mindset… Brick also had charge of this city- and its interests… were now Brick's interests. Brick took care of his own- Townsville had become Brick's responsibility in part…
Thus… it was his duty as a… "Hero in training" (?) – "sanctioned vigilante (?) … He'd go with hero in training- that last title stung somewhat, cripes no wonder Pinky hated Tricky with all her being.
Talk about a slap in the face. Tch…bureaucracy- gotta love it: Saving the world before bedtime since practically the day she was "born" and she's still legally on the same level as a psychotic moron in a mask… with a conscience.
He scowled. There was another mystery that needed solving. But one screwed up thing at a time for now… right now duty called to… get to the bottom of this odd secret… mystery… thing that was being kept from Brick and that shit didn't fly.
His eyes flicked to the screen.
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He curled his hand in a fist before he dug out his book again- no point in just watching a computer screen: A watched file never downloads after all.
He flipped open that inky black cover with that paltry white speck that was supposed to be a human- nice symbolism there. One little man… versus a being of unspeakable evil and supposedly comprised of "living darkness"… whatever the fuck that meant.
He couldn't stop the shudder however.
That nightmare had been trippy as fuck. That's what he gets for eating fucking buffalo jerky before bed.
Trippy… horrifying nightmares about… repressed memories and… shit.
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It was… strange but… Brick had honestly... forgotten all about that… that odd… conversation the two of them had had in the rink… that night- that had been real… he had gone off like a fucking little mini stalker and followed her… and he had found her… crying all alone in that dark room… sitting on the ice- sobbing and… just yeah…
Though obviously that was where the "repressed memory" or some shit had ended and beef jerky fueled "tripping" took over- where everything around him was swallowed by that… darkness including her and then strange mystery voices whispering in his ear about nonsense like shadows and… challenges and…
Her fate is sealed… her fate is decided.
Fate was an asinine idea. An idea stemmed from those too stupid to know any better. Those who would allow the idea of some "higher" force influencing and ultimately deciding their lives to decide how they would decide to spend said lives. Lazy. That's all that foolish mentality was deep down.
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Life was not one to be spent wasting looking for some "escape"- "Fate" did not exist. Fate. Destiny. Bah.
A life was one of choices. Every choice one made… was what ultimately would influence the next. Only an individual had control over their own life… how it was to be lived… what they would do… and those choices only came about after analyzing the outside factors within that would affect them.
Choice. Not destiny. For every choice made… there was a consequence.
Every consequence… would lead to another choice. And so on and so forth. A constant cycle.
Choice. Consequence. Choice. Consequence. Rinse and Repeat.
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"Brick… help me…"
His fist clenched tighter on instinct.
No. More. Jerky.
Ever.
Dream or not…
He never wanted to hear those words come from Blossom Utonium's mouth… ever again. That pleading… petrified little voice just… no. No. No. NO!
… Fuck just… just read. Read the stupid book and don't… waste time thinking about stupid… dried meat induced fucked up dreams and shit.
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He was at a good part at least. Some… abandoned village and some shit- he'd lost count of how many encounters this so called "lone warrior" had had with this… demon thing by now- but he was running out of book, surely he was near the end by now. He'd looked at the glossary- the so called "sequel" that was included in this edition was pitifully short- compared to this monster of an epic in Brick's hands.
"Warrior- a duel between us is long overdue- I challenge thee to a final duel- one against one- one takes all- the other will fall. Do you accept my challenge?"
Challenge…
He blinked… Are you up to the challenge…?
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Five summers chosen… thirteen awoken… eighteen… summoned.
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What did that even mean anyway!? Chosen? Chosen for what?
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Awoken for what? Summoned for what!?
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Cripes no more beef jerky… ever.
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Just… nope. Not worth it. Not worth the "trip" Brick would inevitably take and make him see crazy shit and hear...
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"Brick…"
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"I'm scared."
The beep almost seemed to echo- he jumped up.
The flat screen he'd found on sale shortly after Christmas- gotta love those sales really- was glowing with his screensaver- hoisted high above his desk.
Townsville High School's seal now glowed faintly on the screen.
His mouth curled.
Bingo.
He dug through his desk again, and pulled out his latest… new toy that made being more or less a superhero with a steady income more than worth it. Seeing as he was now able to finally afford the small luxuries that inevitably had made Brick's life so much easier over the last few months.
Like this ePad for example.
Sleek, efficient and with just a few…minor adjustments the perfect hacking apparatus on the go. He pushed up his glasses once more- Townsville High for all its apparent splurging on IT security was still grotesquely obsolete in other areas- like record keeping.
He buzzed his lips and began skimming the endless archaic menus and subpages- breaking into the so called "secure" areas with a few listless keystrokes and commands- every computer system had trap doors- and it didn't take much to make a "skeleton key" if one would be thinking metaphorically. His worm made most of the "locks" useless of course but it was handy to have just in case.
Finally he found the motherlode- the student directory- every record of every current student of TVHS: Grades from Kindergarten and up; medical records; testing records; and the big one that Brick was after:
Disciplinary.
His eyes narrowed- of course however once again the pitifully out of date record keeping showed clear here: There once had been a time: About say fifteen years ago and such that whoever in charge of making the IT decisions or the organization system in general -likely that old hag who had retired the year before Brick's entrance into TVHS proper- but regardless of whoever it was, they had asked for the student records to be organized in the most single most asinine way possible.
By Class. Then Last Name.
And of course also- because a search option would have made too much sense- the programmer or whoever had made this had actually gone with such an asinine request and had thus had done the laziest and most slapdash job possible. It was a fucking mess. He sighed.
He hadn't been happy to make this discovery the first time he'd done this and it still annoyed the living shit out of him now. Fucking morons… no business being in computers.
Whatever, time for the swiping Olympics. Such was why tablets came in handy.
He flicked and flicked until finally he was past the truly monstrous class of 2012- cripes the freshmen class this year was utterly ridiculous. Of course a good chunk of them would inevitably either fail out, drop out, or leave the class in some other way- moving and such but still… six hundred and twenty students… that was more than a little ludicrous in so many ways.
2011 was at the moment a more manageable 485 students. And luckily the name he was looking for would be near the top… he just had to get past the forty-five or so names in front and….
Believe, Michael E.
His eyes narrowed. Go time.
It had obviously happened at school- Pablo had more or less admitted he hadn't been very close to those in question back then- which meant the only time he would have seen it… would have been in school.
Therefore… if something had happened in school… between the bitch and Pinky… and Believe had somehow intervened.
It'd be here.
His file was nothing special at first though... the usual picture- ugh look at that mocking smirk: GPA: 3.82.
He raised an eyebrow.
Not bad. Brick's eyes narrowed again… but judging from that math grade however Believe had been in no position to say no to Bricks' very generous offer. All A's and then that nasty C' marring an otherwise perfect record- year after year it seemed.
Pity.
His eyes skimmed the file until he finally found what he was looking for. Believe's disciplinary record.
…The fuck!?
His file was nothing but… but blacked out- what the FUCK!? Seriously every other fucking word was crossed out- completely- who in the-!? Everything… was fucking blacked out!?
Like it had been...
Sealed (?!)
This was a mistake. This couldn't be- there had to be-what the…fuck? He peered closer at the screen. Holy… shit.
The file didn't seem to end. For all of it being blacked out one could still see the sheer amount of different…incidents. He counted almost… forty… and that was before the kid… had even hit middle school!? He skimmed down and finally found the first entry.
November 8, 1996: 8:00-1:30 PM
Student involved in X' incident. Powerpuff Girls intervention required. No further response necessary.
It was a long ass entry though after that initial blurb- a full two maybe three paragraphs… but everything was blacked out… wait… no… not everything…One word showed up quite a few times in the entry actually and strangely enough… it was capitalized… almost like a proper… noun? A name even.
"Patches…?" He murmured. "The hell?"
The list was ridiculous. How had this kid not ended up in jail yet- his record must have been longer than… his own.
Brick to be brutally honest only needed two hands to count all the incidents he himself had been in… well the ones he'd been technically caught… Boomer one… Butch… yeah one would need his toes for that one but…
Mike Believe's didn't seem to end.
He kept skimming up. Incident after incident- blacked out: only a few random words allowed to remain. Barrels. Chairs.
… Table (?!)
He left the Elementary level ones be- he was looking for middle school- another ridiculously long one caught his interest. This one was even longer than the mysterious "Patches" incident whatever that was.
November 8, 2005: 11:27- 12: 02 PM:
Student intervened in altercation with two female students BLANK & BLANK begun on school grounds- ended off school property. PPGs on scene. Student suffered minor injuries but was brought to local hospital for observation overnight as was BLANK. No charges have been filed against BLANK
The rest of the entry was completely blacked out. He narrowed his eyes. There was a media file attached to this one but when he selected it.
Access Denied:
He blinked. That… was new. Okay then… time for his good ole'-.
Access Denied:
His eyes widened slightly, but… no… his algorithm was flawless! Nothing could-! He adjusted his glasses before he swung his desk chair around and started typing away- Okay… this should-.
Access Denied:
Clever fucker wasn't it. Hmm… well then: He stretched his fingers out and cracked his knuckles- No more Mr. Nice Rowdy!
Access Denied: Administration level 3 or more required.
Level 3…!? Why the fuck would a normie need level 3 level protection?! He drew back from the computer somewhat… this… was strange…
Why would… a normie's file… need protection at all?
…It was a glitch. Clearly it was a glitch. He grabbed the tablet again and started skimming down. A mistake obviously- no way would a mere normie's file be so blacked out everything was probably fucked up- his worm had probably gotten an old file or something- he clicked the entry after Believe's-
It was completely open. Accessible- He found another media file- a picture of some nasty graffiti this girl had sprayed on the 3rd floor girl's bathroom: apparently she and "Kelly" didn't get along and Kelly was a man stealing whore. Fascinating.
But her media files weren't protected.
He frowned more… this… didn't make any sense.
He clicked another. And another. Open. Visible. Why was Believe's then-!?
His eyes narrowed, he continued checking random files. C, D, E, F-. All the same.
…Maybe it was…wait… of course!
Mike Believe was a close friend of the Powerpuff Girls- obviously his record would be locked- security reasons. Maybe he was in the witness… protection program? Had he seen some X' esque event in his youth…? After all anyone remotely associated with the Powerpuff Girls would have be merited extra protection- obviously anyone affiliated in some shape or another with the Superheroes of this city would need to be protected in some form for the girls' sakes... He should have realized- brilliant Jojo- brilliant.
He skimmed faster- G, H, I- J! BINGO!
And obviously any true member of the X' Team would be-.
He sucked in a breath and almost dropped the tablet before he stood up slowly.
Boomer's dumb goofy smile beamed at the camera- Brick's eyebrow rose: A- in English this semester so far? Shit… not bad Boom…
Note to self: Blueberry pancakes for breakfast Saturday.
For all his brotherly pride however…his eyes widened.
The Disciplinary record…
It was completely unmarked; minute as it was… it was still fucking exposed.
This… This was wrong. He scowled- and practically slammed Butch's file open next. Same thing. … And that biology grade was unacceptable. How was Butch still allowed on the football team? Ugh. Sport politics. Whatever.
Note to self: Start doing homework in living room again. Moron will come over for help like he always does.
Butch's disciplinary record however… was still completely exposed.
… This… this made no sense! The Tweedles were directly affiliated with the Powerpuff Girls! The X Team!
They were the X Team! If anyone was going to be in some kind of fucking "protection program" or whatever it should be them!
Brick… was beginning to become slightly unnerved. He skimmed back up- he'd skipped his own entry but surely Brick's would- NO! The FUCK!? Completely- why were the Rowdyruff Boys unprotected but… but some normie was!? And hey wait- 3.999!? The fuck where was his 4.0 (!)… Oh. Right. Shop was only half a credit. … Fuck. Aw well more important things to worry about right now because this-!
This… this made no sense!
He scrolled down quickly- this made no sense. Brick didn't like when things made no sense! When things weren't logical! Why was Believe's file completely blacked out but the fucking Rowdyruff Boys' weren't-! This made no… this made no sense!
It had to be a glitch…
Just… okay- here were the M's.
Jeez talk about a goody two shoes- Mendes hadn't even been late for school once- good for him he guessed and- the fuck!? What the fuck Michelson!? Why would anyone in their right mind want to terrorize a hamster!? The fuck is wrong with you!? That shit ain't cool!
Note to self: For all their horrible deeds in the past let it be known the Rowdyruff Boys never once targeted small animals.
A date however once again stuck out:
November 8, 2005: 11:27- 12: 02 PM:
Student was eyewitness to altercation between BLANK & BLANK: Was seen carrying fellow student, Buttercup Utonium out of area. Student suffered minor injuries- cuts and bruises. No charges against BLANK have been filed.
...Carrying Buttercup? Why would-?
Another file- labeled "witness statement" - but as soon as he clicked it.
Again. The same message popped up. He frowned. This… was strange. Whatever had happened… they were certainly doing their best to keep it a secret…
Security… glitches or what not aside- Brick had a new focus. Despite the efforts to mask this event- there were sure to be less "protected" witnesses. Brick just had to go through them one by one. The usual suspects were easy enough to discern anyway.
The twat's file was right below Michelson. But that GPA was… pathetic. Ugh… she really was a fucking idiot. Why him… why him?
Her "blurb" about the incident was however… no more useful than any of them.
November 8, 2005: 11:27- 12: 02 PM:
Student was involved in altercation with another female student, BLANK: Incident was escalated to an X' event. Direct intervention by PPGsrequired. No charges filed.
Completely useless. However this one had two media files attached. Jackpot. No encryption was on the first- an image file. His eyes widened slightly and he whistled lowly.
The picture was definitely the remains of what looked like their middle school lunchroom: tables and chairs were strewn everywhere, on their sides, in piles- and what looked like a heavy light was haphazardly hanging only from its cables- like it had been… ripped clean out of the ceiling.
The place was a wreck. It had been more or less torn apart.
There had been…. A fight alright. Pretty nasty one too from the looks of it. Another media file was below it- but the moment Brick selected it the same message popped up. Level 3 access only. Same as Believe's. He frowned.
Whatever had happened… it was clearly supposed to be a secret.
Or the records were just fucking fucked up- again he had a real hard time believing a normie would need more protection on his records than a fucking Rowdyruff boy! He continued skimming- there had to be witnesses- there had to be a file: something- no one… no one was this thorough- someone must have missed something!
Snyder was next on his list of suspects Her disciplinary… record was slightly long- not as long as Mitch's and nowhere near Believe's ( seriously in retrospect how had that kid not been expelled… if he was that much of a troublemaker?) - Her first entry however… that explained Snyder's borderline unhinged hatred of Morebucks… almost being framed for armed robbery at five… would do that he supposed… but… aha!
BINGO!
November 8, 2005: 11:27- 12: 02 PM:
Student was eyewitness to altercation between BLANK & BLANK: Was seen aiding fellow student, Bubbles Utonium out of area. Student suffered minor injuries- cuts and bruises. No charges against BLANK have been filed.
The fuck… so wait a minute… hold on here… if he was reading this correctly… the… twat had somehow managed to incapacitate both Utonium sisters- to the point Buttercup had to be carried out and Bubbles apparently was injured too!?
… The fuck!? So how the hell had Believe managed to intervene!? What had the crazy bitch done!? Where was Pinky in all this!?
She must have been the other "Blank" in question… if Morebucks had managed to injure her sisters… she would have been in a wild rage- just like Brick would have been if his brothers were the ones injured- one had to take being the eldest seriously after all…
But what the hell had… what could possibly have happened!? He saw she apparently had a witness statement too. Shocker beyond shocker: It was "locked" too.
He skimmed down to the last… letter he needed. U.
Utonium.
He shouldn't have been… but he was still shocked to see that both Bubbles' and Buttercup's files were completely open- no censoring or anything: and their blurbs were almost insultingly generic about the incident in question
November 8, 2005: 11:27- 12: 02 PM:
Student intervened in altercation between BLANK & BLANK: Incident upgraded to an X' incident: PPG on scene: incident ended off School grounds. No charges have been filed against BLANK.
Identical. Both. No changes. As irritatingly generic as possible.
One option left. He hesitated. Pinky's serene smile looked down on him- almost as if she could see what he was doing- hacking into "classified" info technically but… but it was for the greater good! It was!
… Locked. His eyes widened. Her disciplinary file… small as it was… was completely blacked out… just like Believe's.
And her "November 8, 2005" blurb was one of the ones completely blacked out… and it seemed to never end. It was one of the longest "disciplinary" blurbs he'd ever seen.
He frowned.
Someone… was clearly determined on hiding something:
But...what?
The encryption wouldn't budge. He grit his teeth.
"We all know what would have happened if Mr. Believe hadn't been there to stop it."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Access Denied: Administration level 3 or more required.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"Never piss off Michael Believe… it will not end well for you."
Access Denied: Administration level 3 or more required.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Eyes are red…
Access Denied: Administration level 3 or more required.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
You're fucking dead…
Access Granted:
His lips curled. Fucking hell. That was the worst firewall he'd ever fucking seen.
Note to self: When all is said and done- copy this program and install it on own laptop and Pinky's as well.
He skimmed- albeit it slightly more eagerly than was dignified back to the "B's. He frowned. Broken into or not… all the text was still blacked out and fucking useless. He grit his teeth. Son of a bitch! (Sorry Janey) – What the fuck was this kid hiding!?
He clicked the media file under the November 8, 2005 blurb however and it actually started to load.
It was an audio file. The video… was fucking corrupted. All he saw was static. Fucking hell!
CRASH
"Oh…Oh my God… Tweety get them out of here! Get everyone out! Go! Go!"
"What are you do- MIKEY NO!"
"Mr. Believe! Mr. Believe come back this instant! MICHAEL!"
CRASH.
"MIKEY!"
Static.
He blinked. His jaw dropped. That…was it?
That… was what was so fucking encrypted!? The FUCK!?
That wasn't helpful! That wasn't even- UGH!
…. Although… that shrieking in the background… even amidst what honestly sounded like a war zone… was Snyder's vice. And he was pretty sure one of the screams he'd heard was Michelson too.
Then he remembered those media files on those blurbs…
Witness Statements.
He found Mitch's first obviously. The "witness statement" in question… was another video file. This time in what looked like… he frowned.
City Hall?
The fuck…? Not the police station or the office?
For so called "minor" injuries…Michelson looked pretty beat up… and fucking freaked. His eyes kept darting back and forth and he wasn't really looking at the camera- he looked… scared. Then again he was what… twelve? Eleven in this?
"Mitch, we just want to know what happened sweetheart- can you tell us?"
That was Miss Bellum's voice….which explained City Hall… but why were they at City Hall?
"I… I don't really know ma'am we were… just… what about BEEP! BEEP! Are they okay!?"
Fuck… this was censored too. Well… whatever it was something at least.
"They're fine Mitch. They're all fine, the two of them are in the hospital." Mitch seemed to jump at almost the same time as Brick watching it. "Hospital!? Why is BEEP in the hospital! What-! WHAT!"
Brick frowned and took out a notebook. He jotted down "hospitalized." This whole "minor injuries" thing… was beginning to sound like bullshit. Something had clearly happened… something… big. That one audio file had almost sounded like a fucking warzone.
"Mitch, it's just in case sweetie, I promise- your friends are alright, just… I need you to tell me what you saw okay?"
"But… But… What happened why did BEEP eyes go all red and stuff- she has pink eyes not red! Huh!?-!"
So that was it.
This must have been the day it happened… the first… "Red eyes" incident. Cripes… Michelson looked fucking terrified… if not freaked beyond all measure. Crying even. But… in this case… Brick decided to give the guy a pass. An older brunette by Mitch's side- he was going to assume this was Mommy Michelson- gathered him closer to her.
"I understand you're frightened Mitch, but please- tell me what happened alright. Start from the beginning."
The kid took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes before he spoke again.
"We were eating lunch and hanging out and looking at Halloween pics and then BEEP decides to come start a fight. The brat comes over and starts calling BEEP all kinds of names and stuff- BC and Bubs kept telling her to leave us alone but she kept doing it- Robbi and BEEP got really mad and told her to go away but then... BEEP shoved them all aside, started yelling at BEEP and then… um… I'm not gonna get in trouble for this right Mom?"
The other brunette shook her head and preteen Mitch gulped before he continued.
- Okay, BEEP dumped milk all over BEEP's head and called her… an ugly… ice… um… bitch. And…then...the poor girl… just kind of started crying…. Like a lot. BEEP LOST it- he just started yelling and calling the brat… every word in the book- I… don't think I've ever seen that kid that mad in my life… BC and me joined in… sorry Mom…I called her a bitch too… am I grounded?"
Brick snorted somewhat as the older woman again shook her head and Mitch looked thoroughly relieved. Then again… he was eleven maybe twelve here it was hard to tell.
"So you would say that this was instigated by BEEP then?"
"Uh YEAH! She ALWAYS starts it! She's always treating poor BEEP like garbage and we all know it's because BEEP is jealous as heck of her but lately… it's just honestly gotten worse lately- it never stops, and now she's getting other people to gang up on her too! It was only a matter of time before… BEEP cracked… but…"
"Go on Mitch."
Another gulp.
"BEEP was just crying and crying and that was making BEEP madder and madder- Robbi and Bubs kept hugging her and trying to calm her down- but she just… wouldn't stop. And I had to grab BC cause she wanted to… um…. You know… beat BEEP to a pulp and BEEP wanted to join in I think… but Robbi kinda grabbed him then too and Bubs had to come help me. So… no one was… looking at BEEP for a second…and BEEP just kept...laughing."
Brick frowned more- his grip on the pen was too much- it snapped. He cursed. Fuck, there went his pen. Whatever, fucking… bitch. He could see it- he could see it clear in his mind.
Pinky covered head to toe in filth, sobbing- having been terrorized already for months: She could see her friends jumping up to her defense- even Mitch had apparently joined in. huh well then Brick now had some newfound respect for the annoying buck tooth- and clearly Believe had led the pack- him and BC both. The beeps were annoying… but from his limited knowledge of the events… he could discern who was who. The beeped "he" obviously being Believe. The other two "beeps" Pinky and Princess.
"And when did any of you realize something was amiss?"
"BEEP called BC a bitch… and… a… I know I'm gonna get grounded for this one so I ain't saying it but it was really nasty and everyone just yelled and yeah… the next thing we know… the table… is kinda thrown aside…and BEEP just kind of stood there... and it was….weird."
"How so?"
"... I...can't really explain it. But… it kind of… she was kind of out of it… something… was just… kind of weird Ma'am I can't explain it like I said but she was just… glaring and… it didn't seem like BEEP … at all."
"Can you explain more Mitch? Please, this is very important."
He looked genuinely frightened at that point. He kept looking at his mother.
"She… just didn't seem right… Ms. Bellum… I've known… them almost forever you know… and I'd seen… them all go at it…be at each other's throats… you know… being sisters… and I've seen her… fighting crime… and monsters… and… I've seen her… mad… but… not… not like this. She didn't say… anything she just…kept looking at the floor and then… she started… growling… growling like some kind of… freaking animal! It was freaky! BC was freaked! And she ran over to her and tried to make her talk but she just kept doing it and… then… she… made her… made her look up and…and...a-and…"
Brick couldn't look away. This kid… was an annoying one-normally nonchalant and it seemed like nothing fazed him… but here was Mitch Michelson on this screen… looking scared out of his mind.
"Mitch. What happened this morning- what did you see?"
He was shaking. Brick clenched his arm rest somewhat harder than he should have- he heard the crack.
"Her eyes… they were… bright…red… and then she just… went off."
"This was the beginning of the physical altercation?"
A nod. Another gulp. Another crack.
"Yeah… BEEP was so… mad I don't think I've ever… seen her so mad… it was… s-scary. BC tried to calm her down… but then BEEP went and pressed some weird button on her stupid crown she keeps wearing and then her "super suit" or whatever just appeared out of nowhere and she goes and blasts a big hole in the wall and almost hit a bunch of kids and BEEP just lost it then- They went after each other and that was it. Bubs and BC told us to get everybody out of there and jumped in to help because BEEP was having a hissy fit and was shooting things left and right like she always does so they jumped in to help BEEP - so Robbi and BEEP started helping people get out and stuff and then BEEP yells at me to pull the fire alarm and go get Ms. Keane… because she's the best at handling… you know… X'...stuff."
More like the only teacher brave enough.
...Okay that wasn't fair- Mr. Walter gave no shits- X' or not he saw a fight he was gonna break it: There was a reason Brick had respect for the man. He'd even broken up a Tweedle scuffle once for God's sake.
"So you didn't see the actual fight?"
"... I didn't see a lot of it… but when I got back with Keane… I saw Bubs… and BC… go down."
Brick sucked in a breath. Say what!? The twat had brought both Utonium sisters down!? How the fuck-!? Another sniffle and the brunette wiped his eyes again. Mitch did seem closest to Buttercup, he wondered about the history there sometimes- they seemed almost exact opposites. His eyes skimmed back up to the blurb- but the two were obviously close enough for the normie in question to have risked his own skin to get her out of what was apparently a literal "war zone" more or less at the time.
But who had-?
"You saw BEEP throw her sisters then?"
WHAT!? PINKY!? PINKY THREW HER-!?
"Y-Yeah… they… they were trying to pull her back… and… she just kept yelling and finally BOOM- she tosses both of em' like… they were rag dolls or somethin'- I saw BC hit the wall… and Bubs hit that table… and Robbi screamed and she and BEEP went running- so I did too- and… I knew it was getting really bad then… so I just grabbed BC then and Robbi grabbed Bubbles and we ran for it."
There was a missing person in that statement Brick noted. Apparently Miss Bellum did too.
"And… BEEP- where was he?"
"He made sure… we all got out but then... he ran back in. I was… with everyone else when Bubs and BC woke up and flew back in after we heard this big crash… but after that… we were all brought in the shelter so... that's all I know… But are BEEP and BEEP okay!? I know BEEP was out but I didn't know BEEP was too! What happened to him!? Can I see em'! What's-!"
The video ended.
Brick slumped against his chair- So… essentially Whorebucks was more or less at fault here and drove Pinky into a red rage after she could take no more of the harassment which Brick could not only not blame her for in the slightest but he was going to make the bitch pay for it- he didn't know how yet- but he would.
Her checkbook wouldn't save her forever. Oh no- Brick was going to find a way… he didn't care how! She would regret every single derogatory word she had ever flung in Blossom Marie Utonium's general direction- oh yes.
Brick would make sure of that.
But… why had Pinky… thrown her sisters…!?
… Mitch hadn't seen the actual fight. He'd been off getting Miss Keane. Believe's records were useless. There had been no witness statements from the Utonium sisters. Only one other person had seen it.
He skimmed to the S's.
Robin looked pissed. Grade A' pissed. She didn't look as beat up as Mitch had- but she was also copping more of an attitude than Mitch had been too- where the bucktooth had been almost cowering- Robin was simply snarling- the elderly woman next to her had a reassuring hand on her shoulder but she still looked just as angry.
"Robin, I understand you're upset-."
" You want to ask me what I saw- I'll tell you what I saw- I saw that slimy snake once again torturing my poor best friend, terrorizing her, which obviously the school does NOTHING about because of who's doing the bullying-!"
The older woman gave Robin a sharp look. Brick sensed grandmother here.
"Robin, it's not Miss Bellum's fault- just tell her what happened bubula."
"Yes Bubbe… Sorry Ma'am- Okay… it was a usual lunch… we were all laughing and you know talking- BEEP had brought in pictures from Halloween. The girls, me and BEEP were the only ones that hadn't been invited to BEEP's "Halloween Bash" and Mitchy has better things to do with his time obviously so we all had gone to the girls' house instead you know."
… They hadn't missed much. Tweedle Dum still had yet to make it up to Brick over having begged to go to that stupid party because "everyone was going to be there" and instead Brick had found himself cornered and trapped by a deranged stalker who had decided her first "boy girl" party was the perfect place to declare herself madly in love with him and… he shuddered.
No see… Boomer would never make that up to Brick. Never.
"When… BEEP comes sauntering over and starts of course. BEEP doesn't pay any attention and none of us really care about her big "soiree" or whatever she called it because everyone said it su-stunk anyway. And well-being ignored apparently made her VERY mad- So BEEP REALLY starts going after BEEP then because she's her favorite target but BEEP is just so used to it at this point that… I dunno she just… ignores it. It makes all of us mad but… she just says her usual to us. You know… "Sticks and Stones." -."
"... She has always been a peacemaker."
"Yeah well not for nothing Miss Bellum, but it's not fair! But whatever- BEEP just keeping going after BEEP, and then she pours milk over her head cause why not! So BEEP finally breaks and bursts out crying because something's gotta give you know and BEEP goes NUTS- he's yelling, he's pointing, and BC is right behind him yelling just as much with Mitchy holding her back as best he could- I mean I wanted to take a swing at her too - Sorry Bubbe - but BEEP was so hysterical I just.. I mean I couldn't leave her and Bubsy had no choice but to go help Mitch out- cause BC was just really upset and… well... "
She had begun playing with one of her braids and gave her grandmother a long look, the elderly woman nodded and Robin seemed to take a deep breath.
"BEEP… is… protective of… the girls… cause of... you know... "
Uh actually Brick didn't. Enlighten him.
"But he's… really, REALLY protective… of BEEP… he genuinely sees her as his sister and… well I saw him… getting… mad. Like… the bad… kind of mad. So… I kind of… didn't have a choice cause I knew… BEEP losing it would make everything ten times worse… so I ran over to him and… left BEEP alone for a sec…I wanted to calm HIM down… so stuff wouldn't get worse and then… it did anyway."
"You saw the fight begin then?"
"Uh huh… BEEP called BC...the… C' word… and that set her sister off and well… that was that. Bubsy let BC go and the two of em' told us to get everybody out of there because the crazy twit had started shooting her… lasers or whatever and everyone was hiding under the tables and stuff so… BEEP kind of takes charge….and starts yelling at everyone to go out the south door because they were all herding BEEP towards the exit and then he yelled at Mitch to pull the fire alarm and go get Miss Keane. And… Mitch books it out- and me and BEEP just… you know try to get all the kids out- because the 1st graders had our lunch too… and they were all freaking out and you know… Mrs. Twinsdale booked it out of there as soon as BC got up yelling and was probably hiding in the broom closet…"
Brick rolled his eyes. Not shocking. Faculty with the exception of Miss Keane and a few key others (Mr. Walter among them) would almost always run and hide versus do their jobs when an X' incident occurred on school grounds. There was a reason after all they as a whole were more or less called into every Green fight without fail and the cowering teacher who had discovered it- let either Brick or Boomer calm the raging beast while Pinky and Bubs had done the same with their own green beast- or Keane, Walter or the few other brave enough faculty members did it instead.
Either way. Faculty involvement in X' events was somewhat of a joke.
… But now he could see why Whorebucks setting off laser blasts willy nilly had enraged Pinky off more than usual. There had been children in the room.
It had been a recipe for disaster. Start to finish.
"Robin, I know you must have been frightened, but please try to remember- did you see when Buttercup and Bubbles were thrown down?"
"... Yeah. I did. BEEP was… really acting weird- she was super… angry… but it wasn't… like normal… angry. And her sisters… they kind of grabbed her- started yelling over how she had to calm down- they knew something was up- and just… she didn't care- she was after that chick and no one was gonna stop her so… she kind of-. Threw… them both off her. It was… insane. Like… even BC… can't fight both her sisters at once… and BEEP just threw them both off like… nothing."
"And this is when you decided it was best to get out as well?"
"Yeah… Mitchy grabbed BC- she was out. And I helped Bubsy- she was kind of out of it- I think she hit her head, I dunno- and we all just kind of booked it… except... BEEP wouldn't… he made sure we got out but… when someone tried to get him to come with us he kind of scooted under the guy's arm and ran back in- the girls… BC woke up- she was really confused and Bubsy was freaking out- and then there's this huge CRASH- so they go running back in but I was in the back of the line going into the shelter… so I was able to see them kinda tackle the stupid bratin the sky and bring her down- dragging her with them and BC kind of throws her in the van and then… BEEP… came out of the cafeteria… or I mean what was left of it.
Her grandmother was clutching her hand which had violently begun shaking. Brick's own hand was crushing the wood of his desk like putty.
"Robin, please continue."
"He looked like something… out of a zombie movie… he was… so pale and… he was stumbling- and he had this… death grip on her- she was totally out and was barely staying on his back- and there was just… so...so much blood… his nose was gushing… and the girls ran to him and got her off him into an ambulance… and then he just… fell down and I don't know what happened and please let me see him! Please! I know about everything! "Just let me see him! I won't tell anyone! Honest! I promise! I'll sign one of those "non-disclosure" agreements like on tv just let me see him!"!
Whoa!? What in the- She was hysterical. Miss Bellum was hurrying over to the camera.
The video ended.
Brick stood and slammed the laptop closed, stormed over to his dresser and grabbed a hoodie- shoved it on over his head and jumped off his balcony.
Something was wrong. Something was screwy in Townsville. This was…
Townsville Central Middle School wasn't too far from here.
It was a long shot… but X' incidents inevitably left their mark. No matter the cosmetic repairs.
Something always remained.
-o-o-o-
Of course however on his leisurely flight through Townsville's pitch black sky- idiots were wont to take advantage of the dark conditions and try to be well-idiots.
Case in point he heard what sounded like a car window being broken. Sounded like someone was looking to get a new car… for free of course. It was easy enough to find the dumb asses in question.
"Man hurry up! Before one of those X kids show up or something!"
"You kiddin? That'd be great- I mean those chicks man… all three of em'- specially the green one- aw man that ass." He leered. "I wouldn't mind being "caught" by her- you know what I'm sayin' man?"
That idiot was so lucky it was Brick and not Butch right here. Whatever- he slapped his fist in his palm and strolled over.
"Evening gentlemen." He called out and like clockwork the two froze and whipped around. He heard the tell-tale click and he rolled his eyes: Of course- always had to put up a stupid fight. He looked at the gun with distaste.
"Listen punk! I ain't afraid of you- I know you guys are vulnerable to getting shot- that fine little redhead showed us that!" Mistake number one. "So why don't you back the fuck off Rapunzel!" Mistake number two. "Cause we ain't afraid of-!" Mistake number three.
"Right. Okay then have it your way." He jumped in the air, smoothly missing the first "shot" and floated behind them. "Sure you don't wanna just surrender?" Another shot. Well he tried, okay then-.
.Something cold and metallic touched his skin. Pressed right against it.
Ah… there seemed to be a third individual. Of course there was.
"Hands on your head mother fucker." He rolled his eyes but nonetheless slowly raised his hands. "Ya know I think I recognize you- yeah- you're the guy who nailed Ronnie a few months ago."
"Six actually."
"Shut the fuck up- you know you messed him up pretty bad- and guess what fucker- Ronnie happens to be my girl's cousin."
"Is he now? Fascinating. Maybe he shouldn't have tried copping a feel on an underage girl then." He grunted when the pistol was pushed harder against his cheek. "You are aware assaulting a super hero in uniform is a federal crime right?" He hissed.
"Tch- shut up I don't see no fancy shmancy uniform."
"It's called the hat mother fucker!"
"Hey! Don't you go insultin' my momma! Least I have one- orphan boy!" Brick inhaled sharply, his eyes narrowed and he felt the fire surge in his throat. "Whatever- hey Kev', Shawn- hold him- lets teach this punk a lesson for ole' Ronnie's sake eh!"
"Will do man." Brick grit his teeth as the two idiots lunged on him. Well… this was likely going to equal some pretty nasty paperwork… Sorry Pinky. He sucked in a deep breath- maybe a few licks of fire would give the message and no further violence would be needed-.
CRASH
He blinked- and the gun went flying out of dumb ass number one's hand and then the other also soon went flying- Brick elbowed the one he decided was Kevin or whatever in the stomach and he was released.
"Ya know – there's just something just so sad about what the pistol has been reduced to lately- it used to be an elegant weapon- the weapon of choice for gentlemen even." Distinct clinks echoed as the bullets fell listlessly to the ground- and the magazines themselves were airily tossed behind the masked vigilante. "And now here they are- just reduced to the tools of common thugs. Pity."
"Who the fuck are you-!?" Kevin, Shawn or nameless one with a fixation on some Ronnie snarled.
"Me? – I go by the Trickster- here's the thing. You picked the wrong night to be a dumb ass- because I'm not the greatest of moods right now." He was swinging both pistols listlessly with his hands. "So here's the deal- you just let the Red Rowdy go on his merry broody way and we're done here- but if you don't-." One of the guys rushed him.
And then went flying- Brick watched passively.
"That happens- whelp kiddies I warned em'- Jojo catch!" One of the guns went flying and Brick instantly shoved K, S, and R whatever the name was and lunged- he twisted it like putty before slamming it across the idiot's- who was still trying to hold onto him- head.
One.
The Trickster meanwhile having been ascertained as a threat apparently was double charged- Brick tensed and barely avoided a switchblade- cause of course the moron thought that was going to work- people were just so dumb!
One roundhouse kick- shit, good kick- he ducked another punch- another fist went flying and then they were back to back.
"Evening Jojo- fancy meeting you here." Brick rolled his eyes and dodged another punch.
"Funny I was about to say the same thing to you- awfully far from your normal turf aren't we Tricky?"
A crooked smile before another kick and they switched sides- left. Right.
"A guy likes to expand his boundaries Brick- seeing the same thing every day? Tch- how boring is that? - On your left-!"
Duck. "Thanks- and just as an FYI you really ought to stay away from X' turf- Pinky's not the biggest fan of vigilantes. Twelve o' clock!"
Another punch. Another damn good kick. Brick would give credit where credit was due after all. He may have been an unhinged moron… but he was a damn good fighter as well as being the aforementioned unhinged individual.
"Duly noted- I'll keep that in mind- but first-!" The idiots had apparently decided no sports car no matter how shiny was worth dealing with a Rowdy and a masked psychic vigilante… but that smirk was getting more and more crooked- his hand shot out and the two fleeing idiots froze in place- "I believe you need to take out the trash eh Jojo?" He blinked and soon enough there was a sharp crack and a handy telephone wire came undone and wrapped around the two before they were hoisted in the air. Upside down.
"That was unnecessary." He muttered.
"Yeah but it was fuuun." Tricky snickered as Brick rolled his eyes. "So shouldn't you bring these losers in?"
Police sirens echoed.
"Ah never mind- well- be seein' ya." He gave a mock salute and swung himself up a handy fire escape.
… Brick ought to wait for the cops… explain the situation… but on the other hand…
… What they didn't know wouldn't kill them… and that would mean no extra paperwork…
He saw a black shadow above him and his eyes narrowed before he hopped up back in the air.
The cops swarmed the alley only seconds later and were more than a little confused as to the scene- one knocked out for the count and two others tied up and hanging off a roof- the cord effectively gagging them as well. They all were just scratching their heads- his mouth curled slightly.
Idiots.
"Well that was interesting." He flicked his gaze sideways and the masked man gave him a smirk of his own. "Not the best workout I've had but hey the night is still young." He shrugged. Brick folded his arms.
"Yeah? Give me a reason why I shouldn't be taking you in as well?" He didn't seem fazed at all, as… he supposed Brick had to reluctantly admit- Tricky here really didn't have much to worry about did he- one false move and Brick would be the one upside down.
And the ass knew it. He didn't even bother answering Brick's question instead he flapped his asinine cape to the side,
"So, how is your Sleeping Beauty by the way- how goes Prince Charming's courtship- I'll admit to a slight curiosity." he said simply. Brick inhaled sharply,
"Fine." He said shortly, "Whatever, just don't cause any more trouble I got enough shit on my plate right now." Cripes. Of all the morons to run into. He didn't have time for this and he also didn't want nor need to be reminded of how much of a dumbass he was. There was a shuffle of fabric again and the insane idiot was suddenly next to him.
"Ouch. That bad huh?" He scowled before he flipped him off.
"Fuck off. I'm busy!" He snarled. The guy didn't look fazed in the slightest… he hated this guy. Yes, yes he did.
"Oho! Yikes- looks like somebody woke up on the wrong side of the doggy bed this morning." He snickered and Brick growled more.
"Listen you- I ain't in a good mood and I have places to be so-!" He paused. Oh for the love of-! What business did an old hag have walking this late at night alone!? God damn it- why were people so stupid!?
Obviously the oblivious crone didn't notice the guy stalking her either and was probably too blind to see the silver glint of the knife. He slapped his brow and jumped down.
"Fucking hell." He hissed. The ensuing screech wasn't surprising- but the loud crash, followed by a manly "yelp" slightly was. The purse fell listlessly in Brick's hands.
Err…?
"Oh thank you young man!" He blinked and the old lady took it back.
"Uh you're welcome… but ma'am you really should stick to the street lights if you're going to be out this- you're not even listening to me so fuck it." She was already toddling along. He slapped his head again.
Cripes…
"You'd think morons would learn."
… Ugh. He looked at the smirking masked menace witheringly.
"Is there a reason you're following me?" He muttered. Another snicker. Ugh.
"Meh I'm bored- and I'm actually quite curious about Prince Charming's little dilemma." He stiffened. "Go on, let's hear it."
"What business is it of yours?!" He snapped.
Another belligerent shrug, "It's not every day a guy sees a literal fairy tale come to life. Color me invested."
"… It wasn't a kiss." Brick finally muttered and the asshole patted him on the back.
"Sure it wasn't." He flicked his cape somewhat, "C'mon, you look like something's on your mind."
"The hell do you care?" Brick did not have time for this. He floated up.
"Well… I'm a nice guy- and you look like you're in need of a sympathetic ear or a nice knock on the head- but lucky for you I'm mostly a pacifist so..."
He snorted, "Tell that to my brother."
A snort, back "I warned him many times- do not insult my mother nor call me any sort of… clown and we'll have no problems. With all due respect- he deserved it."
Brick bristled but… couldn't argue with the wretch either. Butch's… ego had always been a problem… and his "baiting" habit was worse. One only had to look at the Green Puff to see the consequences of that.
"Only I am allowed to punish my brothers if necessary. You don't have the right to make that call."
"...Ah. Right. I overstepped my boundaries then?"
"Yes."
An airy shrug, "Fine then, next time I wish to make your brother punch himself in the face for making an asinine or otherwise idiotic unhelpful comment I'll ask permission first."
"Better."
They fell into silence. … Technically Brick should be bringing this guy in- but he also didn't feel like being hung upside down by a telephone wire. He'd never seen telepathy this… strong before in anything but science fiction films- a single point of a finger and this individual could send a grown man Butch's size flying- and lack of height aside- Butch was a tank: there was a reason he was Townsville High's star tackler.
And this one here had reduced the X' positive football player to a mere rag doll- hovering in the air before another flick and down he'd gone. All with a nonchalant smile on his deranged face. The sorry state of Lenny Baxter while in most part due to Boomer… had nevertheless not been aided by this individual.
Despite himself… Brick was honestly having a hard time calling this individual a simple…"human." - Butch's foolish "alien" theory… while ludicrous in principle… nevertheless couldn't be ruled out. And Pinky had mentioned "Paranormal Abilities" existed in Townsville… was this man registered on the SHL list he wondered… could they get access to it? Figure out who he was that way?
He was considerably younger after all than he had thought- Boomer's theory concerning him maybe going to their high school… maybe wasn't so dumb after all. The voice distorter was cheap but it still did its job however and for all his "nonchalance" Brick could still see how tense the guy was.
Brick made one wrong move and he'd go flying and the guy would be out of there.
And… Masked menace or not…Brick had more important things to focus on right now.
"Right… whatever- I have something I need to do- I'm giving you a pass don't get used to it and don't trash my city." He zipped back into the air. Fucking… hell.
The middle school was empty- dark otherwise but their February break was beginning next week: He dug in his pocket and pulled out a handy bobby pin- before he also pulled on a pair of gloves- no fingerprints. No evidence. Not… that he'd leave any evidence behind whatsoever but…
Call Brick paranoid- the last thing he needed right now was to somehow give Pinky more work to do… though it still irked him he'd been kept out of the paperwork loop for so long. Whatever- they could have a discussion about that at some point later on but right now…
He shuddered on instinct- ugh… these goddamn hallways. Bad memories. Bad. Walking on barely functional feet- and having the delightful experience of learning how fingers worked. Ugh.
Just… ugh.
He paused somewhat and then smirked. Case in point to his prior theory- the dent was still there. That had been a nasty scuffle between the Tweedles- Boomer's temper was well known after all- but even Brick had never expected the blonde to chuck his own brother headfirst into a locker.
Had to feel sorry for whichever poor kid was stuck with this one. He even saw posters and cork boards in different locations but his sharp eyes could still see the singed plaster from accidental bursts of heat vision, ice, electricity, fire and even just a badly timed victory fist in the air located behind them.
It was too late for even a janitor to still be here but the camera was a problem- he frowned… hmm… right at the cafeteria too- ugh.
But then the camera clicked off and fell to the ground.
"You are aware that the renovation in 2005 was to completely erase any and all traces of the November incident correct?"
He jumped and whirled around- how in the-!?
"Did you follow me!?" He snapped. The Trickster shrugged. "How the fuck did you even-!?"
"For a middle school… security is still pretty lax. Locks are almost insultingly easy to unlock. But I know what you're here for- and it's a waste of your time- Miss Bellum herself ordered the renovations and shit: there's not even a hint of the old paint even." He blinked.
"The fuck? Why?" There had been plenty of X' incidents in the past. Some involving the school. Hell the fucking high school had been the target of the sushi patrol in the past and all they did was slap new paint on and in the more extreme cases shut down a few classrooms for a few days to make sure they weren't death traps.
And those were monsters- monstrosities. Abominations. Annoying Sushi with tempers.
This… had been… not to be crude… it had sounded like… a fucking cat fight on steroids. X' steroids.
So… what made this different?
Tricky only folded his arms and led the way into the cafeteria.
"People called it the worst lunchroom fire in decades. Totally gutted it- destroyed it. You know." He said simply.
"Excuse me? Fire- that was no-."
He snorted, "The media will report whatever they're told to- and the only direct witnesses were children. Panicked over imaginative children. Who would the world choose to believe?"
Brick narrowed his eyes, "... You were there." He said simply. It wasn't a question either. A shrug. Even through the mask he could see the mockery oozing from the masked menace.
"Maybe. Maybe not. But I have ears. And I have my ways. What do you think happened Mr. Jojo?"
"Pinky and the crazy bitch got in a super powered cat fight." he muttered. It sounded even more ludicrous to say it loud. He almost didn't blame the guy for laughing at first but then he shook his head.
"That… could be argued… yes. So… what else do you know? Any specifics?" Airy. Nonchalant. Brick wanted to smack that fucking smirk off this shithead's slimy face.
He clenched his fists instead, "The records are completely-."
"Censored- if not encrypted to the point of near lunacy- and why do you think that is?"
"Because someone wanted to keep what happened a secret." Dumbass.
"Correct Crimson Fire." The Trickster said darkly. "Those in question after all could be very interesting to certain… individuals. It's a protective measure- good luck hacking it: Miss Sarah Bellum herself took personal interest in the locking of those files." He began to pace somewhat.
"I feel bad for you though- allow me to… fill in a few blanks for you."
"Oh well aren't we so nice?" Brick hissed. His sarcasm went unnoticed. Tricky only settled atop one of the tables and started idly twirling a finger- Brick was instantly sat into a chair. He blinked. A strange… wisp seemed to be forming around… the guy's hand… wait… huh!?
He would have shot up but he was held down in place. But… But-!?
"On November 8, 2005- during second period lunch- Princess Morebucks began antagonizing one Blossom Utonium- trying to get a reaction out of her like she always did." His voice was soft. "When initial insults didn't work… she played… excuse the irony… dirty." His hand went up. "She would sorely regret that decision."
The cafeteria was suddenly… filled. Most of the faces… were blurred-. No one really looked familiar. It was almost… like a mirage.
But… the people in front of him- at a table in the near back… were unmistakable.
But this… this was…
This is impossible.
Buttercup…. Or at least… a middle school aged Buttercup- shit had her hair really used to be that long (?) now stood in front of him and she was almost a raging beast- being held back by the buck toothed brunette and Bubbles. Mike was right next to her (braces and shitty hair galore) while Robin (with pigtails) had latched onto his waist and was pulling him with all her strength it looked like. But both of their mouths were wide open- screaming- bellowing- and… it didn't take much to figure out why.
Because… there was the twat of the hour- hair an uncontrollable poof still because she didn't start artificially straightening her hair until high school… and there the bitch was- pointing and laughing at Pinky… covered head to toe in food, her head in her hands and she was…
Sobbing.
He felt his anger rise. Buttercup escaped from her hold and got right in the bitch's face: Bubbles for some reason having moved on from keeping her sister at bay to… Mike? Why the fuck would she even-? The yelling was still silent- but whatever word came next out of the bitch's mouth… set the entire group off- and they all lunged forward- Mitch even: But just as the report had… said- the crazy bitch set off her super suit…
And the blast hit the wall… just above the heads of a group of terrified little...first graders.
He sucked in a breath and looked at the masked menace… who… who simply kept looking straight ahead- hand still idly up- the strange wisp around his hand growing- was...was he the one… doing this?
Brick looked all around him- at this… at this scene that… that should have been impossible! There was no scientific explanation for-!?
But then his thoughts died. And he simply stared probably with the same agog expression every single spectre in this room had.
Blossom slowly rose from her chair- tears gone. The chair in fact went flying to the side- and her sisters even Buttercup turned slowly around- Mike finally ceased his struggles with Robin and Bubbles.
And they all just stared.
Brick did too.
One silent step. Another. Then another.
The struggling ceased. Brick could almost feel the tension in the air at each… ominous step the Pink Puff was taking and Princess took another step back.
Eyes… glowing a bright… sinister… Red.
She reached Princess and the two stared at each other- the laser shaking in her hands before the Pink Puff simply grabbed it…
And crushed it with one single flick of the wrist… before she moved on to the villainess- and threw her across the room in a single one armed strike.
He saw Morebucks get up- start railing again before flying towards them- Buttercup and Bubbles jumped into the fight: the cafeteria was in chaos but the Norms had indeed… it seemed taken the lead in getting everyone out: "Mike's" mouth opened and "Mitch" went flying past him out the door before he vanished.
The fight continued- the sisters tag teaming but another laser one Pinky hadn't destroyed came flying out- almost hitting another group of kids being hastily herded out by Robin: Brick wasn't surprised no teacher had come flying in: they were likely scared out of their minds.
It felt like hours… but it was only minutes Brick knew. From start to finish...the entire incident had been twenty five minutes long… twenty five minutes… of sheer… chaos. But through this…
Brick realized with a sinking dread… Blossom… hadn't said a single… fucking… word.
Kick. Punch. Dodge.
Rinse. Repeat. Morebucks was certainly yelling enough… but Pinky's mouth remained firmly closed. Coldly focused until finally the crazy bitch was brought down and thrown clear into a table- with such force it cracked even in the middle.
Brick shook his head, crazy bitch… shooting a fucking laser with little kids around- fucking… he froze. The Trickster still was impassive next to him.
Because… despite the fact… she was obviously down.
...Blossom still kept walking towards her.
One hand was grabbed. He saw Bubbles' mouth moving silently but frantically. She kept walking. Her other was grabbed with more force. The three of them paused- her expression was still blank- with a cold fury despite those burning irises.
The bitch struggled back up- her mouth opened again. The sisters were still frantically trying to pull their big sister away- but then just as he saw a buck toothed brunette and a younger Keane come running in the room.
Bubbles went flying one way into the table just next to him- Robin screamed and ran over - Buttercup slammed into the back wall and crumbled to the floor. Mitch practically did a hurdle jump over a table to reach her: Both of the Puffs were unconscious as Miss Keane ran over.
His heart began pounding as the Pink Puff lowered her arms- where she had just thrown both her sisters off her like she was flicking a fucking mosquito off her arm.
… Bubbles and Buttercup's reactions in the training room… suddenly made… sickening sense.
She was enraged. Her eyes were getting a brighter and brighter Red.
Eyes are red…
"You're fucking….dead." He whispered.
The image froze. He blinked. It was almost like… a paused movie screen. But it was… all around him- like the training room only…
Real.
Brick realized his legs could move again as suddenly the scene vanished- melted away like the training room and the Trickster's hand lowered. He was breathing hard and Brick saw a line of red under his nose though it was hastily wiped off.
"...H-How…" His whisper was hoarse. He was so shocked it was a miracle he could talk to be brutally honest. He took a deep breath- and then another- his hands were shaking. "How… the… fuck did you-!?"
A short laugh, before another swish of his cape. "You called me a telekinetic- a psychic even- and… yes you're correct. That is one of my "paranormal" ability- and before you even try- don't try hacking into the SHL records-you'll be thrown into prison faster than you could even close the window." He flinched.
"But you say… it's one." He murmured. "What's the...other?"
A sly smirk. Another snap of fingers and Brick jumped back.
Before he blushed. He couldn't help it.
That… skirt was a fucking gift from the Gods and… Jesus Christ- he shot up shakily, the wispy form of Pinky vanished however before he could take her hand.
His breathing was hoarse.
The Trickster chuckled and strolled in front of him.
"You call me a psychic but….well don't we look pale." He dug through his pocket (?) - Capes had pockets? - and pulled out what looked like run of the mill straw- before one flip of his fingers and he was suddenly holding-.
Brick staggered backwards and clutched the nearest definitely solid thing behind him for dear life. Tricky waved the fan idly. "What? It's hot in here- go on." He held it out and Brick backed away from it. "It won't bite. Go ahead. Perfectly safe I can assure you. Unless you're too scared-." That smile was unhinged. He grit his teeth and snatched… the fan (!).
"... This is impossible." He whispered. A slight wave and it… it was a fucking fan but… but it was a straw too! Huh! But- what!?
Another sharp laugh, "God Jojo you're white as a sheet- sit down man I'm not lugging your ass home cause you pass out on me." Another chuckle and Brick slumped in a chair.
"H-How….?" He croaked.
Another shrug, "The mind… is an interesting phenomena Brick. What you think you see… feel… touch… taste, smell and hear... Is all a result of the human mind. What makes you think that simple straw is now a fan? Is it how you're holding it. How you can feel the ridges from the paper. The air that flows towards you as you wave it. You know it's a straw… but your eyes are telling you a different story aren't they."
He nodded. Then he remembered. "Just like the gasoline…" He murmured.
A short nod, "Sorry about that- but I had a feeling you three when you realized I hadn't A'Xed you would immediately attack and refuse to listen unless I gave you… reason to pause." He sounded sheepish. "I am sorry for that by the way… but you have to give me some kind of a break… I was being called a terrorist on national television."
Brick scowled but nonetheless… inwardly supposed the guy hadn't had much choice.
The fan was still solid in his hand. He could feel the ridges of the paper, the wood of the handle… he could even hear the crinkle of the paper and a slight breeze hitting his face. This was… how…
"You're saying… this is… a straw." Brick murmured. He knew it was a straw. He'd seen it in the guy's hand before a flick of his wrist and… this was now a fan. But… how did?
He nodded shortly and took it from Brick's limp grip. Another flick and there the straw was. He handed it back and Brick took it listlessly.
"The mind can be tricked." He murmured. "The senses can be fooled. What you think you see… isn't what you're really seeing. But your mind thinks it is: And well… "He gestured towards the straw.
"I can make anything appear as something else- manipulate the light and make you see something- touch something- your brain will think it's real. How do you know it isn't? Or in that moment… if it actually is?"
Brick said nothing and the Trickster grinned before he snapped his fingers and the straw returned to Tricky's hand- another flip and there was the hand-another… and the fan became more elaborate. - One more… and there was the straw.
"Most people call me the Trickster, you've called me a psychic but as for me… well…"
One more flip and that straw became a cane and he leaned over it like a fucking cane as he grinned like a fucking… how in the… how… but… Tricky only chuckled more.
"I prefer the term… illusionist."
-o-o-o-
When it came to things… however fantastic… Brick had always prided himself on having an explanation ready- a scientific explanation.
But as he followed this masked menace out of the middle school and up to the roof of a nearby building- fire escapes apparently came in handy… Brick's mind was only coming up blank.
Illusions… Had that entire scene in the cafeteria… Been an… illusion? Something… something created by this individual- a manipulation of light combined with Brick's senses to make it seem
… Real?
It had been exactly like the training room. Only- he couldn't touch that scene- only watch… but the fan in his hands had been startlingly solid- did Tricky… have limitations then?
… Of course he did. As soon as he had left the area after their… encounter with the gasoline… all that had been left were Styrofoam cups blowing listlessly in the breeze...
But it was instant. Just like his telekinetic abilities he had full control over these… illusions as he did with the physical objects he was throwing around like toys- but… how!?
Brick had heard of telekinesis… had seen examples but never to this extent on television- upon researching the SHL for example there were plenty of individuals who possessed this ability… somewhat…
But never to the extent of Tricky here. And never with the nonchalant sort of ease he possessed. Most of it took intense thinking- intense concentration- for Tricky all it took was a flick of his wrist. Split seconds.
One moment it was a straw. The next a fan. The next a cane.
And now…
Brick touched the straw in his pocket thoughtfully- a souvenir the ass had called it so cheekily.
He would obviously examine it. Look for anomalies… but… he had a distinct feeling he would only find a run of the mill… cheap Cost Smart brand drinking straw as the end result.
It was… incredible. Brick didn't use that word lightly. His team's abilities-growing as they were as they aged and began experimenting with different combinations and such… that was a term worthy of the word… Pinky's ice skating and sheer devastating beauty as she danced upon the ice… that was the epitome of the word.
But…it was the only… word he could describe with what he was seeing tonight.
His mind ran wild with questions. Could he only manipulate physical objects… or could his illusions work on organic matter? Could he make solid objects from "air" or did all of them need a "base" like this straw or a cup. Was that cape filled with random objects or something? If he ripped it off would he find pockets filled with straws, cups other things- other "bases" for his illusionary sculpting?
And what had… that scene in the cafeteria been then… had it been real…?
… Or was it simply a manipulation of Brick's mind?
Tricky was being irritably silent. Usually Brick couldn't get the ass to shut up. Now he had fucking clammed up.
"Where are we going?" Brick grunted.
"You'll see."
Roof after roof. The guy was apparently a champion of the sport of parkour. Up a fire escape. Over a few AC vents- despite a few stumbles… the guy did seem to be somewhat of a klutz and Brick had to save his sorry ass from going through a glass roof of some hotel pool at one point…
They finally stopped at what was one of the higher points of the East side of Townsville. He frowned but the Trickster waved him closer to the edge.
… If he was trying to kill him… bad idea doing it this way Brick could float dumb ass.
"I ain't gonna push you. Just… C'mere a sec there's something you need to see."
He rolled his eyes- ooh how mysterious.
He followed the leather gloved finger to what looked like a large building in the distance- he squinted- looked… pleasant.
That was sarcasm- the place looked fucking creepy. And deserted- and Brick… got a weird feeling from it. He shuddered. Tricky snorted though it sounded grim.
"My thoughts exactly." He said quietly.
"What is it?"
"Before 1986? Carmie's Chewies main manufacturing plant… circa 2002… now a quarantine zone."
He blinked. "Quarantine?"
A nod. "Quarantine. No one gets in. No one is even allowed near it."
"Why? What was some kind of radioactive candy monster released from it or something?" He snorted but Tricky was deathly serious. No more mirth. No more games.
"No. No one knows why. Well… that's not true... "He murmured. "Three people do."
"And who might they be." Brick scoffed.
"Bubbles Utonium, Buttercup Utonium… and Blossom Utonium. The Powerpuff Girls."
The breeze blew slightly, that weird feeling creeping up Brick's neck was only growing worse.
"... Something happened there I take it."
A nod.
"I don't suppose me simply asking will get me anywhere."
"If I knew… I'd tell you. I can assure you of that… but I can tell you this… whatever happened that night… it's still happening now... "
He raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"
"There's… kind of a ghost story… Involved with that place… you ever hear about the thirteen steps?"
He frowned, "thirteen steps?" He nodded. "That's just a stupid story." He scoffed. Tch. Fool.
"Sure about that? Rumor has it that place has a basement… twelve steps in all- that's all it takes to get down there… but sometimes… there's one more. But when you touch that step… it's too late… you're never seen again."
He rolled his eyes, "I think you've watched too many horror movies."
"It's not a joke Jojo- there's… weird shit that happens there." He scoffed, Tricky frowned. "I'm serious!"
"So am I! It's just a stupid urban legend- I heard it years ago at a stupid Halloween party. It's just a stupid story designed to scare children. Very young children to be precise."
This was ridiculous. Fucking hell- Brick was not about to stand here and simply-.
Tricky scowled, ""Then explain Candyland." he said quietly.
...What?
"Excuse me?" Was he trying to be fucking funny? "What the fuck does an asinine children's game have to do with-!?"
"Candy Land… in other words that's the name of an X incident over that happened in 2002. That's the incident Brick… that left Sleeping Beauty… with her nasty little souvenir." He bristled. "You know the one I'm talking about."
Of course he did… but how the fuck did-!?
"How do you know about that?" Brick snarled and whipped around. "Are you fucking spying on us- fucking spying on Pinky- listen you- I don't give a flying fucking if you fucking throw me off this goddamn building!" He grabbed the scruff of the guy's collar. "But you stay the fuck away from Blossom Utonium- you fucking hear me! If you're fucking spying on her then so fucking help me-!" He roared. A hand went up and Brick found himself thrown back- landing on his ass. Tricky adjusted his collar nonchalantly. Brick scrambled back up- teeth grit a snarl in his wake. The gloved hand went up.
"Whoa there! Down Boy- I have my ways of knowing my information but I can assure you it's done out of concern. You should know better than anyone Blossom Utonium has her secrets… and sometimes she really shouldn't be keeping them. But I already told you… we're on the same side Jojo."
"And I'm supposed to just take your word for it?" He hissed.
"That would be nice… but you and I both know you won't. And I understand that. You're trying to protect your Sleeping Beauty. I respect that. But listen to me Brick Jojo- there's something screwy… going on in this city… something… big. And… I intend on finding out what… with or without your help." He folded his arms.
"And you actually think it has something to do with that asinine story?" Brick snorted. "Are you deluded?"
"Not a believer in the Supernatural? Despite everything you've ever seen?"
"Shocking as this may sound… all of the so called "supernatural" events you're talking about… all have a reasonable scientific explanation- some details aren't clear but nonetheless what you are talking about is nothing short of lunacy." He hissed.
"So your rebirth has a scientific explanation then?" He snarled back. Brick stiffened.
You are no longer of any use to me.
He clenched his fists. "As I said… your conclusions are that of a lunatic. I think we're done here." Brick said quietly.
The smile was forced almost mocking but the Trickster nonetheless backed away slightly, "Seems we are… for now." He snickered however, Brick grit his teeth. "I hope you won't mind though- one more piece of advice- just a parting gift from me per se."
He only scowled as Tricky's smile grew wider.
"Yeah what!" He snapped.
"See… it seems to me your little dilemma with your Sleeping Beauty… the one you're being all broody and mopey about… would probably be aided if you stopped blaming yourself for what happened with Morebucks."
He stiffened,
"How the hell do you-!?" How the fuck did he-!?
"Well seeing as you just admitted it to me by that statement." Brick bristled and scowled more. "And everyone in the city knows what happened no offense- it's fucked up and seriously unfair but you should realize it's not in any way your fault and I highly doubt she blames you either. The two of you just love to play the "blame game" only instead of on others you pile it on yourself. Really not healthy just saying."
"The fuck do you care anyway…" Brick mumbled. Another snicker.
"Like I said… invested: How can I not be after witnessing a literal fairy tale." He shrugged.
"It wasn't a kiss!" Brick hissed.
"Keep on telling yourself that Brick… you just keep on telling yourself that. We'll be in touch- see ya."
"And why the hell should I-!"
He paused and turned slowly around, "Because like I said Brick- I intend on finding out what the hell Candy land is...and just what happened to Blossom Utonium that night." Brick clenched his fist again. "With or without your help." It was a poisonous hiss and one more flip of that stupid cape and down the fire escape the asshole went- though… another flick and suddenly…
Brick jumped back.
He was gone.
Vanished… poof…
… Or was he really gone?
… Or was it just another illusion… of him being gone.
…Candy Land.
Bah.
As if Brick believed in some kind of stupid ghost story.
You are no longer of any use to me…
His fist tightened.
As if Brick… Had time for such nonsense.
-IV-
One step, two step, three step- four.
Wait until you don't see the door.
Five step, six step, seven step, Eight.
Better stop before it's too late.
Nine step, ten step, eleven:
Better hope the clock's not past seven.
Cause Twelve steps go down but if there's a Thirteen
Then never again… will you ever be seen.
-IV-
To be continued…
You know… I feel like Brick is going to regret that mentality… like a lot: XD Also… making up nursery rhymes/ poetry… is not my forte but I tried. Ahaha.
Gah, I have to thank all of you amazing people again for sticking with me and my madness- I know my update schedule is so very erratic- I wish I had the discipline to always have something done by a specific date but… the last time I tried that… it didn't end well for me so I'm going to be smart unlike Brick and pay attention to any "supernatural" forces here XD
Ahaha, I hope you enjoyed my lovely readers and for anyone new to the ride- welcome! Please fasten your seatbelts securely and comfortably- this roller coaster is slowly climbing uphill for heck of a drop… hehehe
See you at the next update you wonderful people you :)
-Carrie
NOTE:: ***: "In the little world in which children have their existence, whosoever brings them up, there is nothing so finely perceived and so finely felt as injustice." -Great Expectations: Ch. 8 pg. 70
-Reviewer Recognition-
ViciousVillaniousVictorian:
Ahaha! Welcome to the madness- have a complimentary " I survived the Roller Coaster of A.T.B.G. angst" tee shirt XD
Thanks so much for your review :D
Taze X Tail:
Thank you! And yes! Team Blossick for the win! :D
Annie:
Robin is Bae. I'm sorry- she and Mike have become my favorite non Ruff/Puff ship EVER: Mike was always one of my favorite characters even though he was only in that one episode and then… disappeared- but whatever that's what fanfiction is for XD
Fear not! This team is still getting used to each other in a way- but friendships are forming! In a narrative perspective however I'll admit to being biased slightly towards the "couples" in these first Acts - simply to introduce the team properly- but friendship is a huge part of this story (which...I hope becomes especially apparent in the next few chapters especially)
As I said however- a "cast" for me is slightly strange because I have for so long pictured this as an anime -what with storyboarding and such it's kind of hard not to: but I DO have a VA cast in my head for almost ALL the cast… err some are still eluding me like Mitchy, Pablo and Princess but the "core" cast is I guess you could say "cast" in my head XD
Buuuuut -If you are indeed curious: Here's the author's "main VA list" For As Time Goes By:
Brick Jojo: Sam Claflin ( Finnick. Sugar Cube. That is all. )
Blossom Utonium: Lily James ( Very polished and prim, and I have heard her using an American accent briefly - but I was sold in Pride, Prejudice and Zombies- the movie was awful, Mr. Darcy was so horribly miscast it almost made me weep but this chick was AWESOME as Elizabeth in my opinion. )
Butch Jojo: Kellan Lutz (He was literally the easiest- first one I thought of)
Buttercup Utonium: Jennifer Lawrence (she's got that raspy somewhat biting edge to it)
Boomer Jojo:Jonathan Groff ( though his singing is closer to Chris Daughtry *swoon*)
Bubbles Utonium: Kristen Bell ( I warned y'all I was a Disney freak XD… even though I'm not the biggest fan of Frozen… myself… having had to watch it… close to… a hundred times… *sigh* )
Mike Believe: Dylan O' Brien (This is more or less recent from say two weeks ago but I had never seen Teen Wolf before… and now I have no idea what I could have possibly been thinking- I have so much I need to catch up on…oh my God it's amazing- I need to binge watch)
Robin Snyder: Holland Roden ( So many put her as Blossom I've seen and I debated it myself but Robin won the day for me in the end. *shrug*)
Now obviously this is by no means "official" I encourage people to see the cast however they wish and to hear them how they wish :D - Though Boomer as Chris Daughtry's singing voice… *melts* - just saying. XD
Thanks so much for the review :D
HardWrapping:
Greg O'Donnell is the cutest ball of hero worshipping fluff on the planet: No one can resist the giant brown eyes of doom- noooo one. Even Brick can't fight them- but he can try oh he will try XD - and well to be fair to the infatuated Puppy Brick never put "names" to the Rowdy wives in question- he is just working under the assumption he and his brothers "will" have wives someday- as would be human nature ;D
Princess is the worst- she was really my least favorite character on the show but that just shows good writing on the creator's part- they truly made a Veruca Salt wannabe from "hell" which was likely their intention- so Kudos to the writers! They succeeded.
Though…. We'll soon be meeting another character (next chapter in fact ;D) That… might explain where some of that behavior… may have come from…. Just saying.
And those dreams… you should be paying attention to them- though… why call them a demon? Just curious… this faceless stranger seems… awfully human to me but hey… I could be wrong ;)
Thanks for the review! :D
StraniqueGirl0684:
No need to apologize! Your reviews are always worth the wait ahaha XD And I have to say thank you telling me the chapters don't seem rushed or glossed over… I have… a lot of deleted scenes from Act 4… and I don't know what to do with them but I also didn't want to make the chapters drag: Because this is ( for good reason I promise! ) the longest "Act" so far… if not one of the longest in the entire span of the story- it's… plot, plot and more plot what can I say.
The openings I always try to make them have a cinematic feel… as the little trip in this chapter… showed - is it a bad thing if I am "really" proud of how that scene especially turned out because to be honest I really am - Same with Blossom's dreams: I have a lot of fun mapping those out because… whoo Boy the Reds in general… they're in for a rough time. Pun not intended. :P
The Super Heroes League is indeed… my own creation but it stemmed from a lot of help from my fabulous and endlessly patient editor who *shameless plug alert* is working on an AMAZING Web Comic concerning superheroes and when it is released it is going to be absolutely fabulous so… I'll apologize ahead of time if I start shamelessly promoting my best friend's masterpiece anywhere I can XD - But back to the SHL: it IS slightly based on the idea from the original show… just… improved- some cameos… are coming to later Acts from other CN shows - SMALL cameos- very small- like how they did it in the original PPG show almost. This is not going to turn into PPGD: I have my cast- I have my cameos that is all XD
Indeed though. Everything seems to be connected of sorts in Townsville- such a shame the Red Rowdyruff is too stubborn and prideful to see it- he is so focused on his "own" investigations… so will he see what is right in front of him before it's too late… hard to say.
David is an utter A-hole. That is all. We unfortunately have yet to see the last of him: This is a high school after all and your comment about Blossom's wearing of her Ruff's clothes meriting comment and rumor… I actually owe you for because that made me realize…you were absolutely right and I didn't even THINK of that- so I had to do some emergency I guess you could say "plot maneuvering" and such and I am now SO much more happy with this as a whole- thank you for waking me up to the obvious- I cannot believe I missed that. Ugh- I guess it gets lost in all the lore and such coming up I forgot how a high school operates. Silly Carrie.
Princess' power is indeed her money though- you nailed it and you'll be meeting another character soon with much of the same mentality and… it's arguable he's worse but the jury is out between the editor and I- you'll have to make that decision yourself ;)
And this is more or less my "Amadeus" to the fanfiction world I suppose you could say- The X Chronicles" - ( I really need a new name… -_-;;) IS my final planned fanfiction series- my final "inner test" of sorts to see if I can pull off something as ambitious as this for me on a personal level… without the added pressures of making it "marketable" and or "Can you make money off of this? - Which… I have been plagued with for years and what I'm almost sure may have been a big factor in causing the "Block" in the first place. -_-
As for my other nostalgia… Paper Mario went quite well but I had forgotten how much I hated the stupid Cloud Boss and I'm too prideful to look up how to beat it on the internet because I did it on my own once darn it! XD - So I've been writing instead.
Thanks again so much for the review! :D
MarshmallowFluff:
I had way too much fun writing Boomer's "revenge" going wrong- then again I tend to giggle quite a bit when I'm writing anyway- so our poor Blue Rowdy learned the hard way some revenge is just not worth it. XD - And Brick IS a giant puppy- he's big, he's bad and he's a puppy. I simply love it. I caught a Growlithe in Pokemon Go and guess what- his name is now Brick and he will dominate my city's gyms as an Arcanine someday! Yes! Yes he will!
You'll be getting some answers soon I think… though I can't guarantee there won't be more questions to replace them XD
Thanks again!
SpiffyCupcakes:
The O'Donnells as I have hinted have a pretty important role in the X' Chronicles as a whole not just A.T.G.B. - and Greg is too adorable to make as a one hit wonder- oh goodness no- Crimson Fire's number one fan is simply too precious.
As I said… I enjoyed writing that catfight start to finish- way too much: It was actually much more… verbally crude at times as well but let's try to keep this a T rating as long as possible shall we XD This is what deleted scenes are for. But in conclusion Robin and Princess utterly hate each other.
I feel your pain, the Reds are just life. Brick was more or less in blue screen of death mode with his Pinky in the mini skirt but… in the scheme of things Brick is also sort of winging it here himself- as I hope this chapter made somewhat apparent… Brick has never really been ABLE to even think about approaching a girl or such because… of certain Spike Diamond wielding crazies and he desperately wanted to keep a low profile as much as possible for the sake of his brothers and his former… "Living situation". He really "doesn't" know what to do with himself here- he's never had feelings like this for a girl...Ever. And what is his main reaction to confusion… Pride. Stubborn. Poor Mike has his job cut out for him.
But as for those dreams… I can't answer that… yet. Answers about that are coming soon. I promise. As for the Red Lobster- again… patience. All will be revealed sooner than you think. ;)
Thank you for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying my writing so much! And I hope if you're reading this you enjoyed this last chapter as well :D
LavenderMoonRose:
Oh my goodness thank you!
You're so sweet! Pun intended XD
I hope this chapter was to your satisfaction as the last one was XD
Thanks again!
Delago1811:
I'm so happy you enjoyed it so much- and I hope the Blossick in this chapter was to your satisfaction as well ;)
Butch… would of course only want to know if there's food and of course Boomer would be more on the defensive ahaha- he adores his fair lady!
And I feel like Robin is this underappreciated character that just never gets the love (I am so biased excuse me XD ) - and so black belt wielding karate banshee time! Oh man… this won't be her last appearance lemme tell you XD
Blossom's… dreams are as I have said… interesting: What is a "soul mate" though… is this necessarily a good thing? ;)
Brick's little forays in "Blossom Land" are some of my favorite scenes with him and I hope you enjoy them too ahaha- they're going to become more frequent "as time goes by" (I'm terrible - don't mind me- I'm the queen of bad puns)
Operation Queenship is indeed a Go! And be very afraid for whoever is foolish enough to get in General Snyder's way… be very afraid. XD
Thanks again!
Sg-drabbles:
I've kind of made the timeline somewhat subtle- they never gave an established year for the girls' creation so I just went with airdate because I'm lazy XD
And YES! I am trying to insert a sense of a "living" vibrant city as the setting here- I'm also trying to put a sense of realism and bring I guess Townsville to life- kind of trying emulate the original creators who indeed pulled that off- am I succeeding- don't know but it's fun XD
You are correct- I didn't put a date in the intro last chapter but it is the school year right after the incident with H.I.M. during their sixth grade year- it's about October at that point- Brick has been out of Juvey for about a month and a half give or take at that point.
Greg turning into a Lenny… 0.o - O-oh dear. I hope not. I mean he does sleep with a Major Glory blanket but when the X' line of toys comes out… who knows he might XD But he is only four number one goal right now is actually to become a firefighter ( Minor trivia ) - He is too cute for words.
Psyche and Eros is indeed also a Greek myth but it also apparently has a Roman counterpart but those myths seem to clash and meld all the time: the story is the same they just change the names or in this case ONE name -ugh-. I adore them as a whole but I'm known for switching the names by accident- apologies ahead of time I'll try to catch it but sometimes they fall through the cracks. Gah.
Nice catch on the Incredibles homage! Because indeed- guess what Carriedreamer's favorite Pixar flick is! Ahaha- in all seriousness- I can't tell you how much of the SHL lore and such is written with that movie's score in the BG- and the story in general… I just really love Movie scores what can I say *shrug*
Princess is living in her own little world- and Robin was more than happy to knock her back into the real one: like I said… I enjoyed writing that fight.
And yes… yes indeed Butch knocked Brick out with a frying pan. And secretly he enjoyed it.
I guess you could say Act 4's best metaphor is indeed a roller coaster one could say- we have been slowly climbing up and up and up- and by next chapter we're finally going to reach the top… but there's only one direction left to go after that now isn't there? ;)
Hee, Hope you enjoyed the chapter and thanks again!
Guest:
Message received XD - Hope the wait wasn't too bad.
Thanks again!
ReadLoverNumber1:
Yay! Hope your holiday is going well and congrats on finishing your exams! :D
Nice catch on Brick's relationship with… the Monkey. Something does seem off about his mentality there doesn't it? Wonder what happened? Your answers are coming I assure you.
Madam Utonium's fashion line is utterly fabulous and she always knows just how to dress her favorite models shame Brick doesn't remember much because he went into Blue Screen mode XD The ensuing catfight like I said - enjoyed it way too much- I totally sound like a broken record ahaha
And yes… General Snyder is amazing… she managed to get the Jojo Brothers to tie Brick to a chair and showed no fear- she is Bae.
And your reviews are always so nice! I'm just glad you're enjoying my work :D
Thanks again!
Vipper73:
Yes… I need to work on not posting chapters so late… but sometimes it's just a matter of…"I've looked at this Word Doc for two hours- I want to go to bed- it's finally done- I have work tomorrow and if I don't post it now it'll be another week. Post. Change Summary. Close computer. Bed. Zzzzzzzz" - I reeeeeallly need to work on that- my apologies.
I kind of debated on the boys being the ones to ultimately break up the fight… but Robin more or less decided that wasn't the case: Just because those boys are chivalrous and protective of their ladies doesn't always mean they need to be saved by them :D
And yes… poor Brick all he wanted to do was eat some chicken wings! Poor, poor thing. XDDD
Thanks again!
Blossom782:
Thanks for the review! :D
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Amn waqar:
Awww, you're making me blush! I just write what I can- I'm glad you're enjoying this so much :)
Totally smitten Puppy Dog Brick is the best Brick: And Blossom's behavior WAS bizarre- he would have noticed it when her grades started slipping because they were academic rivals- and as more of Brick's past comes in the open… it'll become more apparent as to WHY her behavior so disturbed him.
Brick has no chance against this little boy with those big brown eyes and a huge gap toothed smile- none. He may as well quit now. There's no escape.
As I have said… Blossom's dreams… are interesting. Who is her "soul mate"... that is a question isn't it? And… is this also a good thing?
Blossom was very jealous. Blossom is still very jealous. She will never admit it. But oh yes… Blossom did NOT like hearing Princess talking about Brick in such a fashion- whoo boy is that girl lucky the boys finally showed up when they did. *whistles softly* SO… lucky.
And our poor Rowdy King is going to need all the help he can get… or is he? Hmm- guess we'll have to wait for the next chapter ehehe.
Thanks again!
Shypuppylover19:
Thank you so much!
Crimson Fire babysitting… now that is a picture XD I don't know if Kim would be okay with that juuuuust yet. But who knows the world is a crazy place.
Robin is indeed amazing but oh no no no! She is not pregnant! Oh dear God Janey Believe would skin her son alive first. XDDD If… Robin didn't do the job for her. Oh no, Robin loves her Mikey very, very much but they are also very, very careful- they are only sixteen. They know this.
Mike… also may have… reservations about having children in general… but that is a story for later chapters: His character will be taking more of a larger role coming up and his story… is an interesting one. If the end of this chapter didn't already allude to that… it is clear that Mr. Believe is definitely… not all as he appears even when he's wearing the Trickster's mask.
David will learn not to mess with an angry overprotective Psychic- especially when said Psychic is accompanied by a fire breathing equally if not slightly more overprotective Red Puppy: Do not worry.
And as for that grand "I OBJECT" moment… I'm sorry to say.. But no that albeit hilarious moment will not be occurring in the X' Chronicles. *shrug* BUT… I'm probably going to write a one-shot using that idea: I don't know when yet- I have… a lot of prompts and… one tiny brain XD I've got one in the works, another in the outline stage- and someone just PM'ed me a fabulous prompt that simply must be written but it'll get there! I have a short story collection / dumping ground for plot bunnies in one spot in the works- it'll ALL end up there eventually. XD
This is after all one of my favorite hobbies- writing as a hobby- such a mysterious idea to so many- writing for enjoyment purposes- shocking.
And worry not! The Anti Morebucks society- oh no we have not seen the last of that crazy bunch: As if I could simply let the adorbs that is Mitch and Pablo simply disappear. Heck no! XDD
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
