I do not own the Power Puff Girls or the Rowdy Ruff Boys.
Chapter Fourteen: To Better Understand
It was needless to say that dinner had failed in the task of reassuring the advisors and Henry that the girls wouldn't cause undue distractions for the princes. If anything, they were nothing but a distraction. This was the main topic of discussion between Henry and the advisors the following morning. Moses sat in on this meeting, wondering why the princes were not present.
"Because they are being led by their cocks and not being rational." Henry snapped out crudely, causing a flurry of uncomfortable coughing to sound.
"Henry, I hardly think such a statement is appropriate. Especially coming from a man of your…tastes." Moses interjected with a pointed look. "Furthermore, other than being women, I don't understand your quarrel with them. I see no fault."
One of the advisors cleared his throat as he garnered everyone's attention. "I see fault with that boorish girl in the men's clothing. Did you not see how she addressed Prince Butch?"
"I agree. Though the red-haired one wasn't much better. I've never seen such gall." Another advisor commented.
Moses sighed as he reclined in his seat. "To stand up to this political battalion, I imagine it's going to take gall. As far as I can tell, these girls are in an unfamiliar place and even though they are guests have been treated poorly. That reflects badly on the entire kingdom."
The advisors murmured quietly wondering if that held true before Henry slammed his hand on the table in aggravation. "Am I hearing you correctly Moses?"
"Depends on what you're hearing Henry." Moses quipped.
The prime minister scowled and braced his free hand on his hip. "It sounds as if you are accepting of those harlots."
"Not accepting. Just withholding my judgement until I know more about them. The girl with the red hair was correct last night. We know nothing about them, as they do us."
"What are you suggesting then, Moses?" one of the older advisors asked.
Moses stood up from his place at the meeting table with a sigh. "I suggest we get to know them first. Now, if you all will excuse me."
The former tutor made to leave the room, with the prime minister scowling at his back. He stroked his beard angrily before turning back to the advisors.
"Ah, your highness. Good morning."
The advisors and Henry all jumped as they looked toward the doorway. When they saw that it was only just Moses smirking, the advisors sagged in relief against their chairs. Henry's face turned red, before he began yelling. "Moses Joseph! I promise you that this will not end well."
The former tutor smirked as he walked down the hall. While this was proving highly entertaining, he was going to take it upon himself to seek out the truth. If the girls were a hinderance, he'd gently advise the princes against having them so close. If not, then he'd try to remind them to keep perspective on their more important duties. He wouldn't allow a broken heart to tear apart the kingdom.
Moses later found himself walking the halls with Jojo astride his shoulder, listening to the low murmurings of the servants. The events of last nights dinner were more than enough fodder for the gossipmongers of the castle. Particularly the little incident between the wolf prince and the girl who wore men's clothing. She has quickly been known to have quite the temper and prone to throwing things. Thankfully everything that she's thrown has been things that wouldn't break or truly harm anyone.
Moses found that this girl was the one to watch. While the girl with fire for hair was obviously the eldest, her actions were based on the well being of the raven-haired girl. The moment Buttercup, if he recalled correctly, stood up and fled the room she as well as the golden-haired girl had followed her out and didn't return. That knowledge brought him to the royal wing. He wanted to speak with the elder girl privately. A mass interrogation like the dinner was prone to fail, though a bit entertaining. A simple conversation between two people was more likely to put them at ease.
Entering the royal wing, he approached the late prince's room. The door was closed, and rather than barging in like he knew Henry would do, he knocked gently. He didn't hear any stirring or movement, so he figured they were in other places of the castle. Hopefully, it wouldn't take long to find them. Maybe the servants could help him locate them.
Making his way to the servants' quarters, he was glad to see young Robin coming down the hallway with a bundle of linen in her arms. "Robin, a moment please."
The brown-haired girl stopped and gave a bow to the former tutor. "Yes?"
"Do you know where I can find the red-haired girl? I'm sorry but her name escapes me? Bloom?"
"Blossom, sir." Robin smiled. "She and her sisters told me they were going outside. They find being in the castle quite stifling."
"I can imagine." Moses chuckled. He then reached up to pet Jojo on his head. "Do you know where the princes are at the moment?"
"The prime minister called them to a meeting with the advisors." She said while looking down. "They were not pleased."
Moses shook his head in mild annoyance. Henry was going to irritate them all to death with his fretting. Hopefully, his head didn't get bitten off in the process. A bit of chewing out would be entertaining, if only for a little while. That in mind, he went in search o the castle's newest wards. Hopefully Blossom could be a little forthcoming and use what he learned to placate the advisors and Henry.
The royal gardeners were perplexed by the strange white roses that lined the edges of the castle grounds. They weren't there the day before and were in full bloom. Upon closer inspection the gardeners could see the edges of the petals were tinted a pale purple and speckled with yellow spots.
"Hmmm, I wonder what Sarah would think of one of these." The younger of the gardeners murmured as he reached to pluck one of the roses. He was sure his lady friend would enjoy them.
The other gardener was an older man who leaned against a rake as he chewed on a reed. "Alexander, I wouldn't go plucking something you've no knowledge about. You could very well send the poor girl into hives."
"It's just a rose, Lee." Alexander dismissed. "And Sarah enjoys roses."
The older man rolled his eyes as he looked away from the young man to stare across the gardens. As he was doing so he caught sight of one of the princes' wards. He stood straighter and almost swallowed the reed he was chewing on in nervousness. "Alexander."
"What?" he turned and saw the red-haired beauty that everyone was saying prince Brick fancied. He stood up quickly, drawing his hand away from the roses. The two gardeners stood prostrate as the girl came closer to them. They bowed shallowly as she came to a stop in front of them. Her hair shined brightly and was pulled back into a tail going down her back. She wore a simple pink dress and carried an old weathered book in her arms. "Good morning miss."
"Good morning ma'am." Lee said as he looked up into startling clear pink eyes.
Blossom nodded her head in acknowledgment. "Good morning. I saw you two looking at the roses."
"We're royal gardeners, ma'am." Lee informed her. "These just appeared overnight, and we were curious."
Blossom turned to the roses and sighed in relief. "Thank the stars above, they appeared. I remembered it correctly." She then crouched before the roses and gently stroked the soft petals.
The gardeners watched her curiously as she opened the old book to a place that was marked by a strange writing utensil. It was deep purple with what appeared to be berries on the end. It was most peculiar, and even more so was she began to write, leaving purple markings in its wake. She wrote quickly and almost as soon as she started she finished.
The two gardeners shared a perplexed look, before turning back to the strange beauty before them. She turned to them and bowed politely to them. "I would kindly ask that you and none of the other gardeners pluck or touch these roses. They are self-tending and require only a bit of maintenance that my sisters and I will do at night. Do you think you can make sure all the others know this?"
Lee gaped in surprise despite himself and nodded. "Of course, but what is so special about these bizarre roses?"
Blossom considered for a moment how she should answer that. From what John had told her and her sisters about witches in this world, they were not becoming. Burning at the stake or hanging wasn't how she wished to die. "They're from my homeland, and mean protection." It wasn't entirely a lie, but a half truth.
The older garden accepted the answer but couldn't help but feel as there was more to it than what was being told to him. However, he didn't get the chance to ask as someone called out to the red-haired beauty. She turned and braced herself against the coming presence of the first prince. His gait and the expression on his face was anxious. The gardeners stood up straighter and bowed their heads at their approach. Blossom closed her grimoire and took a deep cold breath. She tried to walk past him, but he held an arm out to stop her from passing. "I need to speak with you."
"I don't have time to speak with you. There are things I need to do." Blossom said, trying to walk around him.
Brick stopped her by stepping in front of her. "You're going to leave."
The betrayal was clear in his voice. It shocked Blossom, before pity began to fill her. "After what's done is done, I think it would be best if my sisters and I returned home."
"What home? John wouldn't remember you. I don't think your friends would remember you either. I noticed how everyone couldn't seem to recall either of you or your sisters names." Brick's voice rose a bit in anger, only to be culled by the cold glare Blossom shot him. Her eyes looked about them pointedly. When he caught the looks of passing servants staring curiously, he put a hand on Blossom's shoulders and urged her to follow him to a more secluded spot. Their conversation held sensitive material that shouldn't be heard by just anyone.
The moment they found a quiet enough place, Brick pressed Blossom against the wall and caged her in with his arms. Blossom stared up at him, with glowing pink eyes and ice at the ready. He then leaned and pressed his forehead against hers, his breath hot with his inner fire and capable of melting the coldest of glaciers. "You didn't tell me that you'd leave after you were safe."
"I didn't say I'd stay either." Blossom reminded him.
Leaning back to stare at her, Brick cupped her chin in his hand. "Blossom."
"Brick, I already told you I can't return your superficial feelings." She took his hand from her chin and held it in her hand.
"Superficial?" Brick scoffed hotly. "I've harbored how I felt about you for five years."
"You can't be much older than me." Blossom hedged. "We were just fifteen. How could you possibly have fallen for me?"
Brick's hold tightened in Blossom's hand. "How could I not? You saved my life."
"As you've said before!" Blossom pulled her hand from Brick and rested her head against the wall behind her. "That's not enough!"
"You don't understand." Brick's voice became soft as he brushed a few tendrils of her hair from her face that fell loose from her hairtail.
Blossom resisted the urge to fall into his hand as it caressed her face. "What's there not to understand?"
"You gave me a reason to live." He said. When she looked to protest, he put his fingers to her lips to silence her. "My brother died all because of who we are, mostly because of who I am. I would have buried myself in guilt and taken my anger out on everyone and everything. The kingdom would have possibly fell to ruin because of my hardening heart."
"You don't know that." Blossom said, as she fought against the heat that was Brick.
"I do." Brick leaned his forehead against Blossom's again. "I wouldn't have stopped until I found those mercenaries that killed my brother. Exhausted all resources and myself until they were dead in an effort to prove that I wasn't weak."
Sweat pooled against the spot between his forehead and Blossom's, so he took a deep breath to reign in his fire. As close as he was, he could see the pink flush that slowly bled to red against her cheeks.
"I would've lost sight of what is important. My own life. The lives of my brothers and those who would've supported me. I was reminded that I would eventually be king. I wasn't weak, but I wouldn't be strong without a firm foundation. You gave me that foundation. I had to use my power wisely. Even if I wasn't gifted with these newfound abilities, I would've put my resources toward bettering my kingdom."
Blossom found herself overwhelmed by Brick's words. Her words gave him purpose, a chance to flourish. She thought back to when she traveled around the country with John and her sisters. It was mostly to learn of their science and their folklore on magic. Whenever she heard of the governing people, she only heard whispers of what the prince's reign will be like once he was king. There was an excitement for what was to come.
"This kingdom wouldn't be what it was without your intervention." Brick continued.
It would've been easy, so easy to fall. Part of her wanted to, but she couldn't. Icy cold radiated from her body as she forced Brick to step away from her. When he did he saw Blossom's pursed lips and the strain to keep from yelling pinching her face. "Do not put this weight on me. I have enough as it is. You say you lost a brother. Remember, I told you I lost a sister."
"Yes, while she was protecting you."
"Protecting me," she scoffed. "I was meant to protect them all. Sedusa was after…something we had and while it was greatly important to me, it shouldn't have cost the life of Bunny. I loved my sister. If, and I stress the word if. If I ever came to love you, who's to say that Sedusa wouldn't kill you as well. Or your brothers." She bit out coldly. "I cannot—will not ever love you Brick."
The words were a sword to the heart for both of them. Blossom, because she wasn't sure if what she said was true. She didn't know if she'd not ever love Brick. However, she couldn't put him and his kingdom at risk. Brick, because it simply hurt to hear her say that. She was trying to protect him from this Sedusa person. It unmanned him to think she believed that she had to go so far to protect him. He looked away from her and exhaled a dark cloud of smoke. When he found he could look at Blossom again, he stood tall with his arms folded across his chest.
"So, you'll just make me, and everyone here forget as you made John and the people of Townsend?" he asked bitterly.
Pink eyes turned into hard diamond as anger and frustration settled upon Blossom. She took a step toward Brick in warning. "My ice will soothe any burn you try to make against me. However, your fire will do nothing for you if your heart freezes over."
Brick glared hotly at her trying not to let the hurt show and cursed himself for being seen through either way.
"Do right by your kingdom, Brick. That is your plight. You need not worry about mine." With that she left Brick standing in the empty corridor seething.
The moment she was gone—evident by the lack of the chill that clung to Blossom—he struck the pillar before him with a fiery fist. A scorch mark shaped like a starburst that marred the stone was all that remain once the large flames died down. Still, the area burned with the fire that radiated from Brick. He felt as if his heart were ripped from his chest. It wasn't Blossom's intention to hurt him so, that much he knew. It just hurt him that she outright refused to even try.
The king to be wasn't blind. He could see the effect he had on her. Blossom could easily have been his if she hadn't wrapped herself in such a thick wall of ice. His fire melted away some, but not enough for him to reach her. He wanted her as his own, but while this threat hung over her head. Whoever this Sedusa was, he'd find out who and what she was and end her. Blossom and her sisters would be free. He'd see to it.
Moses had watched the two red haired parties separate from each other. He'd heard more than enough to draw his own conclusions. Brick wasn't being led by his cock as Henry had claimed. He was being led by his heart. That could be beneficial and detrimental to his judgement. He'd make sure to speak with both of them after their adolescent emotions tempered a bit. Having raised the princes, he knew a thing or two about questioning overemotional youths—well, boys for that matter. He wasn't sure what to do when it came to girls.
Turning on his heel, he released Jojo from his hands, glad to have kept the small primate quiet. Though there a few things that made him pause. Who was Sedusa, and what did she have to with the girls? It was something to ponder, but not at that moment. As Blossom wasn't in any shape to be spoken with at the moment, maybe he could find the golden-haired girl. She was quiet but compared to the ravenette she was less likely to strike at him.
Hopefully, Jojo would soften her.
Bubbles was tending to her plants when she felt the brushings of curiosity against her mind. She turned just as the knock came on the open door. The balding man from last night, who spent most of the time being amused by the whole ordeal. She wasn't sure what to make of him.
"Hello." She greeted politely.
"Good afternoon. I'm not sure if you remember my name. I'm Moses Joseph."
"My name is Bubbles. I only say since I know you don't remember mine." The slight struggle he felt was probably due to him not remembering. When he smiled awkwardly, she knew she was right. She turned back to her plants just in time to see the small primate from before reach for one of her plants. "You little beast, get away from there."
Startled, Jojo jumped and in his haste knocked over the plant. The crash sounded and had Bubbles rushing to try to preserve it. When she held the dirt and delicate plant in her arms, she turned to glare at chittering beast as he climbed up his robes to sit upon his host's shoulder.
"Little beast." She hissed as she stood up and searched for a pot.
Moses sighed as he stroked Jojo's fur. "I had hoped he'd soften you to me, not harden. I apologize for disrupting your planting."
Bubbles looked up to him, before quickly repotting the plant she was having set in the sun. "You wanted to ask me something."
"Yes, but before that I'd like to properly introduce myself." Moses began.
"You already said your name is Moses Joseph. What more introduction do you need?"
Moses wasn't put off by her subtle dismissal. "Not much. I was just a humble tutor to the princes, and occasionally disciplinarian before they got too big. I helped raised them along with Henry."
When Bubbles gave him a questioning look, he informed her that Henry was the prime minister.
"Ah, the…" She said the same phrase in the bizarre language that her sister used to night before. It wasn't one that Moses knew of and he found it a shock as he knew of all types of language. Bubbles then regarded him with a curious eye. "Are you his…lover?"
"Lover? Whose? Henry's?" Moses stuttered unsure whether to find humor or insult in the comment.
"Based on your reaction, I'll wager that you're not. Which I find to be somewhat of a relief. I can tell you're a reasonable man, whereas he's…"
"Dramatic, yes." Moses answered and received a small smile from the girl. "We both care for the princes. When their parents died, we were left to tend to their wellbeing. Which wasn't an easy task, mind you. They each are different but can be similar at the same time. They are all strong, smart, and resourceful. Great qualities for being princes. However, Brick is the only one that will be king, so he thinks of all possibilities and the long run outcome of any decision he will have to make. His decisions will affect the entire kingdom. Butch can be impulsive, but always acts on his instincts which have so far never led him wrong. Then there's Boomer a considerate and thoughtful soul, who sees the true nature of a person."
Bubbles finished repotting the plant, before staring at Moses confused. She could feel the pride this man had in the princes, paternal in its reverence. Yet there was also a hint of caution in his tone. Like he was warning her, but from what? "Why tell me all this? What's the significance?"
Moses clasped his hands in front of him and regarded the youngest of the sisters critically. "I'm saying that I've seen these boys grow to men and experience a number of hardships. However, I'm not sure how heartbreak will be for them."
Dim was something Bubbles was not. Her empathic abilities allowed her to hear the concern behind the subtle warning. She now understood his role and his reasons for coming to her. While he saw no physical threat from the girls, he could clearly see an emotional one. It was plain to see that the princes held some attraction toward them—and if she were being honest, she and her sister held some attraction for them. However, the only affection she saw was between Brick and Blossom, though her sister tried to deny it. Heat melted ice and that prince was fire. Blossom's icy walls could hold for only so long.
When the brushings of empathy hit her senses, she turned to the former tutor with guarded eyes. "I believe there is a saying about assuming things."
"I assume nothing. I just observe." Moses clarified.
Bubbles turned to face him fully and folded her arms across her chest. "And what have you observed?"
"That when you and your sisters leave, it's going to be with a piece of each of them. I only hoped that you leave none of yourself. That would just be too cruel."
Anger welled in Bubbles as she glared at the older man. See he did, but his vision was not so clear as to think them infallible. Her hands clenched into fists within her folded arms in an attempt the contain her anger to herself. "If you must know. The break will be clean and heal without effort."
"How can you be so sure?" he questioned.
"I just am." She promised.
Stormy blue eyes stared into solid brown unwavering. The tension was high in the room. It pressed hard on Moses, while Bubbles appeared unaffected. Unknown to him this was because Bubbles made the air uncomfortable, hoping he'd back down and leave her alone. Not even in this castle a full week, and she was already irritated out of her mind with anyone who held a higher authority. She could only imagine how much worse it was for Buttercup.
The subtle spell was broken by the sudden screech of the capuchin monkey astride Moses' shoulder. Bubbles blinked startled before scowling. She brought her hands up to brush her hair from her face when she noticed the dirt upon her hands. "If you'll excuse me, I have to wash and change my shirt."
She then walked around the tutor and his pet and headed up to her shared room, where a change of clothing could be found. All the while her thoughts were plagued with irritation and indignation at the light they were seen in. One man thought them to be seductresses out for a lavish lifestyle only royalty could provide. The other…just didn't want to see the princes hurt.
Moses watched her go and sighed heavily. He wasn't having as much luck with the girls has he'd hoped. Still, there was one last sister he had to speak to. The one with the midnight hair that he felt was at the center of their troubles. If she was, then he would e met with resistance and anger. He also thought about leaving Jojo behind in his study. Her constant companion was a panther cub. How she came to me such a creature was behind him, but he wouldn't allow his own companion to be maimed or eaten by its natural predator.
Noir lounged about at the base of the tree, content to lay in the cool shade out of the shining sun. Still, he kept his eyes open for anything that would be deemed out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, in this unfamiliar place, there as a lot that was out of the ordinary for him. His lady for one.
Ever since arriving at this new place, she's been angry, more anxious, and seeking his comfort more and more. He wanted to see her smile. Hear her laugh. He also wished to not have to smell mutt everywhere. He was far from his own territory and it unnerved him. Needless to say, places where the scent of dog was less, he immediately marked as his own. He would make the best of this place and try to do the same for his lady.
Currently she was sitting up in the tree he sat at the base of. Her hands were clasped behind her head and one leg dangled while the other was bent at the knee. Her green eyes were closed in as relaxed a position she could be, considering how uncomfortable she felt within the castle walls.
It's like when I was under Sedusa's wing, she thought sourly. Kindness and generosity that was merely a prelude to disaster.
Buttercup know that it was just her negative thinking. Butch and his brothers would never turn on her and her sisters. If anyone she expected some sort of attack from, it would be that noisy, bearded man. When she'd first met him, the name that immediately came to mind was peacock. He obviously cared for the finer things in life, and that included other peacocks—or at the very least beautiful males. His contempt for woman was palpable and made her hair stand on end. When he rose a hand to strike her, she almost wished that Butch had not intervened. She'd have loved to rake her claws across his face.
Then there was Butch. The mutt set her on edge simply because of their opposing natures. She a feline, he a canine. He sought challenge for fun. She sought of for her sanity. The waiting and not knowing when Sedusa would strike grated on her nerves. She wanted this over. She didn't want to live in fear anymore.
Suddenly the wind blew and with it came a scent that made Buttercup's nose curl in disgust. It was woodsy, smelt of a man at work, and of mutt. Repressing a growl, she kept quiet hoping that he would find where she sat. However, she was not he was searching for. Noir growled menacingly, before baring his claws at Butch. The wolf prince was charging at him and he didn't like it, not one bit.
"I have just about had it with you, cat." Butch growled before he snatched Noir by the nape of his neck. "You are pissing on—no, in my territory! If you're going to do—!"
Butch wasn't allowed a chance to finish as his inner right arm was slashed by claws and he was sent stumbling backward to avoid being slashed across the chest. When he was able to catch his bearings, he wasn't in the least surprised to see Buttercup standing before him, flicking his blood from her hand. He looked at his arm and turned to glare at her.
"You keep leaving your mark on me." Butch commented as he licked the welling blood. He'd go see the healers after he dealt with the present matter at hand.
"Keep your damn paws off Noir! I see you touch him in anger again, I will insure you never breed, you filthy mutt!" Buttercup spat as she flexed her fingers, emphasizing the presence of her claws.
Butch snarled in annoyance at the angry kitten. "Then have your pet—."
"He's not a pet. He's a familiar."
"Whatever he is," he growled at the interruption. "Tell him to piss somewhere else. Henry's room for all I care, but not in places that are mine."
"Noir is used to having the freedom to roam where he pleases. He doesn't like to be confined in a single place."
Butch regarded her intensely, scenting the slight change in her mood. She was angry a moment before, but now she appeared anxious, sad. She turned away from him and reached for her familiar as she called him. Noir moved to press his back against her hand searching for that itchy spot to be scratched. His green eyes glared at Butch as he continued to be in their presence and stare at his lady. Butch glared back at the trespasser and growled low in his throat threatening.
"Jealous little thing isn't he." Butch snipped out.
"He's protective. As my familiar my wellbeing is tied to his." Buttercup supplied, as she urged Noir to calm himself by picking him up and reaching under his belly to pet him. He slowly relaxed as she stood up and nuzzled her face into his midnight fur.
"Does that include emotionally?"
The pupils of Buttercup's eyes narrowed into that of feline as she regarded Butch critically. "What are you getting at?"
"My nose isn't just for show, Kitten. I can tell when you're upset. Angry." He paused gauging her possible reaction. "Sad."
"I'm not sad." She bit out.
"I can also tell when you're lying." Butch said unflinchingly. "It's a sour smell."
Buttercup stepped up to Butch a feral look in her eyes. "If you want to keep that nose of yours attached to your face, you will-."
"I've got more than enough scars from you, what's one more?" He sighed. "Look, I don't know who this Sedusa person is or what she can do, but I'm gathering she did something to you."
Pain flashed in Buttercup's eyes before she began to move around Butch. "She killed my sister."
"My brother was killed and I felt rage more than I feel sorrow." Butch said as he grabbed her arm in passing. "She did something to you, didn't she? Or at the very least going to do something to do?"
The scent of sadness radiated from her, before shifting to anger. Butch released her and stepped back, narrowly avoiding the claws that came for his chest. The look on her face was thunderous, as it was beginning to turn red and tears were forming in her eyes. The smell of salt water burned Butch's nose.
She looked ready to berate him when her eyes flashed yellow before her head was thrown back as if struck, and she began to fall to the ground. Butch rushed forward and caught her before she could hit the ground. Noir fell from her limp arms and whined worriedly for his lady.
Butch tried to rouse her awake to see if she was all right. When she didn't he shifted her in his arms so that he was carrying her bridal style. He thought about bringing her to the healers, but worried of what their scrutiny would reveal and thus reveal to Henry. Her sisters would know what was best for her.
Noir followed at his heels as he walked through the halls. Many guards and servants gaped, but remained silent as they allowed the wolf prince to pass by with his charge. In his wake, they turned toward each other with whispers off what could be the cause. Butch's ears burned with the gossip being hurled, but that was of little to no importance. He had to make sure that Buttercup was all right. This was the second time that he'd seen her eyes turn yellow and it concerned him greatly.
Upon entering the royal wing, he saw Robin. Her cheeks were pink and a set of clean linens were in her arms.
"Robin." Butch called out startling the girl.
The brown-haired girl looked up from the bundle in her arms to gasp at the sight before her. "Is she all right?"
Butch didn't hesitate in his stride as he walked briskly past her. "I'm not sure. Did you just change the linens in their room?"
"Uh…my prince. You should be aware that…" The words were stuck in Robin's throat as she followed Butch to the girls' room. She just come from there with the intention of changing the sheets, however…
Butch kicked the door open and was shocked to see that the bed was already occupied. Though, it wasn't the sight of Bubbles asleep in the bed that rendered him silent, but the sight of his younger brother asleep as well.
"Of all the unexpected…" Butch stomped as gently as he could to the bed with Buttercup in his arms and kicked hard enough to rattle the bed violently.
The two yellow-haired persons jolted awake before staring disoriented at each other, then their audience, and then back at each other. Blushed filled both their faces, as they turned away from one another.
"Be bashful later. Move!" Butch snapped irritably. He watched as Boomer and Bubbles vacated the bed, Boomer closest to him and Bubbles on the far side. Butch then moved forward and laid Buttercup gently on the bed. Noir jumped up onto the bed and with drooping ears as he laid beside Buttercup. Butch moved hair from her face as he made sure she was comfortable. Looking up at the younger sister, he demanded answers. "What's wrong with her?"
"What do you mean by wrong? What happened?" Bubbles asked unappreciative of his brusque tone.
Butch growled under his breath not liking being defied in an increasingly stressful situation. "We were talking. She scratched me. Again. Her eyes turned yellow, then she looked as if struck in the head and collapsed."
"Yellow?" Bubbles moved to sit on the bed and carefully raised Buttercup's eyelids to see the color of her eyes. When jade green stared unseeingly at her rather than yellow she exhaled a sigh of relief. "She'll be fine."
"Fine? She lost consciousness!" Butch snapped loudly at Bubbles.
The anger radiating off of Butch rubbed abrasively against Bubbles. It in turn sparked her own anger at Butch. "It's just backlash. I put up a block to prevent anyone from getting in her head. Unfortunately, it renders both parties unconscious."
"Who is trying to pry into her head?" Boomer asked, trying to defuse the anger he could feel coming from Bubbles and read within Butch's head.
Bubbles didn't respond as she turned to look at Buttercup and Noir. The familiar was rightfully sad and Bubbles reached over Buttercup to stroke him behind his ear. "Don't worry Noir. She'll be all right in a few hours. We can watch over her together."
Butch snorted and the sound drew everyone's attention to him. Boomer read the disbelief in their capability of handling their "problem" in his mind. Though one had to keep in find that they handled the Gang Green Gang with success, this foe known so far only by the name Sedusa seemed to have knocked them off kilter. He'd guessed that Sedusa and Buttercup were connected but wasn't sure of how.
They had taken something from Sedusa. That much they knew, but what? Did Buttercup know its whereabouts? Did she know what would happen if Sedusa came to possess this item?
These were important questions that only the witches in their care could yet refused to answer. Ignorance will be your saving grace, was what Blossom had told them. It was an extremely frustrating position to be in.
As he was pondering this in his own mind, confused thought wafted into his mind from behind him.
What is going on? Will she be all right? Who is Sedusa? The questions hardly left room for pause and it reminded Boomer that they were not exactly alone. Turning to Robin, he cleared his throat to grab her attention.
Blue eyes, bright and clear, much unlike the stormy tempest of counterpart, stared up at him with inquisitive wanting. Boomer sighed as he walked toward her and gently moved her out of the room. "If you wouldn't mind keeping what you've heard between these walls."
"Of course, my prince." She nodded only to hesitate in the doorway.
"What is it?"
Robin looked past him to the bed and then brought her eyes back up to the young prince. "Will she be all right? Shouldn't I go get the healer?"
"No. Her sister is a bit of a healer herself. She's in good hands." Boomer reassured, hoping that young Robin took his words at face value.
She did and bowed respectfully, before turning to leave. Before she could go far, she turned back to the young prince. She handed him the clean sheets and linens. "I never got a chance to as…" she looked bashfully up at him, before scurrying down the hall.
Boomer's own face flushed pink as he saw the image in her mind of him and Bubbles asleep in bed. They were both clothed, reassuring all that nothing had occurred. Still, it was…scandalous, and would not reassure anyone—Henry in particular—that they weren't seeking the girls simply for pleasure.
"You can go now." Bubbles almost snapped at Butch. "We don't need you hovering."
A growl began in Butch's throat and had Boomer snapping his head around and walking quickly toward his brother.
"What you need to stop doing is pussyfooting about and just tell us what the hell is going on. Better yet, I demand—."
"You will not order us about. We are not your people." Bubbles cut him off.
Butch stood up with his face twisted in a snarl, looking ready to pounce. He felt a hand land on his shoulder and he whipped his head to glare at his brother. Feral forest green clashed with stoic navy blue.
"Butch, your arm is bleeding. Why don't we go to the healers and have them look it over?" Boomer asked, hoping that his brother would take the hint and leave the girls be.
Turning toward another set of blue of blue eyes and was net with challenge. "It's unwise to look a wild animal in the eyes. It irritates them and issues a challenge."
"Butch."
Bubbles continued to glare unwaveringly at him. When Boomer felt the hackles rise on Butch's back, he forcefully began to remove his brother from the room. It was only have they'd crossed the threshold that Bubbles sent a wave of magic at the door slamming it, and hoping he hit the beast in the nose. Maybe then he'd mind his business.
On the other side of the slammed door, Butch stood seething. His thoughts were more animal than human at the moment, and Boomer worried of what he might do if left alone. "Butch?"
"Where is Brick?"
"Brick?" was Boomer's startled response, before he found himself following after a quickly moving Butch. His brother was licking his wounded arm much like an animal, and it showed just how angry he was. Over the years, the more angry and irritable he was the more the animal in him arose. His face was shifting and moving under the skin, subtly from man to wolf. "Why do we need to find Brick? Shouldn't we just go to the healer?"
"I'd probably claw his face off. Where is Brick? I can't smell past my own blood." He growled out.
Boomer took a moment to seek his elder brother out and found him in the library. His mind was occupied with a number of books in his hand. He was searching for something, but not sure as to what he needed to be looking for. "The library."
A sharp nod and change of direction were the only indication that he'd been heard. His agitation was growing by the moment.
"Butch, I think you should try to calm yourself." Boomer suggested, trying to get his brother to return to some semblance of humanity. His mind was a snarl of vague emotions—mostly anger—and disjointed words that gave his emotions some direction. Sedusa. Afraid. Scared. Buttercup. Buttercup. She knows. Won't tell me.
Growling was Butch's only form of communication, and it worried Boomer that his brother might shift into his other form in front of others. No one but their closest friends knew of their other abilities. There have been a few slips, but nothing that would condemn them. However, he wasn't so sure as to count on the simplicity of the castle folk to not draw a dangerous conclusion. If one person called the girls witches and those whispers reached Henry, who knows what he might do—despite Brick's order to not harm them. He'd more than likely exploit their powers for the kingdom as he'd subtly did them.
In the case of himself and his brothers, it was their duty. As the first, second, and third crown princes of Tartonia it was their right to exercise their skills in bettering the kingdom. They were born with this expectation in mind. The girls were not. They shouldn't be subjected to such a task, or rather burden.
The doors to the library were thrown open by Butch breaking the silence. "Brick!" he practically roared.
Their elder brother who'd been entirely focused on his search was startled from his thoughts. He was glad that there were no candles lit as he was sure, he might've burned a bit of the books in his shock. He turned to see his brothers, noticing immediately the dark expression on Butch's face and worry on Boomer's. He closed the book he held and turned to face them fully.
"What's going on?"
Butch found he couldn't speak beyond words and began pacing as he growled and tried to spit out words. They came out disjointed and incomprehensible. He looked more and more like the predator her was as he paced back and forth between Brick and Boomer.
After his fourth circuit, Brick stopped him and tried to get him to focus on him. Red coals stared into wild green eyes. "Butch, come back to us. Calm down." When his brother continued to growl unintelligibly and expand with his shift, Brick drew his fist back and struck him hard.
Boomer winced but could hear the humanity return to Butch's mind. Slowing sounds became words in his mind. Vague feelings sharped and gained direction. When the second prince turned to look up at his brother, he bowed his head shallowly.
"Forgive me, I was just—."
"You're forgiven. Now, what is going on?" he asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.
Butch took a deep sobering breath to settle his nerves, before answering. "Whatever this Sedusa women is after, it revolves around Buttercup."
Brick looked to Boomer for confirmation and received a shrug of confusion. "How do you know this?"
"Out of all the girls, Buttercup is the most on edge. Also, I've only seen her eyes turn yellow. Neither of the other girls have expressed this."
The brothers were contemplative of what this could mean, when the library doors were opened once more and revealed Henry entering. A coolness settled over them as they would rather not speak with the man. "Not now, Henry. My brothers and I are in discussion."
"Is it more important than—."
It's very important Henry." Brick cut him off. "If there is anything you need to know we will tell you. Now leave us."
Henry scowled and stroked his beard irritably. "You three have been keeping nothing but secrets this past week. Those girls are full of nothing but secrets."
"Leave. It. Be." Brick bit out. "We will handle them as we've said over and over. I'm beginning to become annoyed with your pestering. Before you say anything, remember your place Prime Minister. If I have to remind you again, I will not be kind. Now leave."
Henry huffed indignant before spinning on his heel and leaving the library. Mutters about spoiled princes and grey hairs echoed softly amongst the books. The tension and the heat lessened as Brick turned back to his brothers.
"Now what was this about Buttercup?"
"I believe she is the closest to Sedusa. She had the most to fear from her." Butch explained.
"Why?"
Butch shook his head in omission. "I'm not sure. She wouldn't speak to me about it."
"None of them will speak to us about it." Boomer cut in. "And their minds are closed off from me, so I can't know for sure. However…" he mused aloud.
"However?" Brick asked wondering where his mind was going.
"Everyone's minds are more open when they're asleep. Our powers have expanded, so maybe…"
"You can pilfer through their minds as they sleep." Brick finished his eyes glowing with promise. "When do you think you'd be able to try?"
"Tonight."
Buttercup stood in a black void. There was nothing around her. Nothing to see. Nothing to smell. Nothing to feel. She wandered aimlessly about in the darkness, comforted by its blanket. She closed her eyes so she could relish in the feel of being at peace.
Unfortunately, peace wasn't long lasting. She heard something that made her eyes open. Looking around, she searched for the source. The sound came again only closer and clearer. It sounded like it was her name. The third time she heard it, she was sure that it was her name being called. Called by a voice she hoped to never hear again.
"No."
"Buttercup."
"Go away!"
"Buttercup."
"You're not here!"
"Buttercup."
"Leave me alone!"
The voice fell silent and Buttercup held her breath as she spun around, seeing that she was indeed alone. She released the breath caught in her throat and turned only to jump back in fright. Before her was the one person she hoped to never see again.
"Sedusa."
Long, wavy black hair that fell to her waist framed a pale, angular face with yellow green eyes and a red snarl. She was dressed in red with a black corset tied tightly around her midsection. A long cut was made in the side of the dress she wore to reveal a smooth leg. She stood before Buttercup angry. Menacing. The intent for violence very much present.
"How are you here? Bubbles blocked you from my mind."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can't you into mine." Sedusa took a step toward Buttercup. "You think yourself pretty clever, don't you Buttercup?"
"I was able to escape your claws, weren't I?"
A vindictive laugh broke from full lips, before she reached out and grabbed Buttercup by the chin. "You've only delayed the inevitable and provoked my wrath. I will show no mercy when I find you."
"You showed no mercy to my baby sister, you snake! Don't think yourself to have ever been kind to me!" the younger girl hissed as she jerked her chin from the poisonous grasp.
Sedusa's reptilian eyes shown with venomous glare. "You were nothing when I found you. Impulsive. Without control. Unable to not be from under the shadow of Blossom."
"That's not true."
"Isn't it?" the viper challenged. "How eager you were to learn what I could teach how. How long and hard you worked to please me with your magic."
"You were grooming me."
Sedusa then clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Yes. All that hard work and look at what you've done to yourself. You've hacked your hair and hardened your body. It will be difficult to return it to the way I need it."
"You won't have the satisfaction, you vile snake." Buttercup spat angerly.
Sedusa was upon her again wretched Buttercup's head back by her hair. She refused to let a sound of pain escape her. "Oh, I very much will. And after I've taken your power and body the life you've created will be destroyed. I will kill your sisters with your own hands. Take the man that could be yours as my own."
Buttercup's eyes furrowed in confusion. "What man?"
The sick smile that broke across her face chilled Buttercup to the core. "A tall, handsome man with dark hair and beard. His eyes as green as forest leaves."
When green eyes widened in shock and turned to fear, Sedusa smiled wickedly. Butch, she thought.
"Butch? Is that his name?"
"No!"
"Now I have a clue as where to find you in this world you've hidden yourself. See you very soon, Buttercup."
Buttercup startled awake with a gasp and tears flooding her eyes. She was alone in her room, save for Noir who sat up at her abrupt wakening. The words spoke in the last moments before she returned to herself echoed in her mind. She'd condemned them all, just by thinking that stupid mutt's name.
She covered her mouth, afraid she'd scream and cried. Falling back on the pillows, she continued to cry until she fell into a dreamless sleep. She hoped that when she awoke, a way out of this coming disaster would present itself to her.
Hello, my lovlies. School has started, and it is my last semester! Yay! I'm so excited…and will potentially be a bit busier than usual. That being said, my updates might be three weeks in between rather than two weeks in between. It's not an actual thing that will happen, but a forewarning of something that could happen. It bothers me when I can't post within two or less weeks, so hopefully that three week thing will not be a thing. I love all my readers, and want you know why your story probably wouldn't be out when you expect it.
On to other news. Baby Red's name has yet to be set in stone. I might have an idea for his middle name, courtesy of one read, and you know who you are. So keep voting for little Baby Red's name. I think I'll wait until I get to either chapter twenty or twenty-five of The Powers That Be before cutting off the poll. That's five to ten more chapters before a final decision is made. I hope to see more votes. I love you all and hope you've enjoyed this chapter.
Until next time.