Twenty Four: Blessed with a Curse

...

Ello, ello!

Happy May! It's been a long time and I'm so sorry! A lot has been going on. But (good news here!) I'm still on track! I went to Australia in April and England this month, so it's been hard to get back in the regular time zone. I can go on but I feel bad making you guys wait and rambling is reserved for the Review Replies section so... let's get to it! :D

.

...

Ever since this began, I was blessed with a curse.
And for better or for worse, I was born into a hearse.
I know I said my heart beats for you.
I was lying girl, it beats for two.
'Cause I've got your love when I've got these vices.

...

'Blessed with a Curse" – Bring Me the Horizon

.

Bubbles.

.

There was once a time when waking up under Boomer's heavy, cage-like hold comforted me. It made me feel secure and protected...

But, this morning, I was ready to rip into him as soon as I jolted awake and found myself pinned to the bed.

My eyes darted around the room. It was still dark, but it was definitely morning. I was wide awake. From over Boomer's arm, I could make out the neon numbers on the clock by our bed.

4:38am.

Suddenly, I was itching to escape. I began to shuffle across the sheets, pulling away from his heated, hard body to scoot closer to the edge- gripping the mattress for leverage. His arm fell from me with a muffled thump. A loud snore erupted by my ear and I froze in place, turning my head so I could just make out the sleeping Ruff behind me.

He was still fast asleep, but a frown crumpled his face. He twisted his fists in the sheets and grumbled into the pillow, a stream of drool slipping from his lips.

"No..." He moaned into the sheets, blond hair sweeping over his eyes. "Those are my jellybeans..."

Deeming it safe, I slid softly off the bed and landed gently against the carpet, backing away with my heart beating hard in my throat. I couldn't believe it, how close she really was... I needed to see her. I spied the door and, stealing a second to glance back at Boomer snoring, I decided I couldn't wait another moment.

I slipped out into the hallway, half expecting to see Brick or Butch waiting to jump on me. Amazingly, the darkened hall was clear of anyone and was eerily silent. Shuffling on my feet, I debated on whether or not I should check Butch's room... surely she wouldn't be there, right? But Butch would keep her close... I shook that from my head. Buttercup wouldn't let that happen without a fight. Biting down hard on my lip, I instead turned and headed down the hallway to check out Blayze's room. She would see Blayze first, of course...

I rounded the corner and immediately froze again on the spot, bare feet skidding against the hardwood floor.

Butch was in front of Blayze's door, guarding it. He was sitting hunched against the door on the floor, his deep green eyes glowing in the dark. His messy hair hung in his face, giving him a haunted look that was aimed straight for me. My heart was beating so hard and fast I could taste it. Seconds dragged by, the two of us staring at each other, Butch silently warning me. He leaned back against the wood behind him, head tilting back and eyes narrowing.

My toes curled against the cold wooden floors. Before I even thought of retreating, running back to Boomer's room before there was any words exchanged, he made a move. He got to his feet in one fluid, final motion. A few more seconds of our intense, silent stare-of continued... each one judging and studying the other.

I wasn't about to back down. Despite my hammering heart and shaky bare legs, I wanted to see my sister, my living, breathing sister. The thought of her behind that door, behind him, only pushed me further. For once, I wasn't afraid of the Ruff in front of me. He wanted what I wanted, but this time I wasn't backing down.

Then he dropped his gaze. He looked down at the floor, and shoulders followed. He seemed to droop altogether. He backed off, heavy boots scraping across the floor. With one final, sheepish, half-hearted glare my way, the Green Ruff retreated up the hallway toward our kitchen, tucking his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. I watched his back, sure he wouldn't just walk away and leave her, but he disappeared into the kitchen and the hallway was silent once again.

Hardly daring to believe my luck, I rushed over to the door and pushed it open.

It was dark inside, and it struck a newfound fear into my heart. What if it was a trap? What if it was just... a dream? What if Boomer was lying, I wasn't-

But then a flash of colour brought it all back to me- that flash of green hit me like a bolt of lightning and struck down deep in my chest. A pair of bright, apple green eyes opened from the bed, and her disbelief reached my ears in a rushed, panicked whisper.

"Bubbles!"

My knees gave out on me when I tried to step into the room. Tears burst from my eyes and my throat tightened so much, I couldn't speak. I could hardly make out her silhouette, but I had already tumbled through the darkness and scrambled for her before she'd even made her way out of the bed. When I touched her, when she'd finally secured herself in my arms, that's when everything broke loose and burst free within me. The tears were suddenly flowing from me and, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold back the sob that fell from me like the tears did.

"Buttercup!" My head fell onto her shoulder, my arms latched around her so tightly, it was like I was forcing my body to recognise her shape against mine. My old partner, my teammate, my sister- "It's really you!"

I knew it was her. It had to be. Nobody had eyes like her, hair like her. I could feel her face against mine and knew it was my sister. It even smelled like her. Nobody could tell me it wasn't her. It was Buttercup. The Green Puff. My sister.

We somehow found the floor, collapsing into a pile onto the carpet but still refusing to let go of each other. We cried as softly as we could, sniffing and scoffing in stupid, happy laughter through our tears. I felt her hands at my face and I gripped onto her shirt like I was afraid to let go. It was like we both knew to keep quiet for Blayze, but at the same time the emotion was too much to hold back. I didn't know what to say, what to do. I just cried and held her and was sure that at any second I would wake up. It was unbelievable to me that after all this time, she was here. She was back. It was really her.

She gave a great sniff and pulled me back up, her cheeks shining, and we sat on the carpet together by Blayze's bed. Just the two of us. Together again. Like old times.

"Oh my God..." I whispered again, a shaky, hushed laugh escaping me. It was still dark and I could make out Blayze fast asleep on the bed. Instead I snuck closer to her, still shaking with disbelief. "It's really you! You're okay!"

"Kind of..." I saw her run a trembling hand over her long hair. It was so long! She sort of fell into me, our shoulders crashing. "It's been such a long time -"

"So much has happened! We thought- we thought-"

"I know..." Her rushed breath hit me in the face and she shook her head again. "I was- I was out there, I was trying to make it-"

It didn't take long for her breath to hitch, and quickly I grabbed for her arm.

"You did make it! You made it back to us!"

"No, I was trying to do it, save everyone..." I caught the tears sparking in her eyes, catching the light. She looked away from me. "I was just trying to help-"

"You did, you survived!" I was still gulping for breath, mind numb in disbelief. "You made it out there, when everyone- everyone else..." I couldn't find the words, I couldn't let her go. "You're back with us, Buttercup! And th-that makes everything okay, it makes it all better!"

I crashed into her again, wordless with emotion. I couldn't control it, and gasped harder into her shoulder. I couldn't stay still, I could barely talk. I just held her, tight in my arms, and let the hope soar through me. I let it sink in that, for the first time in years, we were back together.

The Powerpuff Girls were back.

.

Butch.

.

Sitting at the table in the makeshift kitchen was torture. I could tell they were talking about me- just a few doors down. The blue Puff was sure to fill her in on how much I fucked up, what Hell we'd brought on Earth. But I couldn't do anything. This was unavoidable, it had to happen eventually. As much as I wanted her to myself- locked away in my room and be mine only to look at, her sisters would find her. She would find them. They were always going to be reunited, no matter how much I hated it. They were going to band together and be loyal to one another, no matter how much we tried to stop it. The Puffs were always united.

And there was nothing I could do about it.

My fingers tightened and shook at the thought and I glanced around eagerly for something- anything- to distract me. I found the coffee pot- collecting dust in the corner of the counter- and quickly made a move for it. I busied my hands as much as I could and tried to ignore that dark, fiery voice in the back of my mind telling me to go back to Blayze's room and rip them away from each other-

They're talking shit. They're making plans. They'll turn him against you-

Instead I focused on trying not to make it too strong or weak, like I always did. I never got the ratios right. Coffee sprinkled all over the floor and counter but I eventually slammed the lid down. I watched, enraptured, as the warmth trickled into the pot. I huffed in the aroma of caffeine, closing my eyes and gripping the counter. I tried to focus.

I instead thought of Blayze. Blayze and his mother, the two of them together. He deserves to think we're somewhat normal, right? I couldn't imagine the look on his face at us fighting, it hurt him enough when he was just a baby.

At that, I couldn't ignore the grin tugging at my lips. As I watched the coffee rise against the glass, I could now remember back freely at the two of us arguing after her birthday. We were just kids back then... when she had a slight bump and still Blayze managed to bar us from each other with a bolt of light...

"I'll have you one day..." That's what I'd told her, and I froze against the counter as my old snarl crept back into my consciousness. I could still remember the taste of blood and the furious desperation clawing through my veins. I thought it would all get better as long as she saw my side, if I kept her with me... "I'll have you, just wait and see. I'll be seeing you very soon."

I shook myself from that room, from the memory, and instead grabbed for the coffee. I poured myself a cup before I stopped, thought about it, before snatching for another and filling it up, too. Biting down on my lip –hard- I grit my teeth and made my way back to Blayze's room.

Fuck. This is harder than I thought it was going to be...

I pushed open the door with ease and was immediately met with tense silence. Even through the early morning darkness, I could make out two pairs of furious glares- one bright blue and the other that sour apple green. Heat spread freely over my face. I froze again, faltering for only a moment, before remembering Blayze's dresser. I dropped the mugs there and closed the door behind me, trying to unknot my shoulders. My back hit the door and I couldn't help but hiss at myself. I probably looked so stupid, like coffee was going to be some kind of peace offering-

"Hey... you been here all night?"

The drowsy voice took me by surprise, but I didn't have to glance over to see it was Boomer. I grit my teeth again and dragged my boots across the floor.

"Yeah... just made coffee."

I heard him yawn, before he let out a long groan.

"You seen Bubbles?"

All I did was tilt my head back.

"In there. With her."

When I glanced up to look at him, he paled. His eyes widened and his jaw stiffened, and I could tell he was pulling the same face I probably was. I offered what I could of a shrug.

"It had to happen eventually, they are sisters."

"I know..." He looked down sulkily. "But still-"

I pushed off the door, already itching to rip it back open. "Want some coffee?" I was already heading that way. He reluctantly followed me, irritated frown in place. Once he was seated and I poured him a cup, however, his dark glare seemed to ease a bit. I grabbed my own mug and sat opposite him, the two of us slouched and defeated.

Those damn Puffs.

"Bane thinks we should stop giving them the Antidote..." Boomer grumbled into his coffee. My own coffee hitched back up my throat and I stifled a cough.

"Stop the-?" I choked back, taking another swig and starting over. "What? Why?!"

Boomer could only give me a tense shrug, his eyes flashing darkly. "He said they should stay if we worked on them enough..." He tipped his head into his palm, gripping the mug of coffee dangerously tightly with his other hand. "I love Bubbles, I know I do..." He was rambling to himself more than to me, now. "But I don't know if she'd stay... she's good. I can see she still is. She'll go out there and try and play hero and lose, I know it."

"Nobody can play hero out there..." I grumbled, thinking of Dad- Bane- more than anyone else. "They'll get eaten alive."

"That's what I'm afraid of..." My brother's dark eyes narrowed on the wooden table. A thought prodded at the back of my mind, hidden at the very depths, that he may not just be talking about the Puffs. I gave my skull a firm shake- determined not to let my mind wander. I picked up my coffee instead, inhaling the fumes. Anything to stop the tremor in my fingers, the twisting in my stomach at the thought of the two Puffs conspiring together... just like they used to.

"I lost the Puff once. I'm not going to lose her again."

I caught Boomer's mouth in a distressed twitch. When his eyes glanced up from his coffee again, they were lighter and brighter than I had seen them in a long time. They darted hesitantly to the door before landing on me again.

"We... we could tell." He muttered. "You were lost without her."

A frown dug at my face, but I couldn't sum up any defiance. I just shrugged against my mug, gulping down and hoping for a buzz from the caffeine. It never came. I deflated on the spot.

"It hurt." It came in a short grunt, and scoffed at how much it hurt- but it I sounded like I didn't care. I shook my head again. "Fuck, it was like a piece of me was missing... I dunno why-"

"Fuck, Butch-" Boomer looked at me pitifully, almost like he was in pain. "You're connected to her! We're all connected with them."

I felt my eyebrow rise at the suggestion. "Well, that monkey did say that we were made to destroy them-"

"But that's bullshit, isn't it?" Boomer sighed at me. "It's more than that, especially now. I mean, you saw her have your kid. You can't forget that shit... that's... that's fucking crazy, when you see that. When Bubbles had Bliss, like... seeing her in her arms- that was just-"

He shook his head, his face pale.

"You can't come back from that, you know? I see her different, now... she gave you a child..."

I didn't want to, but I remembered vividly the moment I saw her in hospital, Blayze in her arms. There was a glow about her I couldn't describe, something that just bathed her in light in my eyes... the fact I had seen her throughout the years topple buildings and take down mile high monsters... yet the most impressed, the most in awe, I've ever been is when I saw her slouched in a hospital bed, defeated yet elated over a tiny little human.

…A human with her eyes, and my smirk.

Our little human.

"It hurts seeing him like that, too… without her." My small voice sounded so foreign to me, I barely noticed it until it slipped out. "He missed her so much… fuck…" Before I knew it, I was shaking my head all over again. "And it was my fault. I took her away. "

"She's back now, man…" Boomer's voice sounded faraway. I glanced up to see his eyes were still lidded, cheek pushed up and chin cradled in his hand. "You guys can start over again."

"I think the whole 'me killing her' thing makes it a little challenging…" I couldn't keep the bitterness out of my voice, but couldn't help but scoff at how it sounded. I bet other parents don't have to deal with this shit. Boomer returned the sarcastic snort.

"Maybe, but it just shows how much you two have been through together."

"Those fucking Puffs…" I couldn't help but scoff again at the whole conversation, how baffling and fucking incredible it was. After six years of ruling like we had, the two of us were brought down by girls. By fucking Puffs, nonetheless. Superheroes. The good guys. "They've really done a number on us, haven't they?"

Boomer's lip again rose in a smirk. He tapped the side of his mug as his head rocked against his hand.

"Sometimes I wonder who really won… between sides, I mean. I think she's got more power over me most of the time."

"It was a lot easier when all we had to worry about was cooties."

Boomer really did let out a snort at that one. "Fuck, I can only imagine what my ten-year-old self would say if he saw me right now!"

"Same." I almost burst out laughing at the very thought. "I'd fucking try and kick my ass, being such a pussy over a chick."

Boomer cocked an eyebrow. "You know, Brick and Bane think we've gotten so tough since we became demons..." He rolled a cautious glance to the door before giving another scoff. "But after all this time…we're still weakened by those Puffs and their kisses."

At the very word, my fingers brushed against my lips. I could swear, they were still numb from the burn- the heat of her skin on mine. My chest prickled too, the deep scratches that were still shining on my chest. She'd marked me.

I glanced over at Boomer, lost in his coffee, and thought of telling him. The words were resting heavily on my tongue. I thought of the darkness in her eyes, the sudden pull in her strength, the sudden force and the tearing of my skin… the pain, the scarring…

But I didn't.

Instead, I dragged myself up and poured myself another cup of coffee.

.

Jayden.

.

In the few months Cain had stuck to my side, I had come to the realisation within the first day that he was not an easy sleeping partner. He would clench onto me so hard I woke up with a numb limb, kick me randomly in his dreams, roll on top of me and crush me or growl and talk so loudly in my ear I would wake up with a throbbing headache. In the moments he wasn't sleeping, he would talk incessantly about the stupidest things, like what my favourite colour was when I was three, or ask me to describe a raccoon.

Anyway, I thought that was one of the hardest things to deal with, until I realised what a fucking nightmare it really was to not have him beside me, rolling on top of me and snapping in my ear. Instead, it was a lot worse a feeling to crawl into the tent and find him sitting up, hunched over and irritated. He still refused to talk to me, opting instead for clenching his teeth and narrowing his dark eyes over my head. Out of exhaustion and frustration, I'd slumped down onto the ground and passed out... but it was a restless sleep.

The next morning, I woke up alone, cold and with more pain than ever. My neck was tender and I'd slept wrong on one arm. Worst of all, waking up without Cain by my side made me feel more lonely and unprotected than ever. I was actually nervous to go outside without him. My eyelids were heavy and I began wishing that I could just hide in the tent until he came back. But then I caught sight of my bag again, with Cass' pistol inside, and I grit my teeth, grabbed it and charged through the flap of the tent, braving the cold mountain air.

I couldn't see the demon anywhere. There were a few of Tyler's friends huddled by a small fire, but immediately shuffled closer together and avoided my gaze as soon as they saw me. Biting back a growl, I shoved the pistol into my belt and aimed instead for where I was sure to be covered until I knew what was going on- back into the forest, where I could make out the tops of some trees in the distance shaking. I stared long enough to see a flash of subtle green light. Emmy.

I aimed for it, legs still trembling dangerously. As soon as I got closer, I could make out Rome's dark commands and Emerald's playful sniggers. I held back when I remembered the night before, the dark glare he'd given me at discussing Cass.

It didn't take me long to shake it off, especially with Cass' gun weighing heavily against my leg. I couldn't leave Buttercup's daughter, the only Puff I knew that could help. I had to stick with Emerald. I couldn't leave her alone with him, not with his eyes as black as they were.

Mind made up, I picked up my pace and stepped out into the clearing. A flash of bright green light missed me by inches and ruffled my hair, the gust of wind following slapping me in the face. I even stumbled against the uneven dirt, and Emerald suddenly appearing at my shoulder was the only force that kept my face from the ground.

"Uncle Jay!"She chirped happily at me, hovering at my height. "Good morning!"

"Hey, Emmy." I had to wince as another bolt of pain shot through my body, my head. That little girl was way too cheerful to be her mother's daughter. I scrunched my hair and found Rome making his way over, his dark eyes narrowed against the early morning rays and his face expressionless. At least he gave me a curt nod before sneering at me.

"I see you're finally up, Runt."

"Good morning to you, too." I grumbled back, shifting my glance. I was sure I would see a familiar head of bright blond hair hanging around, but I couldn't see him. Tugging my jacket tighter around me, I tried to play it off like it was nothing- but I heard my voice squeak.

"Where's Cain? Have you seen him?"

Rome raised an eyebrow with cocky intrigue and I hated him for it. That little scoff he gave me didn't help, either.

"He's hunting." He shrugged. "He didn't want me to tell you that, though."

"Well, thanks." My shoulders sunk, as did my heart. I hated the thought of Cain hunting. In fact, he had promised me a long time ago he didn't need to, not anymore. The first time I saw him, peppered with blood, was enough to properly freak me out. I thought he'd taken that seriously.

Unable to say anymore, I retreated back to a comfortable looking tree and sank to the roots, sliding my boots out against the dirt and dropping my head against the trunk. I could feel Rome watching me, but at that moment I didn't even want to spare him a glare. Instead, I listened to him talking about moves and tactics with Emmy. He thrived on that shit, it was easy to see. He and Buttercup used to train for hours on different stances and attacks, the right defences and plans. It was like he wasn't happy unless he was planning something.

"So how do you usually fight with your shield Em?" He was asking the girl, trying to be serious while she floated in circles around him. "Do you sum up your strength in the absorption of energy around you, or do you have to get in the right frame of mind? Is it a matter of recharging your energy?"

Of course, the technical jargon went over the little girl's head. I tried not to laugh when the five year old just blinked at him before giving an awkward shrug mid-air.

"I dunno... Mama just told me to think of something happy!"

"Happy?" Rome curled his lip sceptically. "Like... you summon joy? That's how you approach fighting?"

"Yeah!" Emmy bounced happily in the air, folding her legs so they floated beneath her. She held onto her shoes, teetering and fidgeting. "She used to say that you shouldn't give into your power, you should just use it! She said I should never get angry while fighting! She said you should always be in control with a clear head!"

To even demonstrate, the young girl took a deep breath and floated mid-air, wriggling her fingers around her wild hair with her eyes closed. She blinked slowly, opening them to Rome's calculating look.

"Interesting..." He hummed to himself, frowning. I knew I should probably keep a distance from the easily-irritated demon, but I piped up against my better judgement.

"Why's that interesting? It's probably a martial arts thing."

"It's against everything a demon knows, that's why." He grumbled at me impatiently. "Demons are supposed to use fury and anger in fighting- it's the only emotions they feel naturally, and the sole purpose is to gain power."

"But Buttercup didn't want to fight like a demon." I reminded him. "She wanted to stay in control."

Amazingly, Rome had no reply for me. Instead he just shot me one of his deadly glares and turned back to Emerald.

"Okay, Em. This time let's focus on splitting that energy thing again, where you throw the light."

Flipping backwards, Emerald completed an impressive loop-to-loop before coming to rest again on the ground, planting her feet at the ready. Rome matched her, hands out.

"Good stance. Okay, so how long does it take for you to-"

He stopped, eyes widening, as she threw her hands in front of her, light immediately appearing. The growing, glowing green force continued to swell, sparks and bolts building within. The more it grew, the more focused she became- face scrunching and eyes narrowing. Steadily, she split the force and held both out at arms length, finally smiling as she showed off her trick.

Rome, lip dangling, shook himself slightly. "Woah. Okay! So you can build them pretty quickly, then!"

"Mama and I were working on it." She gave a shrug, still holding her balls of light. "It takes a little bit, which leaves me open to attack!"

"How many can you throw in succession?"

"What's sucks-seshion?"

"In...eh..." Rome faltered at the 'kid speak'. I watched happily as he struggled. "Like, how many can you throw really quickly? So the bad guys don't have time to attack you?"

"A lot, but they're small, and it's better to just throw up a shield instead." Her little face morphed into one of disapproval, looking a lot like the lecturing glare Rome always sent me. "You know we protect ourselves before attacking, Dad! The best defence is a good offence! That's what Mama always says!"

Blinking at the young girl's lecture, I couldn't hold back a snort.

"Yeah, Dad!"

He only had a second to growl at me before turning back to the girl, looking defeated.

"You're right, Emmy. You got me there. That's a prominent Strategic Offensive in the principles of warfare."

Again, Emerald blinked at him- totally lost.

"You just don't want to get hurt!"

"Right. Yeah. Exactly." He planted his feet and motioned to her again. "So why don't you hit me with a little blast? You know, so I can see-"

Emerald jumped at the signal, shooting a ball of light straight at him. It knocked him off his feet- sending him flying about ten feet- straight into the trunk of a tree. His head smacked against the thick wood with a satisfying thud that shook some branches free.

This time, I couldn't hold back the laughter. It burst out of me in an evil cackle and I had to double over, clutching my stomach, as Emerald zoomed over- squealing with distress.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Mama usually dodges it, or catches it! Are you hurt? I'm sorry!"

I probably didn't help with my cackling. Joyful tears bubbled in my eyes and I even snorted. Faintly, I made out Rome getting to his feet, rubbing his head and giving Emerald what looked like a numb, impressed look, pinched with pain.

"It's okay, Em! It was good, good throw!" He hid a wince with difficulty. "That was actually, really good! Um... that was a weak one?"

"Yeah!" Emerald brightened, gliding to his shoulder to dust him off. Rome gave her a whole new look of contemplation, his dark eyes almost glazing over.

"That was good, lots of force, uh, behind that-"

"Are you kidding?! That was beautiful!" It had been so long since I laughed so hard.I gasped for breath and wiped at my tears. It was a rare opportunity in this world to find humour in things, it was hard not to jump at the opportunity. Rome gave me an evil growl, but I couldn't hold back the laughter. I clapped my hands together at the grinning girl. "Again, lil' Puff! Throw him again!"

.

Buttercup.

.

Waking up to find my son in my arms was a feeling I couldn't quite comprehend so soon after such a deep sleep. It still felt like I was dreaming, to have him here with me- in the shelter of his quiet room, without any immediate threats. It was like it was a new world... like the last six years had been a distant nightmare.

When the door opened and, instead of Butch, my blonde sister was gaping at me in the darkness, it caused another jolt to my system. I scrambled up, heart racing, to rush to her. I couldn't get to her fast enough. Hugging her again took me right back to when we were kids, group hugs and teddy bears and pancakes in the morning and all that innocent stuff... suddenly it all came back. My mind- usually numb and filled with battle plans, weaponry and paranoia, suddenly warmed at the fuzzy sensations that reminded me of being human... being a Puff-

"Oh my God..." She was pulling away, sniffing and scrubbing at her cheeks. When she looked up, her smile was shaky. She held my hands so tight they'd gone numb. "I can't believe it's really you, you're alive-"

"Barely..." I noticed my voice shake too, and had to look away to avoid bursting into tears all over again. They came so quickly, lately. I wiped hesitantly at my wet face, breath catching in my throat.

A flicker of light caught my eye and the door creaked open. We froze against the carpet, the two of us still gripping hands. Slowly, sheepishly... I saw two arms slide through the crack in the door, two streams of steam rising from two mugs. They hit the dresser with a dull thump before Butch's arms retreated again, the door clicking closed behind him.

I could only blink, sure I was seeing things. Or, the thought jolted that familiar paranoia back into me. He's trying to poison me, or feed me the Antidote. Either way, I stared at the mugs like they were mini ceramic bombs. Bubbles' sniff brought me back to her.

"It's been..." Her eyes closed and she was clearly lost for words. "So crazy without you- just-"

I couldn't stop the scoff. What else was there to say? I rubbed at my head and tugged at my hair, hugging at my knees. We were both lost.

"Six years..." I muttered. Bubbles nodded.

"Yeah..."

It was hard to see in the dark, but I could still see how she wasn't just my little blonde sister anymore. Her hair had grown, long and wavy and pulled back in a messy bun at the back of her head. She still had those innocent doe blue eyes, but they were lidded and tired. I could see the lines of her collarbone, but clear signs of muscle in her arms. Her face had matured- no longer round and baby-like, but her cheekbones were high and her lips were plump. She looked... like an adult. I glanced down to spot the ring on her finger, left hand. Despite the darkness, it twinkled up at me obnoxiously, a stark reminder of what had happened in our years apart.

"I have a little girl."

My head whipped around faster than I could control it, and my lip immediately dropped. What?

"You do?" It came out like a harsh whisper, but already I could feel my lips twitching into a smile. "Oh Bubbles, really?! A little niece?!"

She smiled too- bright and happy, her whole face lit up.

"I named her Bliss. She just turned four. She's such a ray of sunshine, she's got these big blue eyes, and she can fly so fast it's hard to keep up with her... the boys... they pick on her sometimes..." She gave a soft scoff, still with that bright smile in place. "But she's a fighter, she's not afraid of anything... She's so much like you-"

I let out something that sounded like a gurgling laugh, more tears bubbling at the back of my throat. I sniffed them back, but there was no stopping it. I hugged at my knees, head dropping to her. Images of Emerald burned in the back of my mind and my stomach twisted with sickness at the thought of her alone... the knowledge she had these cousins...she had family-

"What about Bloss?" I focused instead on my other sister, my other partner. My old leader, the fiery, bossy redhead that used to fight beside me with an iron fist-

I went cold as Bubbles glanced down, her shoulders drooped. Oh, no-

"She's fine." Bubbles told me. Her bright blue eyes glanced up at me again, smile shifting slightly. "She's pregnant again... twins."

"Oh-" My mouth fell open of its own accord and I couldn't stop the frown that dug at my forehead. I didn't know how to feel about that. The first hit of emotion was betrayal, my heart spiralling downward at the thought of Blossom playing house with Brick like Hell wasn't opening up outside her door... but the more I thought this through, the more I was weighed down with guilt. Emmy was still out there, my baby, my second child with Butch... "That's...is she okay? Is she happy?"

"She's changed." Was all Bubbles said, that sad quirk in her lip telling me all I needed to know. Our once fierce, determined, stubborn, serious leader was lost like our childhood was. "It's hard to talk to her sometimes... she's very emotional-"

But, of course, like Bubbles always was- she pushed up her smile and shook her head, determined to put on that high, happy voice.

"But she is pregnant! And she's excited. We're okay, we've been okay! We... we don't know much about what's going on outside... the guys don't tell us much."

"I can imagine that." I tried to keep the bitterness out of my voice, but it was tricky. There was a sudden bad taste in my mouth and I got to my feet quietly, giving a cautious glance to Blayze snoring into his pillow before making my way over to those two steaming mugs of blackness. "What is this?"

"Coffee..." Bubbles followed me, staring down with equal confusion. "He's rarely that nice..."

"Probably trying to poison me."

"Maybe it has Antidote X?" Her shoulder brushed against me in a shrug. But then I realised it was pointless. A bitter laugh escaped me before I could bite it back.

"No point." I sighed. "I got hit when I was caught."

"Maybe it really is coffee, then..."

Staring down at the innocent cup, feeling the heaviness in my eyes, was enough to push me to reach out and take hold of the mug. It was still hot, and it immediately warmed my skin, my lips. I took a grateful gulp and everything seemed to settle. Even my shoulders drooped in relaxation.

I wasn't going to deny it, it felt pretty good.

"It seems okay."

Bubbles gratefully took the other cup, holding it in her hands and giving me a tired smile. It seemed so strange to be standing with her, in our enemy's barracks, while our children slept. It was like I was in some warped dream. Everything seemed so calm on the surface.

"Come on..." She opened the door and slipped into the hallway, cautious not to let too much light in. "I want to show you something."

Throwing a cautious glance over at my sleeping boy, I saw that he was knocked out. He was still holding onto the sheets, but his mouth was open and he was snoring happily. Just like when he was a baby.

Shaking my head, I followed my sister out into the hall.

At least some things never change.

.

Jayden.

.

Rome didn't take my laughing fit lightly, and threatened to make me the new target for his shooting practice. Knowing he'd make good on his threat, I wisely muffled most of my snickers into the sleeve of my (Cain's) hoodie while he and Emmy continued to practice. It cheered me up to see Rome dodging, ducking and eventually being hit by Emerald's supercharged blasts, but he was getting the hang of how her Chemical X powers worked.

I was learning a lot, too. It struck me that I was voluntarily going up against powers like that- just like the Ruff's. It was just hitting me then how much I was taking on. Amazingly, I didn't feel too worried. I had protection… I wasn't going at it alone… right?

After about an hour watching, I found myself deflating against the tree. My body still ached from lack of sleep and it was hard to shake the uneasy feeling fluttering in my chest. I knew something was missing, and the nagging nudge at the back of my head told me it was Cain.

I slouched back and tried to get comfortable, but all I could think about was him. It was pathetic, really, how a stupid demon could occupy my mind in the middle of war… But I guess watching the world go to Hell wasn't so bad as long as I had someone there to watch it with me. Without him, that same depressing loneliness crept back into me, carrying with it old doubts and fears that stung deep within me.

Fuck. This sucks.

Rome suddenly perked up in the middle of a demonstration, his head darting upward and his hand shooting out to Emmy before turning to me.

"Cain's back. He's avoiding you."

Chin buried in my hand, all I could do was raise an eyebrow. While off in the distance of the bushes, I heard a familiar yell.

"Shut up, Rome!"

I sighed, stumbling to my feet. At his cocky smirk, I didn't know whether to thank him or flip him off. I settled on both.

"Thanks, asshole."

I headed for the bushes, but not before I heard Emmy pipe up behind me.

"Language!"

"He started it!"

"I don't care who started it!" The little girl scolded my back snootily, mimicking her mother perfectly. "I'll finish it!"

I cut through some gnarly thicket of trees before I got to him, stumbling down what was left of a creek bed before I caught sight of him. He froze in place and immediately I did too. The lower half of his face- lips, chin, neck- was coated with blood. His shirt was streaked with it, too, and his arms and hands. His eyes were darting around for some kind of escape, but he didn't find any. His gaze settled on my feet instead.

"Hey…" He mumbled at me. "I didn't want you to see me like this."

The sight of blood still caused my own to run cold, but it didn't startle me like it used to. It only took a second for me to shake free of the shock and take a step forward, focusing on his eyes instead of the splatter.

"It's not like I haven't seen you…like this… before…" I let a few seconds of awkward silence slip by before I tried again. "Hey, can we talk?"

His eyes immediately darted up at that one, and his shoulders stiffened. "What about?"

"We haven't talked in a while. We used to always talk…I kinda miss it, you know."

"Really?" Cain's nose wrinkled, he fidgeted and shifted his footing. He was still irritated, despite the hunt. "You sure I don't embarrass you?"

"Where's that fucking coming from?" That struck a nerve, for some reason, and I fired up straight away. "I never said that!"

"You didn't have to say it." Cain huffed, still avoiding my glare. "I can tell."

"How?!"

"Because you're a human, and I'm a demon." Cain's eyes darkened and darted, but still craftily skated passed my stare. "Like your friend said, we're natural enemies. You can't trust demons."

"I trust you." I scoffed at him. "You know I do."

"You don't trust me to protect you…" Cain growled at me, kicking at the ground now. "And… I don't blame you."

I tried again to meet his stare, but it was impossible. I trotted up to him, baffled.

"What-?"

"I know I'm evil." He grit his teeth, backing away from me. He clenched his fists and scrunched his face and it looked like he was breathing hard. "You know where I come from. It's… you know it's the worst of the worst. I know I'm evil and tainted and I'm the Devil's grandson-" His eyes slammed shut at that and he looked suddenly sick. I drew back, heart clenching in preparation for the blow.

When he stopped to take a breath, he opened his eyes again and he finally looked at me. His eyes were that familiar bright blue, glassy and open. My chest swelled in relief, but still my heart pounded at the pain in his face. He broke away from me again to stare at the ground between us.

"I can't be the person you deserve… You deserve to be with your humans… the ones that respect you." He glanced over bitterly towards the campground, shoulders sinking. "I see the way he looks at you, you know-"

"Cain. Are you fucking serious?"

He blinked, glancing back at me in sudden shock. I guess he wasn't expecting an interruption in his big emotional spiel, but I couldn't resist it- I didn't even bother holding back my snort. I threw my arms up and scoffed again for good measure.

"Cain, I was a fucking drug dealer all through high school! You know I drugged Buttercup, right? I was known as a creep all through my school career. My Dad ran out on my family when I was a kid, then my Mom's boyfriend used to kick the crap out of me. I turned into this bratty, crazy kid who was just out to hurt people! Then when demons came along I- I just-" I shrugged at the stupidity of it all, shaking my head at the thought of me and how fucked I really was. "I fit in! Because I thought it was all I was good for, I mean… I hurt people just to make sure I survived. I jumped on board with evil because I thought I'd fit in more. Being an asshole was all I thought I could do. I was a villain at one stage, humans fucking hated me… I hated me."

I was rambling. Ugh, emotions. I saw Cain's wide blue eyes on me, though, and it was enough for me to take a breath, take it all in.

"The point is, these guys already hated me. You showing up has given me a real purpose, and it's shown them that I can be good, I can help. I'm proud that I'm with you. You give me a reason to be here, fuck, you give me a reason to live."

I had to shift for only a second, those bright blue eyes were getting dangerously glassy, but I heaved my heavy sigh, the one that was building and tightening in my chest- making my heart go all crazy.

"I'm not ashamed that I'm with you. I'm grateful I'm with you. I hate when you're not around. don't care that you're a demon, or that I'm human. I love you. I didn't think I could feel that way about anyone else in this fucked up world, but-" Scoff, shrug. "I do."

Cain perked up. The colour was back in his cheeks and his lips lifted up into that goofy grin, and I hated to admit that I actually felt relieved at seeing that smile, even if it was covered in blood. He shuffled closer to me and leaned in on me. The strong smell of blood smacked me in the face and, an old reflex, I smacked him back against his chest, bending back and away from the red dripping from his teeth.

"What, eh, what blood is that?"

"I found some demons on the highway, I didn't leave any trace-"

"Maybe a good idea to wash that off first."

He chuckled at me darkly, flashing those bloodied lips at me. It was an interesting sight. His teeth were still elongated, so his teeth were sharp and still smeared with red. But he was so happy, with his wide bright blue eyes and that wide grin, that I had to return it.

"You sure?" He leaned back, eyes lidding mischievously. That sly smirk sent a different kind of flutter through me, somewhere near my heart. "You're not a little turned on right now?"

Heat sprang up my throat right into my face, but at least I could gag out some kind of response.

"Cain, that's sick."

"But it's kinda true, right?"

"Ugh, Cain-"

"I'm drenched in the blood of our enemies." HE flexed those bloodstained fingers at me, tongue swiping at his teeth again. "I'm a beast."

"You're an idiot."

"Come on…" He swooped in close, still with his tongue raking across his bright red teeth. He seemed to be flexing his muscles too, and he used his height to loom over me and cage me in. "You're not just a little impressed?" He snapped his teeth at me. Heat now flooding through me, I spluttered, coughed, scoffed, but in the end shot him another considering look. He cocked an eyebrow, and I was only slightly ashamed of myself this time.

I rolled my eyes to the treetops, but couldn't resist my own scoff.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't rub it in."

.

Buttercup.

.

I didn't know what to expect when Bubbles led me into a room at the end of the hallway, but I was struck with shock at seeing it was lined with bookshelves, filled with all sorts of books and games. There was a soft rug in the centre of the room- cushioning the hard floor. There was a lot of lighting, too. Wall lamps and crystal lights hanging from the ceiling, floor lamps in every corner- it was a cosy, warm space… so unlike the rest of the complex.

"Woah…" I hung in the doorway for a second, but was drawn into the warmth. "Wow… what room is this?"

"It's ours…" Bubbles shrugged sheepishly in the centre, looking around with her mug cradled in her hands. "Our little…distraction room, I guess."

"It's gorgeous." I stared around at the soft leather chairs, the recliners and the kids stuff scattered in the corner of the room. Crayons, books, soft toys and dolls were all pooled into a designated area just for them. There was even a piling of knitting balanced on a recliner- uneven and jagged. It looked like someone had been trying to learn. Judging by this room only, it was like a little piece of a home. "So this is how you stay sane?"

"Kind of…" She dropped onto one of the couches, sitting her mug down on the quaint little coffee table. I joined her and the two of us sat together in that quiet room, just side by side, staring around at their cushioned prison. I guess we were both kind of lost in the mood of the room, a room that was theirs, because we both jumped at a few tiny thumps at the door, Bubbles even jumping up in alarm as the door sprang open. My heart jumped in my throat as a mini-Bubbles sprang through the door, skipping through to close it behind her. She even had the same high, sunshine blonde pigtails swinging on top of her head. She had a cute pink nightgown on and was dragging a soft teddy behind her. As she turned around, her bright blue eyes widened at the sight of us.

"Good morning …" She rubbed at her eyes. Once she spotted me, she blinked in intrigue and Bubbles reached out to take her hand. She led her over to me and I felt my heart flare at the wonder in her eyes, the innocence in her face. This had to be her…

"Blissy, I want you to meet your Aunty, this is Aunty Buttercup."

The little girl blinked up at me in awe, before turning back to her mother excitedly.

"Blayze's Mama?!"

Bubbles nodded. I could see her eyes shimmer once again with tears. "Yeah, this is Blayze's Mommy… Your Aunty."

Her mouth formed a little 'o', and again she looked up at me in awe. I dropped down to her and she had no hesitation in rushing up to me, her little arms latching around my neck in a hug. She chirped in my ear, pulling back only to ogle at me more.

"You look like your photos! You were very green! Mommy said you kicked boys' butts!"

A chuckle escaped me and I squeezed her arms. She was so tiny and happy, bursting with energy… she reminded me so much of Emmy that it hurt. Emmy would love playing with her-

"I did! Well…" I threw Bubbles a look and caught her wiping away tears. "I still do."

Bliss' laugh was contagious, but I could see when she smiled- there was a hint of cheekiness in there. It was Boomer's sly grin. I wasn't even able to fully comprehend my little niece before the door opened again, but this time a pair of large shoulders squeezed through and Brick's red hair appeared, pulling behind him-

My heart dropped and lurched all over again, spirally and ricocheting in my chest and bouncing around my ribcage. My throat tightened as I saw my redheaded sister stumble into the room, one hand on her large stomach and the other gripping Brick's hand tightly. Her eyes were closed. He had a smirk on his face and was talking to her in a low voice.

"Are you ready for your surprise yet, Babe?"

"Brick…" With memories of her strong, authoritative growl, I wasn't used to her soft mumbling. "Where are we? Why are we-?"

I couldn't hold back and pulled myself up. From beside me, Bubbles was swift. She reached down to pull Bliss back, whispering gently in her ear. Immediately, Bliss raced off to grab her toys.

I recovered from my shock enough to shout out to her. "Bloss!"

She stopped in her tracks, lip dropping and eyes jumping open. She fell back, gaping at me, face paling completely. I worried for a brief second she would pass out from shock, but she took a shaky step forward, whimpering.

"B-Buttercup!"

From beside her, Brick gave a wide smirk. "Surprise!"

I threw my arms around her. It was hard, with her giant belly in the way, and it immediately took me back to when I was pregnant with Blayze and she tried hugging me. Now to find her again, our positions swapped, it was another blow that I didn't know how to take.

"You're alive…" She was sobbing hard in my shoulder, jolting me back to Earth. She was gripping me hard, nails digging into my back. "Oh my God, you're okay…"

I listened to her happy cries, trying hard to hold back my own tears. I couldn't ignore the fear in her voice, the strain of sadness that weighed against me and caused a painful stirring in my heart. My eyes opened enough to see Brick hanging close by. His eyes were still black and he was watching us closely. I thought back to what Rome told me, what I'd learned from the Professor's notes and being out there, facing off with monsters… that demons with black eyes can't hide who they really are. They couldn't hide that they had no humanity, no colour to show emotions or feelings. It was the true showing of soul. I could feel the coldness about him, the dark aura that was so different to Butch, or even Boomer.

It made me hold my sister that little bit tighter… and I tried harder to bite back what I wanted to say. Her pregnant stomach pushed against me again as a hard reminder of what had happened while I'd been away.

A flood of heat soared through me and I had to bite back the fury that was scorching my throat. I hugged my sister tighter, never wanting to let her go… not back with him.

But she pulled away from me and I had to let her slip. She sniffed and scrubbed at her face, fanning at her eyes.

"I just- oh my-"

"Can you leave us alone for a second?"

Bubbles' hiss threw me for a moment, and I had to do a double-take just to make sure it had come from her. I looked around to see her facing Brick, looking surprisingly fierce as she stared up at him. Her eyes were a steely shade of blue and her hands were curled into tiny fists. Brick immediately turned his dark gaze to her, lip curling in a sneer.

"I don't trust any of you alone together."

My blonde sister didn't back down. She barely reached his shoulders, but she squared up. My blood went cold as I saw her eyes narrow.

"We deserve some time together!"

"Bubbles." Blossom's own whisper jolted me. It was so unlike her, and I turned to see her eyes wide and petrified, her lip dropping and all colour draining from her face. Her voice was no more than a pleading croak. "Don't-"

"Don't try me, Blondie." Brick hissed at her, raising a finger to her face. He even bared his teeth- a clear demon danger sign. As a reflex, I planted my feet against the floor, toes curling against the soft rug. Unconsciously, I was ready to pounce. "You're lucky I even got your sister back here in one piece. If it were up to me, she'd be chained down."

His black glare darted to me, darkening. His nostrils flared.

"I know you're hiding something, we all fucking do."

All I could do was glare. It burned me up inside that I couldn't do anything else. If I had my blade with me, I wouldn't have held back shoving it straight through the asshole's eye. Before I could make a move, Bubbles piped up again- my little blonde sister tensed her shoulders again and balled her fists at her sides.

"She isn't hiding anything! You've taken our powers, the least you can do is leave us alone!"

Brick rounded on her, closing the distance. Their faces were inches from each other and, by the tick of his jaw, he looked ready to snap his hands around her throat. He hissed, teeth gritted, and snarled right in her face.

"I can take a lot more, just try me."

Far from recoiling, Bubbles cocked her head to the side. Her nose wrinkled.

"You can try. But Boomer's still here, isn't he? He would hear me."

Leaning back, he gave a heavy scoff, lips curling into an actual smile. Again, he jabbed a finger at her. Those black eyes, with that smile, caused my blood to curdle.

"You're getting too fucking cocky, Puff." But he backed off, still with that finger on her. "You know my little brother won't always be there to protect you."

At that, I was ready to break. The fire snuck up on me and shadows began to creep back into the room. I even took a determined step forward - but Blossom's weak sniff caused me to freeze in my tracks. Her face was streaked with tears and she was shaking.

"Brick, stop!"

At her cry, the red Ruff did drop back. I was left shaking and gulping back breaths, trying to stifle my thumping heart and cool my racing blood. He stepped back to my pregnant sister and went to touch her face, still staring daggers at my squared- up sister. He finally broke from the dangerous glare to dip his head to Bloss' ear, whispering something to her.

She actually nodded dutifully and he stepped away without another word, closing the door behind him. Taking in a deep breath, she turned to Bubbles to grumble at her.

"You shouldn't annoy him, he lashes out easily."

Bubbles shook her head, but I could see her shaking. I noticed, too, I was trembling against the floor, like I was frozen to the bone. I was actually scared. The Ruff actually succeeded in causing my heart to race in a panic. Those black eyes were dead and empty- just like Rome's…after Cass.

Something had happened.

"Why should I?" Bubbles hissed back at her. It was Blossom's turn to shake her head, sniffing back tears. I reached out for another hug, holding her close. She kept murmuring to me, her voice shaky. She kept saying she was okay. I didn't believe her for a second, but all I could do was hold her as tight as I could.

"I can't believe you're back… I can't believe you're here…"

"Yeah…" I held tightly to her shoulders, staring hard at that door. "Me neither."

.

Butch.

.

Boomer and I were content in our heavy silences when Brick came bursting into the room, bringing a fire with him. He narrowed in on Boomer, growling darkly under his breath as he ripped out the chair beside him.

"You need to control your Puff. She's getting way too mouthy."

Boomer shot him a narrowed glare. I saw his fingers whiten against his coffee mug and knew he was ready to snap.

"I'm already taking away the only control I have over her." He hissed in warning. "What makes you think it makes any difference what I do?"

"Seriously?!" Brick scoffed at him, eyes wild. "You can't control your woman? It's not hard!"

Boomer tensed, slamming his hands to the edge of the table. He was readying to push the chair out and probably lay into him, so I was quick to intervene.

"Brick, shut the fuck up!How about you worry about your own Puff, alright?!" I slammed my own hand in front of the blond before me. "And chill! You know he's trying to get to you-"

"I'm trying to make sure we're a unit, here." Brick threw his hands up, slumping back in his chair. "The last thing we want our enemies to know is that our own wives aren't loyal."

"Everyone knows we captured them..." I couldn't resist spitting. I sounded way too bitter, but I couldn't hold it back. "They're already a target."

"We came from a lust demon, it isn't exactly good for our reputation, is it?" Brick spat back. I knew exactly what he was insinuating. I was ready to fire up myself- the anger was flowing freely through my veins at a rapid rate- but thankfully, the door opened and Bane entered the room. He seemed a lot taller and bigger than usual, and used this to his full advantage to loom over us while we were seated. His deep, fiery eyes were burning brightly this morning and the room immediately quieted the moment he leaned his knuckles against the table.

"Good morning boys..." He chuckled darkly. "So nice to have the family back together again, wouldn't you say?"

I had no idea what he was on about, and a quick glance to Brick and Boomer told me they were clueless too. Brick's empty eyes were focused on him and he was frowning, Boomer only cocked an eyebrow at his empty mug of coffee. Bane went on, clearly not expecting a response.

"The three Puffs are back under one roof, which means we have to keep more of an eye out on outside threats." He aimed a glare at me, eyes lidded in intense thought. "Especially the Green One... Little Buttercup might have some demons after her."

I wanted to choke on that, but all I could gag on was air. I tried to keep my composure, and instead return the glare.

"What?"

"We don't know how she survived out there yet, right?"

Something in his stare was off, like he was hiding something. But all I could do was give a tense shrug, my shoulders tensing and knotting at the conversation. I didn't want to talk about her... I didn't want any of them talking about her. Anything they could say could fuck things up further.

"Exactly. She might have had some demons on the outside helping her out, they may have seen her worth, want her for leverage... and who could lose such a prize, am I right?" I glanced up to see his sly, pointed smirk in place and a lightning-like urge slammed through me to punch it straight off his face. But I could only ball my fist tighter and keep my mouth welded shut.

"You think someone will actually come after her? Here?" Brick scoffed in disbelief, but Bane's stern glare darted over to narrow on him.

"Where she's with Blayze, and know she's weak? Absolutely." He snapped harshly.

"Nobody's touching Blayze." I couldn't hold back the growl rumbling in my chest. "Nobody's going near her."

"Mates are a natural target for demons." Bane returned my snarl with ease. "They aren't afraid to sink low enough to aim for kids if you let them."

I could feel the heat flowing between us and tried to anchor myself to the table, hold back from smashing out a wall. I caught Boomer fidgeting out of the corner of my eye and his even tone was light enough to shatter the tension.

"I don't think it's a good idea to stop the Antidote, then." Boomer shrugged airily, avoiding his glare. "If we give them an out, they could escape and become easy targets for-"

"All the better reason to let them gain back their natural strength." Bane bulldozed over him easily, leaning in over the table. "They'll need whatever defences they can to protect themselves and their children if they're up against Hell itself, and they love their offspring. It's in their blood, of course." His eyes flashed maliciously. "They have no choice but to be loyal, it's in their nature to be one with family."

"Wait. Hell itself?!" I stiffened at that one, chills thundering down my spine and spilling out all through my body. I felt cold. "What do you mean by that?"

Bane gave an airy shrug, but craftily aimed his blood red eyes at the wall ahead, rather than me.

"Challenges to leadership are never unopposed." He tried to be delicate, but it still came out with a slight warning growl. His jaw tensed and I knew it was a danger to tread further, but at the image of Blayze and Buttercup cornered and powerless, I couldn't resist another snarl bursting from me.

"Look, I just want Buttercup to trust me." I wasn't about to hide anything from him regarding that. I felt the stares on me and it began to dawn on me that I was calling her by her name, rather than 'the Puff' or the 'Green one' like I used to. Shaking back the prickle edging up my neck, I held strong and met all three stares. "I spent a long time thinking I'd never see her again, I don't want to make anything worse-"

Bane's chuckle flared me up again and I couldn't speak. When I shot him a glare, he only smirked in return.

"If you were a true Lust Demon, she would have no choice." He reminded me.

"I don't give a fuck about that." I spat it out before I could bite it back, but once it was out, it felt good to say. My hand curled into a fist against the table and I fought on. "She's always been difficult, but she's Blayze's mother. He deserves to have her here, and I don't want him to see us fighting after thinking she's dead-"

"The two of you have a bond, that's certain." Bane's considering growl tripped me up again, but this time he caught my interest. Bond? Us? "But it needs to be formalised for your protection."

"Formalised?" Our bond? I tried to keep my tone even. Buttercup and I, together? I tried to focus. "How?"

Bane gave an airy shrug, but I was far from trusting in that sly smirk of his.

"Easy enough…" His crimson eyes rolled to me, shimmering cheekily. "You just have to marry her."

.

Blossom

.

My heart was racing so fast I felt it had melted and was soaring through my veins at lightning speed, vibrating through my body. Every inch of my skin felt numb, raw with such a fiery emotion that had been buried for so long. All I could do was stare and attempt to breathe as gently as I could, already faint with the feeling. After rubbing at my eyes my hands naturally found my stomach again.

She looked so different. The same height, but with longer hair, an aged face and scarred skin. She looked battle worn, with the same look in her eyes Brick had after coming back home- sweaty and scarred. There were shadows and lines under her eyes that showed she had seen too much. She was in one of Butch's shirts, draped over one shoulder. But she still held her fingers into fists, she had a thick leather hand around her wrist and she still stood the same- in an aggressive stance. Ready to fight.

My throat tightened and I tried to get my thoughts straight. With so many questions burning within me, they finally slipped out.

"What happened? Wh-how did you end up here? Brick said-"

I caught myself in time. I didn't want to admit he'd called her my 'surprise', like she was some zoo exhibit in a neat little package. She looked like she'd been through Hell. She was supposed to be dead-

Her dark eyes rolled to me and her shoulders sunk. She looked so tired.

"I was running for a long time…" She whispered to both of us. We huddled together, like it was all some secret. "Butch… he… he really did kill me-"

"What?" There was a dreadful lump in my throat I couldn't explain… like… disappointment? I had no idea why it was there. "He… he really did? What-"

"I…I was…" She looked desperately around—to the floor then the ceiling, back to us. There was a desperate shine to her eyes that didn't suit her. "I…I was pregnant-"

"Oh my God!" Bubbles squeaked in alarm, but a flood of memories came back to me- most importantly, grabbing that pregnancy test for her before she disappeared.

"That's right…" My whisper matched hers. "You were-"

Bubbles hand grabbed her arm and squeezed. She didn't look up. "What happened? Did Butch find out?!"

"N-no. She…her name's Emmy- Emerald." At that, her face lightened and the lines of worry seemed to fade. Her eyes lightened and a whole new colour came over her. "She protected me."

"She… she- she's alive?!" The image of a little girl out there- with dark black hair and green eyes- living out there with my sister all this time, was almost too much to bear. I wavered on the spot before I shook my head and found my voice through the numbness. "You actually had…had her?"

"A little girl." She nodded softly, her frown returning. "I…I did. She's still out there."

"She's out there?!" I tried not to sound panicked, I really did, but I couldn't help the fear that exploded in my chest. "Out- out where-"

Bubbles stepped in before I said too much, keeping a firm grip on my lost sister's arm. "How did she protect you?"

Her tight shoulders swelled in a sigh, and a flood of emotion came out.

"I…I was dying… but it's a demon's reaction to save themselves, you know? Like, to heal- like… like Blayze used to. She healed me, from the inside… I was dead but she brought me back." A painful grimace took hold of her face and again she began to pale. "But she gave me her blood in doing that… like she revived me, rebuilt me in a way…"

"She saved you…" Bubbles murmured gently, eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"She gave me her blood…" Buttercup whispered back, a deep frown setting in. Suddenly, her face crumpled and she began to drop- sliding gently down to the couch. We watched in shocked awe as she slapped her hands to her face, shaking her head as she began to gasp and cry. "Oh my God… she saved my life and I left her behind-"

Bubbles dropped immediately to her side, but I was slower at getting there. My belly prevented me from dropping. All I could manage was a gradual lean and eventually slumping down beside her. The two of us covered her as she began to cry. Bubbles hugged her close and rubbed her back.

"No, no don't say that, you didn't-"

"I miss her so much…" My tough sister sniffed. She sounded so much like Bubbles, like me… I had heard it enough over the years. It twisted my heart that we still had the same cry, we still felt the same emotions even after all this time… "I feel like such a shit mother, that she's out there and I'm here-"

"You're not." Bubbles was so firm in her snarl that even I stopped, fingers gripping into the shirt of my sister to freeze at the icy gleam in my blonde sister's eyes. "You're sacrificing your freedom so she can have hers… you'll get her back, I promise. We won't let them win-"

Buttercup's fingers slipped from her red face. She sniffed back her tears and rolled those dewy eyes to both of us, shaking as she tried to talk.

"I can't believe you guys have been here th-this whole time…" Her head dropped in shame. "I'm sorry, I…I've been trying- training as hard as I could. I wanted to help you, save you, but-"

"Just stop-" I was choking up now and the tears were too much. They filled my eyes to the brim and flowed down my face. The guilt was swelling and burning in me and it was too much to take. All the years of just trying to accept our fate, what had happened, what was happening- all for it to blow up right in front of us. She was here, she was out there all along… "W-we- none of us c-could have d-done anything, it's not your fault-"

"We'll get out of here…" Bubbles whisper cut through my sobs like a hot knife, and I drew back in a slight daze. My mind reeled from the words. "We're still good, we're still fighting."

I dragged my fingers across my damp face. My hand again fell on my swollen stomach and I fell back against the floor, anchored down with the weight of my belly and the guilt tightening on my shoulders.

"I wish I had your confidence…" I couldn't help but mumble. "I don't see a way out anytime soon, not with us like this…" I rubbed at the life swimming in my stomach, the reminding nudge and ripple of my babies against my skin. My eyes found my little sister. I caught the sparkle in her eye, the frown on her face. Surely she felt the same way, right? She was sick just the other day…

"Something has to happen." I looked back over to see Buttercup's fingers rubbing at her temple and through her hair, eyes narrowing at the far wall. "I lost Cass."

Cass? Bubbles lip dropped and the memory hit me. The image of the girl always by my sister's side, with the crazy hair and sly smirk. All I could see was her at eighteen, at our birthday party… it seemed like a lifetime ago-

"Oh my God…" My hand fell back onto her and all I could do was squeeze. "I'm so sorry, I couldn't-"

"She was with me for so long…" She frowned and trailed off, sinking down further. She drooped, her voice falling flat. "And she was so special-"

"She was a good friend…" I tried to sound positive, but it was so much harder than I thought. "I'm sorry-"

"N…no." A stubborn frown dug into her face. "The guys I was with, I was with these demons-"

"What?" Bubbles narrowed her stare, but my sister threaded her fingers hastily through her long black hair and kept going.

"I was with these demons. They said she was an angel."

"An angel?" Bubbles' hushed voice cut through the silence and her lip dangled. As for me, the word hit me hard in the chest and twisted within my ribcage. That evil sounding woman's voice ripped through me-

He killed an angel-

Brick.

"How-"

"They exist, apparently!" Buttercup spluttered, glancing between us both. "All of this supernatural shit out there, they can help us! There are demons that can help- Jayden's out there, too. And Tyler-"

"Wait, from school?" Bubbles leaned back, cradling her own head. Her eyes were wide and all colour drained from her face. "They're out there? They're fighting?"

It had to be Brick… A nagging growl prodded at the back of my brain, causing an ache to ricochet through my skull. He killed her, he had to have killed her-

No… Another part of my brain took hold. It wasn't him, it couldn't have been. You know Brick, you know him-

"They're all fighting. They're still here." Her determined growl was back, just as I remembered. "There are some demons willing to fight the Ruffs. There's hope to fight this, I know there is."

"Of course there is." Bubbles' sharp blue eyes snapped to me before they softened back on Buttercup. The three of us huddled together, linking our hands, but I knew the look in Bubbles' eyes. She knew. And I knew. The look in her stare told me she knew the person who killed Cass, the apparent angel. That there was a life, forces out there we had no idea how to control…

We both knew that there were still secrets between us.

.

Brat.

.

Brat had happily made herself at home in one of the master bedrooms in the upper floors. After the night before, all she had managed to do was bury herself in the blankets of the old four poster bed and pass out, naked and bruised. When the first rays of morning shone through her window, she ignored them completely. It was only when her locked door burst open she jumped up in her bed, blinking away the sleep in her eyes and managing what she could of a shriek.

"Wha-! N- Hey!'

Focusing and seeing a pair of familiar deep, fiery crimson eyes blazing down on her, she fell back against the pillows as a rush of heat overcame her.

"Oh…" She heaved a breathless sigh, like she had run for miles. "Bane."

Bane's unnaturally sharp teeth flashed at her in that wicked smirk as he made himself comfortable against her mattress.

"Brat…" He purred back in that sultry growl. He grabbed a fistful of her sheets and pulled them back to reveal more of her bare skin. He took in her uncombed hair and tainted skin and immediately grew more excited. "How are you this morning?"

"Just fine…" She hooked a fingernail against her bottom lip. The Punk even giggled. To the untrained eye, she even looked innocent. "I was thinking about you, though. All night…"

"That's to be expected." Bane shot her a cocky wink. She bit back a smile with difficulty, warmth coating her skin. He leaned in closer to her, his rough cheek brushing against hers. She pushed upwards to him, rising her lips to meet his, but his voice caught her off guard.

"I need a favour."

She glanced up to see his eyes trailing to the window. He seemed distracted and she tried not to pout. Instead, she hummed in mock thought, and it was enough to bring his attention back to her.

"Hmmm… Another one?"

"Can't hide anything from you, can I?" Bane tutted at her, cocking an eyebrow. At her crafty smirk, he reached out to stroke at her lips with the thick pad of his thumb, frowning thoughtfully. "I need you to do more tracking for me… the demons that were protecting Buttercup."

"There were demons protecting her?" She was taken by his troubled tone, leaning closer with concern. Giving an irritated sigh, he flicked her lip once more before dropping his hand.

"I have no doubt there was."

Brat leaned closer to him, bundling her blankets around her. She always felt warmer when she was beside him. The demon seemed to fill her with such heat and purpose there was no question in following his demands. She finally felt fulfilled again. She hadn't felt that way since her sisters were alive. She couldn't help but give a bright smile, glowing under his stare.

"I won't let you down."

Bane leaned back into her and even graced her cheek with the smallest brush of his lips. To the outsider, it may have even seemed like a tender gesture, but he nicked his teeth along her skin in a subtle warning. His fingers ghosted her lips again, and he pulled back enough to give her an assurance of his own.

"I'll send extra demons along with you."

She scoffed as he pulled away, sliding off the bed. She crawled after him playfully.

"You know…" She perked up as he looked back down at her. She sent him a wink. "I can take care of myself."

"I know…" Those deep blood red eyes seemed to swim and spark. "But it's not you I'm worried about."

She stuck her tongue out and bit it back, lips stretching into a knowing grin.

"Thank you, Bane."

"You know…" His voice dropped into that low snarl again. "I told you what I'd like you to call me."

Shoulders pulling back, her lips quirked again into a wide grin. She licked her lips before murmuring, "Thank you, Daddy."

"That's better." He combed a few fingers through her hair, before reconsidering and grabbing a handful in a forceful grip. She let out a joyful yelp. "Pet."

.

Jayden.

.

Cain and I eventually made our way back to the campsite, with the demon thankfully in much happier spirits. He had a spring in his step and had finally gotten rid of his deadly glare, at the very least. We passed by Rome and Emerald, still absorbed in training, enough to check on them before making our way back. Once we were out of earshot, I couldn't help but speak up on something that had been stewing in the back of my mind.

"Don't you find it weird how close Rome is to Emerald, now?" I asked him. Cain perked up, his usual confusion settling into his frown. "I mean, they're training on their own, he's so protective of her, don't you think it's a little strange? All of a sudden he won't let anyone get close to her."

"It's just his way of protecting her." Cain assured me. The two of us fell into a casual pace, side by side. "Maybe he's making up for losing Cass. I know it's killing him that he wasn't there to protect her."

"He's just setting himself up for getting hurt, then. And Emerald." I told him. "He's letting her think he's a father figure. What's going to happen when Buttercup comes back? Or when she learns who her real father is?"

"You need to take it easy on him." Cain grumbled at me, shifting his stare. "We didn't have a father growing up. Maybe he doesn't want Emmy to have the same fate."

I had to mull that over in my brain to figure out some kind of picture. Sometimes I had to remind myself that Rome and Cain grew up in Hell. It was hard to imagine. I couldn't stop myself from asking.

"How exactly did you grow up? Did you… grow up…" At his wide stare, I felt like a right jerk. "Eh, normal?"

To my relief, he issued me one of his familiar grins.

"No, we've been training for as long as I can remember. I know humans don't usually do that stuff."

"Training for what?"

He threw out an arm. "This. Our mother trained us to track down Bane."

"Really?" I didn't expect a fallen angel to know much about combat, or demon hunting in general. I was intrigued. "Can she fight?"

"She can." Something in his voice told me I shouldn't ask anymore, but his fingers grazed the chain that was draped across his chest and he went on. "This is actually a part of her chain. It's a cursed chain, it anchors her to Hell."

I shot the weapon a cautious glare. "No wonder it looks like it hurts, then."

"Burns." He beamed proudly. It clearly didn't affect him. "Whoever dies from it gets sent straight to her."

"Was Rome trained the same?"

"Sort of." He shrugged. "He was a lot more… uh, graceful than I was. He was trained by some guards in the Devil's Army to hunt, which is how he got his crossbow. We knew the Ruffs could fly so we, uh... had to be prepared."

I was surprised he was telling me so much. Usually it takes a lot of prodding. He must have seen it in my face, because he gave me a good natured smirk and threw a heavy arm around me.

"Don't let Rome know that I told you this, he thinks we should keep this shit a secret, for good reason I guess… nobody knows who we are up here."

"Then why are you telling me?"

"Because you love me." The jerk was actually mocking me, his tongue even stuck out- like 'ha ha'. I slammed my fist into his side, but it was pretty weak. All he did was laugh.

"You were trained by your Mom, though." I muttered. "At least you got a little break in Hell. I mean. You were with her."

He went silent and, to my surprise, I looked up to see he had paled slightly and he gave a nervous chuckle before shaking his head.

"No, you never want to meet my mother. She's crazy."

"What?" I scoffed, but froze. He didn't look like he was joking. "Seriously? But isn't she an Angel?"

"She was an angel, she gave up her wings…" He explained, cocking an eyebrow. "Shows how hellbent she was on getting revenge. She can go totally psycho, I tell you. I hope you never meet her."

"Wait, what?"

"Not, like… like that…" He faltered in his explanation, before biting his lip and launching again into his ramble. "I mean- her job is the Devil's right hand. She is assigned to fetch those in Hell the Devil wants to see… meaning, they're going to be fucked in the cruelest, worst way imaginable. Nobody survives meeting the Devil. Only the worst get sent to him. Like, you have to have done something pretty bad to get there." He gave a sheepish shrug with what looked like a shiver. "Even the worst demons in Hell fear crossing her path. It means their time is up and they're in for an eternity of the most unimaginable torture and horror…"

His eyes glazed over and another shiver shook him before he turned to me again- brightening and shaking off the chilling conversation like nothing happened.

"But you don't have to worry about that, babe! You'll never be down there."

"Really?" At that, I couldn't keep the squeak from my voice. There was a tightness in my throat that wouldn't budge. "You don't think that me being with a demon would be an automatic ticket to the Underworld? I think that's pretty frowned upon…" At this, my mind continued to spin. "That, and the drugs and everything I've been in, I think I'm pretty much done for in the Heaven vs. Hell department."

Cain waved his hand and scoffed like it was nothing. "You don't need to worry about that, Babe! You've got a place beside me no matter what. I'll never let anything happen to you."

It sounded sappy, but I gave him a grateful smile nonetheless. He did set my mind at ease. That is, until he threw his heavy arm around me again, dragging me forward and prattling on.

"And even if you are sent there, I've got a room in Hell! Well, a dungeon. But it has my bed- and posters! I get to keep all my good chains down there, too. And we can be together when I'm not hunting lost souls. You get to see all the fire. You'll love it."

Wait-

"WHAT?!"

.

Buttercup.

.

It took me a moment to compose myself and scrape away at my tears, but the second I did I felt a lot lighter. It was a stupid thing, really, to think that crying would do anything to solve my issues. But somehow, I felt better. It felt good to know that I'd shared my burden with my sisters again. Everything was open, we were a team once more.

Blossom and Bubbles took it like I hoped they would, like soldiers. If they were worried, if they were powerless- they didn't let it show. They didn't let me know anything more than their support. I felt their hands at my back and their voices in my ear and everything in me seemed to melt away. It was like I was back to my bare self. The very skeleton, the core, of what I used to be. Part of a team.

A Powerpuff Girl.

I pushed myself up and took a few deep breaths. That tightness that was around my chest seemed to finally fall from me. I could finally breathe again, despite all the chaos around me. Just when I finally found calm, however, the door burst open behind me and I jumped- thinking it was Brick back again. I whipped around, my eyes narrowing at the ready, but glanced down in shock and caught Blayze's wide, panicked green eyes.

"Mama!" He sounded huffy, but there was still that familiar squeak that caused my heart to skip a beat. I launched forward but he'd already raced to my knees and thrown his arms around them, locking me in a vice-like hold. "Where'd you go?!"

He sounded worried and immediately I sagged with guilt. He didn't want me out of his sight. He held on way too tightly, like he was afraid to let go.

"I'm sorry sweetie, I didn't want to wake you-"

But he only rubbed his face into my legs, dewy eyes staring up at me just like when he was just a bundle in my arms. My heart melted at that stare. All I could do was cup his face as I fought back my own tears.

"You haven't changed, you know." I tried to be playful, and even a scoff escaped me. "Since you were little."

He pulled back, blinking at me, but balked when I scooped him up. He was heavy, but still fit on my hip perfectly. I tapped his nose and cuddled him close.

"You're still my baby."

Bliss perked up from the corner, tilting her head and making her way over. Her eyes were wide and as she took her mother's hand, she looked at me up and down at length.

"You're different, Blayze." She piped up, turning to her mother. "Usually he's so mean."

Blayze stiffened at that, throwing her a glare as I lowered him back to the floor.

"I am not!"

"You are, too!" She growled back, shaking a pigtail at him. "You painted my hair and cut all the heads off my toys!"

Blayze looked ready to fight back, but after a quick glance up at me he twisted his lips and huffed, but stayed silent. I scoffed again at his pout, tousling his hair as I gave my own sigh.

"It's my fault." I told him. "I used to be mean, too." When he looked up with intrigue and Bliss looked up in fear, I felt the need to shift blame. "I mean, your Dad did, too! We were both terrors."

"Did you kill teddies, too?" Bliss' stare had gone cold and I noticed she hugged her worn-looking bear closer. Bubbles laughed, squeezing her hand.

"No, she never hurt any of my toys!"

"You need to be nicer to your cousins, Blayzer." I couldn't help but feel relieved that he couldn't look me in the eye. He wasn't totally like his dad, after all. Instead he fidgeted and looked ashamed. I hooked a finger under his chin. "You need to protect them, look after them. And they look after you. You need to stick together. They may be all you have one day."

His eyes widened in fear and, at the shimmer of tears, his face flushed with sudden embarrassment and pain. It hurt to say and I gave him what I could of a smile as my way of apologizing. He glanced down, lip shaking dangerously, but was spared any more attention as the door opened once more and a flash of red slipped through before slamming shut. I glanced up to see a miniature Brick floating beside Blossom, clinging onto her side with a pair of wide blood red eyes over her shoulder.

"Bruiser!" My sister's voice lightened immediately and she wrapped her arms around the boy. He looked to be five, and had the same wild, wide eyes that Emmy possessed. He looked shy, but Blossom held his hand and pulled him closer to me. "Come meet your Aunty! This is Blayze's Mama, your Aunty Buttercup!"

Her voice had that happy squeak. He looked up at her with immediate relief in his eyes before turning back to me shyly. At seeing Blayze with me, he seemed to relax and perk up with interest.

"Really? You came back!" He turned to Blayze, smirking proudly. "Told you!"

Blayze looked ready to retaliate, but turned back up to me to grip my own hand. With his eyes on me, a small smile spreading across his face, I couldn't deny how much he reminded me of his sister, even though they knew nothing about each other… My heart again pounded hard at the thought of her missing out on all this, another cousin she needed to meet…

As if nudging me in a reminder, I felt an itch on my wrist and was reminded of her name, the one hidden by the thick leather band. I glanced down and shifted it shamefully. The creeping worry hung over me that one of the Ruffs would notice, that Butch would see, that any of the Ruffs knew… or Bane…

But again, I felt that same pain stab me in the chest. I heard her laughter in the back of my head, I remembered the feeling of her beside me, my little girl. I remembered she was right beside me when I was at Cass' gravesite, that she was on my back when we made the journey back to Townsville, that she was in my arms the second after she was born and she never left. She learned to fly with me, fight with me… I promised I'd never let her go and I'd always keep her safe-

I felt the tears prickle at the back of my eyes and knew that my little girl didn't deserve to be a secret. She didn't deserve to be hidden away, away from her family. I had to be strong, but at the same time I wanted her here.

I wasn't going to let her go without a fight.

.

.

When Lailah approached the opening to the Fifth Circle, the effect was immediate. The darkness hit her just when the cold did- the chills seeping into the depths of her heart and icing around her ribcage, freezing her to the bone.

She kept a sharp eye as she edged towards the inky black waters of the Styx, which stretched as far as she could see. Despite the chilling darkness, she could see the ripples of the river- the unnatural movement of the murky depths. To the untrained eye, it appeared to be a normal body of water moving circling unnaturally fast, but she could feel the tortured souls struggling to breathe beneath. The surface seemed to be bubbling and she knew he was close.

Her eyes darted around the swampy river, teeth scraping across her lip as she waited in the eerie silence. Clearing her throat, she narrowed her glare back to the water and stepped forward boldly.

"Fury!"

Nothing happened. The water continued to swell and bubble, but no other movement caught her eye. She stomped her foot, chain jangling impatiently. She didn't have all day. She took another deep breath- ignoring the sting in her chest- and shouted out again.

"FURY!"

As soon as the name left her lips, a grey hand snapped through the muddy water with a splash and snapped onto her ankle. The scaly skin was freezing and she gasped at the slap of cold now clinging to her skin- like a leech ready to suck her dry.

Struggling with the slippery force, she fell back and slammed into the mud, throwing filth everywhere. Her heart began to spin as she slid towards the water's edge, the scaly, wet hand dragging her into the water's edge.

Her instincts suddenly kicked into gear and she fought back, throwing out her leg against the hand and reaching forward to sink her own nails into the slimy skin, clawing into the wrist and reaching out for her chain. As fast as a whip, she looped it around the fierce grip and pulled, angling the arm away from her and finally allowing it to release her from the hold. She kicked again, her bare feet digging into the muck. She slid back from the embankment and away from the river. As she scrambled back to her feet, gasping for breath, she saw out of the corner of the eye the arm slip back into the river like an eel, but a pair of bright, blood red eyes rose instead, framed by long, black wet hair.

"Lailah…" A dark voice rumbled eerily to her. His head rose fully from the muddy water and he shook the muck from his face, a wide smile rising on his sunken cheeks. "You're no fun."

"Fury!" She spat at him, clenching her fists. She looked down in disdain to see she was covered in mud, probably lost, liquified souls, too. The stench curdled in her nostrils and she tried to cough back the gag that lodged in her throat. "The Hell do you think you're doing?!"

He raised a few fingers from the depths of the water and waved them at her, still with that slimy smirk in place. Lailah only glowered down at him. She hated him, she really did. She hated the entire Wrath Circle. Unpredictable and housing the psychotic, the Styx was the only thing that could hold them down. Fury was just the one for the job. He was hardly human, but rather Amphibian-like in looks, with grey skin and wild, unblinking red eyes that observed the trapped souls of the swamp. He slipped around the depths like a snake and took pride in matching the wild souls he contained. The only saving grace about him, Lailah could see, was that he rarely left the Styx and was at least contained in water.

"My job." His forked tongue swiped at his pale lips. "My apologies... I thought you were a soul."

Lailah tried to take a deep breath, shook herself and remained steady.

"He needs to see you."

Fury's head dropped the side. An angry twitch ticked at his jaw. Slowly, he began to sink back into the murky water.

"Well…" He growled darkly, eyes shining like he was ready to pounce. "You're really no fun." He considered for a moment before chuckling, more to himself than anything. He curled his lip to show off his sharpened teeth. "Not anymore."

"I was never fun, Fury." She hissed at him. She attempted to scrape off the putrid mud on her legs, wrinkling her nose at the sensation. Fury watched her, amused.

"You were when you brought my nephews up to see me..." He mused, rolling his blood red eyes innocently. Lailah froze, her hand still on her leg, and grew dangerously silent as the screams came back to her.

...

"FURY!"

It had felt like not so long ago, but a much younger Lailah was skidding along the same trail, chain jingling behind her, and had slid to a stop on the side of the river, screaming out the demon's name.

"I mean it, Fury! I'm not playing! Give him back! NOW!"

The same demon had risen from the depths, wet black hair strewn across his face and his sunken eyes gazing up at her with hidden glee. She gave him a furious look, her bright eyes flashing dangerously- and it was enough for him to sink back below-

And pull up a pale, sopping wet child in his fist. To her horror, she recognised Rome immediately.

The five-year-old hacked, coughed and spluttered, gasping for air and flailing once he reached the surface. He splashed and, once he blinked back the mud out of his red eyes and glanced around, began to scream as loud as his lungs would allow.

Lailah dropped to her knees, reaching across and snatching the child out of the demon's grip. She issued him with a deadly glare, her lips tight and her eyes narrowed in warning. Although Fury had seen some rage in his time, he let the child go without argument and backed away from her without complaint, drawing back into the depths where he was sure he was safe.

"You wanted to train him..." he gave a dark snigger, cocking an eyebrow at her. "He can breathe underwater, now."

Lailah glanced down worriedly at her baby, who was still hacking and coughing. Cupping his face, she could see he'd begun to hack up blood. Her heart twisted at the sight and she held him close. She threw a hateful look back at the Wrath demon. Despite his smug smirk, he drew back further into the safety of the water. Her eyes were a dangerous, pitch black. He watched as she picked up her hacking baby and hugged him to her chest. Blood splattered over her chest, her neck, but all she did was push his face into her shoulder, whispering in his ear.

"Gotta learn down here, Lailah." Fury reminded her darkly from the water. She looked up, her black eyes lidded. "You want to go after him, don't you?"

"You know I do…" She hissed at him.

She glanced back over her shoulder, where Cain was slipping up to follow her. He was already covered in mud from the ground, but he still possessed a wide, innocent blue gaze. He was looking around with interest. It was rare that they got to explore. He looked up as his mother reached out to him, and he grabbed her hand obediently.

Giving a sigh, and still holding Rome to her hip with her other hand, she led Cain back down toward the river. Fury lit up with glee, whereas Lailah only gave her other five year old an encouraging squeeze of his hand.

"Alright, Cain…" She told him. "Your turn."

...

"Is that what this is all about, Lailah?" Fury's cackles came back to her harshly. She looked back down to see him still tilting his head smugly at her. "This little meeting?"

"I have no idea." Lailah scowled at him. She straightened where she stood and finally turned to stomp back up to dry land. "I'm only assigned to pass on the message. That's all."

Again, she heard a faint snigger from the water. She looked around to see Fury sinking back into the water, his bright red eyes watching her intently.

"That's not what I hear…"

…

.

Buttercup.

.

I was trying to listen to Blossom and Bubbles' emotional talks about what had been happening the last six years, but it was a trying task. It was a moment I had waited so long to happen- the three of us together again- but the turmoil within me wouldn't rest. It was hard to focus on what felt like an old briefing when I couldn't get passed the surreal moment itself… just yesterday I was fighting for my life, and now I was tucked away with my son and my sisters in a secure demon-guarded tower… away from the warzone I'd been lost in for so long.

I was brought out of my haze of thoughts with a sheepish scoff from Blossom, who nodded to my lap when I glanced her way. I looked down to see Blayze asleep against my leg, his fingers tightly secured around the hem of my shirt.

"I've never seen him so calm…" She whispered to me, a half smile plumping up on her cheek. "He's never even relaxed around us, really."

I stared back down again at my six year old, numb to the feeling of him on top of me. His face looked so calm and innocent as he snored, still with that stubborn fist locked onto me, refusing to let go. Again, that familiar pain stabbed at my chest as I thought of Emerald looking for me, wondering when I was coming back. I'd never left her before, I never wanted to… not like I'd left Blayze-

Tears sparked at my eyes and, as gently as I could, I unlatched Blayze's fingers from me and shifted off the couch. The room was a blur by the time I rose, and my sisters saw the distress in me immediately- because they jumped up, too.

"What's wrong?" Bubbles whispered to me. Bliss was asleep on the couch, too, along with Bruiser. Wordlessly, I pulled away into the far corner of the room, leaning heavily against the shelves. Blossom shuffled along after us, her pale face still and full of fear. Bubbles was sticking close, clutching at my arm and looking desperate. I couldn't keep it in for long. I felt the truth burning up within me, and I was tired of doing nothing. It all spilled out in a hushed sob that stung my throat with every breath.

"Just… just thinking of Emmy…" I took a deep, shaky breath. "God, I can't believe I left her behind-"

I caught them sharing a frightened glance, but Bubbles was the one to take a step and grab my hand.

"Butch doesn't know?"

"No." I said that in such a harsh, hushed tone that both drew back. "I-I don't want him to know."

Blossom's eyes widened and her hands jumped to her stomach. While she didn't say anything, her eyes darted to the side and I knew what she was thinking.

"I can't tell him." I told them both. "Not after what happened with Blayze… he'll- he'll take her! And he'll hold her hostage. He'll use her against me, and I have to make sure she's safe-"

"Where is she?" Bubbles asked, her voice surprisingly soothing.

"She's with people I can trust." It was all I could say, but at the same time even I could hear the doubt in my voice. I hated that look Blossom gave me, like I'd put her in danger, like she couldn't believe what she was hearing, like I was careless- "B…but I don't know where she is-" I hated what I was saying. That horrible bubble was swelling in my throat and I couldn't swallow it down, it was painful and stabbed hard at my already tender heart.

"You'll be with her soon…" Bubbles assured me in her soft voice, her fingers squeezing at my arm. "It'll all work out fine, she'll be safe… we would have heard if they found anyone…"

Blossom, however, was wringing her hands and her eyes were darting around the room. She didn't look at me. Immediately, my stomach sank even further and my skin prickled with chills. Her pale fingers tangled in her long hair and I noticed her other hand was still grazing her stomach.

"I just don't like the sound of it…" She eventually muttered to both of us. "Your daughter- she… you actually have a baby out there, and from what Brick said-"

"She's survived out there, Bloss." Bubbles' soft voice had hardened into a determined whisper. "She knows what's out there."

Blossom still couldn't glance our way. She tugged at her hair instead and didn't answer. Her head jolted in an awkward nod and she shuffled back towards the books, kneeling down as if to clean up.

I watched after her. It hurt, admittedly, to see my sister looking disappointed in me. Perhaps it was that I'd changed… but maybe, and if I knew Bloss, I'd guess that she was disappointed she didn't know. She hadn't survived out there, she was left in the dark. The one thing my leader sister hated… perhaps most of all… was not knowing.

As we both watched her, I felt my blonde sister squeeze my hand again. I glanced her way. I didn't see my little blonde, pigtailed sister anymore. I saw a pair of lidded, knowing eyes. They were faded, but they still had that shine of determination I knew too well. Perhaps from my own mirror.

Her lips flickered into something of a smile, and she whispered so low only I could hear.

"We'll get her back." She cast a cautious glance towards Blossom before whispering even softer.

"… I'll show you how, later."

.

Boomer.

.

It was making me sick, just waiting around for the girls to meet again. I knew I promised myself not to intrude, but my shoulders were so tense and tight they cracked and strained with every movement. I had to escape the floor to the roof so I could gulp down some fresh air, but all I could do was pace. It was painful, the nerves and worries tensing and swimming within me with such heat and force it was enough to weigh me down with nausea.

Butch had left to try and get some sleep, making me promise to wake him if the girls made a move. I wasn't sure what he had in mind. It wasn't like they could leave, right?

Even though I was sure of that, I couldn't help but keep an eye out around the house- perhaps watching for any sign of movement in the air. I was so absorbed in watching the skies, the sound of the door bursting open behind me sent me stumbling back and into a panicked, tense stance. Brat blinked up at my balled fists with a clearly bored expression on her face.

"Calm down, Boom-Boom." She drawled at me, swatting my fists away. "It's just me."

"Oh." My lip curled as a reflex, and she responded with a wide smirk. She looked different. I noticed there was fresh blood coating her lips and a few bruises and cuts littering her face. Even her arms and chest were marked. I didn't pay her too much attention, it would only go to her head. Instead, I turned my back on her and jammed my fists into my pockets, gazing at the mountains instead. "What do you want, Brat?"

"I was wondering if either of your brothers were around…" She said airily, pacing the perimeter of the roof. She glanced around carelessly at the ground, seven stories up. "I'm checking out a lead on some rogue demons, maybe the same ones that helped the Puff-"

At that, my head snapped up and I could feel my chest freeze over. She scoffed airily and continued.

"- I was hoping to get some backup."

It took me a moment, to tick it over in my head, but eventually I could feel the fire within me flicker in irritation.

"Wait, so you don't want me to help you?"

"No." She said bluntly. She rolled her eyes in faux consideration. "I would prefer a Ruff a little less… henpecked."

The fire in my gut was spreading and growing fiercely, but I swallowed it back down. The last thing I wanted was the Punk to get a rise out of me, but mentioning Bubbles was enough to send me over the edge- everyone knew that.

Besides… that tiny voice of reason in the back of my mind piped up. I glanced Brat's way- taking in her bloodied smirk and her wide, crazy eyes. Why would I want to be alone on a mission with her, anyway? She was the exact opposite of Bubbles. There was no emotion or softness in those crisp blue eyes, her clothes were tattered and that smile was far from trusting. Despite the fact I was surrounded by people who pushed humanity aside, I still looked for it in the faces of those around me.

"Fine." I said, surprising myself with how calm I sounded. "We'll find Brick."

As I went to head towards the door that led back downstairs, she sneered once more.

"Oh… no Green Ruff?"

Just to rub it in, I threw a smirk over my shoulder at her and shook my head.

"If you're looking for someone unaffected by a Puff, Butch is the last one you can rely on."

.

Blossom.

.

It took a few moments alone to take in what was going on and reflect on it all. My sister was back, I could still feel my heart reeling from the shock of it all. But nothing could have prepared me for finding out she had another child all this time… living her life away from us and fighting the Ruffs- the ones that had been guarding us for the past six years…

The kids eventually woke up from their brief nap to start playing again, which gave me a chance to step out and retreat to our kitchen to make myself a tea. A long time ago, Brick thought I'd like a huge variety pack of teas as a way to calm and intrigue me. I had gotten through half since then, and still had a while to go before I'd gotten through the whole selection. I browsed only briefly before picking a caffeine-free berry and boiling the water.

As I leaned back against the counter, eyes trained on the simmering water, I tried to contemplate my sister's plight. It had been so long since I'd fought beside her, I hated to think she was a stranger…

At the same time, I couldn't imagine leaving my own baby behind. Perhaps it was the hormones brewing within me, the fact I could feel two babies constantly kicking and nudging within me… but I couldn't fathom a mindset where I could abandon them in a time of danger.

I threw a cautious look back at the door to the hallway, the guilt already burning through me. Who was I to question my own sister? I hadn't been through what she had… I can't know what it's like…

I shook my head at the thought, but the concern remained. Her daughter- Butch's daughter… my niece was still out there among demons who couldn't be trusted. Brick had told me all about demons, the wicked things they were capable of, the evil in their hearts and the callousness of their actions. Who would leave a little girl with them? With Demons?

The door slamming open took me by surprise and I shot up with shock, only to see Brick's empty black eyes boring down on me. He shut the door behind him and was by my side in a second, scraping his stubble against my cheek.

"There you are..." He purred to me, large hands immediately clutching at my stomach. Shoved against him, his thick hands cradling me, I felt suddenly tiny. "I thought I'd lost you."

"I just went to get a tea..."

But my mumbles were lost as he clutched me tighter, his chest heaving against me in steady breaths. It felt nice, for that moment, to be cradled like that. It felt less possessive and more affectionate. He still had that crushing grip and his cheek felt like sandpaper... but it was still nice.

I stared at his chest and contemplated for that second telling him about Buttercup. What she'd told me. That she had a little girl out there- Butch's little girl- out in the world alone and fighting. It was actually on the tip of my tongue, ready to spew forth. I didn't like the thought of my little niece- a faceless stranger, but still my blood and a baby, out there alone. I glanced up at him.

And if anyone could find her, it was the Red Ruff.

But I bit down hard on my tongue, a familiar scolding echoing in the back of my head. I couldn't betray her... not now.

Reluctantly, I swallowed my secrets and leaned into him, enjoying the warmth and the peace.

The door slammed open again and I felt him stiffen. My eyes jumped open and my heart sank at Brat swaggering into the kitchen with Boomer skulking behind her.

"There you are! We've been looking for you!" I hated how she fluttered her lashes at him, but I then spotted the wounds covering her body. Her skin was littered with bruises and cuts. She didn't even seem to notice or hide them. She was only dressed in a tiny skirt with a midriff top. She seemed to be showing them off. She nodded her head to the door, where Boomer was lingering. "Take me back to where you last tracked the Puff- at the campsite. We have a new lead."

Immediately, I was pushed back into the counter. He seemed to perk up and a new bloodlust seemed to cross his face. I felt sick. I hated that look.

"A hunt? I'm there."

"I told you I'd come..." Boomer's dark grumbling came from the door. I noticed both Brick and Brat give him dismissive glances.

"More the merrier, Boom." Brat scoffed, flouncing back to the door. "Let's go! Chop, chop!"

I stared angrily after him as Brick made to follow her without even a glance my way. Seriously, nothing. He was so excited that he was out in a matter of seconds. Boomer begrudgingly followed, shoulders slumped. I was left alone again in the kitchen, the sound of the boiling water the only thing breaking the tense silence.

I bit back what I could of the bitter taste in my mouth, but I knew it was jealousy. It was stupid, but I was jealous. Slim, skimpy Brat shared their lust for violence and power, and it was the one thing I couldn't change about him. No matter what we went through it wasn't enough, apparently.

I took a firm grip of the kettle and tried not to shake too much while I made my tea. Steam coated my face and the fruity scent granted me a marginal feeling of calm, at the very least. I cradled the cup in my hands and had to hold steady when the door opened again. This time, however, there didn't appear to be anybody. I had to glance down to see it was Bruiser entering cautiously, his sleepy eyes widening on me and relaxing once he recognised me.

"Mama..." He rubbed a fist into his eye before reaching out to me. "I'm thirsty." His hair was a mess and I found myself relaxing immediately. He had his way, just like his Dad. I reached for the fridge door and pulled out a juice bottle for him.

"There you go, sweetheart."

He took it from me, but I could almost see the cogs working behind his eyes. It took him a few seconds and a gulp of juice, but he eventually mumbled back a "Thank you."

I ruffled his messy hair to show I was proud of him. I'd grown to love those blood red eyes, especially when they look up at me like that, lidded with sleep but shining with gratitude. He held onto my skirt as I made my way out into the hallway, when Butch appeared from his room, shoulders hunched and hands buried into his pockets.

I stiffened straight away- with Bruiser crashing into my leg- but Butch moved to the side, slumping against the wall out of our way. He even had his head bowed, like he looked sheepish. I had to keep staring, just to make sure it was really him.

He had changed so much. No longer the hulking, brooding threat that may loom around every corner, bitter and snappy from lack of sleep. He seemed jumpy and alert, but like he was... shy. His usually deadly glare lowered when we passed by him. It reminded me of how I'd snapped at Brick that I would never forgive him for hurting Buttercup...

But she was back. She was back and here. And he changed... did he really care for her? Cherish her? Like Brick used to do for me, like Boomer did with Bubbles?

He avoided my gaze and seemed to shrink back into the wall, staying out of my way. Despite the tension twitching in his thick arms and the stiffness in his jaw, he truly seemed passive. Like he was reduced to nothing.

All because she was here…

I had to shake myself to speak. For one crazy moment, that same jealousyspiked within me. Like I was remembering what Brick used to be like with me.

"You really want to make it up to her..." My eyes rolled to our room, where Buttercup was watching over Blayze. Butch knew it, too. That's why he was lurking. "Don't you?"

His dark eyes snapped to me, but his lips twisted in consideration. His shoulders eventually sank back down and his hair fell into his face. He gave a harsh scoff.

"Yeah. Like it's even possible..." He gave a snarl, nose wrinkling. "How do you make up for what I did? It's not like I can take it back..."

Bruiser sleepily leaned against my leg, clutching his juice. As if responding, I could feel my stomach ripple from the repeated kicking. I couldn't even tell how many legs and arms there were. Winded, I let out a sharp breath of air and rubbed at my stomach, stopping just enough to give him what I could of a smile.

"I'm sure you'll find a way."

.

Jayden.

.

When Cain and I made out way back to the clearing Rome and Emerald were training in, it was suspiciously quiet. I braced myself for the worst, but I heard Emerald's low voice amongst the trees and my heart lulled back to a normal speed. But still, the young girl's voice had a strange strain to it. Usually so happy and bubbly, she had quieted to what could be considered sombre for her.

When we rounded a thicket of bushes and made out the two sitting on the ground by the trunk of a tree, it all seemed to make sense. They were deep in conversation, and Emerald's eyes were down as she sighed to him.

"I miss my Mommy, though."

"I know you do." Rome told her. To his credit, he said it softly. His black eyes were lidded and she was leaning heavily against his arm. "You'll see her soon."

Doubt clawed at me. I wondered if that was even possible, with the Ruffs involved. But, staring down at that innocent little Puff with her mother's determined stare, I wasn't brave enough to voice my concern. Instead, I just stepped into view and hastily interrupted.

"We should get back to camp." At Rome's glare, I gave him a look. "We need to help with Princess, remember?"

I heard Cain grumble behind me and I turned to see he was back to sulking.

"Why can't Tyler do it? He's the leader, right?"

"Come on!" I couldn't hold back a whine. It was getting hard to hold this team together. "You promised you'd help!"

"I'll help!" Emmy perked up, jumping to her feet. "I like helping!"

At both Emerald and my expectant stares, Cain stomped his feet and hunched his shoulders. "Fine." He grumbled, and went to follow us as we started towards camp. "But I'm not staying long, I don't like that guy."

I was ready to roll my eyes, but I tried my best to show compassion. After all, we didn't need another fight when there was already enough tension between sides. Rome didn't seem to think so, though, and snorted loudly and shot his brother a glare.

"Get over it, already. If these humans can find us a way into the Ruff Complex, we might be able to finally get somewhere."

"We don't need their help..." Cain growled darkly under his breath. Just as Rome went to roll his eyes again, I piped up before there was an argument.

"Are we even prepared for getting into the Ruff mansion? There must be thousands of demons standing guard, ready to slaughter us-"

I forgot for a moment who I was talking in front of and shot Emmy a cautious glance. The young girl was oblivious to what was being said, or she was used to it, and only floated along beside us picking leaves off the trees.

"Of course we're prepared!" Rome hissed at me. "What do you think we've been training for in Hell for twenty years? The Royal Ballet?!"

"I just mean that we need to have some kind of game plan-"

"I have a plan." Rome huffed and pulled up the black bag draped around his shoulders. It clinked, reminding us of the glass bottles inside. "You're forgetting we managed to grab the Antidote while we were in that infernal club."

"And how are we going to get them to drink it?" I asked him, scoffing at the idea. "Offer a jovial beverage as we waltz through the front door?"

"Ha, hilarious." Rome snarled back. I could see Cain between us, frowning with his head darting to either side. He looked like he was having trouble keeping up. "They don't have to drink it. By the old notes at the Puff place, all it needs is to have contact with their bloodstream."

"So what? We inject it?"

He held up an arrow and jabbed the point before my eyes. I reared back to avoid the sharpened edge, which glinted at me threateningly. There was something about those weapons that gave off evil vibes. I didn't trust him enough to find out if he was willing to actually stick me with it.

"You could say that."

By this time, we had reached the end of the path that led to the clearing where the camp was set up. Rome shoved his arrow back behind him and Cain gave a loud groan again. I shot him a glare before we followed through. I didn't want any more drama... not when we were so close to actually accomplishing something. We were close to ending this... all of this.

It was a lot to take in, and a surge of sickness captured my stomach as I stepped through the bushes, finding Tyler by one of the main tents. I hurried to meet him, trying to shake off all of the strange glances our way. Many backed off, which was probably due to Rome's black eyes and Cain's evil glower, but at least they kept their mouths shut.

"Ty." He looked up immediately, but was still noticeably tense at the demons over my shoulder. I tried not to take it too personally, but it did kind of hurt. It wasn't like I was some leper, right? "Is she awake yet?"

"Yeah, she is." He looked pained. "And she won't shut up. Nothing we want to hear, though."

Sounded like Princess. I tried to keep the defeat out of my sigh.

"We won't get anywhere with her, Tyler." One of the guys beside him scowled. "She won't talk, she's loyal to the demon cause-"

"Can't you make her talk?" Rome scoffed. It was clear he was talking down to them. I sent him a glare, but he looked too eager at the opportunity to intimidate some easy human targets. "You know, basic interrogation, just show some force?"

"We can't waste our weapons on interrogation." Tyler grumbled at him. "We're low on ammo and weapons already."

"I can punch her?" Cain volunteered half-heartedly from behind me. Tyler looked thoughtful, but shook his head without even looking his way.

"We don't want to kill her."

"But I don't-!"

"I thought you said you were looking for an army base nearby." Rome drawled over Cain's whining easily, his eyes lidded. "That's one of your Earth combat centres, isn't it? Surely there'll be some of your human killing machines there."

"Well." Tyler mashed his lips together, breathing hard through his nose. "It's a little difficult to search for, with an area so large-"

Cain was fidgeting near me, he let out another huff.

"Babe, I-!"

"Look, it is getting a little frustrating, Ty." One of the guys at Tyler's side spoke up again, staring down at the ground and kicking at the dirt. "We stayed here because we thought we'd have a fighting chance against the Ruffs-"

"We…we do!" Tyler turned to him earnestly. It hurt to see him look so desperate. "We can fight back, I know it's around here-"

"But we're no closer to finding it." Tyler's other friend spoke up shyly at his side, gripping his gun in a trembling grip. "Now we just have another mouth to feed-"

"Babe." Cain's voice was darkening again and he huffed by my ear. "I-"

I was eager to come to Tyler's defence, we couldn't lose our support now.

"Look, we can't give up hope on this, I bet we'll find it-"

Tyler threw me a grateful look, but his followers still looked sceptical.

"We have been looking, but we're coming up with nothing."

"Babe-!"

"And even if we did find something, who's to say that it hasn't been ransacked by now?" Tyler looked more downtrodden as his friends ganged up on him.

There was a poke at my back. "Babe-"

"-Or if it hasn't already been claimed? We might not even be allowed in." The other shook his head as Tyler deflated further. "I'm just saying, it's rare to find unguarded weapons around here-"

"Look, most of the armed forces have been evacuated to guard the exits of the town." Tyler tried to explain. "From what I hear, demons have spread all over the globe. If they were going to use the old base they would have by now, but maybe they were all evacuated-"

"We would have seen it by now, Ty! You said it wasn't far away-"

"It isn't!" Tyler insisted.

"It is." A dark snarl came from behind me. The hair on the back of my neck lifted, and I turned around to see Cain leering over me, his eyes dangerously dark. He threw out a thick arm and pointed out to the left. "It's twenty-two miles that way."

.

Boomer.

.

We found the place easily enough. I recognised it as the abandoned remains of the old Summer Camp on the outside of Townsville. Staring around at the hollow remains of the cafeteria, rope course and lake was depressing enough, but it was eerie staring around at the place that Brick had changed… the last setting that saw who he used to be. I could feel, glancing around at the chilling air and the strange stillness in the trees, that this was the scene where blood was spilled. It was in the air. Brick wasn't sharing too much, but it was clear he had left something behind here.

Staring over at my redheaded brother, his narrowed black eyes viciously scanning the scene, I was betting he'd left himself behind. And even he knew it.

"There's nothing here." Brat landed down hard from her search of the cabins, sulking and folding her arms over her chest. "Not even clothes, or bags-"

"There's fresh footprints." Brick scowled at the front of the cafeteria, nodding to the dirt path. "That's where I found…"

An annoyed grimace crumpled on his face and he dropped off, looking troubled. I opened my mouth to ask if he was okay, but Brat seemed to perk up.

"I remember my sisters saying something about some humans that swear they saw the Green Puff at a campground! They locked them up for safekeeping…" She tapped her cheek. "I wonder if they're still at the club…"

Already fed up with her demanding, bitchy attitude, I threw up my hands there.

"You go check it out, I'm heading back to the manor."

"Wait, what?" Brat scoffed at me, hands going to her hips. Even Brick cast me a surprised glance. Brat only leered at me, eyebrow cocked. "You're bailing?"

"Butch is the only one watching the girls, and he hasn't slept properly in days." I grumbled at the two of them. "Bane said to watch the girls."

"Yeah, sure." Brat gave a loud cackle, rolling her eyes. "Watch the Puffs."

I shot her a glare, wishing more than ever I could knock that bitchy smirk right off her face, but she heaved a sigh at me and wandered over to Brick, eyeing him up and down.

"Guess it's just you and me, Bricky. We'll head to the club to do some more questioning-"

Brick's black eyes lidded lazily and the corner of his lip twitched. I had to admit, a wave of relief washed over me at the sight of him annoyed with somebody other than me for a change.

"Look, Brat, you're getting a little cocky for my liking." He pointed a finger at her, empty eyes narrowing. "I give the orders, here. You don't tell me to do shit."

To my surprise, Brat didn't drop her smirk. In fact, she didn't back down at all. She swaggered closer to him, tilting her head. "Oh really?" She dragged her dark glare up and down his body, taking in his imposing stance and clenched fists. A twitch rippled against his jaw and I knew she was close to trouble. She didn't move.

"I would start doing what I say, Bricky." She sneered up at him, giving a smug little scoff. "That is, if you want to stay on your father's good side."

I froze. He froze. The two of us were struck into a sudden silence. A tightness roped around my chest and I felt a hot stab of fury. Brick, looking baffled, only dropped his lip.

"What?"

His voice had darkened into a wolf-like snarl, but Brat glanced around airily, sniggering to herself. She looked so smug and proud, I almost lost it then and there. The fuck was going on?

"I don't want to have to tell him you're ignoring my orders." She teased, glancing up at the sky with that sick smirk on her face. "He wouldn't like that…"

Doubt crept into Brick's face, his mind working this through. He bared his teeth in a scowl.

"Cut the bullshit, Brat." He hissed back at her. "The fuck are you on about? You have no authority over me, or any of us." He stepped closer to her, shoulders heaving, and spat, "I could slice your throat and leave you here to bleed out, I don't give a fuck."

Brat's head whipped back around. Her eyes had darkened suddenly, and when she glanced at him again she gave her own growl in warning. Closing the distance between them, she narrowed her glare and stood her ground.

"Watch your mouth, Ruff." She whispered so low I could barely here. "Or we'll have your head."

Brick reared back, looking ready to strike, but he clearly had the same question I did. Only I was able to push through the anger flaring in me to choke at her.

"We?!"

"Bane and I have an agreement." My heart burst into life at the Punk's smirk, and her hands lowering to her stomach. My thumping heart swelled in my throat and I saw Brick pale- his expression icing over. Even his lips went white. I gagged for breath as he gave a deadly hiss.

"An agreement?!" He turned to me, but I offered nothing. He snapped his head back to her, eyes widening dangerously. His lips twitched, but no words came. He seemed too furious to speak. Suddenly, he wasn't there at all. He disappeared, right on the spot.

I blinked a few times, just to make sure, but my brother was well and truly gone.

"The fuck?!" Brat reared back, fluttering her lashes. "Where did he go?!"

"I don't know." I spat at her, throat tight and hot. I flipped my glare to the sky, back towards the manor. Kicking off the dirt, I was ready to follow. "But fuck this shit, I'm out."

"Wait a second!" her furious snarl stopped me for a moment, but when I turned back at her, her stubborn pout caused a new wave of anger to snatch at my sanity. "You're seriously leaving? We're on a hunt here! We're supposed to be tracking down traitors-"

"Fuck the hunt!" I hissed at her. I caught the rumble deep in my chest and had to hold back from grabbing at her, dying to break some bones. Instead I snapped my fingers into fists and pulled back, gritting my teeth. "And fuck you, Brat. The only traitor I see here is you."

Pulling back with difficulty, I kicked off again from the ground and aimed for home, heart still ringing in my ears.

.

Buttercup.

.

"No!"

I looked up in a slight daze at the scene before me. Blayze and Bruiser were sitting with their heads pressed together, Blayze thumbing angrily at the game in his hands with Bruiser 'helpfully' screaming out suggestions and comments in his ear. They had been awake for an hour, now, and Blayze had been showing me his games and toys. His lips were growing more twisted by the second at his game, and all I could do was smile. I had the same trait.

"You're doing it wrong." Bruiser grumbled to him, tapping the game over Blayze's shoulder. He went dangerously still as Bruiser leaned into him. "You need to get that coin, it gets you more health."

Blayze's eyes darkened considerably and his face scrunched. There was even a little twitch to his right eye. At that moment, I was stricken with the sudden shock that he looked exactly like Butch did when he was five years old, especially that same frustration and fury I would see whenever I threw him into the pavement from above.

But one quick glance my way, and Blayze closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I know." He huffed at him before starting another game. Bruiser leaned back in slight awe, blinking up at him as if he was surprised at his luck. Both boys were so immersed in the game they scarcely noticed Bliss circling them, combing a doll's hair while drifting in the air. It was a serene moment. It was hard not to be caught up in it. I found myself tensing against the couch as I again desperately thought back to Emerald… how many hours I'd been without her and what she could be doing. Was she safe?

A quick glance out the window had my heart racing. I wanted to be with her. But, as I flexed my fingers, I could tell that I was weaker. What felt like liquid lead had settled into my veins and I didn't feel as light as I used to. Bubbles had remarked to be earlier she was shocked I hadn't passed out… both of them had slept for days at their first dose. There was no denying that's what Rome had hit me with.

I glanced down at the thought of Rome. I still didn't know what to think. Furious frustrations burst in the back of my head like a lit dynamite fuse ready to explode…

But at the same time, that soft hope took over… something maybe to do with Cass' memory, or even just the reminder that I was a mother. I had to hope for the best, trust that my baby was going to be okay with him, with them. I couldn't imagine any different.

It would destroy me for sure.

With that battle weighing down on my mind, I pushed myself up and made my way to the kitchen for a glass of water. Blayze watched me go worriedly, but was pulled back to his game after I shot him a smile. It always worked with Emmy, after all.

I shut the door behind me and cradled my head in my hands. It was all too much and the pressure of thought made my head pound with pain. I rubbed at my temples and tried to take a few deep breaths. I somehow made my way to where I remembered the kitchen was and grabbed a glass. I flipped back around and it slipped through my grip, crashing to the floor.

Bane was in front of me, as cool and calm as when I first saw him at my old apartment block… six years ago.

The force in his glowing red eyes and intimidating size was what hit me first. His stare was bright and flaming. His long black hair was sitting neatly. His clothes were clean and neat, framing his thick, muscular build. I still had to look up at him, which stung. The vivid memory of him, locked in Cain's body, came back to me fast and my back hit the counter. Dread set into me and I felt sick. He closed in on me.

"Buttercup…" He purred darkly. "I thought I might be seeing you again."

He took a slow step closer and I couldn't move. My mouth went dry. I could barely breathe. Flashes of his face drifted into my memory... Citiesville, with Blayze, at the hospital...

Betrayal and fear clawed at me the more I stared into his eyes. I could feel myself heating with anger yet there was still a chilling fear slipping through me. Rome and Cain's voices came to me, too... and the memory of his eyes burning through Cain's, the blind blood thirst and all of the blood-

I squeezed my eyes closed for only a second, shaking myself free and wrenching my teeth apart.

"Of course you did." I grit my teeth again, so my words came as a muffled hiss. "You're the one that set them on me."

"I may have given them a clue..." His head rolled to the side innocently, letting his black hair spill onto his shoulder. His fiery red eyes were sending waves of heat over me and my stomach hardened the closer he got, like I was readying to be hit. His chest rumbled in a low chuckle. "But you couldn't expect to hide forever, Buttercup... not with your..." He cocked an eyebrow oh-so subtly under his hair. "...present company."

My heart iced over and my breath seized in my throat- before I remembered he hadn't seen Emmy, he must have been talking about Rome and Cain. I felt myself flop against the counter, and suddenly I felt warmer, more comfortable. I was able to meet his glare and plant my feet. Just like old times.

My old friend.

"Speaking of..." His eyes darkened suddenly, lidding as he stared down at me. I caught a small tick to his jaw and knew I had to treat lightly. He was deceptively calm and I could tell he was forcing a light tone when he drawled out, "Where might they be hiding?"

When I didn't say anything, he rolled his dark eyes around the room in an attempt to be aloof, casual. I saw through it all. A smirk even nudged at my lips. Rome did the exact same thing.

"I see they left you behind to be the sacrifice, the shield." He gave a light sigh. "I would have expected better. I was told they might be actual warriors. Pity."

He was tugging on the end of my frayed nerves and my skin buzzed at the sensation. Because it was true... Rome did leave me to be taken-

"They're not to be trusted, Buttercup." He swooped in suddenly. My breath caught in my throat and those eyes turned me to stone. He loomed closer, trapping me in. "You don't know what you're getting into when you deal with demons." He leaned back, a wide smirk crossing his face. "At least with me, you can trust." He gave another dark grin.

"You and I, we're family."

"I've seen how you treat family." I sneered before I could bite it back. "How many times did you stab Lailah, Bane?"

The effect was immediate and I didn't have time to react. I thought- in that split second- that he was ready to rip me open. His eyes went jet black. His face stopped, mouth ticked, then a villainous, inhumane presence came over him. It was suddenly so cold in the room you'd think it was snowing. The lines in his face twisted and twitched like he was turning into something grotesque, like a real creature from Hell. The blood in my veins turned to ice and my mouth hung open in sudden horror as I watched him- just a brief glimpse- of the monster underneath.

But he reigned it in. He took a step back, chest heaving, and only gave me a ferocious scowl with a whispered warning.

"Don't say that name."

But I held tight on the counter, my stubborn heartbeat skipping through the fear and the tension to spit out of my mouth.

"Forty?"

His mouth twisted, like he was trying to smile, but his throat lurched like he was swallowing fire. The stench of blood flooded my nostrils and I knew he was biting back bile. His right eye gave an irritated twitch.

"Bane."

Butch's voice sliced through the room. His low growl burned in my ears and even Bane tore away from me, glancing back over his heaving shoulder. All I could see of Butch was his dark eyes, his mouth twisting and his fingers curling slowly into his palms against his sides. Side by side, the two looked eerily similar. I saw then just how taller Butch had grown- he was as tall as Bane now, his shoulders swelling the same… the same twitch, the same bared teeth- but Bane was still. Butch was shaking. His darkened eyes narrowed into slits.

"What are you doing here?"

Bane turned back to me, a lopsided grin on his face.

"I was just getting reacquainted with my old friend..." He cooed at me, eyes brightening once again. They flickered at me. I clenched my teeth- so tight I thought they would break and crumble in my mouth. My lips went cold and my fingers went numb against the counter, I was clutching so hard. It was all I could do to hold back, hold tight and not fling my fists at him. With one final, fiery glare my way, he finally turned and stalked back over to Butch. They still kept their shoulders hunched. You could almost see the friction in the air, between them. Butch's eyes were almost black, and they remained focused on him.

"Keep her close, Butchy." Bane murmured to him, loud enough for me to hear. Sparing another smirk my way, he added smugly, "She's keeping a few secrets from you."

The band that had looped around my chest crushed me from the inside and my heart flailed wildly with no sign of stopping. I never felt so much rage and fear burst within me all that once, but Bane's words made it happen. My gaze immediately went to Butch as he watched Bane go. Only when he turned to me, his eyes back to that familiar shade of green- the same as Emmy's- is when I finally took a deep, shuddering breath.

"Are you okay?"

It took a few moments for the question to hit me. All I could do was scowl and frown.

"Yeah, I... I guess." My eyes lowered to the counter. I was still hot with anger, but the chill from the fear still stuck with me. I tried to shake it off and sheepishly attempted to detach from the kitchen counter. "As good as I can be."

Butch's eyes darted from the door back to me. His shoulders shifted.

"What did Bane want?"

I almost laughed. "Why do you care?"

"He's an asshole." Butch told me bluntly. "He's taken over everything..."

It was no surprise, but I wasn't expecting the emotion in Butch's voice... it was kind of tight- darker than usual? He wasn't happy with that? My mouth twisted bitterly.

"Thought you'd like that."

I was expecting a shouting match, but instead he surprised me with a sigh.

"You'd think so."

I finally lifted my head. He'd unclenched his own fists and shoved them in his pockets. He seemed to have shrunk, sinking back into a relatively human persona as he slunk back against the wall by the door. His lip twitched and his eyes met mine.

"A lot's changed since you've been gone."

"I see that." My throat tightened all over again. I had to stay strong, but I could feel another warmth flooding through me. Despite my inner turmoil, the sickness still swirling in me… I couldn't deny it was a familiar warmth, the same I used to get, when we used to talk. All the memories were still there- the link that existed between us. Something in his voice settled in me, and suddenly I couldn't stop talking. "I don't recognise them anymore-"

"Who?"

"My sisters." Why was I whispering? My heart lurched and suddenly I felt like crying. The emotions were all there, but they were scattered and hurting. I clenched back at the counter, biting back what I could, but it all threatened to overflow. "I…I don't- they've changed… without me-"

I felt him close in on me and I couldn't move. He stood by me, just enough to give me space but enough for that spark to flicker and burn somewhere deep inside me- right by my heart… it was the same burst of life that I felt beside Emmy, when I held Blayze again. Heart now pounding, I did my best to stay calm, to breathe. When he spoke, his deep voice rumbled through me again.

"I'm sorry."

My chest exploded in another shaky sigh. It was getting harder to stay focused. I tried to stay still, but to my horror I could feel the hot tears burst behind my eyes. I palmed at my face, shaking myself back to Earth. I tried to focus. I tried to get a plan.

"So what do we do now?" I asked out loud. I couldn't look at him, not when I knew those wide, Emerald eyes were already aiming at me. "What's the plan?"

I wondered vaguely, in the back of my mind, if he would answer… if it could help-

My heart skipped. I held strong. Maybe I can find out their plan. I can still help, I can find out what they're doing, maybe sabotage it-

But his low, cautious voice took me by surprise.

"With us?"

My fingers slipped and all I could see was dark green and black hair. His eyes were so wide, it was like his whole face was taken up by that innocent, blank stare. The colour was so vivid it was impossible to turn away. His mouth looked different without a scowl. Instead his lips just twitched nervously, raw and bitten.

"N-"

"I'm trying to make it better. I mean, I want to keep you here…" He told me earnestly. One hand rubbed at the stubble on his cheek and his eyes darted from me. "But I don't know how."

"What? You're not going to lock me up, like old times?" I had to scoff. That was hard to believe. Somehow, the words were hard to find. He gave his own snort and his lip twitched half-heartedly.

"Look, I'm a lot of things…" He frowned at that, then cocked his eyebrow in consideration. "Well, I'm nothing good…I'm a demon." He shrugged and sighed again. Suddenly, he sounded tired. "But if there's one thing I've learned since… since I did what I did, since I became… this." His nose scrunched in disgust- just like he used to do when he was a kid. "… is that… I don't want to be like him."

At the very words, his face seemed to darken and more lines creased on his face. His eyes clouded over and it was like a storm was forming above his head. Troubled and irritated, his mouth worked in a twitch and his eye flickered knowingly. I didn't want to ask, but-

"Who?"

All he did was throw his head back towards the door in a sharp nod, but reluctantly heaved another dark sigh.

"My father."

I almost choked on a laugh. Of course. I'd heard Rome say the exact same thing… I noticed it more and more how much they looked alike. Only Rome had the blood red eyes and stubborn pride of the Red Ruff. Butch, I noticed, had become more reserved. His shoulders had shrunk back and he no longer balled his fists at me, but himself. I didn't like to admit that it tickled the frayed edges of my heart.

The warmth was hard to explain, along with my sudden pity for him.

"I assumed that was what you wanted. When you became like… like this."

The night was suddenly fresh in my mind- the wild look in his eyes, and Blayze's. The fact he had become an unstoppable force within seconds. It was a new, sharp feeling of helplessness I never wanted to feel again…

He winced.

"We never planned to. I think, if we could take it back-"

Take back being a demon? He must have seen the look on my face, or he realised what he was saying, because he gave his head a short shake and his moody frown was back in place.

"But we can't, so there's no point thinking on that shit."

He kicked at the doorframe and gnawed on his lip, trying to do everything but twitch. I couldn't help it. I crept in closer, the question burning in my mind… along with the memories, the dreams-

"But… but if you could take back being a demon, would you?"

"We were born demons." He grunted, eyes slipping back to mine. "Nothing can change that."

"But if you could?"

He was looking at me for so long, silently, that I started to feel my toes curl nervously against the hard floor. I was suddenly aware that I was still clad in his shirt- just like old times. I felt hot under his stare, like my skin was alive and on fire. My heart was crawling up my throat, buzzing and humming against the back of my tongue. When he finally gave a sigh, I was on edge, hanging on every word.

"Buttercup." He said my name so strongly, deliberately, that only then I was reminded of who I was. The Powerpuff Girl. The Green Puff. The counterpart. His eyes darted back to me and held me there.

"…I would take back a lot more than that."

With that, he turned and slumped back out, fists buried deep in my pockets and my heartbeat slowly ebbing and fading with his footsteps.

.

Jayden.

.

If the situation wasn't so intense, I would have been biting back a smug smirk the whole way. Cain was in front of the crowd, head held high and his thick shoulders stretched back proudly. Tyler was trying to keep up, all the while trying to seem casual about the whole situation, but really I could tell he was close to foaming at the mouth. Here we were, strolling towards the very thing he'd been chasing after for all these years… the very thing that may give us a fighting chance for survival-

And Cain of all people was the one to lead us there.

"So, eh-" I recognised that strain in his voice, it was the same I got when I was fighting to breathe, completely exhausted from trying to keep up with a headstrong demon. "Are we- huh- close?" He gave a muffled wheeze and whipped his head over his shoulder, checking on the rest of his team. Sure enough, they were keeping a cautious distance, but all had the same excited nervousness etched in their red faces. They were all puffing.

Cain stopped, batting his eyes as he turned back around to them. "Not far now…" He tilted his head and cocked an eyebrow- a smug look he must have picked up from Rome. "Why? Tired?"

"Cain." I hissed at him. "You know you have crazy demon stamina. Don't rub it in."

"It's not my fault he can't keep up." Cain muttered back, innocently enough, but I could see the cocky twinkle in his eye when he stared back over towards the forest- away from my knowing glare. "But really, it's less than half a mile. It's hidden between those two cliff faces, there-"

"Seriously?" Tyler perked up, swallowing back a cough. "I've been through here, looking, and I thought there was nothing-"

"There's a narrow opening just after those large rocks, see?" Cain was all too keen to point out, swelling proudly. "It opens up to a green building- it's almost hidden in there. I only really found it because the grass was flatter around it than the rest and there were scrapings against the rock." He took a few steps and pointed. I had to blink a few times to see what he was talking about, but even then I was lost. I shot him an admiring look when I was sure he couldn't see it. It seemed despite his bumbling personality and slightly lower-than-average intelligence, Cain was actually gifted at hunting. "It's through there, but it's green- it blends in. It's all overgrown now."

"Wh… just a building?" Tyler spluttered, stumbling to follow. "But- surely-"

"It starts as a building." Cain gave an evil smirk. "But there's more. Underground."

"How do you-"

"You can tell." Cain piped up, skipping away while the rest gawked behind him. He was loving it. He wasn't used to being right, and he was loving it. "There are vents everywhere."

I watched as the crowd of nervous, stupefied humans watched the demon swagger closer to the two cliff faces, their mouths dangling. I gave a shrug to a now bewildered Tyler and followed him. When Tyler jogged up behind me, he was hissing under his breath.

"I can't believe this, it was under us the whole time, if this is real-"

"Just relax, Ty." I hushed him as best as I could. While I did trust Cain, I didn't want to get their hopes up. He had limited knowledge on human weapons, after all. "We'll just see what we're working with, first."

He gave me a nod and all of us followed along silently. The closer we got, the bigger my heart seemed to get. So much blood seemed to be pumping and swelling in my chest, I thought it was ready to explode. I gulped it down as I followed Cain through the thickets of trees. The rest of them kept a respectful distance.

Finally, Cain halted and threw out his arms.

"See! Told you!"

I froze, numbly shuffling in my spot. It was a shed- a rusty, tin shed painted a greyish green. There was a thick padlock on the door and what looked like plastic over the windows lining the roof. It looked very unassuming, like an outhouse. I felt my heart sink, but I held onto the hope.

"Cain…"

He turned. His eyes were still that bright, sparkly blue.

"What… eh… have you looked inside?"

"No." He said, oblivious. He seemed to pick up on our expressions, because he was quick to defend himself. "But- I mean, it has to be, right? It's a random shack in the middle of nowhere and there are old tracks and-" He turned to Rome, at the back of the group, for help. "Right, Rome?"

Rome gave him a blank look, his eyes lidded.

"You're an idiot."

Emerald was on his back. She tilted her head in pity against Rome's shoulder.

Cain stomped his foot. That familiar stormy expression darkened his face and he stomped closer to the mysterious building, shoulders hunched. He was ready to explode, and he quickly did.

"I'm telling you, it's here!"

Before I could shout after him, he'd slammed his boot against the padlocked door. It burst off the hinges instantly, slamming into what sounded like a concrete floor with a deafening clang. We picked up the echo from thirty feet away. He whipped back around to us, fuming and pointing inside.

"See! I TOLD YOU!"

A silent tension took the group again and I was the first one to make a move. I sprinted over to him, heart soaring, and found myself hoping – praying- that he was actually right. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the dusty, darkened contents of the room. My jaw dropped and I couldn't find the words.

Laid out in the shadows of that shed were rows of guns and ammunition- layers of handles of shotguns and rifles and boxes of bullets beneath. There were boxes- crates- of more, lining the walls and stretching as far as I could see. The concrete floor had a locked hinged door to what looked like more below. All I could do was stare, warmth and pride slowly filling me as the rest of Tyler's crew gathered behind me, all in awe. It was a strange, surreal feeling then- to feel proud and triumphant. But I did, I turned back to Cain and I could feel my face glowing at his scowl.

"Wow, Cain!" It came out like I was gushing, but at that point I didn't care. "You really did it! You saved us! I knew you could!"

The effect was immediate. A sheepish pink tainted his cheeks and a warm smile draped over his face. Even his big blue eyes went glassy.

"Well…" He gave a soft scoff and shuffled against the door. "Yeah…"

"I can't believe this!" A soldier by Tyler's side spluttered to him. "It's here! It's really here! You think they work?!"

"Why wouldn't they?" I jumped on the defensive immediately and couldn't hold back my scowl. "Guns don't expire." I eyed the ammunition and my heart skipped a beat. "There's enough ammo in here to blow every demon back to Hell- this is awesome!"

Tyler coughed. When I looked over to check on him, I had to do a double take. His eyes were filling with tears- he couldn't scrub at them fast enough.

"I can't believe it's here…I almost gave up." He reached out to stroke tentatively at the handle of an automatic rifle by the door. "It's really here, I can't believe it…"

"Well, you were right!" I scoffed at him, still struggling to catch my breath. Cain's heavy arm was still at my side. "And Cain found it! See? You need us!"

Tyler sniffed back the remainder of his tears and turned to the both of us with a heavy sigh.

"Thank you, Cain."

Cain looked smug. I didn't nudge him in time for him to sneer back. "I guess not all demons are bad then, huh?"

Tyler looked reluctant to answer. His lips twisted and his eyes shifted back to the room. Without even thinking, my hand brushed against Cain's and- even though his fingers were about twice the size of mine- I wrapped my hand around his and gave it a pitiful squeeze.

The look he shot down to me was so unguarded and shocked, for a split second I forgot he was a demon. His face split into a sheepish smirk and he was finally silent.

"I don't sense anyone around…" Rome's deep voice tolled through the awed silence as a dark reminder. His eyes scanned the overgrown grass and the layers of dust. "I don't think anyone's been here for a long time."

I scanned the rows of weapons. This was it… the force we had been waiting for. The final push to try to fight. Now we had weapons, there was a chance. There were too many guns to count, but there was enough for us. I felt a nudge by my legs and Emerald finally managed to shuffle through the crowds and stick her head in the door.

"Wow…" The young girl's voice trilled through the crowd just like Rome's, only her wide, deep green eyes gazed around a lot more innocently than Rome's did. "There are a lot of dusty sticks in here!"

.

Blossom.

.

As soon as Buttercup left, I felt Bubbles slam down beside me on the couch. With the kids in the corner, she only had to lower her voice to a whisper for us to speak privately. I sat up to listen, but as soon as her words hit me I felt my heart sink.

"It was Brick, wasn't it?"

"Wh…" I stiffened. "What are you talking about?"

"Cass!" She whispered back, her eyes wide. "Buttercup said she was an angel, and she was killed-"

"Seriously, Bubbles." I didn't want to hear anymore. My fingers shook as I felt my grip tighten on the book in my hands. "Angels? It's a little-"

"If there are demons, why wouldn't there be angels?" I didn't like that stern frown on her face. "And Brick, he's-he's all different, Bloss-"

"I know he is!" I winced at the voice that seemed to scratch its way out of my throat, and the hurt look in my sister's eyes. But at the same time, did she think I hadn't noticed? I slept beside him, had a child with him…

But I wasn't ready to think that he would kill that same girl I went to school with, that attended our birthday party… my sister's best friend-

An angel?

"Look, just don't tell her." I pleaded with her, a cold dread washing over me. "We…we don't know what's going on and, and Buttercup will hate him-"

She jumped up. I barely had time to suck back a gasp before she began to hiss in my face, her cheeks red and her bright icy eyes narrowed hotly.

"What does it matter?!" She grit her teeth like she was trying not to shout. With her eyes darting over to the kids, she checked they were still distracted before spitting again. "We're not on the same side!"

"Of course we are!" I spluttered back, struggling to contain my own volume. Did she forget that we were powerless? Did she forget what our world had become? "We're trying to survive! We need them! The kids need them!"

Bubbles shot up again, straightening. Her hands curled into fists and I suddenly didn't recognise her anymore. My baby sister's shoulders were heaving. Her usually smiling lips were taught with anger and in a dangerous line. I saw her throat swell, like she was readying herself for a scream, but she seemed to swallow instead. A subtle, almost invisible twitch captured her lips and I readied myself for an argument… a fight, a yelling match-

But she did much worse… she turned and marched right out of the room.

Leaving me behind with a growing sense of guilt and shame.

.

Buttercup.

.

It was deafeningly silent when Butch left the room. I felt a burst of strange desire to follow him. The room was strangely empty without him, and hearing the door snap shut was like a sharp slap. I floundered for a moment before following into the hallway, feeling like a weightless shell. When I saw a flash of blonde hair out of the corner of my eye, however, I shook myself back to Earth.

"Bubbles-" I caught the storm in her eyes, the stern lines in her face. "What's wrong? Did something happen-"

"N-no!" She halted, sucking back a hasty breath before giving me a shaky smile. She glanced back behind her before she nibbled down on her lip, a trait she still had- "Hey, I want to show you something."

The question took me by surprise, but I didn't have time to react. She grabbed me by the hand and dragged me off down the hall, toward the elevator. I wanted to pull back, I felt a nervousness the closer we got, but I still felt safe in her hand. Instead I let her lead me on, and when we got to the door and I caught her looking around, I joined in.

"Coast is clear."

She gave me a gracious smile, before she licked at her thumb. Before I could even ask, she'd pushed it against the pad that was right by the doors. The elevator sprang open immediately.

My heart lodged in my throat. She yanked me inside. It was a long, drawn out few seconds before we were finally secure, with the doors closed. Only then I could finally breathe, but it came out like a choking gasp.

"Wh-!"

"Shh! Oh my god, I've never done this without Blissy before." Her hand clapped over her mouth as the elevator began to move upwards. "Usually she keeps an eye out for me, but- I just didn't think-"

"Wait." I hated the fact that I immediately thought of Butch, and what he would say if he found us like this. "What are we doing? Are we-"

"I go up here, with her." She began to ramble. Slowly her hand slid from her chin and her bright blue eyes became clearer, less cloudy with fear and panic. I began to recognise her again, my heartbeat lulled into a calm. "We, uh… I guess we train."

"Seriously?!" I didn't mean to yelp, but she still jumped. I grabbed her arm. "No, that's- that's great! Emmy and I, we do the same!"

"Really?!" Her body heaved and slumped in relief. "Look, none of the guys know about it, I'm not even supposed to be up here- and-" She stopped, her teeth suddenly digging into her bottom lip. "Blossom doesn't know."

I went cold at that. Something in that sentence didn't ring true, it didn't sound right.

"What do you mean? You haven't told her?"

"She wouldn't… she wouldn't want to know." The sadness in her words chipped away at my heart. "She's too… she wouldn't like it-" She broke off with a quick shake of her head. "She's changed, Buttercup."

"I've… noticed." I said delicately. There were words I never wanted to say… words I never thought I'd say. It hurt to hear. "What happened?"

"She was always the leader, but now… after so long-" She shook her head again. "There was nothing to fix, there was nothing to have control over… then Bruiser came along and- not that I don't love him, I love them both!" She sucked in a panicked breath. "But… she became a mother, it meant making everything okay for him, rather than us…" She shook her head again, face crumpling with despair. "I just don't know, maybe I'm reading it wrong-"

"No." I took hold of her arm again. "We all handle things differently, we all change-"

"I never thought she would, though." Her voice came in a croaky whisper. "I never thought she'd ever-"

The doors sprang open and we froze in place, not thinking of what would happen if a pair of black eyes had met us in the hallway. Instead, thankfully, it was empty and calm. We sprang out of there without another thought, and I took off after Bubbles through the hallway.

"This way!" She whispered. "I have to see if it's empty-"

I had trouble keeping up with her. A new light had sprung from her that was difficult to chase. If I squinted, I swear I could even make out a faint blue light surrounding her. The very thought caused me to frown, though… I mean… how could-

She skidded to a halt at the door and I almost smacked into her. With her head pressed into the thick wood for only a moment, she decided it was safe and wrenched it open. We were encased inside the room within moments.

The lights flickered on… and all breath left me as I stared around the empty space.

My gasp echoed and bounced around the walls. The floors were lined in cracked stone, but the walls were bare brick. Some pieces were crumbling. There were lines and smudges that showed probably decades of battle scars. The ceiling adorned an elaborate chandelier that coated the room in a flickering, eerie light. It was probably never appreciated- just another obstacle to dodge. The more I took in the room the more I could feel the energy that had stained the inside- the marks of sweat, blood and tears. I could taste the energy anywhere… the unmistakable scent of a training room.

Where battles begin.

"Bliss and I train in here." Bubbles' soft voice came from the corner. "I ran up the wall here- right here!" She ran over to point out exactly where, and when she turned to me her eyes really shone. "See, I could never tell Blossom… because she's pregnant, and everything- but I swear, I'm getting my strength back! Bliss told me I almost flew! And I know she's- she's young, and everything, but she's honest, she's strong and we train together, we even have a few moves that we share and she knows not to tell, and-"

"I bet you have." I told her. She stared openly, but I kept going. "I bet you have, Bubs, I bet you've shaken it!"

"Shaken-"

"The antidote!" My heart was really pounding now. The more I thought about it, the more excited I got. I ran to her, feeling as light as air. "I bet you've built up an immunity!"

I took her in, my heart swelling at the sight of her bright eyes, her strong stance. Of course- it had to be true! She had to be getting it back… who she was… who we all were! But she glanced back down, her eyes darting at the floor, then back up at me.

"Then I must be weak…" She mumbled sadly, her eyes roaming the room once again. "I only can climb the wall for a short time, and I can only hover a few inches off the floor… I can't throw punches like I used to-"

"I can show you!" The words were out before I could stop them. But I'd grabbed her hand and dragged her to the middle of the room. It suddenly felt like I was back in the forest with Emmy at my heels, ready to learn. "There are some tricks, they're easy once you try-"

I planted my feet and tried to shake aside the heaviness in my heels, the Antidote X still weighing me down. Instead I narrowed my glare and curled my fingers into fists. I focused.

"Okay, so what you need to do is centre your force. You can double it, you know- if you have a partner."

Her eyebrow cocked. "Really?"

"Yeah!" I grabbed her arm and held her out before me. "On the count of three, I want you to run, but keep a hold of me. Lock arms- like that, yeah!- and throw yourself out. Even though we don't have the full force anymore, we still have enough power together combined with gravity to throw out a kick… I bet with the right manoeuvre we can even throw ourselves around!"

I saw the lump in her throat bulge in what looked like nervousness, but her head nodded with confidence.

"Okay- I'll give it a try…"

"Just hold on tight." I let her go and took a few steps back. She did the same. "Ready?"

She gave a shaky laugh. "As ready as I'll ever be!"

I stopped enough to pull back. I had to firmly remind myself what she'd been through… that she wasn't Emmy.

"Bubbles, we don't have to if-"

"Hey, weren't you listening?!" She gave me the same laugh, this time stronger. She clapped her hands and shrugged her shoulders, flexing. "I'm ready!"

"Oh! Okay!" I had to shake myself and bend my knees. She did the same. "Ready?

She nodded.

"One… two-"

She leaned back.

"Three!"

We sprinted at each other. For a split second, I couldn't feel the world beneath me. Then my sister's hand slapped against my arm and I found hers. We locked in a grip and threw out, catching each other. We held tight, but I could still feel the force at my feet, the wind in my hair that I'd missed so much. There was such adrenaline scooting through my veins I barely had time to catch myself. Time was soaring by me and nothing could stop us. That is, until I froze mid-air, caught with the force, and smacked back into the floor and pain burst in my skull.

"OW!"

Bubbles hung over me, her smile catching me off guard.

"That was amazing! Could use some work on the landing, though…"

Despite the pain thudding against my forehead, a laugh escaped me. My ribs bounced off the cold floor and somehow the world spun back into focus. I reached up to rub at my scalp.

"Do not tell me you landed that and I didn't."

"I did." She gave me a wide smirk. Merciless. "But, wow! I see what you mean." She stared around the room in a new awe as I got back to my feet. "That's quite a move-"

"Just have to find someone to kick."

"I can think of a few." She didn't skip a beat in answering, but tilted her head at me in quiet consideration. "Wh… did you ever… uh, get the chance to-"

"I did." It was hard to say, and I wasn't sure why. "We had to fight, out there." At the look on her face, I felt the need to add, "It was had without you guys."

"It was hard here too, I wish I was with you." She told me, and I could tell it was honest. "I miss being out there. I hate not doing anything- I feel so guilty…" Her eyes darkened and darted around the room again. Hate lined her face. "I hate standing by, not being able to fight-"

"It's not over yet." I wanted to hug her, but at that moment I couldn't move. The words breathed new life into me and it was all I could do to remain upright. She stiffened too. It was like she felt the same. "We can still win this."

"I hope so…" She whispered.

Shaking my thumping head, I held out my hands again.

"Come on." This time, a new growl escaped me. I was more fired up than ever, and I was determined to keep it. "I can show you how to make a shield, I promise."

"Wh-" She stopped, her eyes widening. "Really?!"

"Yes." This time, there was no shakiness, no hesitation. "If you fly, you can make a shield." My cheeks, against my own fears, raised in a smirk. "Trust me on this."

Almost like a mirror, her face split into a smirk that I knew matched mine.

"Let's do it."

.

.

Bliss was thrilled at the chance to play with Blayze and Bruiser. Her green-eyed cousin seemed a lot nicer and she was taking full advantage. She watched intently as he first challenged his cousin to a chasing game, only for Bruiser to grumble immediately that he always cheated.

"You can't cheat in a race!" Blayze scoffed at him, arms folded. "You're just too slow!"

"Nuh-uh!" Bruiser stomped his foot. "You find shortcuts, or you trip me!"

"Don't blame me just 'cause you're a klutz."

"I'm not a klutz!" Bruiser whined, before frowning with consideration. "Wait…what's a klutz?"

"I'll play!" Bliss was bursting to say it. She couldn't hold it in anymore. She was hovering with excitement, wide stare bouncing between them. "Can I play? Pleeeeeease?"

Rather than give her his familiar sneer, Blayze's lips twisted in thought. His eyes rolled over to her and he seemed to be thinking hard.

"Yeah, I guess so." He told her, before turning to Bruiser. "We'll go easy, okay?"

"Wait!" Bliss fired up immediately. "You don't have to go easy! I can keep up with you!"

"No way, Blissy." Bruiser gave her a wide grin. "You're a girl. You can't keep up with us."

"He's right, Bliss." Blayze gave her a stern look before she could speak. "And we've been training, so we know what we're doing."

"Yeah!" Bruiser looked smug. He'd rather forget his first training left him in tears. "We train."

Bliss wasn't impressed, but her fists tightened and her lips remained shut. The last thing she wanted was to get her mother in trouble. She gave a cautious look over her shoulder to her Aunt Blossom curled up on the couch, reading a book. She took a deep breath and let it go.

"Okay." She grumbled. "But I'm gonna go as fast as I can."

Blayze gave a shrug, then launched into his explanation. He fit the leader role too well when it came to bossing his little cousins around. "We'll start small- from the fifth floor to the third."

"How…how do you get passed the guard?" Bliss asked, knowing full well they had been kept to their floor lately. They weren't allowed to roam free like they used to. Blayze didn't seem to care, and only rolled his eyes.

"You get creative." He told her. "Duh. That's what my Dad tells me"

Bliss threw a cautious look to the door, then back at her distracted aunt. It looked as though they could sneak out without drawing too much attention. Sheepishly, she followed her two cousins out into the hallway. Blossom perked up at seeing them flying toward the door and frowned with suspicion.

"What are you guys doing?"

Bliss froze, but Blayze answered swiftly.

"Just getting a drink, Aunty." He gave her a wide smile that was sure to charm her. She went back to her book, but still kept her troubled look.

"Okay. If you see your Mum, you can tell her I'm in here."

"Okay..." Blayze cooed, backing out of the door and into the hallway. Bruiser and Bliss followed. As soon as the door closed behind them, they launched into discussion. She listened intently as the two boys began to argue over the rules.

"So the track is down the hallway to the stairs, passed the guards and through the library so they can't follow-"

"We'll get caught if we go through there!" Bruiser protested in a high pitch whine. Blayze dismissed him with a snigger.

"What, scared?"

"No!"

"If you're fast, you won't get caught." Blayze told him. Bruiser threw Bliss a quick glare.

"But Bliss is with us. She might-"

The blonde girl drew herself up to full height and stuck out her chin. "Don't worry about me! I can take care of myself!"

Bruiser was ready to argue, but to his surprise Blayze broke into low chuckles. He sounded so much like his father, Bruiser threw his cousin a wide-eyed stare. Blayze stuck his tongue out at him.

"Ha ha, she's braver than you."

Bliss beamed in reply. Bruiser clenched his jaw and stomped his foot. Before he had a chance to throw a fit, Blayze continued with his instructions.

"So through the library so you come out the other side, then you can go down the spiral staircase to the second floor. The dinner table is the finish line."

"No cutting over the railing!" Bruiser piped up indignantly. Blayze rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah. Stick to the track." He turned to Bliss, the smallest flash of concern in his eyes. "You got it, Blissy?"

"I do!" Bliss nodded with confidence, but in her head she was trying to remember what was said. "I got it!"

"Okay." Blayze gave a wide smirk before curling his head around the wall to stare down the hall that led downstairs. Two demons flanked the staircase, stony-faced and menacing. They looked similar, but weak enough. Smaller than his father, at any rate, which meant he could probably out-manoeuvre them. He turned back to his younger cousins, flexed his fingers and cocked an eyebrow. "Ready?"

Bliss planted her feet against the floor, glancing anxiously at her male cousins to see if she was doing it right. Bruiser reluctantly shifted so he was next to her, scrunching his face and staring ahead with determination. Blayze didn't bother to brace himself. Instead he milled around, taking a few subtle steps ahead, before-

"On your marks, get set-" He took off in a burst of green light- "GO!"

Bruiser screamed after him, "BLAYZE, YOU CHEATED!" But Bliss had already sprinted off after him, her own bright blue light streaming after her. Bruiser quickly took off to close in. All three fired down the hall, so fast their colours blended as one.

The two demon guards started at the yell, but before they could properly prepare, a green light flashed up the wall beside them, lingering for a moment on the ceiling before disappearing down the stairs behind them. What sounded like a cackle lingered in the air.

"Wha-!"

The two went to follow, but before they could move a bright blue light dashed between them, throwing the demons off guard and into the wall. The two, now furious, spluttered with confusion.

"WH-!"

But another light threw them off again, this time flashing between one of the demon's legs. He staggered at the sensation, all three lights disappearing to the next floor. They stared after the bursts of light. The air around them was finally still, the two stared at each other.

"What the fuck was that!?"

But the trio had already slammed into the fourth floor, skittered along the floorboards and were streaming towards the library. Blayze was out at front, of course, and was zig-zagging through the hallways toward the double doors. He reached the doorhandle with a cackle, knowing his cousins were far behind, and slammed his feet into the door to wrench it open. At the opening, however, a bright blue light threw him off and he reared back, blinking in alarm.

"Wh- Hey!"

Bliss tore through the library, books and papers flying around her. Her heart was racing in her head and she could hear Blayze right behind her. The library doors slammed again as Bruiser closed in on them. She took a hard left and tore down another hall. She could see the spiral staircase in front of her. She took a dive- throwing herself down the hall and down the stairs- swimming through the air as fast as she could. There was a hum above her. She hit the third floor at a skid and glanced up to see a flash of Blayze's green light dancing in front of her. He did cheat!

Gritting her teeth, she took off again. She pushed herself hard, remembering just what her mother taught her.

…

"Remember to fly light, Blissy…" Bubbles cooed to her, breathing hard. She'd just sprinted up the wall and flipped over, much to Bliss' delight. She loved seeing her mother fly, see the light behind her. "Light as a feather, that's what your auntie told me!"

Despite her hard breathing, she still gave her a smile. When Bliss dived and danced around her, she followed as best she could. She glided over the ground. She'd gotten a lot better since they first started.

"It's from your core." She remembered her saying, cupping her stomach. She reached out to place a hand on Bliss' chest. "Breathe in deep, in here, and keep your stomach tight. When you fly, you should feel it."

Bliss had only nodded, but she knew she held it close. It was so rare to see the light in her mother's eyes, the flush to her cheeks. It had been so long since she sounded so happy.

…

She took deep breaths, tightening her stomach and letting the force flow through her. She flattened herself in the air, keeping her head low, and soared down the hallway. The wind whistled in her ears and the floorboards beneath her were a blur of colour. Faintly, she could see Blayze out of the corner of her eye. This only pushed her more, and the young girl grit her teeth and forced herself through the air. The end of the hallway was coming in close and she came up straight, flinging out her feet. Blayze scrambled to stop, but Bliss slammed her feet against the wall, threw herself back and tumbled through the air- landing hard on a slick, polished wooden surface-

…Straight into the dining room. She skidded across the table in sudden shock, landing sprawled on the stone floor. Blinking hard, she stared in a daze up at the chandelier above her before she realised- and her heart skipped a beat.

She made it.

"HOLY SHIT!" Blayze screamed, completely uncensored. He scooted over the dining room table to hang over his cousin, his bright green eyes wide. He gazed down at her in awe. "THAT WAS AWESOME!"

"It…" It took Bliss a few seconds to blink and properly take in his words. "Was?'

"You like- flipped through the air off that wall." Blayze grinned widely at her as Bruiser came streaming into the room, panting loudly. "How did you do that?!"

"My Ma-" She caught herself, letting out a strangled breath. She shook her head and tried to catch her thoughts. But she couldn't hold back a wide smile, both at Blayze's amazement and her own shock that she'd almost landed her own mother's trick. "I…I dunno! But it was fun-"

"You have to do that shit again!" Blayze was bouncing up and down, eyes wider than she'd ever seen him. "That was so cool!"

"Wait." Bruiser stared between them, his red eyes wide. "Who won? What happened?"

"Bliss won." Blayze told him, still amazed. His cheeks were flushed and was still gazing at his little cousin in shock. "She flipped into the dining room!"

"No fair!" Bruiser huffed, folding his arms and throwing Blayze a narrowed glare. "You cheated!"

"I did not!"

"You did so!" Bliss backed Bruiser up on that one. "I saw you jump the railing!"

"I knew it!"

"Yeah, yeah." Blayze rolled his eyes, but in doing so finally stared around at the room. It had been a long time since they had actually dined in there, as a family. So much had happened… It made him think of Bane in the hallway, making him promise to keep his mother safe. Looking back at his cousins, still flushed and panting from the game, made him think just how much they didn't know, how much he didn't know… how unprepared he was for the real game- the real fight.

"Where did you learn that, Bliss? For real?"

"I, um-" The blonde girl flushed again and stared at the floor. "I just, I just made it up, on my own."

"Well, you gotta teach me!" He was stern when he said that. "I wanna learn, I gotta learn more stuff."

"Why?" Bruiser narrowed his eyes. "Don't we learn enough in training?"

"You never know when something's gonna come up…" Blayze avoided his stare. "Dad always says to be prepared."

"Be prepared for what?"

Blayze rolled his eyes, mind in a whir. He didn't want to tell them about Bane, about his mother. But they had to know what they were up against…

"Something might happen, that's all." He told them. "We have to protect our mums, you know!"

"But…!" Bliss spluttered at him, her eyes wide. "You know more than all of us!"

"I don't know everything, I mean-" But Blayze stopped. They didn't know…they didn't know how badly he'd lost in a fight before. He winced, like he was remembering the pain. He remembered vividly, even though he wanted to forget. He saw her dark eyes in his dreams, remembered the force of the hits, the focus in her stare… locked away in that forest where nobody knew… not even his dad…

All breath left him in a sharp gasp, and he stiffened on the spot. Bliss raced forward.

"You okay? Blayze!?"

"I-I'm okay, it's nothing." Blayze assured her. But in his head was a totally different story… he was thinking about what time he could make it by the guards, how he could sneak through his window… exactly where in the forest he went before.

To find that girl.

Again.

.

Blossom.

.

I was hoping they'd come back straight away. They had to, right? There wasn't much else to do in this house...

I found myself watching the door, the balls of my feet bouncing against the soft rug and my hands- naturally- resting on top of my swollen stomach. All three of us were suddenly restless against the silence. The house was too quiet without the kids. I hated being alone.

I deflated against the plush couch, feeling too heavy to rise, but my fingers drummed impatiently against my shirt.

Regret and guilt was slowly brewing deep in my chest, feeling like a painful heartburn. The vivid memory Bubbles' cold eyes still hurt and I couldn't shake it. Maybe they were sick of me, already. I fell deeper into the cushions at the thought.

Buttercup hasn't been back long... I thought gloomily. And already she's lost faith in me. Both of them have...

After a few minutes of fidgeting, I went to push myself up. I was ready to find them. Just as I was balancing on my feet (with what felt like a weighted cannon ball against my stomach) the door burst open with such force it cracked the wood panelling behind it. I froze, eyes bugging, as I took in Brick's forbidding image heaving in the doorframe.

"ASSHOLE!"

His roar stung in my ears and threw me again. I stumbled back and hit the couch. My heart was in a flurry but my mind was in a daze.

"Wh-"

Faintly, I made out him stomping closer. His boots shook the room. My hands flew up, but my ears rang again.

"That... FUCKER!" He boomed again, and finally I could wrench my eyes open. He was stomping around the room, shaking the walls and floors. His eyes were black, wide, wild- his entire face was red and his thick arms were swelling in fury- but it wasn't aimed at me. He reared up again and shouted. "HE THINKS HE CAN CHANGE THIS SHIT?! TAKE CHARGE? HE THINKS HE CAN CHANGE THIS- EVERYTHING WE'VE DONE?! WHAT WE FOUGHT FOR!?"

Before I could even move, he grabbed hold of the lamp and ripped it from the wall. With a mighty heave, he flung the whole thing to the opposite end of the room. It smashed against the wall and littered the floor in fragments of lost metal and glass.

"I'LL KILL HIM! I'LL FUCKING KILL HIM!"

"Brick!" I wanted to thunder over him, but I could barely manage a squeak. "Calm down!"

He whipped back around. His hair fell into his eyes and suddenly he was in front of me, his heated screams bearing down on me.

"Don't TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!"

I leaned back, but his voice stung my ears. I stumbled backwards. My hands flew up-

A bright red light flashed between us, like a laser beam. Heat flowed through me and I felt a rumble through the floorboards. My eyes crashed closed, and when I ripped them open again I saw Brick pulling himself up from the floor, his hair in disarray and a crumpled, pained look finally breaking the rage on his face. I froze in place, hands still stretched out.

My stomach was doing flip flops. My skin was numb. All Brick could do was stare.

"They..." His dark growl had faded. "They attacked me." His black eyes rolled to me, still staring openly. My heart fluttered through the numbness. I could see a flicker of humanity in his face, despite his black stare. He seemed to falter, then hiss under his breath again. "They attacked me-"

"I'm sorry." I wanted to rush forward, but the heat in my fingers was still buzzing through me. It had taken the breath right out of me. The rush of power was something so foreign to me now. It took me a second to come back to Earth. "I don't think it's-"

"I'm...sorry." He said. The words seemed hard to say. A deep frown dug into his forehead. I tried to swallow, tried to speak. My fingers itched to reach out to him, to try and make it better. I used to just touch him, and the darkness would go away-

I tried. I reached out and wrapped my hand around his. He stiffened against me, but allowed me to wrap a few fingers around his. My hands were still tingling from the force. He felt hot, vibrating with anger.

"This used to work..." The wish escaped my lips before I could stop it. Stupidly, I felt tears burst in my eyes at the sight of his black, empty glare still blazing down on me. It was stupid to think I would look up and see those warm red eyes again...

"It doesn't work anymore." He rumbled and slipped his hand from mine. That lost look in his eyes caused another pang of pain in my chest. With another empty, black look my way, he finally turned and stomped off, slamming the door behind him.

And leaving me alone once again.

.

Butch.

.

Every step I took felt heavy and disconnected. It was getting harder to focus on the world around me. All I could think about was her.

I found my way to my room and slumped against the bed, my head bursting with pain and the sound of her voice.

"I assumed that was what you wanted. When you became like… like this."

It hurt. It really did, to catch that disgust in her voice, the sight of her lip curling at me like I was some animal. The sick thought weighed against me that she had probably thought of me just like I'd thought of Bane all these years... like a bad memory, a repressed nightmare. That dark night was something I couldn't shake, and now I'd become one.

I'd become another nightmare.

I pushed myself up and couldn't resist my own scowl. My skull pounded with pain. I couldn't shake it, the irritation that itched at the back of my head. I hated the thought of Bane anywhere near her. I hated the thought of anyone near her, besides Blayze. Besides my family, that was all she needed. She was perfect that way. Alone. With me.

My head crashed back into my mattress, bouncing heavily. My muscles weighed against me and twinged with pain like I'd run a marathon. Those bright green eyes still hung in my vision, haunting me. She took all of me. Every time.

I rolled uselessly around on my bed and stared instead at the ceiling, letting my thoughts float away from me.

Where is there to go, now? It was like my brain was scowling at me. You can't change anything, you can only make it better.

There's nothing you can change. Another dark voice came from within. You just have to make her understand, make her accept what the world has become...

My eyes rolled to the window, staring out into the very world behind the glass, behind the bars. I couldn't hold back a frown, and even a growl rumbled somewhere deep in my chest.

This isn't the world for her... That voice came back again, stronger than ever. This isn't the world for us.

I gave the ceiling a growl.

"This is Bane's world."

The door crashed open and every thought in my brain was immediately dashed. I sat up in alarm, crinking my neck in the process, to see Brick thundering over to me, already launching into a tirade.

"YOU!"

My feet slammed into the ground and I stood tall, my shoulders hunching on the defence. When he squared off to me, I caught his jaw twitching and knew another scream was coming. He jabbed a finger at me, lip curling-

"Did you know about Bane and Brat?"

What? The words didn't quite make sense. It took a few slow seconds for them to properly sink in. When they did, and the image actually came to me- of that smug bitch waltzing in front of me just last night- I felt my blood pressure rise.

"What about Bane and Brat?" My growl matched his and I wasn't too happy about it. I could feel the shadows seeping into my eyes already.

Brick's nostrils flared, and without another breath he turned and stomped out of the room. I was at his heels. Both of our feet shook the hallway, but my focus was far from it.

"The fuck is going on? The fuck is happening?!"

"Brat thinks she's running the show." Brick's snarl came out muffled, like he was grinding his teeth. I followed blindly to the elevator, watching as he pounded his fist against the fingerprint reader. "That's what's going on!"

"Brat?!" The very thought curdled in my hot stomach. The elevator doors sprang open and we jumped forward without looking- almost slamming straight into Boomer.

He sprang back, slamming into the opposite wall, and straightened in a huff.

"The fuck was Brat saying back there? Is there something going on?!"

"I don't know..." Brick growled gravely. I hadn't seen him so pissed in so long. He slammed a fist blindly into the buttons, only stopping when the doors closed behind us. He narrowed his black glare on them. "But I'm gonna find out."

All three of us seemed to swell and burn together. When the doors burst open again and we spilled out onto the floor, it seemed like no demon could get in our way. They scattered like rats and stared after us in the darkness, black eyes open and passive. We walked as a solid unit, knowing exactly what to aim for. The heat was flowing through me like water and the rage spilled forth like a torrent.

My fist flew out and the door crashed forward. He was sitting behind that fucking desk again, lazing back like he owned the whole place. Brick rushed forward to slam his fists on the desk and I reached out to wrench him back. He put up a fight, but I managed to overtake him. When Bane's blood red eyes rolled up to me, it was all I could do to keep my sharpened teeth from cutting into my lip.

"We taking orders from Brat, now?"

"You fucker!" Brick hissed from behind me.

All Bane did was cock an eyebrow. When he spoke, it was dangerously light.

"Is there a problem?"

Brick lashed out.

"A PROBLEM-?!"

Boomer tried to restrain him too, but he gave his own growl. My teeth were gritted and I was biting back a hiss of my own as best as I could.

"Your whore can't keep her mouth shut." The very words left a disgusting taste in my mouth. I was trying to keep the memories back, but it was hard. I caught the spark in Bane's eyes. Immediately, I knew. Bile was rich in my throat and I was ready to spit fire. "Now because you've fucked her, she thinks she's running the show."

"The fuck are you thinking?!" Boomer spluttered out behind me. "Seriously?! HER?!"

Our father actually leaned back in his chair, still with his eyebrow cocked and his teeth gleaming as he flashed us a smirk.

"It's been a while since I've had fun in this world."

Sickness stirred in me, mixing hotly with the boiling fury that was quickly rising. Flashing back to Brat's smug smirk, my lips twisted and I was ready to breathe fire.

"You get her pregnant?"

Brick stiffened again, his cheek twitching, and I caught Boomer's eyes widen.

Bane seemed unfazed.

"Seems to be the curse I have." His eyes lidded lazily. "It's in our blood, after all."

My lip dropped. "Curse?"

"What?!" Boomer spluttered.

"You never told us that!" Brick hissed.

Bane tilted his head.

"I thought you would have realised, but then again…" His eyes rolled around and he gave the smallest of scoffs. "I thought I would have had more soldiers by now."

"They're not soldiers!" Boomer beat me to the punch and advanced at the ready, shoulders heaving. "That's not what this is! It was never-!"

The image of Buttercup sprang in my mind, her eyes wide and asking me why I cared. The look in her face after she'd seen Bane, it made me wonder what she knew, what she'd seen… what he said-

"Why?" I cut Boomer off with a growl. He whipped around to stare. I aimed my glare at Bane, ignoring everyone else around us. "Why don't you tell us what we're preparing our kids for?"

Bane's sly smirk only widened- it stretched across his face so darkly the temperature in the room plummeted. Even the demons around him pulled back. Their heads bowed to stare at the floor.

"Oh Butchy…" He sighed to me. "You have no idea what we're up against."

A flash of fire soared through me, and before I could pull back both fists slammed down on his table. I felt a crack and a splinter beneath my fingertips, but I didn't bother to check. The room went dark. The fire spewed from me too easily and I didn't choke back the heat.

"Fill me in."

The demons around us stiffened and drew closer. Bane made no move to stop them. A cold hand slapped down on my arm, and all the fire within me broke. My fists flew. Shadows finally fell. I faintly felt a connection. The smell of blood ripped through me and I couldn't stop. I felt my brothers near me, I could see the skin and feel the bones, but everything else was a dark blur.

I grabbed for a limb, squeezed hard at a neck, and even ripped my teeth into what felt like a jawbone. It crumbled in my fist and dropped to the floor. I shook the loose teeth from my fist, grabbed for another and shoved hard- the whole side wall cracking at the force. Shadows scattered and the darkness fell. It seemed like only a few seconds had passed before I gulped back some cold air and reality flooded back to me. I blinked hard and let go of whatever was clenched in my fist (it felt like hair) and turned back to the desk.

Bane hadn't moved. He still sat back with that smug smirk still on his face. But the demons around him had drawn back, black eyes wide at the bodies on the floor, the blood that was splattered over my arms and neck. I stared down for only a moment, the warmth quickly chilling into coldness, before I shook it off. The red dripped to the floor. The wall beside us continued to crumble. None of the bodies on the floor stirred. I sucked back another breath, fingers slick and the taste of blood rich on my tongue.

It looked as though we hadn't changed.

Bane's eyes finally rolled around the room, his lips twitching upward into a contented smile. He rose from his chair, leaned forward and practically purred at me.

"That's my boy."

I wasn't buying it. My stomach only tightened and I scrubbed the blood on my face.

"You better start talking, Bane." My voice came in a gritted hiss. "We're done with the shit."

"What are we up against, exactly?" Boomer hissed from beside me. "Why do we need soldiers?"

Bane leaned back again, rolling his fiery eyes around the room. The fucker actually checked his nails and heaved a bored sigh before throwing his heavy hands up and slamming them back down into his sides.

"Hell itself."

I heard a faint choking noise from Boomer, but Brick spluttered.

"What?!"

"Apparently the royalty of the Underworld don't like it when you try and establish a Hell on Earth." Bane slumped back down, still examining his cuticles. His shoulders lifted. "Who knew?"

Royalty? Underworld? My heartrate spiked so high I could feel it in my ears. I froze on the spot, and could only hear Boomer's choking.

"What do you mean by Royalty of the Underworld?" Brick snarled gravely, his eyes shifting. He actually looked nervous. "We were never informed about this! You never told us! Him never-"

"Well Him was never that useful anyway." He straightened and his brow furrowed in a thoughtful frown. "I wonder what happened to him…"

"WHY would you try to piss off Hell?! ROYALTY!?" I spat at him, still numb. My heart was racing in my ears and it was hard to take. I tried to claw back at some sanity, some sense of reality, but it was quickly slipping from me. "THIS was your plan?!"

"It was." Bane cocked an eyebrow. "If we had the proper army."

"What makes you think we can go up against Hell?" Boomer joined me at my side. "Especially royalty? I didn't even know Hell had royalty!" He turned to me, eyes wild. "Did you know Hell had royalty?!"

"I keep telling you, sons." Bane cooed at us. "It's in our blood."

"Our blood? What-"

"There's something more to us than just demons." The solemn scowl came from Brick, and both Boomer and I whipped around in sudden shock. The words struck hard, the very thought scalding. Brick's black eyes narrowed on him. "Isn't there?"

Bane's face again brightened with an evil smirk. He tilted his head, and the sick gleam in his eyes told me we were closer to the truth than we ever had been before.

"There's always been more to us, boys."

My hand flew into my hair. I tugged at the strands, trying to pull at the tension and fury building within my skull. A headache was quickly pulsing through, adding to the pressure of heat still boiling within me. It was intense, all of it, and I couldn't shake it. I was still reeling from our descent into demon world… now there's more?

My voice came in a harsh hiss. "What are you-"

I was cut off from a thump from below and a tremor shook the floorboards beneath us. All of us stiffened, but Bane's eyes only dropped to the rug knowingly.

"Better go keep your wives in check, boys." He cackled. "Training starts again tomorrow- bright and early."

Wives? My fingers jumped into a fist and my lips twisted. I longed to ram it straight into his face, but I could feel her. I knew she was beneath us- above their designated floor. Boomer must have felt it too, because he immediately stiffened and flew to the door. Brick went to follow, his black eyes still narrowed. Before I could turn, however, Bane's coo called me back.

"Speaking of which, Butchie-"

I threw my glare his way, daring him to say it. Facing the challenge, he stuck his tongue between his sharpened teeth and scoffed.

"When's the wedding?"

.

Buttercup.

.

It was so easy to fall into the familiar rush of the adrenaline, the sound of blood pumping through my ears. Seeing my sister's blue light follow her, her toes leave the floor and her hands bared in fierce fists- it was enough to bring it all back again, the feeling of finally being powerful. Ready.

I ran after her, across the room. I didn't pay any mind to how much noise we were making, how much force was flowing through the walls and floors. All that mattered was that she was finally flying again.

"Woah!" She gave a shrill squeal as she slammed against the wall, hands splayed against the stone. Her hair had fallen out and her cheeks were a bright pink. A choking sound escaped me, like the sound of all air leaving my body in a laugh.

"You did it! You're really flying!"

"Not like I used to!" She gasped at me, snorting and clutching at her chest. She was in an excited daze. Her eyes rolled around the room and her smile stretched wide across her cheeks. "Wow, that felt so weird… after so long-"

"How did you shake it off?" I still couldn't believe my little sister, staring eye-to-eye with me like a warrior. "How did you do it?"

"Just kept training…" She was breathing hard, but shook the hair out of her eyes and matched my stance. She even tilted her head in a meek smile and touched my arm. "Isn't that what you would do?"

A smile burst on my face before I could bite it back. With words failing me, I fell forward and draped my arms around my little sister. I squeezed as hard as I could. I felt her laugh into my shoulder, just like Emmy used to do after she'd run a mile in a second, right into my arms. My heart ached at the thought and I tried to push it away, but it was so hard. It wasn't like it used to be. I was still a mother, I couldn't shrug off the weight of my heart anymore… no amount of fighting and training could shake that.

Then, a thunderbolt rocked my core.

Butch.

He was close, his heart pounding in my head, in my chest. All breath was knocked from me in the rush of blows. I almost doubled over. When I pulled back, my head spun. Bubbles darted in front of me, her face crumpling.

"Buttercup? What's wrong?"

"Hide."

"Wha-"

This time, I didn't hold back. The fear filled my mouth like vomit and I choked out what I could, gripping her arm and dragging her to the side.

"Hide!"

She fell into my grip, stumbling under the force. I pulled out the couch and threw her behind it. She crashed to the floor in a heap, but stayed down. The sight of her bright blue eyes widening on me, filling with fear, was enough to jolt me to Earth, pull me from the fear and into the crisis at hand. I could feel them getting closer. I staggered back into the centre, chest heaving, and tried to swallow back the panic pooling in my throat. I could feel him getting closer- like he was right next to me, his breath in my ear and his heartbeat humming in my ears.

The door opened and a dark voice boomed around the room.

"What the FUCK?!"

Brick was the one to thunder in, his black eyes widening on me and his shoulders hunched. He advanced, teeth gritted. I shot him a defiant stare, which only seemed to infuriate him further. Those black eyes stabbed at me and again he jabbed his finger at me, spit flying.

"What the FUCK are you doing up here? How did you get up here?! You've only been here for a day and already-!"

Before I could fire back, a bloodstained hand clutched at his shirt and drew him back. Brick staggered, but shot a narrowed glare over his shoulder.

Butch's darkening green eyes narrowed back, his bloody lip curling into a deadly scowl. He was covered in blood. Even his teeth were stained red. The air chilled immediately, bumps ghosting the back of my neck. I jumped to attention, suddenly lost for breath, as his own growl boomed around the room.

"Back the fuck up, Brick." He shoved him back and instead closed in on me. He reached out and snatched at my arm, but still made sure to leer over him. "She's mineto take care of."

Amazingly, Brick's lip twitched but he kept his mouth shut. There was still some charge left within me- the buzz of the fight- and I was ready to snap. But Butch's meaty fist squeezed mine and I bit it back. I let him drag me away, the two of us slipping from the room and by Boomer. I didn't dare look back to see if Bubbles had been spotted. Demons were lining the halls, sniggering and watching as Butch lead me away, and I decided I wasn't game. Instead, I stuck close to Butch's broad back. Despite the bloodied hand clutching mine, I held tight.

Strangely, stupidly, under the blackened glare of the Hellish creatures that surrounded us…

It was the only way I felt safe.

.

Jayden.

.

It was crazy to be in the middle of it, a large group of people ecstatic and crying with relief at the sight of dusty, deadly weaponry. We'd split off into groups to explore the cramped shed, studying the rifles that lined the walls and the ammunition that was available. Some were working on the hatch to the cellar beneath, but with no luck. We were supposed to be taking numbers, but instead all they seemed to do was hold them, in awe of the weight and power of the weapon at hand. Tyler was still shocked, looking like he was ready to cry as he held one in his hand. After a long stretch of silence, I finally had to ask him.

"Do you need a moment alone with the rifle?"

He gave a great sniff, cradling the gun in his hand like it was his newborn child.

"I just can't believe we found this place! We actually have a fighting chance here, Jay-"

The front door opened behind him and threw him off, slamming him into his side. Cain's wild eyes appeared from behind the locks and I had to- again- hiss at him.

"Cain! Watch out!"

"Sorry." Cain grumbled in the most unapologetic tone he could muster. "But I don't see why I have to keep watch out here. I mean, I found this place-"

"I know you did!" I again found myself sighing, ready to roll my eyes. I refrained with difficulty. "But you are the one that doesn't need a weapon to keep watch! We just need a few moments in here! Just chill!"

"But I-"

"Cain!"

His face scrunched up and he slammed a heavy boot down in a huffy tantrum, but he again stormed out, shutting the door with a lot more force than necessary. Tyler pulled himself up, grabbing his chosen rifle close again. He slicked back his hair and shot the door a thoughtful look.

"He doesn't trust me, does he?"

"No."

"I don't see why not." Tyler grumbled. "I mean, I said thank you-"

"He's threatened by you." I shrugged, hoping to drop it. "Now, should we-"

But instead Tyler perked up in a loud, horrified scoff.

"Threatened by me?! What? Why?" He frowned. "He does realise he's a demon, doesn't he?"

Biting back a groan, I gave him a look. I hated this subject.

"Cain may be challenged, but he's not that stupid." I told him. "He just thinks you like me."

"Well I do, I mean-" He caught my look that time and all colour dropped from his face. "Oh."

"Yeah. Demons have a one-track mind."

He looked horrified, but was thankfully spared a response from one of his friends running into him.

"Ty!" He was still breathless. "We finally got all the ammo counted- there're over 800 boxes in here! All for the rifles!"

Tyler looked starry eyed. "That should get us through! We could have one Hell of an assault, once we get some info from Princess-"

"Speaking of…" I spoke up out of concern. There was no way I was going out of my way to get that bitch again. "Where is Princess?"

"In that toilet block outside of camp." Even Tyler looked annoyed. "We had to chain her up and get the girls to watch her."

I just nodded. "Say no more."

The door burst open again and this time I didn't even have to turn.

"Cain!"

"I'm sick of being out there alone!" He huffed at me, stomping up to my side. I didn't even have to glance his way, I knew he was staring at me with those big, pathetic blue eyes. "I don't know why I have to, I mean I found this-"

"You're not alone." Sure enough, I turned to those puppy dog eyes gazing down at me pathetically. "Rome's out there with Emmy!"

He gave me a familiar confused frown, tilting his head and glancing around. He suddenly looked bewildered and that was not comforting.

"Isn't Rome in here?"

"What? No!" I started. "I thought he was with you!"

"No?" He bit his lip. "I thought he was in here! With Emmy?"

"Well… where the fuck is he?"

.

Brat.

.

On the other side of Townsville, Brat was trying to manage her own frustrations dealing with demons. She was pacing back and forth angrily, flashing dangerous glares at any demons that dared look her way. She didn't see many humans around, this time, and could barely recognise her sister's club. Still, she stood expectantly on the balcony of the second floor, tapping her foot and giving one bored-looking demon a dark growl.

"I'm telling you." She hissed at him. "Bane sent me here!"

The demon's black eyes rolled over the blonde's unassuming clothes. Her dark glare and foul temperament did nothing to sway him, but the bruises and cuts over her body got his attention. He stood a little straighter, not wanting to take the chance at angering Bane. He knew better than that.

"Look, I don't know what you want, Blondie..." He hissed at her. She saw that he had a forked tongue, long fingernails and was relatively short- but otherwise normal-looking. She figured it safe to bug him. "I haven't seen any humans here." He gave her a sly look from his empty black eyes. "They don't last long around here with us around, as you can see..."

Brat growled, already fired up again, but then a faint scream echoed around the empty club- a woman's scream. Someone calling for help.

She perked up. Not with concern, but intrigue.

"So where did that come from, huh?"

The demon looked sheepish for only a second before giving a scoff and a shrug.

"What can I say? It's a little chaotic around here."

She gave a short growl but took off in flight, diving over the railing and landing swiftly on the concrete floor. She made a beeline for the basement stairs, where she was sure she heard the screams. Shouldering a large demon out of the way, she brazenly flew for the door, knocked it off the hinges and made her way down the stairs.

Immediately, in the darkness she took in the group of naked demons that had cornered some prisoners. Different shades of skin gleamed in the light, but most prominent was the sheen of sweat and the stain of blood that seemed to be on all of them. She could smell it, too, and knew the stench of death and decay anywhere. The demons were circled around a group of girls- all of them naked and crying. Bodies were already piled in the corner. She ran a critical eye over the scene, tilting her head and listening to the crying below.

"P-please..." One of the girls pleaded with them. She was so skinny Brat could count the ribs sticking out from her stomach. "Please n-no more, l-let us g-go..."

"I don't think so, honey." One of the demons grabbed her roughly. Already, his jaw was dripping blood and he looked eager for more. He snatched at her throat and she gave a rough sob. "You taste so good..."

"EXCUSE ME!" Brat piped up happily from the stairs. When the demons only gave a growl in return, she wiggled her fingers at them, a sick smirk on her face. "But I'm here on Bane's orders..."

The demons picked up on the warning growl in her tone and she saw them stiffen, their black eyes narrow. The obedience- however subtle it was- was enough to spur her into walking down the stairs and swaggering forward to the shivering, naked girls in the centre of the room. She cast a careless glance around before giving another sigh.

"Would anyone here be able to tell me where the Green Puff was hiding?" She asked, blinking innocently. "Buttercup?"

There was a rush of frantic murmuring amongst the frightened prisoners, but one in particular gasped for breath and stumbled from the crowd, her wide eyes gazing up at Brat hopefully. her shaky legs couldn't hold her, however, and she crashed into the ground with a pained cry.

"I-I do!" She cried, gasping for breath. The demons around her looked put out, but looked on hungrily at the crying girl. The rest of the hostages behind her looked on with worry. They were sure it was a trap. "I...I was t-there!"

"Where?" Brat cooed at her, dropping down to her level. She feigned concern. "Tell me, sweetheart..."

"In...In the woods..." The girl gasped. And with that, Brat's heart began to trill with excitement and triumph. "I c-can sh-show you! Just...please..."

She gazed up at the Punk with pitiful, bloodshot eyes. Brat could see the scratches on her face, the teeth marks on her shoulder. There was even blood dripping down her legs.

"Please get me o-out of here..."

"Oh, Pet..." Brat reached out to comb the girl's dirty hair with her fingers, her dark blue eyes lidding.

The girl closed her eyes at the comfort, dissolving into grateful tears. She couldn't believe her luck, that she would finally be free... But she coudln't see the wide smile growing on Brat's face, the ecstatic twinkle in her eye, that promised only further bloodshed.

"Don't you worry... I'll take good care of you."

.

Butch.

.

I charged my way towards my room, unable to think beyond the fact her dainty, soft fingers were finally secured in mine and she wasn't pulling back. She was actually following me, and that thought alone was enough to erase any other thoughts. I threw open my doors and locked them safely behind me, but afterwards I only stared at the wood, lost at what to say.

There was a long, thick stretch of silence before I heard an impatient huff behind me.

"So what?" I could recognise her growl anywhere by now, but it still stung. I tried not to wince at how much spite was in her voice. "I expect you're going to punish me now?"

I pushed off the door and finally faced her. It was harder than I thought it was, just looking at her. I got that fucking lump in my throat and I was suddenly very aware of the fact I was still coated in blood. I scrubbed my hands stupidly against my jeans, but already she was staring at me expectantly. Her face was still pink and her nostrils were flaring from how pissed she was. I couldn't escape from that.

"No." It came out like a growl and I really did wince, then. Fuck. It was so hard to just talk to her. I shifted my feet and, breathing hard, tried again. "No. I'm not. I told you, I'm not gonna hurt you again."

She tilted her head, dismissing me.

"I don't believe you."

Anger flared in me, the same fury and frustration that used to come so easily when I was a teenager, but it was faint. And soon it was gone. Instead, I took a step closer.

"What were you doing?" I really wanted to ask how she did it, but it was an unanswered miracle how she was even here in the first place. I'd become lost with her. All I could feel was just grateful she was back, I was almost back. I caught the flash of what could pass for fear in her eyes, but her stoic face kept me guessing.

"What do you think I was doing?" She cocked her hip, crossed her arms. Defiant like always. "I was trying to escape."

The immediate stab of pain was harsh, but again my brain seemed to lull me back into an eerie calm- like the sea of logic was calming the storm of fury that always seemed to reign. It was like my body was determined to keep a level head when she was around. I felt my face flicker in something of a snarl, but I blinked and it all seemed to flow back to me.

"No... what we you doing out there?"

She balked at me, a twinge of confusion taking hold of her face. Her lip seemed to drop and her shoulders deflated only slightly.

I had to scoff, more wonder flowing from me. It was like the floodgates had been open- and all I could do was stare.

"How did you survive? Where were you? I... I have no fucking idea how to handle this, how to handle you." I had to shake my head at how stupid I sounded. To my relief, she seemed more stunned than angry. "You were fucking out there, in that fucked up world... and you survived. I just can't-"

All breath left me in something of a laugh.

"I just can't figure it out! How you did it- what you were doing. I just wish I knew."

She blinked at me, those wide eyes staring at me- so open and pure. They were lighter than Blayze's, if that were possible. With her pink cheeks and messy hair streaked down her face- it struck me then just how beautiful she was. Her eyes lidded passively and her gaze dropped down, lip quivering.

"I was fighting against you." Her voice was barely a whisper. I tilted to hear her, but her face crinkled bitterly and she looked away from me. "What you created, that's what I was fighting against."

"Huh..." It still hurt, but a laugh rumbled in my chest. I had to smile. When she shot me a glare over her shoulder, my lips twitched in a grin. "So... you were thinking of me."

"Shut the fuck up." She hissed at me, arms tightening across her chest again. She went to stomp away, but shot me another look. The sight of those crystal green eyes slicing into me commanded my attention. I shook myself to stay focused. I may not have been able to keep her in line the way my family wanted me to, but I had to keep her out of the firing line. I couldn't hurt her- not again.

"Just don't go up there again." I told her. "Stay here. This floor is safe, okay?"

"Don't give me that shit, like you want to help me!" She bit back. "I know you sicked Bane on me!"

"I didn't sick Bane on you!" I spluttered back. Even thinking of my father anywhere near her... it was enough to make my stomach turn. My head went dark at the thought and it was another cold, empty reminder of what I carried with me. But I caught sight of her face, the defence in her stance, and I felt my throat tighten over my heart. "Why? What did he say to you?"

She drew back, but I closed in.

"I didn't send him, I swear."

Her nose crinkled. The thought of her alone with Bane, along with that image of him over my mother's own body all those years ago, twisted deep in my gut and sent jolts of fire into my chest. My breath hitched and I met her eyes again.

"I don't trust him."

She paled at that, eyes widening. I'd caught her by surprise.

"Wh-"

"I don't want you alone with him." I told her, more firmly this time. "I don't trust him."

Her lip dropped, before she slowly closed it again. Her eyes narrowed. "Why?" She scoffed. "That's your father, your leader... right?"

Another stab of anger hit me, harder and hotter this time.

"My father isn't my leader." I felt it this time, in my growl. "He's barely my father."

The more I thought about it the more it hurt- carrying around that night with me. All this time. I never said a fucking word to anyone- not even my own brothers. All along we'd been following and worshipping the same fucker that took away our mother. They didn't know. I did. I was the asshole that was keeping the truth from them. My fists tightened at the thought and I felt my heart race. What felt like hot lava burned through me, boiling and scalding.

All along I thought it was better this way. That we'd be a normal family. That went out the fucking window with Bane. And Him. And Mojo. All along we were never meant to be normal. It was all meant to go to Hell.

The world began to darken around me and I could feel myself burning up. The green eyes faded from me for only a second, then my soul slipped and my shell was empty. I choked and coughed but nothing could bite back the blood and bile in my throat, ready to explode all over again.

I turned and charged at whatever I could, ready to rip and tear at what stood in my way. I felt something hard splinter in my fist and the force against me was magical, taking away all the pressure and pain and fucking frustration that had been building for so long. It was enough to make me scream, it felt so good to let it out, to rip free and draw blood, cause destruction. It used to be so simple, it used to be all so fucking easy. Good vs. Evil. That's all it was. Now it's all fucked.

"BUTCH!"

Her shout was like an icy bucket of water. I blinked and it all came back. I was breathing hard like I'd just come up for air and when it all came into focus, all I could see was rubble.

I stared down at the splinters in my hands, the crumpled piece of furniture that was once a dresser lying uselessly at my feet. Clothes were everywhere. I finally unclenched my teeth to breathe, but my jaw throbbed in pain. Worst of all was her wide eyes at my side, and her hand locked on my arm.

I could feel and hear everything- her wild breaths, her racing heart, even her pulse dancing in her neck. I caught every splash of colour in her eye and every wild hair on her head. And I couldn't stop staring. I couldn't rip away. Everything pieced together and my heart finally softened deep within me, back into that calm lull that I hadn't felt in so long...

I swallowed. My throat was suddenly so dry. But it all fell from me- what I'd locked away for so long finally unhinged.

"How can I trust him?" I whispered to her. "How can I trust the man that killed my mother?"

Her apple green eyes widened in shock. Her lower lip dropped, but otherwise she froze to the spot, a statue with her warm hand still clutching my arm. The feeling of her soft skin against mine sent waves of calm through me- through my forearm to the tips of my fingers, spilling into my chest. I took a deep, cleansing breath. Despite the heated hate that still clung to me, dry in my throat, a wave of calm took hold.

Buttercup's soft whisper held me to Earth.

"What?"

"Bane killed her. I saw it." It was all falling from me, now. After twenty years, I finally let go. I stared down at the ground, everything was just so fucking heavy. It felt good to let it crash down on her, exploding out of my mouth and finally hanging in the air. The truth. After all this time. "I'm the only one that saw him do it."

"Your brothers don't know? Does anyone know?"

"No…" I looked up at her, catching her eyes. We held that passive stare. Neither of us moved. "I haven't told anyone… until now."

"Y-you…" She looked lost for a moment. Her voice trembled and she shook her head. "You need to tell them. Tell your brothers."

"What good will it do?" I genuinely asked her, having repeated the question to myself countless times. But now, it was more worthless than ever. We couldn't fall apart now. I stared hatefully out at the wall, feeling a sharp, stab of anger and despair. "Brick's already lost."

"What happened to him?"

For some stupid reason, I opened my mouth and told her everything. I didn't hold anything back. She wasn't the enemy, not in that moment.

"We have a… lady here that knows about demon shit." I heaved a sigh. It came out kind of shaky. "She said he killed an angel. He's cursed."

The words hit her and she pulled back. I felt it as soon as her hand slipped from me, the chill in the room and the fear in the air. She took a frantic step back and her legs hit the bed. Before I knew it, she had slumped down onto the mattress and hidden her face in her hands. I drew in closer to her, taken immediately by her distress. I could almost hear her heart shattering, I could feel the pain in the air. I winced at the very sensation. The closer I got to her, the stronger it felt- deep in my chest.

"Buttercup? What's wrong? I-"

She tried to pull away, but I caught the tears gleaming in the light. She was crying. She sucked back a sob and tried to leave. I caught her shoulders in my grip, and I felt it again- that pulse of warmth, of calm. She had to feel it too.

"Hey… what it is it?"

Her breath hitched and I knew she could feel it- that spark that was still alight between us. Everything felt good with her. Our hearts beat as one- I could feel it. I couldn't explain it, something felt good again, it felt alright. Like the world was whole again. Like I was whole.

"That was Cass…" She whispered to me, tears filling her eyes. She couldn't look at me, she stared straight at my chest. I tightened my grip on her, and seemed to squeeze out a proper cry. The sound of her strangled sob twisted deep in my heart. Even I remembered her best friend- "B…Brick killed her looking for me. That was h-her!"

"I'm so sorry." The lump deep in my throat swelled and I couldn't catch my breath. All I could do was whisper. "For…for everything. I'm so sorry."

She just cried. Perhaps for the first time in her life, she did nothing. She just broke down, shoulders shaking and head bowing as she dissolved into horrible sobs. I hated watching, I couldn't stand by. I pulled her closer, into me, so her shoulder crashed into my chest and my head dropped onto hers, lips in her hair. She turned into me, so her face was in my shirt. Warmth flooded through me and I hoped beyond everything she could feel it too- my heart in hers, hers in mine. I hoped it would be better… that I could give her the same spark she gave me.

"It'll be okay, don't worry, it'll be fine-"

"H-how can it be okay?!" Her voice muffled into my shirt, rich with heartbreak. Tears seeped through the fabric and was ice cold against my skin. "E-everything's ru-ruined, Butch! I Everything's gone!"

"N-no! It's not, I know it's not-"

She finally pulled away, but the sight of her blotchy, pink face stabbed at me. I had to make it better. She sniffed and turned away. I followed her.

"It'll be okay, just trust me!" I pleaded with her, all dignity gone. It wasn't worth it anymore, not when I saw her cry. She turned and threw her hands at me, shoving me back. The force caught me off guard and I was winded. I stumbled back, gasping, as she hissed at me through her tears.

"How can I trust you?! You murdered my father, you killed my best friend, you took my baby! My sisters!"

"I'm sorry-"

"You've taken over this world!" She screamed at me, the sound stinging my ears. It was all true- staring into those bright green eyes just made it all the more painful, the sting smarted and I was paralysed from the pain. "There's nothing to bring it back!"

I felt like a scared teenager again. She advanced again, standing on her toes just to spit venom in my face.

"Is this what you wanted, Butch? Huh?! Is this what you aimed for?!"

"NO!"

She reared back, lips twisting, but I grabbed her again. This time I didn't let go. I pushed myself closer just to feel her skin again, the warmth and the light I thought I'd lost. I grabbed her hard, wanting to feel that calm, that softness- everything I missed.

The world seemed to slow and my head stopped spinning. All I could feel was her racing heart. All I could hear was her breathing. All I could taste was her. Nothing else mattered.

I crashed into her and this time she didn't pull back. My hands found her face and I fell into it, the silk of her skin. I cradled her tight and I didn't let go.

"I'm sorry." I whispered into her lips. Her tears brushed against my cheeks. "This isn't what I wanted. I just wanted you."

She breathed hard against me, chest against mine. Her breath frosted my lips and I caught a flash of her teeth.

"You never wanted me." She hissed. I felt her fingernails claw at my shirt, bunching it in her fists. "You just wanted to win."

"I never won." I could feel a warm rumble deep in my chest. My shirt collar slipped and the marks she made were in front of her. "I could never win with you."

The world was growing dark again, but this time it was so much more. I could feel it coming and I let it win. I felt her fingers again, right at the base of my throat. My world froze, but within me only heated up. Faintly, I could feel my own words echo in the back of my skull- the once hidden memory of one of our few moments alone together.

...

"My heart beats for you, Buttercup..." My voice was low… it was different, like it was from another mouth. "Nobody else. Not anymore."

...

My fingers slipped to her face. I cradled her jaw in my hands. So tender, so delicate, like it could snap in two-

I caught her face again. Her eyes were dark and I knew mine were too. Darkness rolled over us and the sound of our heartbeats echoing in our ears was all that seemed to matter. Her dark eyes rolled up to mine and held them there. She wanted it too.

I closed in, breath ghosting hers. She jumped and her lips collided with mine.

Explosions rumbled through me, fireworks went off in my eyes and I had to jam them shut- the dark world closing off and only her lips on mine was all that mattered. The heat flooded through me, igniting every inch of my skin, lighting up every bit of my brain. I was finally alive again. It was suddenly like I had never slipped into darkness. I was back to being a teenager- carefree, thirsty for a fight and horny as fuck. Only feeling the heat, the passion, the adrenaline. It was like I was human again. Air filled my lungs, my mouth and suddenly my lips were on fire. I felt everything, every bit.

Our lips slipped together so easily, the slick friction only adding to the heat. Her soft skin brushed against mine and I tugged her closer, breathing her in. Our chests met and mashed together. Her arms locked around me, fingers digging into my back. Everything felt so right, so full.

Like everything was going to be okay.

.

.

"Okay, Emmy…"

The young girl perked up, excited for another assignment. Rome dropped down to the ground and stared into her face with his solid black stare.

"Wait outside for me, okay? And keep guard. Give me the signal if you see anyone coming."

She nodded happily, beaming and bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"Okay, Dad! I got it!"

"I can trust you with this?"

"Of course!"

He rubbed her head and rose from the ground. "That's my girl."

Emerald held her position, jumping happily at the chance for a job. She stared around and paced the front of the brick building in front of her, watching out for any sign of a threat. She even stopped to listen and feel for any presence in the air, just like Rome had taught her.

Behind her, Rome slipped into the darkened building with ease. Electricity had been cut off a long time ago, but enough light filtered through the high windows. His boots echoed around the tiles and it was enough for the captor inside the room to stiffen against her binds, chains jingling against the piping of the sink.

"Who's there?!"

"Chill, Princess." Rome appeared from the shadows and Princess' wide eyes stared up apprehensively. He was so big and intimidating, the top of his hair brushed against the dim fluorescent lights. "I have a proposition for you."

"I'll never help you." Princess spat, looking miserable. Her thick curls had deflated and her makeup was smeared. "You're the reason I'm in here! You'll just have to torture me-"

Rome heaved a sigh, dropping down on one knee. She pulled back against the cold brick wall, giving him an ugly sneer.

"As much as I'd love to do that…" Rome growled at her, before softening his tone into a whisper. "There isn't enough time."

The girl huffed. "Wh-"

But her breath caught in her throat as Rome's fingers snatched up around her chin. She was ready to spit, scream, snarl- but his black eyes stared into hers, and suddenly she was lost of all feeling.

"I just want you…" His dark, sultry murmur slipped deep into her consciousness, sending numbing chills all over her skin, awakening her very soul. She gaped for air, but could only taste him.

"Oh my God…" Her voice was thick, dazed. Just the way it was supposed to be.

"Princess…" She could faintly make out his teeth scraping against her lips, his hands cradling her face, nice and rough. Every bit of her was suddenly tingling with heat. "Tell me how to get into the house."

"The house…"

Her mind was in a pleasant blur, the feeling she got after too many daiquiris- warm and light. The buzz was sailing through her skin and sent tingles all through her body. She swayed into him, completely blind to everything else.

"There's a passageway that leads into the kitchen, you know…" She gave a breathy giggle at those black eyes, giddy and carefree. "On the North side." Her eyes lidded and her head dropped in his grip. "You can get there from a cave by the base of the cliffs, it's like Indiana Jones…"

Rome stared emptily at her. A slight twitch took hold of his cheek.

"Really?" His silky voice cooed to her. Her head again dropped in a dopey grin in his hand.

"They… they probably don't even know it's there." She giggled. "The servants used it to get to the kitchen, through a fireplace."

Rome hummed at the thought. He saw the girl push against him, her lips puckered and moving to his face. His fist dropped and her head immediately fell to gravity and smacked against the cement floor, where she lay in a happy daze. She rolled to her back and giggled airily at the ceiling.

But Rome paid her no attention. Instead he straightened, shot the girl one last dark look from his lidded eyes, and walked back out again. His dark eyes were narrowed and focused out into the mountains, so far away he barely saw the young girl bouncing in front of him until she called his name.

"Dad! Romey! Did you find out what you needed?"

He rolled his eyes down to her, a sly smirk rising on his face. He reached down and picked her up. She settled easily in his arms.

"I did, Emmy." He told her. Immediately, she returned his smile. His black eyes shone happily at her. "Don't you worry."

...

.

...

Everything I touch turns to stone, turns to stone.
So wrap your arms around me, and leave me on my own.
Everything I touch turns to stone, turns to stone.
So wrap your arms around me, and leave me on my own.

...

...

Yeah, I was going to end on a nice note. But that is so not me! ;)

(Some quick notes...)

Yes before anyone asks- it's meant to be freaky between Bane and Brat. Bane is a crazy Lust demon. Brat is just plain crazy. And yes, I shuddered while writing that scene between them. I'm shuddering now *brr*. They're both freaks.

Fury actually isn't based off any demon in Dante's Inferno, but I did borrow his name from the legacy of the Furies (Megaera, Tisiphone, and Allecto) who are seen in Circle 5, which is basically Wrath (and Sullenness, if we get technical) and I did use the River of Styx as the setting for that. Here, he's another one of Bane's brothers that is in charge of his Circle and another one of the Devil's sons... as you can see, Lailah has begun rounding them up... for... reasons ;).

I would like to also point out that this chapter ended up being more than 45,000 words. So it was 85 pages. I feel lighter already!

**WARNING**

I'd also like to say it's... eh... the last of the saner chapters. So...to put it bluntly... shit's going down after this, and there will be very R RATED THEMES coming up! You have been warned :D

...

That being said...

DUN DA DA DUN!

...

HeavenlyMonster: Thank you! I'm very excited- but extremely nervous! I should be starting in August *eep!* Aw, me too! I don't have a total heart of stone after all :D glad you like them, I hope you enjoyed the update!

Chanyeowa: YAY! I know, right?! About time! ;) Yeah, the family has a lot of issues to get through. They would be a therapist's best customers... or worst nightmare, I can't exactly tell. Gah, and I'm sorry! It had to be done! Brick can't exactly be 'fixed' if he's cursed... but I'll sort him out, I promise! I kind of have a soft spot for him... only I'll never let him know that :D As for Brat... only time can tell! Bane seems sure, but Bane's cocky and demonic and all. And yes- awkward! Which I'm excited for ;) This update was loooooong (well, it felt like it!) so I hope you enjoyed and it was worth the wait!

Sweetlycute: OMG yay! That makes me happy and I take it as a good sign- that's what I'm doing my masters on! English! WOOP! The choking thing maybe not so good, but I'll take it as a good sign anyway! WOO! Lol and yes, you got me there. When it boils down to it the bigger, supposedly more evil demon would be the female. I kind of imagine in my head an AU where Cain and Jayden are human and Cain screams for him to kill the spiders in the bathroom... but then I have to get back into the Wild Eyes universe where he's a chain-wielding badass ;)

WOO! I'm glad you missed Tyler. I missed Tyler. He's almost the sane one. As for Cass... mmmm... can't say too much there. I hope you liked my TMI scene! I'm building up to my first, uh, jeez. I can't even write it! Eek. Rambling. Anyway, I hope you loved the update :D

Grnblue: YAY! Thank you! I hope you enjoyed the reunion- it's about time, I know! Ha ha, I guess in a way Bubbles and Boomer ARE the normal ones in that household. Which isn't saying too much, as it's a house of crazy demons... but true, you have a point. The Master of Evil DOES have a plan, now that you mention it ;) Buuut the Devil is chained to Hell. He can't go up there, otherwise Bane would have been obliterated by now. Sadly, he is not.

I did get an evil grin on my face at the picture of that Hellish dinner, with all of the family there. VERY awkward, considering Bane betrayed them all! But... hehe... I might have to write that one- that sounds like too much fun torture for Bane ;D Hope you enjoyed the update, my dear!

ROCuevas: Thank you! :D I appreciate it! I hope you enjoyed this loooong update (if you made it through!) and I hope it was worth the wait! (:

MEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW3: (I hope I got all those 'W's right!) THANK YOU! I'm sorry you had to go through trouble! Gah- this was probably worse, I think this chapter is longer than all of them! Apologies, friend! And I will! Hopefully a lot quicker next time! ;D

JinxyClover: I love DMC 3! But because Dante was like, my first video game crush. DMC 4 I never got into because Nero was kind of annoying (okay, I was jealous of Kyrie or whatever- sue me!) but it had some great gameplay and kind of inspired me in my Devil-universe. Plus, video game hotness. The new game was fun, but I still haven't gotten over them making Virgil look like he's from the Victorian era, though. He was one of my favourites and could have been super hot! Grr. Okay now I'm really rambling, sorry about that!

I can't believe you like all my characters! Yay! Well, we'll see how you feel now. I'm taking Bane up a notch in his douche-ness ;P BUT I'll be honest. I will let someone die soon. I won't say who, though! And I can't say when! But I'll feel terrible, I can tell you that!

Hehe... Buttercup's demon side is here to stay. I'm still so ecstatic you like Jayden! Like I said, I have a soft spot for him. I keep thinking I'm spoiling him or pushing him in the story too much, but it worked out that way... he's the one to carry the other side while Buttercup's away. I mean, it'll make sense eventually. I hope. I also hope you like Butch in this chapter! I don't like to write him too canon but at the same time I'm channelling my old 9 Months teenage self whenever I come to him.

I've actually GOT A PICTURE for the Devil! I'm nervous to post it though, I dunno. It's hard to settle on something that's in my head. As for Brick I'm still clueless, but I've been looking! I'm trying to distance myself from Brick while he's cursed and mean and all. I can't get in his head, hence the lack of POV...

...I sound like a total weirdo.

But- yes! Answers. I feel like I've totally dropped the ball in doing this, but I hope it makes sense. In my mind, demons can sense other demons in the way in which they pick up on their bloodlust, or their shared desire for violence. Like, Buttercup first sensed Cain when he was hunting for Jayden and could almost hear his thoughts. Butch isn't really searching for that with Buttercup, but he does pick up on when she's furious, like in this chapter I guess. But the rest is almost a mystery, in a way... which has to do with Bane. I'm planning to have *someone* explain it to Buttercup... without giving too much away ;)

Gah. I wrote a novel to you! Sorry about that! But I hope you enjoyed the chapter, sorry for the wait, and can't wait to hear what you think! :D

Jtdarkman: Hah! No, I'm really that mean. Sorry if that wasn't clear- Brick really did punch him in the face. Poor Blayze. I can't give him a break, he's always on the wrong side of things (: Brick is a real demon right now, he don't care.

Jaalk5: Hehehe! Now you understand why I love writing Emmy so much... she's so unassuming :D It'll come in handy for her later on! ;)

Red-eyedgal: Haha, thank you! I do enjoy writing Cain, he's a fun one... I couldn't imagine him getting along with Princess at all, they're almost polar opposites. Plus, taking over the demon world and having your mate ignore you doesn't make for a nice Cain at all :P

Guest (Solai!): Naw, thank you! See, I can kind of be nice! I feel like I owed it to those two, being separated so long in such a Hellish world! HAVE ALL THE FEELS! And thank you! I haven't got my Masters yet, though. I was just accepted... but here's hoping you'll be right in a year's time! ;) Sorry about the long wait for the update, but hopefully this looooong one makes up for it! (: Much love back! XOX And RAWR to you too! ;P

Princess of Flames: Awwww yay! All my favourite feels! Thank you :D! I do have a soft spot for Emmy, but I'm not sure if I can write in any kid's POV, so I usually leave them in third person. She'll definitely have more of a voice coming up, though! Heehee- Brick the Dick. I love it. It sticks! Aww... Lilo and Stitch. I miss that movie. Slapworthy, definitely. Well. My vote is always for physical violence :D

Muahaha! History repeating itself is a favourite theme of mine...I'm realising. I DID realise that I neglected Buttercup's shower scene, though, which is totally my bad. I meant to make this big scene about how she hid Emerald's name with her band and instead showed Blayze's, but instead I was just focused on the nudity. I swear, I'm a girl... but I have the mind of a guy... or I was just too into Butch's mind. Yeah, I'll go with that ;P.

Re-reading your review I realise that is kind of how Blayze is! He has a soft spot for his mama, after all (: They may soon realise just how badass all their mothers are ;) Thank you my dear! Hope you enjoy this update!

Deletin my acc: Rome is acting like a tool right now, I'll admit. He ain't the nicest demon and he's going through all these human emotions so, of course, he's going to be difficult... As for Lailah, her story will come ;) Hope you enjoy the update lovely! (:

Elisa: Wow you actually caught up and I throw another 40,000 words at you! My bad! D: Lol... you know my characters so well ;) Hope you enjoy the update!

Traverse the Portal: She will :P! But until then... more tense-ness! ;)! Thank you!

Buttercup99x: Hey! No feeling bad for demons in my universe! Oh, it's Butch. Then it's allowed ;) I kid. I give Butch a hard time, but it'll get better, I promise! Thank you :D!

Bigail: Thank you! Another big chapter to finish too... be careful what you wish for ;) I'm glad you liked it! Hope the update was worth the wait :P

Moonlight104: YAY FEELS! Aw, thank you! It's about to get more intense, more cold-hearted, more feelings! I can't wait :D I hope you enjoy the update, and it's worth the wait! ;P

xXRomeXx: LOL! I love it. Now I can't wait to hear what you have to say about THIS one... ;)

PpgzRrbzcrossover2016: Sorry for the long wait- here it is! :)

Leah: Ooo...I...Um... Hmm...*whistles*

Guest: Perhaps! Is she?! Who knows?! *squiggly fingers* OoOoOo! Hehe. Thank you! I hope you like the update! (:

Otakunovi21: In terms of whether Lust is *weaker*, I meant their circles are closer to Earth, which means it's more of a less-evil sin... but still worthy of punishment. Also Lust can't be seen as a deadly power, more of a seductive one, a way to do one's bidding. But Wrath, for example, can be seen as more dangerous, because they are more prone to anger and violence as their power. So, I guess they're not *stronger* than Bane, but their powers are and they are based in a more brutal circle.. if that makes sense. So if the brothers were to meet, they'd probably be evenly matched. They just have different strengths based on the circle they're in charge of. But Bane is stronger than the average demon, because he's the Devil's son and has Devil blood. That's why Cain/Rome/the Ruffs are pretty powerful :P (hope that makes sense, I tend to ramble)

Guest: I'm sorry this chapter took so long! Hope it was worth the wait (:

Xxcandylover23xx: YAY YOU'RE HERE! YOU'RE HERE! *Waves flags and banners* Um... I mean... oh, good. Yeah. Whatever ;)

I really mean it when I say I appreciate your reviews- they really do keep me writing! It's the best compliment anyone can give me, truly. Writing is my passion and I was always scared to publish it so every time I get a nice review like yours it makes me feel like I've done something... right, I guess :D

Oh my, you LIKE Princess! You cray ;P But she is fun to write, which I didn't expect. I might even keep her around just for entertainment ;) So happy to hear my lil (ha) Cain is loved. Even when he is getting bitchslapped ;) And I'm glad for the FEELS! Usually I'm only good at being mean, so happy to hear the feelings were contagious!

Answers! (Well... what I can)
(1) I imagine at this point Blayze is just relieved to have his mother back and that she's not dead, I actually didn't think he'd be the one to ask her- just that he'd be more focused on protecting her so she doesn't leave again. At least, that's what Bane put in his head. It will come out pretty soon, though! ;)
(2) Hehe... I hope this chapter answered that. :P And yes... I am looking forward to the awkwardness (evil hands)
(3) Hahaha! Okay, I've toyed with that idea, but I can think of someone else that deserves Bubbles' punch... ;)
(4) I hope this was answered, too! But in all honesty I had no idea how one would react to that... I think Buttercup's demon side really hates her for it, but as a sister she wants to be supportive. I think Blossom is more torn, really... :|
(5) Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh *awkward mumblings*
(6) *Winky face*

LOL, I am open to requests, but I struggle with smut. I have a scene coming up that I need to write smut and I am totally dreading it, if I'm honest. But I WILL work on it! :D I gotta get better after all- so I can promise you I can do the first one, and work on the second one! There'll be a lot of awkward giggles, though... lucky I have a lot of juicy source material! *looks happily to fictionpress*

Thank you for your lovely review, my dear! Sorry I took so long to update, but hopefully it was all worth it! Until next time! XO

Me: I bet February 14th, 2018.

Guest: Updated! (:

Guest07: Thank you! I appreciate it. I know it gets frustrating, so I don't mind the reviews asking for an update as much as I used to. But it makes my day when I get a nice review like yours... thank you so much for your understanding :D

GC-IC-MPD-ADHD: I know you gave me a few reviews and they were for older chapters but I still want to reply because LOL the whole thing put a big smile on my face :D First of all, thank you! I really appreciate it... I'm always trying to work on my writing style so I love the feedback on it. You're too kind (: And thank you again! I was worried about Cassie... well, I always worry about emotional scenes. They don't come naturally for me, but I'm glad I did her justice.

Haha... I like to think I've got control of my characters, but I swear most of the time I think they have control of me! Sweet of you to say about my beloved characters! They're a crazy bunch. Well, I'm crazy... so I guess that makes sense ;P I hope you got through all my chapters just in time for this one! Makes me so happy when I see a review of my chapters... that people actually like what I write ;P Your review gave me a boost when I needed it most! Thank you again! I hope you like the update :D!

Snoenoes: Aw... thank you so much! That makes me so happy! I struggle with my writing sometimes and I'm trying to perfect it and most of the time I feel like it's all over the place and (oh gosh I'm rambling...)... anyway! Thank you! I appreciate it. I'm working on it :P Me too! Wow, that would be my absolute dream! I have to get better at updating though... and maybe make my chapters a little smaller, easier to read ;) You make perfect sense to me! Thank you again! I hope you enjoy the chapter :D

Butcher: PREPARE FOR ANOTHER HEART-WRENCHING, GUT TURNING, MESMERISING- okay, I was just trying to get your heart prepared for another chapter :P I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you so much! And shhhhhhhh! ;)

...

WELL.

I HAVE JUST REALISED MY REVIEWS FOR WILD EYES HAVE OFFICIALLY OVERTAKEN 9 MONTHS REVIEWS OMG. THIS CALLS FOR A CELEBRATION!

...Eh... I don't know what kind of celebration.

...

Okay, I'll work on that. But I definitely need to thank you guys, somehow. I appreciate all of your support and truly wouldn't have made it this far without you... I have an ending for Wild Eyes that will hopefully blow you all away with feels. I won't specify what kind of feels, though ;)

BUT I will say that in order to make my timed completion of February 2018 I need one chapter each month (allowing a two month wait only ONCE) so *cracks knuckles* GET READY!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend (to the readers in the US) and a tolerable winter (Aussies/South of Equator readers) ooo and a Queens Birthday Weekend (Commonwealth nations!)... I can go on. I'm STILL in multiple time zones. HAVE GREAT DAYS EVERYONE!

I'll see you all in JUNE! :D

Love,

Dino

xoxo