~The ending is near; it should be quite surprising and hopefully make you
go oooooh. I'm also considering an alternate ending. Something I like to do
because I like giving readers a choice to how they want the fantasy to end.
Consider it one of my quirks.~
Chapter 5: Walking with the dead……
Bubbles didn't know how far she had flown she just knew it was a long time. She landed sharply and looked around at a barren and deserted landscape. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on something that felt like Ray. To her surprise she did. She looked around quickly and spotted a small town not to far away. She jumped up and took off towards the town.
Buttercup stood letting the rain streak down from her hair. Everything she had just learned was taking a long time to sink in. Never in all her life had she ever imagined something like this possible. She shook her head throwing water everywhere around her. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She came to one simple conclusion about everything.
"I'm the only one that can save her."
She turned and exploded with green light. She took off into the air and used her abilities to search out Bubbles. After locating a faint energy trail leading out of town she followed it at best speed.
Blossom awoke slowly. Her arms and legs were strapped to a bed and her entire body felt too weak to even move. It hurt to breath and she just wanted to close her eyes and go back to sleep. But she knew it would only create another nightmare. A young nurse with light brown hair was sitting next to her checking various machines and constantly checking off things on a clipboard. Blossom spoke softly with a weak voice.
"Where…… am I?"
The nurse turned to her and smiled.
"You're still in the hospital sweetie."
"I thought I was at Gloriville….."
The nurse sighed heavily and put her hand on Blossom's shoulder.
"Oh no sweetie. They're still fighting with each other on that."
Blossom laid her head back. She was out rightly confused but too weak to question the nurse any further. She tried to keep her eyes open as long as possible but they just felt to heavy. And she was so weak….
The Professor was hunched over a large computer set up next to two tables. He was holding a welding torch and trying desperately to burn a protective shield around the console. His machine to enter dreams was such a risk he doubted he'd survive the use. But he was willing to do anything to heal his daughter. And if the thing that had visited him was right, dreams were the only way to do that. He turned off the torch and slid up the welding mask. He dropped the torch to the ground and moved to the console and typed quickly.
"Everything reads normal. I just need Blossom to see if it works."
The Professor turned away from the machine and walked over to a phone. He picked it up and dialed for the hospital.
Bubbles landed in the town and looked around. A few people walked the streets but otherwise it looked deserted. She approached a young man and spoke quietly.
"Excuse me sir. But have you seen a young boy? He has dark brown hair and brown eyes and he's a little taller than me."
The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then smiled and spoke.
"His name Ray?"
Bubbles grinned.
"Yes!"
"Well he was here bout a day ago if I remember correctly. Saved us from some big ol trouble."
"Where did he go?"
"Said he was headin off towards the next town. Which is about forty miles that way."
He pointed in a direction and Bubbles thanked him. She took off quickly, excited that she was closer to saving Blossom and seeing Ray again.
Buttercup reached the town minutes after Bubbles. She didn't bother to stop, as the energy trail was stronger. She pushed herself harder, she had to stop Bubbles before she unknowing killed Blossom and quite possibly Ray.
Bubbles landed in the next town quickly. It was more populated than the last. It reminded her of Townsville. She took off jogging, as she didn't want to freak anyone out with her powers. She saw the building she was looking for, the town hall. She sprinted quickly towards it and leapt up the steps. She skidded into the main office and slammed her hands on the receptionist's desk.
"I need to speak to the mayor!"
The receptionist recovered from her shock and spoke softly.
"He's meeting someone right now."
"Who?!"
"I… I.. don't know!"
Bubbles looked up.
"Is his office right there?"
The woman nodded and Bubbles jumped up through the ceiling and moved forward so she planted on the ground. Dust was settling so she didn't get a good bead on what was happening but she was hit hard by something. Together she flew out the window with her attacked and slammed into the ground. She struggled to get out of the powerful grip as concrete exploded around her. Pain shot through various area of her body as she was assaulted by a fist. She felt her shirt tighten around her neck as she was lifted. She gasped and closed her eyes awaiting a finishing blow. Instead there was resistance and a familiar voice spoke softly.
"Bubbles?"
Buttercup didn't stop even when she saw the smoke billowing up from the ground. She flew harder and spotted someone holding Bubbles to the ground. Her anger flared and she exploded with green light and tackled him to the ground. She wrapped her hand around his throat and was about to hit him when she realized who it was. She dropped him and staggered backwards.
"Ray?"
He smiled and stood dusting himself off. He walked past her and put his hand on her shoulder gently before kneeling to help Bubbles. She smiled and wrapped her arm around his shoulder as he helped her up. He checked her over quickly and smiled.
"You look okay. Sorry about that. I thought you were trying to attack the mayor."
Bubbles smiled and wiped a little blood off the corner of her lip.
"It's all right. I know I shouldn't have just burst through the floor like that."
Ray laughed and helped walk her over to Buttercup who was still to shocked she was actually seeing Ray. After four years, she hadn't realized how much she missed him. He let go of Bubbles and looked at her for a moment. She finally couldn't resist and hugged him tightly. She pulled the back of his shirt and felt herself want to cry. Ray rubbed her back slightly and took a deep breath. She let go of his reluctantly and spoke softly.
"I'm… sorry."
"It's all right. I've missed you all too."
He thought for a moment and kicked some rocks gently then looked up.
"How's Blossom?"
Bubbles was about to say something but Buttercup grabbed her mouth and spoke nervously.
"Uhm.. Ray could you give us a minute?"
"Sure. You two talk. I'm going to go apologize to the mayor all right?"
"Yeah good."
Ray flew back up to the broken window and entered. Bubbles slapped Buttercup's arm off of her and almost screamed.
"What the hell are you doing?! We need him to help Blossom!"
Buttercup grabbed her shoulders.
"Listen to me. We have to go now. He can't come back with us."
"But why!?"
"Just trust me. For once in your life listen to me Bubbles. If Ray comes back Blossom will die."
"What…?"
"Just come with me. Please."
Bubbles sighed and looked up where Ray had disappeared. She turned back to Buttercup and thought for a long time. Finally she spoke softly.
"Let's go before I change my mind."
Buttercup hugged her. She nodded and together they took off out of the strange town. Ray emerged from the broken window and watched them fly off. He thought for a moment about following but stood. A voice spoke to him from the shadows.
"You know it's for the best you don't follow."
Ray didn't even bother to turn as he spoke.
"You didn't say it would make me feel so horrible."
"You'll see them all again… Soon."
Ray sighed and hopped down to the ground and shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked down the street in silence.
Blossom opened her eyes again expecting to see the comforting walls of the hospital. Instead she saw the stained padding of her cell. She hugged herself under her straight jacket and curled up in the corner. What was happening to her? What was going on? The door opened and she didn't even bother to get up. She felt tears building up but didn't cry. She choked on them and looked up at the man standing in the room. He grabbed a stool and pulled it in and sat on it. He took a clipboard out and smiled, his smile however was less than comforting. Blossom sat up straight but didn't move away from the wall. When he spoke, his voice seemed far away.
"Good morning Blossom. How are you today."
Blossom spoke in a soft voice that was barely audible.
"I'm okay…"
"That's great! So tell me, who are these people you keep calling for?"
"Who… do you mean?"
He looked down at the clipboard and read off a list of names to her.
"Bubbles, Buttercup, Professor, Mayor, Miss Bellum, Ms. Keane, Ray….. need I go on?"
"They…. They are my friends…"
"But Blossom, we checked. There are no people here that go by those names."
"No… that's not true…."
"Blossom, you need to come to reality for a moment and listen."
"Okay…"
"Your mind is in a fantasy world. All those people that you think you talk to… Don't exist. This is the real world, it's all around you. Don't you see it?"
Blossom nodded weakly trying to cope with what she was hearing. It couldn't be true could it?
"The people… the world you've created just helps you cope with being lonely. It's not real."
"But… but I can…"
"You can what?"
"I… I…"
Blossom started shaking. Her head was spinning violently. She grabbed the sides of her head and screamed. The world dimmed away and the doctor just sat…. smiling.
Buttercup and Bubbles crashed through the wall to their living room hard. They had been warned not to do that any more but they didn't have time for formalities. Buttercup opened the lab door and screamed down at the Professor.
"Professor!!"
He ran up the stairs quickly. His white coat had been stained with grease and oil. He wiped his hands on a rag and tossed it behind him.
"What is it?"
"I know how to save Blossom!"
"How?"
"By entering her dreams!"
"Yes Yes! Did a being speak to you as well?"
"Uhm.. Yes."
"The machine is ready. All we need is Blossom."
Bubbles grinned.
"Leave that to me!"
Bubbles exploded with blue light and flew out of the house towards the hospital. Buttercup turned.
"Let's hook me up."
"What..?"
"To the machine. Let's get me ready."
"But honey…"
The Professor knelt.
"I should be the one to do it."
Buttercup shook her head.
"No.. I need to. You won't be able to take it. I just know Professor. It has to be me."
The Professor sighed reluctantly.
"All right. There's no point in arguing. But, you do know it's dangerous."
"I'm aware."
"The let's get you ready."
Together they disappeared into the lab.
Bubbles hit the ground in front of the hospital hard enough to create a small crater. She stood and kicked open the door. She ignored everyone who asked her to slow down as she ran through the halls. She skidded to a stop in front of Blossom's room. She was sleeping silently and several doctors we preparing to move her onto a stretcher. Bubbles opened the door and prepared her sweetest smile. One of them turned and tried to usher her out of the room. She ducked in-between his legs and ran to Blossom. She jumped and kicked to the wall causing all the doctors to move back. Bubbles landed on the bed next to her sisters and hefted her onto her shoulder. She jumped over to the window and prepared to jump out when one of the doctors yelled.
"Bubbles stop! You don't know what you're doing!"
Bubbles tried to think of something to say but instead she jumped out of the window and took off back towards her home.
Buttercup was lying as still as possible. The Professor was hooking several devices to her head and then finally secured an odd looking visor over her eyes. He then strapped her legs and arms to the table she was lying on.
"What's that for Professor?"
"I don't want you to thrash too violently."
"Oh.."
Buttercup heard the door enter and Bubbles yelling excitedly.
"Professor I got her!"
Buttercup couldn't see what was happening but heard movement and then felt a hand squeeze hers and Bubbles spoke softly to her.
"The Professor is setting her up."
Buttercup didn't say anything and just squeezed her sister's hand back as she heard the Professor sigh.
"Okay… Are you sure you want to go through with this Buttercup?"
"Yes…. Now Hurry."
"All right."
Buttercup heard a click and at first she didn't feel anything. Then a bright light flashed into her eyes and a ringing sound went off in her ears. Sharp pain shot through her head and she struggled to get free on instinct. She heard the Professor say something to Bubbles but everything sounded so far off. Her head started spinning and colors began to form in front of her. The colors exploded brilliantly and everything became a black….
Buttercup opened her eyes slowly. At first what she was seeing didn't register but as the rusted metal walls became clearer it hit her as reality. This was Blossom's dream world. The twisted hallway of metal continued for some time as she walked slowly. She turned the corner cautiously only to be surprised as a hand reached out for her from the ceiling. She screamed and ducked looking up to see hands draping down, reaching for… her. Low moans echoed down from darkness and she took off running. She ran down the hall screaming and holding her head trying to make the horrors go away. She slammed into a door and it swung open violently. She stopped dead and let a low gasp escape her lips. Sitting in the corner shaking violently was her sister, Blossom.
Chapter 5: Walking with the dead……
Bubbles didn't know how far she had flown she just knew it was a long time. She landed sharply and looked around at a barren and deserted landscape. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on something that felt like Ray. To her surprise she did. She looked around quickly and spotted a small town not to far away. She jumped up and took off towards the town.
Buttercup stood letting the rain streak down from her hair. Everything she had just learned was taking a long time to sink in. Never in all her life had she ever imagined something like this possible. She shook her head throwing water everywhere around her. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She came to one simple conclusion about everything.
"I'm the only one that can save her."
She turned and exploded with green light. She took off into the air and used her abilities to search out Bubbles. After locating a faint energy trail leading out of town she followed it at best speed.
Blossom awoke slowly. Her arms and legs were strapped to a bed and her entire body felt too weak to even move. It hurt to breath and she just wanted to close her eyes and go back to sleep. But she knew it would only create another nightmare. A young nurse with light brown hair was sitting next to her checking various machines and constantly checking off things on a clipboard. Blossom spoke softly with a weak voice.
"Where…… am I?"
The nurse turned to her and smiled.
"You're still in the hospital sweetie."
"I thought I was at Gloriville….."
The nurse sighed heavily and put her hand on Blossom's shoulder.
"Oh no sweetie. They're still fighting with each other on that."
Blossom laid her head back. She was out rightly confused but too weak to question the nurse any further. She tried to keep her eyes open as long as possible but they just felt to heavy. And she was so weak….
The Professor was hunched over a large computer set up next to two tables. He was holding a welding torch and trying desperately to burn a protective shield around the console. His machine to enter dreams was such a risk he doubted he'd survive the use. But he was willing to do anything to heal his daughter. And if the thing that had visited him was right, dreams were the only way to do that. He turned off the torch and slid up the welding mask. He dropped the torch to the ground and moved to the console and typed quickly.
"Everything reads normal. I just need Blossom to see if it works."
The Professor turned away from the machine and walked over to a phone. He picked it up and dialed for the hospital.
Bubbles landed in the town and looked around. A few people walked the streets but otherwise it looked deserted. She approached a young man and spoke quietly.
"Excuse me sir. But have you seen a young boy? He has dark brown hair and brown eyes and he's a little taller than me."
The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then smiled and spoke.
"His name Ray?"
Bubbles grinned.
"Yes!"
"Well he was here bout a day ago if I remember correctly. Saved us from some big ol trouble."
"Where did he go?"
"Said he was headin off towards the next town. Which is about forty miles that way."
He pointed in a direction and Bubbles thanked him. She took off quickly, excited that she was closer to saving Blossom and seeing Ray again.
Buttercup reached the town minutes after Bubbles. She didn't bother to stop, as the energy trail was stronger. She pushed herself harder, she had to stop Bubbles before she unknowing killed Blossom and quite possibly Ray.
Bubbles landed in the next town quickly. It was more populated than the last. It reminded her of Townsville. She took off jogging, as she didn't want to freak anyone out with her powers. She saw the building she was looking for, the town hall. She sprinted quickly towards it and leapt up the steps. She skidded into the main office and slammed her hands on the receptionist's desk.
"I need to speak to the mayor!"
The receptionist recovered from her shock and spoke softly.
"He's meeting someone right now."
"Who?!"
"I… I.. don't know!"
Bubbles looked up.
"Is his office right there?"
The woman nodded and Bubbles jumped up through the ceiling and moved forward so she planted on the ground. Dust was settling so she didn't get a good bead on what was happening but she was hit hard by something. Together she flew out the window with her attacked and slammed into the ground. She struggled to get out of the powerful grip as concrete exploded around her. Pain shot through various area of her body as she was assaulted by a fist. She felt her shirt tighten around her neck as she was lifted. She gasped and closed her eyes awaiting a finishing blow. Instead there was resistance and a familiar voice spoke softly.
"Bubbles?"
Buttercup didn't stop even when she saw the smoke billowing up from the ground. She flew harder and spotted someone holding Bubbles to the ground. Her anger flared and she exploded with green light and tackled him to the ground. She wrapped her hand around his throat and was about to hit him when she realized who it was. She dropped him and staggered backwards.
"Ray?"
He smiled and stood dusting himself off. He walked past her and put his hand on her shoulder gently before kneeling to help Bubbles. She smiled and wrapped her arm around his shoulder as he helped her up. He checked her over quickly and smiled.
"You look okay. Sorry about that. I thought you were trying to attack the mayor."
Bubbles smiled and wiped a little blood off the corner of her lip.
"It's all right. I know I shouldn't have just burst through the floor like that."
Ray laughed and helped walk her over to Buttercup who was still to shocked she was actually seeing Ray. After four years, she hadn't realized how much she missed him. He let go of Bubbles and looked at her for a moment. She finally couldn't resist and hugged him tightly. She pulled the back of his shirt and felt herself want to cry. Ray rubbed her back slightly and took a deep breath. She let go of his reluctantly and spoke softly.
"I'm… sorry."
"It's all right. I've missed you all too."
He thought for a moment and kicked some rocks gently then looked up.
"How's Blossom?"
Bubbles was about to say something but Buttercup grabbed her mouth and spoke nervously.
"Uhm.. Ray could you give us a minute?"
"Sure. You two talk. I'm going to go apologize to the mayor all right?"
"Yeah good."
Ray flew back up to the broken window and entered. Bubbles slapped Buttercup's arm off of her and almost screamed.
"What the hell are you doing?! We need him to help Blossom!"
Buttercup grabbed her shoulders.
"Listen to me. We have to go now. He can't come back with us."
"But why!?"
"Just trust me. For once in your life listen to me Bubbles. If Ray comes back Blossom will die."
"What…?"
"Just come with me. Please."
Bubbles sighed and looked up where Ray had disappeared. She turned back to Buttercup and thought for a long time. Finally she spoke softly.
"Let's go before I change my mind."
Buttercup hugged her. She nodded and together they took off out of the strange town. Ray emerged from the broken window and watched them fly off. He thought for a moment about following but stood. A voice spoke to him from the shadows.
"You know it's for the best you don't follow."
Ray didn't even bother to turn as he spoke.
"You didn't say it would make me feel so horrible."
"You'll see them all again… Soon."
Ray sighed and hopped down to the ground and shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked down the street in silence.
Blossom opened her eyes again expecting to see the comforting walls of the hospital. Instead she saw the stained padding of her cell. She hugged herself under her straight jacket and curled up in the corner. What was happening to her? What was going on? The door opened and she didn't even bother to get up. She felt tears building up but didn't cry. She choked on them and looked up at the man standing in the room. He grabbed a stool and pulled it in and sat on it. He took a clipboard out and smiled, his smile however was less than comforting. Blossom sat up straight but didn't move away from the wall. When he spoke, his voice seemed far away.
"Good morning Blossom. How are you today."
Blossom spoke in a soft voice that was barely audible.
"I'm okay…"
"That's great! So tell me, who are these people you keep calling for?"
"Who… do you mean?"
He looked down at the clipboard and read off a list of names to her.
"Bubbles, Buttercup, Professor, Mayor, Miss Bellum, Ms. Keane, Ray….. need I go on?"
"They…. They are my friends…"
"But Blossom, we checked. There are no people here that go by those names."
"No… that's not true…."
"Blossom, you need to come to reality for a moment and listen."
"Okay…"
"Your mind is in a fantasy world. All those people that you think you talk to… Don't exist. This is the real world, it's all around you. Don't you see it?"
Blossom nodded weakly trying to cope with what she was hearing. It couldn't be true could it?
"The people… the world you've created just helps you cope with being lonely. It's not real."
"But… but I can…"
"You can what?"
"I… I…"
Blossom started shaking. Her head was spinning violently. She grabbed the sides of her head and screamed. The world dimmed away and the doctor just sat…. smiling.
Buttercup and Bubbles crashed through the wall to their living room hard. They had been warned not to do that any more but they didn't have time for formalities. Buttercup opened the lab door and screamed down at the Professor.
"Professor!!"
He ran up the stairs quickly. His white coat had been stained with grease and oil. He wiped his hands on a rag and tossed it behind him.
"What is it?"
"I know how to save Blossom!"
"How?"
"By entering her dreams!"
"Yes Yes! Did a being speak to you as well?"
"Uhm.. Yes."
"The machine is ready. All we need is Blossom."
Bubbles grinned.
"Leave that to me!"
Bubbles exploded with blue light and flew out of the house towards the hospital. Buttercup turned.
"Let's hook me up."
"What..?"
"To the machine. Let's get me ready."
"But honey…"
The Professor knelt.
"I should be the one to do it."
Buttercup shook her head.
"No.. I need to. You won't be able to take it. I just know Professor. It has to be me."
The Professor sighed reluctantly.
"All right. There's no point in arguing. But, you do know it's dangerous."
"I'm aware."
"The let's get you ready."
Together they disappeared into the lab.
Bubbles hit the ground in front of the hospital hard enough to create a small crater. She stood and kicked open the door. She ignored everyone who asked her to slow down as she ran through the halls. She skidded to a stop in front of Blossom's room. She was sleeping silently and several doctors we preparing to move her onto a stretcher. Bubbles opened the door and prepared her sweetest smile. One of them turned and tried to usher her out of the room. She ducked in-between his legs and ran to Blossom. She jumped and kicked to the wall causing all the doctors to move back. Bubbles landed on the bed next to her sisters and hefted her onto her shoulder. She jumped over to the window and prepared to jump out when one of the doctors yelled.
"Bubbles stop! You don't know what you're doing!"
Bubbles tried to think of something to say but instead she jumped out of the window and took off back towards her home.
Buttercup was lying as still as possible. The Professor was hooking several devices to her head and then finally secured an odd looking visor over her eyes. He then strapped her legs and arms to the table she was lying on.
"What's that for Professor?"
"I don't want you to thrash too violently."
"Oh.."
Buttercup heard the door enter and Bubbles yelling excitedly.
"Professor I got her!"
Buttercup couldn't see what was happening but heard movement and then felt a hand squeeze hers and Bubbles spoke softly to her.
"The Professor is setting her up."
Buttercup didn't say anything and just squeezed her sister's hand back as she heard the Professor sigh.
"Okay… Are you sure you want to go through with this Buttercup?"
"Yes…. Now Hurry."
"All right."
Buttercup heard a click and at first she didn't feel anything. Then a bright light flashed into her eyes and a ringing sound went off in her ears. Sharp pain shot through her head and she struggled to get free on instinct. She heard the Professor say something to Bubbles but everything sounded so far off. Her head started spinning and colors began to form in front of her. The colors exploded brilliantly and everything became a black….
Buttercup opened her eyes slowly. At first what she was seeing didn't register but as the rusted metal walls became clearer it hit her as reality. This was Blossom's dream world. The twisted hallway of metal continued for some time as she walked slowly. She turned the corner cautiously only to be surprised as a hand reached out for her from the ceiling. She screamed and ducked looking up to see hands draping down, reaching for… her. Low moans echoed down from darkness and she took off running. She ran down the hall screaming and holding her head trying to make the horrors go away. She slammed into a door and it swung open violently. She stopped dead and let a low gasp escape her lips. Sitting in the corner shaking violently was her sister, Blossom.