The Virtual Viper
The Pokey Oaks Kindergarten class went along as it always did. It was Friday, which meant Show and Tell day. Because the Powerpuff Girls showed their powers every day, they were exempt from showing anything, but the other kids all dreaded it. Except of course for Princess Morebucks, who delighted in bringing the most expensive electronic equipment one could possibly imagine.
Miss Keane looked down at Mike Believe, who was standing at the front of the class holding a small plant. "Thank you very much for that Mike. It was quite educational. I'm sure we all learned something didn't we class?" Miss Keane looked out over the rest of the students, who moaned a soft 'yes' in response. "Next is Princess Morebucks." Miss Keane said with a hint of irritation.
Princess stood up and approached the front of the class, whirling on the other students. "Boys, girls, and teacher. Over the course of the last few weeks I have brought before you marvels of technology. Today I bring you the most powerful computer in the world." Princess clapped her hands together, and a team of half a dozen huge men hauled in a box no bigger than a standard dresser.
"This my simple minded students is it!" Princess grabbed a string hanging off of the box and yanked. The entire box fell open, revealing a large computer with a built in desk and a monitor. The monitor however was attached to a headset instead of the computer itself. "Twin twenty Gigahertz processors power a five hundred Gigabyte Video Card with Hyper-Texture 3D Rendering capabilities, three 100 Gigabyte Hard Drives that spin at 10,000 RPMs, and a Sound Card capable of up to fifty thousand decibels of audio pleasure. AND it automatically backs up all open files if the computer should ever be shut down unexpectedly." She grinned. Blossom raised her hand and stood up. "Yes, peon?"
"Do you actually know what any of that means, or are you repeating an advertising slogan?" Blossom asked. Several students in the classroom started snickering as Princess' entire face turned red from anger.
"It means it beats the crap out of YOUR stupid old computer!" Princess howled. Blossom snickered as she sat back down beside her sisters. "Hmph, now that the peanut brained gallery is seated, I can proceed with the best part." Princess picked up the headset and put it over her eyes. "This thing doesn't even need a keyboard. It's been taught to recognize the firing pattern of the Neurons inside the human brain, to see what thoughts the user is thinking."
"Then how are you going to demonstrate it without any thoughts?" Buttercup yelled impulsively. Half the class busted up laughing, but quickly fell silent when dangerous sparks of electricity raced through Princess' computer.
"Shut up! Now..." Princess sat down and turned the monitor toward the class. "This is me." On the screen was an image of Princess. It was computer rendered, but remarkably lifelike. The only real difference was that her skirt and pigtails didn't bounce or sway as she moved. When she spoke again it was instead the Princess on the monitor talking. [Full Neural interface. In other words... hands free!] Princess laughed.
"This is some trick." Blossom complained. "There isn't a computer in the modern world that could do this. You pre-programmed this fake Princess to make us think you had the best toy." The screen of Princess glared at her like she was coming at her with a red-hot poker.
[Fine then Powerpuff Girl, you want proof, come try it out.] The Princess on the screen faded as Princess pulled the helmet off of her head and stood up. "Come on Blossom, or are you scared?"
"You wish." Blossom floated up to the computer and sat down, staring at the headset. Princess grabbed it and shoved it on her head before she could complain. Her head spun in circles as something plunged inside of it. Her disorientation was only momentary however. She woke up standing in a comfortable looking lobby, with several doors. Each had a computer folder on it with a different label.
"How do you feel Blossom?" Princess asked." Blossom looked up and spotted Princess standing in front of the rest of the class. The computer must have a webcam mounted somewhere where she hadn't been able to spot it before.
[This is pretty amazing...] Blossom admitted, looking around at all the doors. She looked down at the image of her hand, perfectly crafted after her own. The computer must somehow assemble the computer image based on the imprint in the unconscious mind. She didn't think about it too much, or she was afraid her head would explode. [How much is this thing?]
Princess laughed so hard she nearly doubled over. She was still gasping for breath when Blossom pulled the headset off and stood up. "You... think you could buy one... oh that's rich! That bum you call a father couldn't afford this if he saved all the money he'd earned since he was born!" Princess laughed again. When she heard Buttercup growl from her seat however, she grew silent and backed away. Even she wasn't stupid enough to push a Powerpuff Girl too far.
"Now now girls, no need for name calling." Miss Keane stepped between Blossom and Princess, also incidentally getting between Buttercup and Princess. "It's a very impressive computer Princess, but we have other things to study today too. Now both of you girls back to your seats." She pointed at the seats, leaving no room for argument. The two girls sat down, glaring at each other for the rest of the class.
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When class ended the Powerpuff Girls flew away in their typical formation, with Blossoms till fuming. "I can't believe that prissy little..." She barely stopped herself from saying something she shouldn't. "It's not fair that she gets all the expensive stuff."
"Yeah well, them's the breaks." Buttercup grunted. "At least we have something she only WISHES she had."
"Friends?" Bubbles asked.
"Superpowers." Buttercup grinned. "Little bitch couldn't buy herself some of those with all the money in the world." Blossom didn't like the swearing, but the sentiment made her smile. They landed in front of their home and walked inside, calling for the Professor.
"Girls! I'm down here! Come see this!" The Professor called from his basement laboratory. The girls flew down the stairs into the basement, and gasped when they saw the Professor standing in front of a computer identical to Princess'. "Look at this, it's the newest collaboration between me and a whole team of engineers. We've created the first completely virtual reality computer system."
"But Professor, I thought your specialization was genetics, not electronics." Blossom asked. Her sisters didn't seem to care however, floating up to examine the machine.
"They needed me to help crack the Neural Firing Pattern so they could program the computer to recognize the signals." The Professor smiled. "Don't you like it? I'm extremely proud of it... though of course not as much as I am of you girls."
"More geeky mumbo jumbo." Buttercup smirked. "I'm gonna go fix me a ham sandwich." She floated upstairs. Bubbles looked at the clock on the wall and gasped.
"Puppet Pals is coming on!" She streaked upstairs, leaving the Professor alone with Blossom.
"Can I use it Professor? I really wanted to try it out after..." She was cut off by him putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I know it seems fun Blossom... but I don't think it's a good idea. The normal human brain is one thing but you girls are another. It might not work... it could even be dangerous for you." He put his other hand on her other shoulder, staring into her eyes. "Promise me you will never use it, not until I tell you it's safe."
Blossom stared back, shaking slightly. She didn't feel any worse after using Princess' computer, but that didn't mean it didn't affect her. She thought to tell him about what happened at school, but decided not to. She didn't want to worry him, and she felt fine anyway. "Okay Professor, I won't." The Professor smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Come on, we can go out for dinner tonight after we get a few minutes of training done." He stood up and went upstairs to find the other girls. Blossom watched him, then turned to look at the computer. It didn't hurt her before, but she didn't want to push her luck. She turned away and followed the Professor upstairs, trying to take her mind off of it.
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That night Blossom had long managed to take her mind off of the new computers. She didn't feel any ill effects all day aside from almost being knocked out by Buttercup during training. They were in their bedroom, sliding out of their normal dresses and into their nightgowns. Blossom's hair was a mess, one she didn't feel like fixing at the moment, so she let it stay as a tangle surrounding her head.
"Man we need to get a new training simulator. That one's getting too easy." Buttercup flexed her muscles like a bodybuilder before sliding her nightgown on. "I need a challenge to keep improving."
"Maybe you could try mental challenges, so that your brain doesn't go the way of your manners." Blossom suggested innocently. Bubbles giggled, but Buttercup growled and flicked her wrist at Blossom. Lacking fingers to stick up, the wrist flick had become Buttercup's version of the middle finger. Of course only the Powerpuff Girls knew that.
Blossom rolled her eyes and slid her nightgown on just as the Professor entered the room. "Okay girls, climb into bed now." The girls climbed into bed and the Professor tucked them in one by one, kissing their cheeks. "Goodnight Buttercup. Goodnight Blossom. Goodnight Bubbles. Sweet dreams." He smiled and left, closing the door behind him.
Blossom closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing for sleep. The silence was broken only by the steady breathing of her sisters, lulling her into a deep sleep. Her body relaxed to the point of becoming unmovable, and her breath steadied. So she was surprised when she found herself standing in the middle of a crowded beach full of boys in swimming trunks.
She blinked and looked around, thinking it was a dream, but it looked funny. All the figures around her looked like computer imaged. 3D and well modeled, but lacking in the subtle texture of real life people. She looked around in confusion until she spotted Princess lying on a lawn chair with several boys holding trays of food and drinks around her.
[Princess... what...] Blossom couldn't find the words to even ask a simply question. Princess looked over at her and scowled darkly.
[What is THAT doing here? It's not supposed to be part of this program!] She got up and stalked up to Blossom, grabbing her by the hem of her nightgown. She then realized something she apparently hadn't before. [Hey... I never had the scientists program a Blossom model wearing a nightgown. There must be a glitch... ooohhhh I should have known there would be bugs since Bill Gates was involved!]
[Program... what do you mean?] Blossom blurted out confusedly. She was inside a computer? That would explain the less-than-lifelike people, but she didn't remember logging onto any computers. Besides, why would she be in Princess' system instead of the Professor if she DID somehow sleepwalk into it?
[Enough, I'm tired of looking at this fake Blossom.] The Princess character stood still for a moment before the beach vanished, leaving them once again in the file directory. When Princess' attention returned she looked stunned to see Blossom still standing there. [Why aren't you gone!? Ooohhhh I know how to get rid of annoying bugs!] The Princess model disappeared suddenly.
[I'm in a computer... hey wait!] Blossom yelled, but she was too late. Sharp pain went stabbing through her mind as the computer was shut down. Blossom shot up in bed, screaming and clutching her head as if it were splitting in two. Her sisters shot up in bed with her with exclamations of surprise and worry. Her scream must have been pretty loud because the Professor ran into the room.
"Blossom!" The Professor ran to the bed and picked her up, cradling her gently. "Are you okay? What happened?" Blossom opened her eyes, which she now realized were wet with tears of pain. The stabbing pain had faded, but she was left with a dull ache in the back of her mind. "Blossom, say something. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine..." Blossom shook her head. "It was just a nightmare..."The Professor squeezed her tighter, then set her in her spot on the bed. He ran his hand over her forehead.
"Are you sure? Do you want a drink?" The Professor asked. Blossom shook her head, pulling the covers back over herself. "Okay... I'll see you tomorrow and we can talk about what happened." He kissed her on the forehead and stood up. "Goodnight girls. If anything else happens, let me know immediately." Buttercup and Bubbles nodded.
Blossom closed her eyes, trying to lull herself back to sleep. But it seemed a long ways off after her scare earlier. She had a feeling Buttercup nor Bubbles slept any better than she did. It was dawn before she even managed to get her eyes closed.
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At school the next day everything seemed to be getting back to normal despite the Powerpuff Girls' weariness from lack of sleep. Everything seemed too ordinary to feel like something was really wrong. Blossom noticed that Princess seemed unusually aware of her however. She kept shooting dark glances and glares in her direction. Blossom didn't respond to them. She didn't even know what she would be responding to.
"Now class, I believe Princess has a very special surprise for us all." Miss Keane announced, stepping out of the way to allow Princess to speak. She walked in front of the teacher's desk and cleared her throat.
"As a token of my appreciation for all of my wonderful friends..." She began dictatorially. Instantly Blossom's interest was piqued. Princess had no friends. "I've decided small gifts for everyone in class are in order. So I've decided to give you ALL the new Model 56 Virtual Reality computer systems." She snapped her fingers and a stream of men came pouring into the room, dropping the huge computer's beside every kid in class.
"Your new toy? You're giving it to everybody? What, are they going to explode at midnight or something?" Blossom was instantly suspicious. But nobody else in class seemed to care about the motive.
"You rock Princess!" Mitch cried as he ripped the tarp off of his brand new computer and fingered the helmet eagerly. The rest of the class echoed his sentiment.
"My, such generous gifts!" Miss Keane exclaimed in shock. "You've really learned the value of giving!"
"Giving is one of life's pleasures Miss Keane." Princess said sweetly. "And of course I didn't forget you, our wonderful teacher." She snapped her fingers and one more computer was set beside Miss Keane's desk.
"Am I the only one who smells a big steaming pile of something?" Buttercup mumbled.
"What can we do Buttercup? We can't bust her for giving everyone presents." Blossom grumbled back. "No matter how suspicious it looks. We'll just have to keep an eye out and clean up when she does whatever she's planning to do." She turned to watch the other kids pouring over their computers, studying them intently. "I just hope nobody gets hurt by it."
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After school Blossom and her sisters flew home to find the Professor once again in his basement with the new computer. "Ah, girls. I'm glad you're home. Guess what." He stood up straight, grinning proudly. Blossom walked up to the computer, eyeing it with a pinch of distrust.
"What is it Professor?" Bubbles asked obediently.
"I configured the computer to recognize your unique Neural Firing patterns. You can use the computer network now." He smiled and patted Blossom on the shoulder. "Before you delve into cyberspace though, how about some lunch? I've worked up quite an appetite."
"I'll join you in a minute Professor." Blossom grabbed the helmet. I'm... eager to try it out." She explained. The Professor chuckled and patted her shoulder. She didn't really care to try it, but she knew the other kids' computers would be hooked up by now and she wanted to check on them without arousing suspicion.
"You're just like me when I was your age... well okay, a few years older." The Professor smiled. "Come up when you've gotten acquainted with the new piece of equipment." He went upstairs to fix lunch. Buttercup and Bubbles followed behind him, leaving Blossom alone with the computer. She whirled and sat down, putting on the helmet. She turned on the computer and instantly she was immersed into the computers world.
It was different than she remembered. Instead of the symmetrical room from Princess' computer it looked like a cozy living room. The doors with the files on them now looked like hardwood doors with the names inscribed in fancy gold lettering. Blossom approached the door with the word 'Network' written on it and pushed it open.
A long hallway opened in front of her. There were only a few doors at first, but as she watched more appeared. The other kids must be just getting their computers hooked up to the network. Each door had a last name inscribed on it. She saw Believe, Schnieder, Mitchelson, and to her disgust, Morebucks. Actually, the more she thought about it, the more convenient it seemed.
She moved down the hall toward Princess' door, gripping the door handle. She pushed it open and went inside easily. It too had become the comfortable living room motif. But what happened to the file doors and symmetrical room? Had she been imagining it before?
[Get out of here.] Blossom jumped when she noticed Princess standing right in the middle of the room, watching her. [This is hacking a private computer! I could have you arrested!] She yelled angrily.
[I'll leave when you tell me what the game is.] Blossom stepped inside and approached Princess. [Why give everyone else these computers? What do you get out of it?]
[I get to watch you squirm.] Princess grinned. Blossom was taken aback by this response. [I wanted to watch what you really do to all of your so-called friends.]
[I won't do anything to them! I think you're going crazy.] Blossom smirked.
Princess burst out laughing, holding her stomach. [That's a good one! Hahahahehehe... we'll see who's really going crazy. Or did your little intrusion last night mean nothing to you?] Princess asked slyly. Blossom's eye widened even further. [I can't wait to see what you do when your REAL intentions are broadcast to everyone in Townsville.]
[Enough. I don't have to listen to this madness.] Blossom turned to head back out through the Network door, but Princess grabbed her shoulder.
[We'll see who's really mad, Blossom.] Princess smiled confidently. [And when we do, there will only be one girl left standing. Moi.] With that Princess let her go, watching her leave.
Blossom closed the door behind her, clenching one fist. Princess didn't know what she was talking about. Even if Blossom had more of those weird dreams, she wouldn't hurt anybody in them... would she?
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It was almost midnight as Robin Schnieder climbed down the stairs in her house as silently as she could. Her parents were sound asleep upstairs, as was most of Townsville by now. She normally would have been too, but she had a very special date tonight.
She snuck into the computer room and closed the door firmly behind her. She crept up to the computer and sat down, sliding the helmet over her head. When her model appeared in the game she headed straight for the Network door, heading out and creeping toward the Believe door. She stepped inside and closed it behind her, seeing Mike in the middle of the room.
[Hey, Robin.] Mike blushed. [You look... um... pretty...] He blushed even brighter. Robin giggled and walked further into the room, clutching her hands behind her back.
[These computers really are amazing aren't they?] Robin commented, looking around aimlessly. [It's like we're really here, talking... but we're both still at home... safe at home...] she smiled. Mike blushed even brighter and nodded, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
[Yeah...] Mike sat down on the fluffy couch that sat in the middle of the room. Robin didn't have one of those in her computer index. Someone must have added it in somehow. Mike gulped and blushed even brighter, looking at her. [So... what should we do?]
Robin smiled and sat beside him, taking his hand. She didn't feel anything physically, but for some reason it was like she was touching him. She couldn't begin to guess how, so she didn't try. [Well you know... we're good friends right? We can show each other everything.] She squeezed his hand gently.
[Of... of course...] Mike smiled back.
Robin smiled and looked down at the sofa. [I want to know what you look like... you know...] She blushed now. [Naked.]
[R... really?] Mike's face turned beet red. She figured he was probably sweating in real life, but the computer didn't sense that particular problem. [I... I do too... you know... with you... I mean...] He stuttered. Robin giggled again and stood up.
[It's okay, I'm just curious. I've never seen a boy before, you know?] She told him. Mike stood up with her, watching her.
[Yeah... I've never seen a girl either.] Mike admitted. [And it's not like these are our real bodies... just fake ones.]
[That's right.] Robin told him. [It's a game. To make us happy.] She said. The only problem with this game was that the computer somehow sensed what they were wearing at the time and imported it into the image. The only way to strip here would be to do it in real life.
[Well... okay...] The Mike model froze, and soon the clothing on his body vanished. His body didn't look too convincing graphically. Still, it was a naked boy's body, and it was exciting to her inexperienced mind. Soon Mike focused on the game again and he looked down. [I can't believe I did that... I've never been able to do that with anyone else.]
[It's a game remember.] Robin reminded him. [Just a moment.] Robin turned her attention to her physical body and quickly pulled off her nightgown and underwear before turning back to the computer images. Mike was staring at her in astonishment. He stared so hard she began to blush, even though she knew it wasn't really her body.
[Can I... touch it?] Mike asked. Robin blushed deeper, but gave him a slight nod. They moved closer together in experimentation, set free by the promise of a consequence-free world. Robin was so enthralled by the whole experience that she only barely noticed when she door to Mike's computer was opened while his hand was down between her legs.
[Huh...?] She looked quickly, to see Blossom's head sticking through a crack in the door. [BLOSSOM!] She covered herself quickly, even though it wasn't her body. Mike did the same, turning as red as an apple. [Blossom please... I... we... I can explain...] Robin stuttered. To her surprise Blossom didn't respond. She merely stared at them. Suddenly a crooked grin broke out over her face. [Blossom...?]
Blossom's hair hung around her head in a wild tangle, framing her face in what almost looked like a hood. As they watched Blossom pulled back and left, leaving them alone in the computer index. [What... happened?] Mike asked. [That was Blossom right? I know it was but... what was she doing?]
[I don't know...] Robin was shaking by now, afraid of what would happen. She hoped Blossom would understand, she only wanted to experiment and play a game. That was all.
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The next morning Blossom was pleased to realize that she hadn't had the dream again. It was a normal, everyday dream. And this was looking to be a normal, everyday day. She got dressed with her normal vigor, forgetting about Princess' ominous statement the other night. She was probably just trying to get under her skin.
She pulled the bun out of her hair as she always did, letting it hand around her head neatly. They went downstairs to each breakfast like they did every day. They got their school supplies together, and flew across Townsville to Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. When they got there the other kids were murmuring excitedly among themselves. A few were snickering wildly while others were pale as ghosts. When they spotted Blossom some gave her the thumbs up and a grin, while others simply shook their heads blankly.
"Am I missing something?" Blossom asked confusedly.
"Maybe they want another show..." Bubbles suggested. She broke off from the trio and walked over to one of her friends on the corner of the playground.
"Whatever, I'll see you later. Hey Mitch, rematch!" Buttercup ran across then playground to find Mitch, who was sitting in a corner grinning at Blossom. Blossom was started to get uncomfortable with this. She was used to standing out, but why was everyone acting so funny?
She turned around when she heard footsteps behind her. Mike and Robin walked into the playground, both red-faced and embarrassed beyond belief. When they saw Blossom their blush grew brighter and they moved past her quickly. When they caught site of Mike and Robin the other kids started howling and whistling like cartoon characters.
"Oh God..." Robin blushed even brighter than before, burying her face in her hands. Several kids surrounded her, including Mitch, who suddenly decided to ignore Buttercup. Mike was pushed out of the way, though a few kids did give him a pat on the back.
"Hey Robin, I didn't know you were a slut." Mitch grinned. Robin shook her head and backed away, but being surrounded, had nowhere to go. "I thought they were only on TV and stuff. Oh well, it's good to know." He walked up to her and suddenly jammed his hand down the front of her shorts.
Robin went ballistic. She screamed and tore away from him, punching through the crowd and running toward the building. She slammed into Miss Keane at the door, squeezing her legs tightly. "What's going on? Robin? Are you okay dear?" The teacher knelt down to give the frantic girl a hug.
"Mitch... he..." Robin blushed brightly again and leaned up to whisper something in Miss Keane's ear.
"MITCH MITCHELSON! GET OVER HERE!" Miss Keane screamed angrily. Blossom was taken aback by the sudden shift in behavior. She'd never seen Miss Keane scream before. Mitch as obviously cowed too, because his pace as he approached her was slow and halting. "Explain to me WHAT you think you were doing young man." Miss Keane demanded. She picked up Robin, holding her comfortingly.
"I thought she would like it Miss Keane... she seemed to before..." Mitch ran his foot over the ground nervously.
"Before? What are you talking about?" Miss Keane demanded.
"Blossom e-mailed me a video of Robin and Mike doing it, and it looked like fun." Mitch replied. All eyes turned to Blossom and Mike, neither of whom gave any outward reaction other than utter shock. Mike soon turned toward Blossom with an upset glare.
"Blossom how could you... I thought we were friends..." He muttered in anger and embarrassment. Blossom opened her mouth to plead her innocence, but Miss Keane interrupted.
"Blossom Utonium, Mitch Mitchelson, and Mike Believe. Come inside this instant." She demanded. She was still holding Robin in her arms as Mike and Mitch filed inside. Blossom noticed a particularly disapproving look as she walked inside. Miss Keane closed the door behind them and approached her desk, sitting on the edge. "Blossom, go sit at your desk until I call for you."
"Okay..." Blossom nodded and sat down at her desk, slumping over in her seat. She hadn't done anything, why would Mitch indicate her? Sure she didn't approve of Robin and Mike doing something like that, but she wouldn't humiliate them like this. The worst part was that everybody seemed absolutely sure it was her. As if there was some proof.
Blossom sighed and looked at the corner of the room. Miss Keane's gift from Princess was still sitting in the corner of the classroom. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She didn't remember that computer incident happening again... but was it possible it happened and she just didn't remember? No way... she wouldn't do this either way... would she?
"Blossom." Miss Keane called for her. She was still holding Robin, but the two boys had already been moved to the other side of the room. Blossom walked up to her demurely. Miss Keane's voice was calmer than it had been earlier, but her eyes were still sharp. "Now Blossom. What made you e-mail that video to every kid in class? What made you record it in the first place?"
"I..." Blossom gulped, closing her eyes. "I... wanted to... teach them a lesson... it's not right for them to do that..." She sighed in resignation. Denying it would do no good, so she decided to get it over with.
"I agree. But you should have come to ME with this, so I could talk with them. You handled the situation very inappropriately." Miss Keane chided her.
"I'm sorry Miss Keane..." Blossom sighed. Miss Keane nodded and patted her head before turning back to the two boys in the corner.
"Now I want you all to be on your best behavior, is that clear?" Mike, Mitch, and Blossom nodded. "Good, now go outside and play. Class will begin in a few minutes, after I get some things settled in here." She told them. The three kids nodded and left the classroom, heading outside with the rest of the students while Robin remained behind with the teacher.
"Mike..." Blossom began, walking up to the boy. "You know I would never try to hurt you..." Mike ignored her and walked off in another direction quickly. His face was still beet red since he was still getting stares from the other kids in class. Blossom shook her head angrily. She was angry at the situation, and herself. She hadn't done anything... had she? There was only one way to find out.
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"I don't know what you're hoping to prove Blossom." Buttercup quipped as she sat down at the computer in the Professor's lab after school. Blossom stood behind her chair, watching the monitor.
"If you got the e-mail too, then we can see who it's from. Maybe everyone just thinks it's me because of a fake signature or something." Blossom told her. Buttercup shrugged and logged in, appearing on the monitor in a few moments. Blossom watched her walk into the door marked 'E-Mail.' Sure enough, there was an e-mail in the folder marked 'From Blossom Utonium'.
[Looks real to me.] The computer animated Buttercup said with a slight smirk.
"Open it and see if there's any clue as to who REALLY sent it. The Professor told me there's always a picture of the model it's sent from on these things, it has to be someone else's." Blossom said. Buttercup shrugged and opened the e-mail. It took over the monitor, displaying its contents for Blossom to see.
In the body was a single line 'Looks like fun, eh?' which was followed by a small video of Robin and Mike on a couch in what looked like one of the computer's lobbies. In the 'From' category however, it had a clearly defined picture of Blossom's character model, wearing her typical nightgown.
[Looks like you have a twin... besides me and Bubble I mean.] Buttercup commented as she closed the e-mail, once again coming onto the screen.
"It's not possible..." Blossom gaped in despair. It WAS her... but she didn't remember doing it. "I wouldn't do something like that, it doesn't make sense..."
"Looks like you, talks like you, who else could it be? Face it, you're in a pretty hairy situation here red." Buttercup commented as she signed off of the computer. Blossom stared at her, then a realization kicked in.
"The image... its hair was a mess! But I had my hair up in a bun last night so it wouldn't get messed up! Wouldn't the character model in the e-mail reflect my physical state at the time I sent it?" Blossom realized. Buttercup blinked, then put one hand to her chin in deep thought.
"That is pretty weird... maybe it's because your thoughts were a mess or something? You thought you were asleep and didn't know you were doing it, so your hair in the computer was messed up?" Buttercup suggested. It wasn't too likely, and Blossom wasn't prepared to accept that she purposely hurt Mike and Robin, even if it was subconscious.
"Someone else had to have sent that e-mail." Blossom declared. "And I have at least one idea who." Blossom said. "I'm going to go pay the little Princess a visit." Blossom turned to leave, but Buttercup followed behind her. "You don't have to come along."
"Call me curious." Buttercup said. Blossom gave her a curious look, but Buttercup didn't elaborate further. Still, Blossom welcomed her help and support. At least someone believed that she was innocent.
The Pokey Oaks Kindergarten class went along as it always did. It was Friday, which meant Show and Tell day. Because the Powerpuff Girls showed their powers every day, they were exempt from showing anything, but the other kids all dreaded it. Except of course for Princess Morebucks, who delighted in bringing the most expensive electronic equipment one could possibly imagine.
Miss Keane looked down at Mike Believe, who was standing at the front of the class holding a small plant. "Thank you very much for that Mike. It was quite educational. I'm sure we all learned something didn't we class?" Miss Keane looked out over the rest of the students, who moaned a soft 'yes' in response. "Next is Princess Morebucks." Miss Keane said with a hint of irritation.
Princess stood up and approached the front of the class, whirling on the other students. "Boys, girls, and teacher. Over the course of the last few weeks I have brought before you marvels of technology. Today I bring you the most powerful computer in the world." Princess clapped her hands together, and a team of half a dozen huge men hauled in a box no bigger than a standard dresser.
"This my simple minded students is it!" Princess grabbed a string hanging off of the box and yanked. The entire box fell open, revealing a large computer with a built in desk and a monitor. The monitor however was attached to a headset instead of the computer itself. "Twin twenty Gigahertz processors power a five hundred Gigabyte Video Card with Hyper-Texture 3D Rendering capabilities, three 100 Gigabyte Hard Drives that spin at 10,000 RPMs, and a Sound Card capable of up to fifty thousand decibels of audio pleasure. AND it automatically backs up all open files if the computer should ever be shut down unexpectedly." She grinned. Blossom raised her hand and stood up. "Yes, peon?"
"Do you actually know what any of that means, or are you repeating an advertising slogan?" Blossom asked. Several students in the classroom started snickering as Princess' entire face turned red from anger.
"It means it beats the crap out of YOUR stupid old computer!" Princess howled. Blossom snickered as she sat back down beside her sisters. "Hmph, now that the peanut brained gallery is seated, I can proceed with the best part." Princess picked up the headset and put it over her eyes. "This thing doesn't even need a keyboard. It's been taught to recognize the firing pattern of the Neurons inside the human brain, to see what thoughts the user is thinking."
"Then how are you going to demonstrate it without any thoughts?" Buttercup yelled impulsively. Half the class busted up laughing, but quickly fell silent when dangerous sparks of electricity raced through Princess' computer.
"Shut up! Now..." Princess sat down and turned the monitor toward the class. "This is me." On the screen was an image of Princess. It was computer rendered, but remarkably lifelike. The only real difference was that her skirt and pigtails didn't bounce or sway as she moved. When she spoke again it was instead the Princess on the monitor talking. [Full Neural interface. In other words... hands free!] Princess laughed.
"This is some trick." Blossom complained. "There isn't a computer in the modern world that could do this. You pre-programmed this fake Princess to make us think you had the best toy." The screen of Princess glared at her like she was coming at her with a red-hot poker.
[Fine then Powerpuff Girl, you want proof, come try it out.] The Princess on the screen faded as Princess pulled the helmet off of her head and stood up. "Come on Blossom, or are you scared?"
"You wish." Blossom floated up to the computer and sat down, staring at the headset. Princess grabbed it and shoved it on her head before she could complain. Her head spun in circles as something plunged inside of it. Her disorientation was only momentary however. She woke up standing in a comfortable looking lobby, with several doors. Each had a computer folder on it with a different label.
"How do you feel Blossom?" Princess asked." Blossom looked up and spotted Princess standing in front of the rest of the class. The computer must have a webcam mounted somewhere where she hadn't been able to spot it before.
[This is pretty amazing...] Blossom admitted, looking around at all the doors. She looked down at the image of her hand, perfectly crafted after her own. The computer must somehow assemble the computer image based on the imprint in the unconscious mind. She didn't think about it too much, or she was afraid her head would explode. [How much is this thing?]
Princess laughed so hard she nearly doubled over. She was still gasping for breath when Blossom pulled the headset off and stood up. "You... think you could buy one... oh that's rich! That bum you call a father couldn't afford this if he saved all the money he'd earned since he was born!" Princess laughed again. When she heard Buttercup growl from her seat however, she grew silent and backed away. Even she wasn't stupid enough to push a Powerpuff Girl too far.
"Now now girls, no need for name calling." Miss Keane stepped between Blossom and Princess, also incidentally getting between Buttercup and Princess. "It's a very impressive computer Princess, but we have other things to study today too. Now both of you girls back to your seats." She pointed at the seats, leaving no room for argument. The two girls sat down, glaring at each other for the rest of the class.
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When class ended the Powerpuff Girls flew away in their typical formation, with Blossoms till fuming. "I can't believe that prissy little..." She barely stopped herself from saying something she shouldn't. "It's not fair that she gets all the expensive stuff."
"Yeah well, them's the breaks." Buttercup grunted. "At least we have something she only WISHES she had."
"Friends?" Bubbles asked.
"Superpowers." Buttercup grinned. "Little bitch couldn't buy herself some of those with all the money in the world." Blossom didn't like the swearing, but the sentiment made her smile. They landed in front of their home and walked inside, calling for the Professor.
"Girls! I'm down here! Come see this!" The Professor called from his basement laboratory. The girls flew down the stairs into the basement, and gasped when they saw the Professor standing in front of a computer identical to Princess'. "Look at this, it's the newest collaboration between me and a whole team of engineers. We've created the first completely virtual reality computer system."
"But Professor, I thought your specialization was genetics, not electronics." Blossom asked. Her sisters didn't seem to care however, floating up to examine the machine.
"They needed me to help crack the Neural Firing Pattern so they could program the computer to recognize the signals." The Professor smiled. "Don't you like it? I'm extremely proud of it... though of course not as much as I am of you girls."
"More geeky mumbo jumbo." Buttercup smirked. "I'm gonna go fix me a ham sandwich." She floated upstairs. Bubbles looked at the clock on the wall and gasped.
"Puppet Pals is coming on!" She streaked upstairs, leaving the Professor alone with Blossom.
"Can I use it Professor? I really wanted to try it out after..." She was cut off by him putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I know it seems fun Blossom... but I don't think it's a good idea. The normal human brain is one thing but you girls are another. It might not work... it could even be dangerous for you." He put his other hand on her other shoulder, staring into her eyes. "Promise me you will never use it, not until I tell you it's safe."
Blossom stared back, shaking slightly. She didn't feel any worse after using Princess' computer, but that didn't mean it didn't affect her. She thought to tell him about what happened at school, but decided not to. She didn't want to worry him, and she felt fine anyway. "Okay Professor, I won't." The Professor smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Come on, we can go out for dinner tonight after we get a few minutes of training done." He stood up and went upstairs to find the other girls. Blossom watched him, then turned to look at the computer. It didn't hurt her before, but she didn't want to push her luck. She turned away and followed the Professor upstairs, trying to take her mind off of it.
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That night Blossom had long managed to take her mind off of the new computers. She didn't feel any ill effects all day aside from almost being knocked out by Buttercup during training. They were in their bedroom, sliding out of their normal dresses and into their nightgowns. Blossom's hair was a mess, one she didn't feel like fixing at the moment, so she let it stay as a tangle surrounding her head.
"Man we need to get a new training simulator. That one's getting too easy." Buttercup flexed her muscles like a bodybuilder before sliding her nightgown on. "I need a challenge to keep improving."
"Maybe you could try mental challenges, so that your brain doesn't go the way of your manners." Blossom suggested innocently. Bubbles giggled, but Buttercup growled and flicked her wrist at Blossom. Lacking fingers to stick up, the wrist flick had become Buttercup's version of the middle finger. Of course only the Powerpuff Girls knew that.
Blossom rolled her eyes and slid her nightgown on just as the Professor entered the room. "Okay girls, climb into bed now." The girls climbed into bed and the Professor tucked them in one by one, kissing their cheeks. "Goodnight Buttercup. Goodnight Blossom. Goodnight Bubbles. Sweet dreams." He smiled and left, closing the door behind him.
Blossom closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing for sleep. The silence was broken only by the steady breathing of her sisters, lulling her into a deep sleep. Her body relaxed to the point of becoming unmovable, and her breath steadied. So she was surprised when she found herself standing in the middle of a crowded beach full of boys in swimming trunks.
She blinked and looked around, thinking it was a dream, but it looked funny. All the figures around her looked like computer imaged. 3D and well modeled, but lacking in the subtle texture of real life people. She looked around in confusion until she spotted Princess lying on a lawn chair with several boys holding trays of food and drinks around her.
[Princess... what...] Blossom couldn't find the words to even ask a simply question. Princess looked over at her and scowled darkly.
[What is THAT doing here? It's not supposed to be part of this program!] She got up and stalked up to Blossom, grabbing her by the hem of her nightgown. She then realized something she apparently hadn't before. [Hey... I never had the scientists program a Blossom model wearing a nightgown. There must be a glitch... ooohhhh I should have known there would be bugs since Bill Gates was involved!]
[Program... what do you mean?] Blossom blurted out confusedly. She was inside a computer? That would explain the less-than-lifelike people, but she didn't remember logging onto any computers. Besides, why would she be in Princess' system instead of the Professor if she DID somehow sleepwalk into it?
[Enough, I'm tired of looking at this fake Blossom.] The Princess character stood still for a moment before the beach vanished, leaving them once again in the file directory. When Princess' attention returned she looked stunned to see Blossom still standing there. [Why aren't you gone!? Ooohhhh I know how to get rid of annoying bugs!] The Princess model disappeared suddenly.
[I'm in a computer... hey wait!] Blossom yelled, but she was too late. Sharp pain went stabbing through her mind as the computer was shut down. Blossom shot up in bed, screaming and clutching her head as if it were splitting in two. Her sisters shot up in bed with her with exclamations of surprise and worry. Her scream must have been pretty loud because the Professor ran into the room.
"Blossom!" The Professor ran to the bed and picked her up, cradling her gently. "Are you okay? What happened?" Blossom opened her eyes, which she now realized were wet with tears of pain. The stabbing pain had faded, but she was left with a dull ache in the back of her mind. "Blossom, say something. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine..." Blossom shook her head. "It was just a nightmare..."The Professor squeezed her tighter, then set her in her spot on the bed. He ran his hand over her forehead.
"Are you sure? Do you want a drink?" The Professor asked. Blossom shook her head, pulling the covers back over herself. "Okay... I'll see you tomorrow and we can talk about what happened." He kissed her on the forehead and stood up. "Goodnight girls. If anything else happens, let me know immediately." Buttercup and Bubbles nodded.
Blossom closed her eyes, trying to lull herself back to sleep. But it seemed a long ways off after her scare earlier. She had a feeling Buttercup nor Bubbles slept any better than she did. It was dawn before she even managed to get her eyes closed.
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At school the next day everything seemed to be getting back to normal despite the Powerpuff Girls' weariness from lack of sleep. Everything seemed too ordinary to feel like something was really wrong. Blossom noticed that Princess seemed unusually aware of her however. She kept shooting dark glances and glares in her direction. Blossom didn't respond to them. She didn't even know what she would be responding to.
"Now class, I believe Princess has a very special surprise for us all." Miss Keane announced, stepping out of the way to allow Princess to speak. She walked in front of the teacher's desk and cleared her throat.
"As a token of my appreciation for all of my wonderful friends..." She began dictatorially. Instantly Blossom's interest was piqued. Princess had no friends. "I've decided small gifts for everyone in class are in order. So I've decided to give you ALL the new Model 56 Virtual Reality computer systems." She snapped her fingers and a stream of men came pouring into the room, dropping the huge computer's beside every kid in class.
"Your new toy? You're giving it to everybody? What, are they going to explode at midnight or something?" Blossom was instantly suspicious. But nobody else in class seemed to care about the motive.
"You rock Princess!" Mitch cried as he ripped the tarp off of his brand new computer and fingered the helmet eagerly. The rest of the class echoed his sentiment.
"My, such generous gifts!" Miss Keane exclaimed in shock. "You've really learned the value of giving!"
"Giving is one of life's pleasures Miss Keane." Princess said sweetly. "And of course I didn't forget you, our wonderful teacher." She snapped her fingers and one more computer was set beside Miss Keane's desk.
"Am I the only one who smells a big steaming pile of something?" Buttercup mumbled.
"What can we do Buttercup? We can't bust her for giving everyone presents." Blossom grumbled back. "No matter how suspicious it looks. We'll just have to keep an eye out and clean up when she does whatever she's planning to do." She turned to watch the other kids pouring over their computers, studying them intently. "I just hope nobody gets hurt by it."
________________________________________________________________________________
After school Blossom and her sisters flew home to find the Professor once again in his basement with the new computer. "Ah, girls. I'm glad you're home. Guess what." He stood up straight, grinning proudly. Blossom walked up to the computer, eyeing it with a pinch of distrust.
"What is it Professor?" Bubbles asked obediently.
"I configured the computer to recognize your unique Neural Firing patterns. You can use the computer network now." He smiled and patted Blossom on the shoulder. "Before you delve into cyberspace though, how about some lunch? I've worked up quite an appetite."
"I'll join you in a minute Professor." Blossom grabbed the helmet. I'm... eager to try it out." She explained. The Professor chuckled and patted her shoulder. She didn't really care to try it, but she knew the other kids' computers would be hooked up by now and she wanted to check on them without arousing suspicion.
"You're just like me when I was your age... well okay, a few years older." The Professor smiled. "Come up when you've gotten acquainted with the new piece of equipment." He went upstairs to fix lunch. Buttercup and Bubbles followed behind him, leaving Blossom alone with the computer. She whirled and sat down, putting on the helmet. She turned on the computer and instantly she was immersed into the computers world.
It was different than she remembered. Instead of the symmetrical room from Princess' computer it looked like a cozy living room. The doors with the files on them now looked like hardwood doors with the names inscribed in fancy gold lettering. Blossom approached the door with the word 'Network' written on it and pushed it open.
A long hallway opened in front of her. There were only a few doors at first, but as she watched more appeared. The other kids must be just getting their computers hooked up to the network. Each door had a last name inscribed on it. She saw Believe, Schnieder, Mitchelson, and to her disgust, Morebucks. Actually, the more she thought about it, the more convenient it seemed.
She moved down the hall toward Princess' door, gripping the door handle. She pushed it open and went inside easily. It too had become the comfortable living room motif. But what happened to the file doors and symmetrical room? Had she been imagining it before?
[Get out of here.] Blossom jumped when she noticed Princess standing right in the middle of the room, watching her. [This is hacking a private computer! I could have you arrested!] She yelled angrily.
[I'll leave when you tell me what the game is.] Blossom stepped inside and approached Princess. [Why give everyone else these computers? What do you get out of it?]
[I get to watch you squirm.] Princess grinned. Blossom was taken aback by this response. [I wanted to watch what you really do to all of your so-called friends.]
[I won't do anything to them! I think you're going crazy.] Blossom smirked.
Princess burst out laughing, holding her stomach. [That's a good one! Hahahahehehe... we'll see who's really going crazy. Or did your little intrusion last night mean nothing to you?] Princess asked slyly. Blossom's eye widened even further. [I can't wait to see what you do when your REAL intentions are broadcast to everyone in Townsville.]
[Enough. I don't have to listen to this madness.] Blossom turned to head back out through the Network door, but Princess grabbed her shoulder.
[We'll see who's really mad, Blossom.] Princess smiled confidently. [And when we do, there will only be one girl left standing. Moi.] With that Princess let her go, watching her leave.
Blossom closed the door behind her, clenching one fist. Princess didn't know what she was talking about. Even if Blossom had more of those weird dreams, she wouldn't hurt anybody in them... would she?
________________________________________________________________________________
It was almost midnight as Robin Schnieder climbed down the stairs in her house as silently as she could. Her parents were sound asleep upstairs, as was most of Townsville by now. She normally would have been too, but she had a very special date tonight.
She snuck into the computer room and closed the door firmly behind her. She crept up to the computer and sat down, sliding the helmet over her head. When her model appeared in the game she headed straight for the Network door, heading out and creeping toward the Believe door. She stepped inside and closed it behind her, seeing Mike in the middle of the room.
[Hey, Robin.] Mike blushed. [You look... um... pretty...] He blushed even brighter. Robin giggled and walked further into the room, clutching her hands behind her back.
[These computers really are amazing aren't they?] Robin commented, looking around aimlessly. [It's like we're really here, talking... but we're both still at home... safe at home...] she smiled. Mike blushed even brighter and nodded, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
[Yeah...] Mike sat down on the fluffy couch that sat in the middle of the room. Robin didn't have one of those in her computer index. Someone must have added it in somehow. Mike gulped and blushed even brighter, looking at her. [So... what should we do?]
Robin smiled and sat beside him, taking his hand. She didn't feel anything physically, but for some reason it was like she was touching him. She couldn't begin to guess how, so she didn't try. [Well you know... we're good friends right? We can show each other everything.] She squeezed his hand gently.
[Of... of course...] Mike smiled back.
Robin smiled and looked down at the sofa. [I want to know what you look like... you know...] She blushed now. [Naked.]
[R... really?] Mike's face turned beet red. She figured he was probably sweating in real life, but the computer didn't sense that particular problem. [I... I do too... you know... with you... I mean...] He stuttered. Robin giggled again and stood up.
[It's okay, I'm just curious. I've never seen a boy before, you know?] She told him. Mike stood up with her, watching her.
[Yeah... I've never seen a girl either.] Mike admitted. [And it's not like these are our real bodies... just fake ones.]
[That's right.] Robin told him. [It's a game. To make us happy.] She said. The only problem with this game was that the computer somehow sensed what they were wearing at the time and imported it into the image. The only way to strip here would be to do it in real life.
[Well... okay...] The Mike model froze, and soon the clothing on his body vanished. His body didn't look too convincing graphically. Still, it was a naked boy's body, and it was exciting to her inexperienced mind. Soon Mike focused on the game again and he looked down. [I can't believe I did that... I've never been able to do that with anyone else.]
[It's a game remember.] Robin reminded him. [Just a moment.] Robin turned her attention to her physical body and quickly pulled off her nightgown and underwear before turning back to the computer images. Mike was staring at her in astonishment. He stared so hard she began to blush, even though she knew it wasn't really her body.
[Can I... touch it?] Mike asked. Robin blushed deeper, but gave him a slight nod. They moved closer together in experimentation, set free by the promise of a consequence-free world. Robin was so enthralled by the whole experience that she only barely noticed when she door to Mike's computer was opened while his hand was down between her legs.
[Huh...?] She looked quickly, to see Blossom's head sticking through a crack in the door. [BLOSSOM!] She covered herself quickly, even though it wasn't her body. Mike did the same, turning as red as an apple. [Blossom please... I... we... I can explain...] Robin stuttered. To her surprise Blossom didn't respond. She merely stared at them. Suddenly a crooked grin broke out over her face. [Blossom...?]
Blossom's hair hung around her head in a wild tangle, framing her face in what almost looked like a hood. As they watched Blossom pulled back and left, leaving them alone in the computer index. [What... happened?] Mike asked. [That was Blossom right? I know it was but... what was she doing?]
[I don't know...] Robin was shaking by now, afraid of what would happen. She hoped Blossom would understand, she only wanted to experiment and play a game. That was all.
________________________________________________________________________________
The next morning Blossom was pleased to realize that she hadn't had the dream again. It was a normal, everyday dream. And this was looking to be a normal, everyday day. She got dressed with her normal vigor, forgetting about Princess' ominous statement the other night. She was probably just trying to get under her skin.
She pulled the bun out of her hair as she always did, letting it hand around her head neatly. They went downstairs to each breakfast like they did every day. They got their school supplies together, and flew across Townsville to Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. When they got there the other kids were murmuring excitedly among themselves. A few were snickering wildly while others were pale as ghosts. When they spotted Blossom some gave her the thumbs up and a grin, while others simply shook their heads blankly.
"Am I missing something?" Blossom asked confusedly.
"Maybe they want another show..." Bubbles suggested. She broke off from the trio and walked over to one of her friends on the corner of the playground.
"Whatever, I'll see you later. Hey Mitch, rematch!" Buttercup ran across then playground to find Mitch, who was sitting in a corner grinning at Blossom. Blossom was started to get uncomfortable with this. She was used to standing out, but why was everyone acting so funny?
She turned around when she heard footsteps behind her. Mike and Robin walked into the playground, both red-faced and embarrassed beyond belief. When they saw Blossom their blush grew brighter and they moved past her quickly. When they caught site of Mike and Robin the other kids started howling and whistling like cartoon characters.
"Oh God..." Robin blushed even brighter than before, burying her face in her hands. Several kids surrounded her, including Mitch, who suddenly decided to ignore Buttercup. Mike was pushed out of the way, though a few kids did give him a pat on the back.
"Hey Robin, I didn't know you were a slut." Mitch grinned. Robin shook her head and backed away, but being surrounded, had nowhere to go. "I thought they were only on TV and stuff. Oh well, it's good to know." He walked up to her and suddenly jammed his hand down the front of her shorts.
Robin went ballistic. She screamed and tore away from him, punching through the crowd and running toward the building. She slammed into Miss Keane at the door, squeezing her legs tightly. "What's going on? Robin? Are you okay dear?" The teacher knelt down to give the frantic girl a hug.
"Mitch... he..." Robin blushed brightly again and leaned up to whisper something in Miss Keane's ear.
"MITCH MITCHELSON! GET OVER HERE!" Miss Keane screamed angrily. Blossom was taken aback by the sudden shift in behavior. She'd never seen Miss Keane scream before. Mitch as obviously cowed too, because his pace as he approached her was slow and halting. "Explain to me WHAT you think you were doing young man." Miss Keane demanded. She picked up Robin, holding her comfortingly.
"I thought she would like it Miss Keane... she seemed to before..." Mitch ran his foot over the ground nervously.
"Before? What are you talking about?" Miss Keane demanded.
"Blossom e-mailed me a video of Robin and Mike doing it, and it looked like fun." Mitch replied. All eyes turned to Blossom and Mike, neither of whom gave any outward reaction other than utter shock. Mike soon turned toward Blossom with an upset glare.
"Blossom how could you... I thought we were friends..." He muttered in anger and embarrassment. Blossom opened her mouth to plead her innocence, but Miss Keane interrupted.
"Blossom Utonium, Mitch Mitchelson, and Mike Believe. Come inside this instant." She demanded. She was still holding Robin in her arms as Mike and Mitch filed inside. Blossom noticed a particularly disapproving look as she walked inside. Miss Keane closed the door behind them and approached her desk, sitting on the edge. "Blossom, go sit at your desk until I call for you."
"Okay..." Blossom nodded and sat down at her desk, slumping over in her seat. She hadn't done anything, why would Mitch indicate her? Sure she didn't approve of Robin and Mike doing something like that, but she wouldn't humiliate them like this. The worst part was that everybody seemed absolutely sure it was her. As if there was some proof.
Blossom sighed and looked at the corner of the room. Miss Keane's gift from Princess was still sitting in the corner of the classroom. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She didn't remember that computer incident happening again... but was it possible it happened and she just didn't remember? No way... she wouldn't do this either way... would she?
"Blossom." Miss Keane called for her. She was still holding Robin, but the two boys had already been moved to the other side of the room. Blossom walked up to her demurely. Miss Keane's voice was calmer than it had been earlier, but her eyes were still sharp. "Now Blossom. What made you e-mail that video to every kid in class? What made you record it in the first place?"
"I..." Blossom gulped, closing her eyes. "I... wanted to... teach them a lesson... it's not right for them to do that..." She sighed in resignation. Denying it would do no good, so she decided to get it over with.
"I agree. But you should have come to ME with this, so I could talk with them. You handled the situation very inappropriately." Miss Keane chided her.
"I'm sorry Miss Keane..." Blossom sighed. Miss Keane nodded and patted her head before turning back to the two boys in the corner.
"Now I want you all to be on your best behavior, is that clear?" Mike, Mitch, and Blossom nodded. "Good, now go outside and play. Class will begin in a few minutes, after I get some things settled in here." She told them. The three kids nodded and left the classroom, heading outside with the rest of the students while Robin remained behind with the teacher.
"Mike..." Blossom began, walking up to the boy. "You know I would never try to hurt you..." Mike ignored her and walked off in another direction quickly. His face was still beet red since he was still getting stares from the other kids in class. Blossom shook her head angrily. She was angry at the situation, and herself. She hadn't done anything... had she? There was only one way to find out.
________________________________________________________________________________
"I don't know what you're hoping to prove Blossom." Buttercup quipped as she sat down at the computer in the Professor's lab after school. Blossom stood behind her chair, watching the monitor.
"If you got the e-mail too, then we can see who it's from. Maybe everyone just thinks it's me because of a fake signature or something." Blossom told her. Buttercup shrugged and logged in, appearing on the monitor in a few moments. Blossom watched her walk into the door marked 'E-Mail.' Sure enough, there was an e-mail in the folder marked 'From Blossom Utonium'.
[Looks real to me.] The computer animated Buttercup said with a slight smirk.
"Open it and see if there's any clue as to who REALLY sent it. The Professor told me there's always a picture of the model it's sent from on these things, it has to be someone else's." Blossom said. Buttercup shrugged and opened the e-mail. It took over the monitor, displaying its contents for Blossom to see.
In the body was a single line 'Looks like fun, eh?' which was followed by a small video of Robin and Mike on a couch in what looked like one of the computer's lobbies. In the 'From' category however, it had a clearly defined picture of Blossom's character model, wearing her typical nightgown.
[Looks like you have a twin... besides me and Bubble I mean.] Buttercup commented as she closed the e-mail, once again coming onto the screen.
"It's not possible..." Blossom gaped in despair. It WAS her... but she didn't remember doing it. "I wouldn't do something like that, it doesn't make sense..."
"Looks like you, talks like you, who else could it be? Face it, you're in a pretty hairy situation here red." Buttercup commented as she signed off of the computer. Blossom stared at her, then a realization kicked in.
"The image... its hair was a mess! But I had my hair up in a bun last night so it wouldn't get messed up! Wouldn't the character model in the e-mail reflect my physical state at the time I sent it?" Blossom realized. Buttercup blinked, then put one hand to her chin in deep thought.
"That is pretty weird... maybe it's because your thoughts were a mess or something? You thought you were asleep and didn't know you were doing it, so your hair in the computer was messed up?" Buttercup suggested. It wasn't too likely, and Blossom wasn't prepared to accept that she purposely hurt Mike and Robin, even if it was subconscious.
"Someone else had to have sent that e-mail." Blossom declared. "And I have at least one idea who." Blossom said. "I'm going to go pay the little Princess a visit." Blossom turned to leave, but Buttercup followed behind her. "You don't have to come along."
"Call me curious." Buttercup said. Blossom gave her a curious look, but Buttercup didn't elaborate further. Still, Blossom welcomed her help and support. At least someone believed that she was innocent.
