Pilfered Sympathy: Yeah, Kevin is a good friend, he's partially based on one of my best friend and...what WHAT WHAT?!! I ask the same thing Hairy Gregory is asking, why are you suspicious of him? (mildly quizzical look- actually more like amused and curious look on my face) Anyway LOL :P
Hairy Gregory: You'll find out how right (or wrong) you are soon enough mate, in fact, very, very soon! I like the occasional mushiness myself, especially when it involves a character so often seen as tough and... unmushy.
Dooly: See above. Thanks for the reviews!
PinkPuff514: Not much to say except I love reading your reviews and stuff. They make me smile (see? smiley face! :D). Thank you for being a faithful reviewer!
Chapter Twelve: Attack in the Dark
Robyn rang the doorbell with a bag of microwave popcorn and a DVD. Bubbles opened the door, her face lit up briefly but it quickly sank. "Oh, hey Robyn," Bubbles sighed.
"Hey," Robyn greeted, surprised and confused by Bubbles' reaction, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Bubbles shrugged, "I just thought you would be Mike," Bubbles replied.
Robyn's jaw dropped, "You invited Mike?"
Bubbles nodded, "Uh huh. You don't mind, do you?"
Robyn sighed, she did mind. They had planned a girls night out long before Mike and Bubbles ever became an official couple. It was supposed to be just them since Bubbles and Robyn didn't have much one on one time with each other anymore. Bubbles' cheerleading friends did not like Robyn, so she always felt on the outside looking in when Bubbles was with her other friends; Robyn was looking forward to this movie night. "No, I don't mind."
"Good," Bubbles nodded. "What movies did you bring?"
Robyn looked in her bag, "Um, a couple of classics: 'Say Anything' and 'She's All That'. Oh, and "A Walk To Remember"."
"Oh," Bubbles replied, with a frown, "Well, I guess we'll see what Mike has."
"But I thought you liked these movies," Robyn said.
"I do, but I don't know if Mike will," Bubbles smiled. "You know, he's a guy."
Robyn nodded slowly, "Right."
"I'm glad you don't mind that he's coming. Buttercup hinted that it was a stupid idea or something, but, what does she know?" Bubbles asked, taking the popcorn, "For a moment I was worried that maybe she was right, but I'm glad it's working out anyway."
Robyn sighed, following Bubbles to the kitchen. She stopped when she caught a glance at Blossom in the family room on the phone, crying. She was speaking softly to the person on the other end and Robyn couldn't seem to tell whether or not Blossom was crying from happiness or sadness. Robyn decided to give Blossom her privacy and joined Bubbles in the kitchen. "So, um, how's cheerleading?" Robyn asked, trying to make conversation.
Bubbles dropped the unopened bag of popcorn, "Uh, actually, I quit."
"What? Why? I thought you loved cheerleading?!" Robyn gasped.
"I do I just… I can't explain it right now. It's complicated." Bubbles replied. She had no choice but to quit since they needed to avoid any strenuous activities and the cheerleading team was a serious and competitive team. She bent over to pick up the dropped bag of popcorn and lost her balance. She fell to the floor overwhelmed with dizziness.
Robyn knelt beside her and helped her up, "What happened?!" she asked, "Are you OK?"
Bubbles stumbled a bit and closed her eyes, rubbing her temples feeling another massive headache coming on. The aspirin was losing it's effect quicker than before. Probably because the antidote X in their system was only getting stronger. "Um, yeah, just a little clumsy is all," Bubbles smiled, trying to keep from letting on. Her face was a little pale. "Uh, I have a bit of a headache, I'll be right back."
Robyn narrowed her eyes watching Bubbles leave for the bathroom. Something was definitely not right. She had her suspicions before that there was something wrong with all three of the Utonium girls, something beyond stress from fighting with each other. Bubbles was hiding something. They all were.
****
"Really?" Blossom asked, "I love you too. I missed you so much."
"Then why did you avoid me today?" Greg asked her softly.
Blossom gently tugged at the phone cord, twisting it around her finger and gave a small weary laugh, "It's complicated."
"Try me," Greg urged.
"No, Greg, I can't," Blossom sighed, "I really want to, but I can't tell you right now."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, finally Greg replied, "Bloss, if we're going to renew our relationship, you're going to have to trust me. Is there something else going on with you I don't know about, and if there is, what is it? I'm worried about you. "
"I do trust you Greg, I trust you with my life it's just that…" Blossom sighed, "I promised not to tell anyone, not until the right time. I really want to tell you what's going on, I really do. I don't want to keep things from you. This week sucked because of miscommunication between you and I, and I don't want there to be anymore misunderstandings, but yes there is something else going on. That is why I avoided you, I don't know how to deal with it right now, and the fact I can't tell another soul what's going on… Life is just a mess right now. But please trust me. When the time is right, I will tell you everything."
"Blossom, why don't I come over," Greg suggested, "I don't care what your big secret is…well, OK, I do care because it's obviously affecting you greatly, but if it's that important that you can't tell me, I won't press the matter any further. I trust you, and I want to be with you."
Blossom paused. That was what she wanted but she didn't know how she'd face him, and how she'd be able to keep her secret, but she yearned for them to officially be reunited again so she replied, "OK. Actually, why don't we go out for a drive, or something?"
"Anything for you," Greg agreed. "I love you Bloss. I have a few things to do, but I'll be there in about an hour or so."
"OK. I love you too," Blossom replied, "See you then!" She hung up the phone and gave a girlish squeal. They were together again. Suddenly she felt blissful and optimistic about everything despite what was happening.
Robyn took a peek in the doorway, "Well?"
"Greg and I are back together!" she sighed happily, "He's coming over to pick me up!"
"That's great!" Robyn laughed, "I knew it would happen!" Blossom jumped up and gave Robyn a hug. Robyn suddenly felt Blossom's weight get heavier as they hugged. Blossom sank back into her chair, looking rather white, "Blossom?" Robyn asked, her expression growing concerned.
"Um, nothing, I just got a little too excited, got a bit dizzy,' Blossom said blankly, "I- I need to take an aspirin or something." She carefully rose to her feet and headed to the bathroom leaving an exasperated Robyn to watch her dash out of view. Blossom ran into Bubbles who was on her way out. "Bubbles, it's getting worse. The aspirin is hardly doing anything anymore."
"I know," Bubbles said, her tone matching the concern of Blossom's, "How are we going to keep this a secret? My head is killing me."
"What are we going to do?" Blossom asked, "A moment ago, I felt great, and now…"
"You feel as though your head is going to explode?" Bubbles asked. Blossom nodded.
"I hope the Professor finds a cure soon," Blossom cried.
Bubbles nodded, "Me too. And you know what sis? He will."
"On a happier note, Greg and I are back together," Blossom said, "He's picking me up in about and hour."
"That's great!" Bubbles said, "At least something's turning out OK."
"But I'm having doubts again on whether or not I should go, I feel like crap all of a sudden," Blossom sighed.
"Here," Bubbles handed her another aspirin and filled Blossom's cup with water, "Take this and go. It'll be all right, by the time he comes you'll feel better. You need this, you deserve this."
"How am I going to do this without letting on that we're dying?" Blossom asked.
Bubbles shook her head, "I don't know, and I don't know how I can keep this from Mike but we've gotta be strong right? The Professor won't let us die. You know how close he is to finding a temporary solution. Then he'll have more time and before you know it, everything will be back to normal." Bubbles grinned slightly at the irony. What was normal anymore? "As hard as it is, we got to have hope."
"Ah Bubbles," Blossom smiled, "Always the optimistic one."
"I wish I was as optimistic as I let on. I'm actually terrified, but we can't let that control us. I know what its like to be controlled by fear and it's not fun. Anyway, we have to live as though nothing's wrong right now. Right? It'll be OK," Bubbles gave her sister a hug. The doorbell rang and Bubbles looked at Blossom, "That's gotta be Mike!" she said heading downstairs, brushing past Robyn and leaving Blossom standing in the bathroom, confused, conflicted but surprisingly content.
*****
Buttercup and Kevin watched the movie in silence. It was one of those forgettable Blockbuster action movies about some superhero. It was one of those movies that was more interested in the latest state of the art technology and neo-philosophy than an actual story.
As the hero in the movie began to question how great his newfound powers were and began the clichéd speech about how his powers were a blessing and a curse and a responsibility he wasn't ready to uphold Buttercup leaned into Kevin and whispered in his ear, "They got it all wrong. Having superpowers is in no way a curse, it's awesome!" she chuckled. Kevin smiled but it quickly faded when Buttercup added bitterly, "Unless of course you can't use them and they become useless!" As the movie's hero began to complain about the responsibility she said, "It's not that big of a deal, it's worth it. Like the responsibility one needs to take when owning a car or whatever." She laughed at what she thought to be an absurdity.
Kevin nodded and laughed with her, but his attention was no longer focused on the movie. He watched Buttercup for sometime. There was bitterness and regret in her eyes, and an unfulfilled longing. Kevin frowned in anger, wondering who would do that to her and her sisters. No wonder Buttercup was acting more than just depressed lately. She didn't need that on top of everything else that was on her mind.
The movie moved to an action scene. It was an intense action scene with explosions and overloaded with amazing special effects. Buttercup was always one who enjoyed and got involved in a good action scene no matter how contrived the story but after two seconds of watching, Buttercup winced and put her hands to her head, covering her ears. She bent forward, resting her elbows on her knees and closed her eyes.
"BC?" Kevin asked, leaning forward and putting his hand on her shoulder, "Are you OK?" She nodded not looking up. "What is it?"
"It's so loud," Buttercup whispered, "I- I have a headache. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Kevin nodded and watched the movie for a few minutes, gently rubbing her back. Buttercup meanwhile was getting quite worried. Her headache was more intense than ever and the volume level of the movie did not help. She took an aspirin a few hours ago but it had worn off quicker than last time. She felt as though her head was going to explode. Kevin seemed to sense her worry and whispered, "Hey, do you want to get out of here? Get some fresh air or something?" Buttercup nodded, grabbing her bag. They stood up and to Kevin's surprise Buttercup fell into him, apparently unable to stand on her own. She looked embarrassed and angry because of it, so Kevin held her as though they were dating so her stumbling would look intentional.
The watcher in the audience who was a few rows behind them in the back row smiled. He could see Buttercup was suffering. He discreetly stood up and followed, time to get ready. It was time to make his presence known.
*****
Blossom and Greg had a happy reunion. He was a little late so when he arrived at the door, she could barely contain herself from knocking him down. She threw her arms around him and unable to restrain herself burst into tears.
"Blossom, what's wrong?"
"I'm just so glad to see you, so glad that we're together again!" Blossom replied. "I missed you," she whispered into his ear, giving him a little kiss, "Let me get my sweater, I'll be right back." she sniffed.
Blossom poked her head in the family room where Bubbles, Mike and Robyn were watching "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" they were about an hour into it. Robyn was not looking too impressed, and looked like she there was a lot on her mind, as she glanced up at Bubbles who was snuggled into Mike's arms. The new couple was engrossed in the movie (and indecently each other). "Psst! Bubbles, if the Professor um, you know, has any luck with his um, project, call me and let me know."
Bubbles nodded, giving her sister a smile and a thumbs up before returning to her movie. Blossom nodded to her and headed off with Greg. Robyn watched both sisters curiously and bowed her head, a strange conflicted expression was on her face.
*****
Kevin led Buttercup outside and they sat down on a bench just outside the main entrance. He took her hand, "Buttercup, are you OK?" he asked. As they crossed through the lobby into the light he was shocked by how pale she had become. "What is it?"
"Side effect," Buttercup replied, doubling over and closing her eyes. "T-the antidote X makes us dizzy, gives us headaches, weakens us… I forgot to take aspirin before we left. It usually helps."
"There's a drug store across the street, do you want me to get some?" Kevin asked.
Buttercup shook her head, "No, maybe we should just go home." She looked up at him wearily, "Don't worry Kev. I'm OK. It's my own fault, I should've taken something. I should've just stayed home I think. Man this is so embarrassing."
"Don't be embarrassed," Kevin said, "There's no one else here. Besides, everyone gets under the weather once in a while."
"I don't."
"I know but… look, it's perfectly normal, there's nothing to be embarrassed about," Kevin said.
Buttercup glared at him, "But that's exactly what I'm afraid of… normalcy. You know that."
Kevin nodded, "I'm sorry, poor choice of words. But there is no one else here, and you don't need to be embarrassed in front of me, I mean, you've seen me in far more embarrassing moments. Like, remember the time I got drunk and I puked on your shoes?"
"Kev, you don't have to feel embarrassed about that. You had just lost your mom and your brother had just ditched you, your dad became an abusive jerk because of it… you had and still have a lot going on. I don't blame you for resorting to alcohol. Besides, you got so sick you learned your lesson," Buttercup pointed out with a grin.
"And you were there for me every step of the way," Kevin smiled. He turned serious again, her eyes were beginning to water from the obvious pain she was feeling in her head, "I'm worried about you right now BC. Are you sure you're OK?"
Buttercup closed her eyes and nodded, "Yeah, I just need to get home." She slowly rose to her feet with Kevin's support. When she looked up she gasped, startled. What looked like a mugger in a black hooded sweater had emerged from around the corner holding a baseball bat, about ready to strike Kevin's skull. "Look out!" she pushed Kevin away and raised her arms to shield herself. The bat made contact with her left wrist and caused her to stumble backwards, but she remained on her feet. She gasped in pain as her wrist quickly grew numb and sore. She grabbed her wrist and tried to focus and ignore the intense pain in her head.
The attacker swung again, hitting her in the stomach just as Kevin jumped onto the attacker's back, grabbing the mugger's arm, softening the blow slightly, but it was enough to knock the wind out of her. She slammed into the wall and doubled over, shocked by the pain. She wasn't used to such pain in battle. Buttercup's mind filled with rage. There was no way she was going to be defeated by some common mugger!
Buttercup watched the attacker push Kevin aside with surprising ease. Kevin fell to the ground several feet away, and in the process unmasked the attacker. Buttercup's eyes widened when it was revealed that it was indeed not a common mugger, but a robot. She hadn't seen a robot for years, certainly not one so well crafted. Ironically that made her feel a little better. If she was going to get the crap beaten out of her, at least it would be by something inhuman.
Buttercup pushed herself from the wall and backed up, ignoring the pain and the dizziness and stood in fighting position. The robot raised the bat again and Buttercup braced herself, grabbing the bat and yanking it from the robot's 'hand'. She swung the bat with all her might, using her super strength and speed, the bat broke in half but sent the robot flying, but not nearly as far as it would've flown had she been at her full strength. The mere act of using her superpowers drained her of a lot more energy than she expected. She fell against the wall only to see another robot, this one was larger and more abstract, emerge from the darkness from behind Kevin.
"Kevin, go inside and call for help, use my cell phone," she tossed Kevin her bag which was still on her shoulders, "This is an attack."
"Not without you!" Kevin insisted stubbornly. "You're sick, you can't fight them."
"I know, why do you think I want you to call for help? But I have to do this, to prevent anyone inside from getting hurt! It's instinct OK? It's my duty!" Buttercup hissed, struggling to breathe, certain that the blow to her stomach cracked a rib or something. She could see the two robots coming up behind him and at the moment she would be unable to get to him in time to save him if they attack him again.
"But your powers…"
She fired at one of the robots with her heat rays. It had hardly any effect on it, merely pushing it further back, but it had a strong effect on her; it was all she could do to remain standing, "I still have them, see?" she hissed, "Go!" she fired again, preventing the second robot from striking Kevin.
Kevin finally looked behind him and got out of their way, obviously torn between saving himself and calling for help, or helping Buttercup, which he hated to admit would be a stupid move. She was right, there was a theatre crowded with people they needed to protect, and he wouldn't be much help against two robots. He would try to persuade her to run to safety herself, considering her condition, but he knew her better than that- she would never run from an attack regardless how she felt.
Buttercup was relieved when she saw him disappear inside the building. She bent her knees, and put her fists up, trying to remain focused and on her feet. She couldn't give in to pain now. The first human-like robot came at her while the other one stopped, as though it was there to merely have a menacing presence, behind it Buttercup could see someone with a remote. She couldn't make out their face, but if she could just get to him she could end the fight in no time. The robot charged and Buttercup charged as well, with the intention of faking the robot by ducking out of the way and going for it's master.
She succeeded in faking the robot and darted right past it. Her target pressed a button and Buttercup cried out in pain as a metallic whip shot out of the human-like robot's hands and wrapped around her bad wrist. It pulled her backwards and flung her against a post. She hit the post with the side of her forehead and she could feel a warm liquid ooze down her face blurring her vision as it seeped into her left eye. The whip around her wrist tightened and the metal rope retracted, pulling her into the robot which was almost twice her size. It then grabbed hold of her shoulders and pushed her down to her knees and held her down.
"My, my, my, Buttercup," a voice said tauntingly. It sounded so distant and yet so close, she could see his feet as he approached her. The voice was so familiar. "You don't look so good."
Buttercup did everything in her power to remain conscious, but she could feel herself slipping. She glanced up, and the last thing she saw before she lost consciousness was her attacker.
It was Mojo Jojo.
A/N I hope you're all enjoying this! (Zoë Rose says: Finally some action!)
To all you silent readers out there: Please review! Even if it's just a little "Me likes" or whatever. I'm not afraid of CC either, just please review! I like to know if there are others out there who are reading this! All it takes is a little clicky on the "go" button... you can do it! I believe in you!
