"Ed" is the property of Danny Antonucci and aka Cartoon
(Thanks for the reminder Hairy Gregory)
Chapter 4
B.C. laid in the soft, comfortable hotel bed staring at the ceiling. She just had that dream again. It played like a movie, no deviation from earlier times save the new feelings of confusion, doubt and fear. 'We sat there in the fields, blowing bubbles while watching the buttercups bloom to full blossom, my sisters and I.'
'That girl's name was Bubbles. Coincidence, I guess.'
'Is it?'
'What the hell does that mean?'
'Why is it that Buttercup never appears in that dream?'
'I don't know.'
'Why do you even have that dream? You've never really heard about those girls until went to Townsville. Hell, you've never even seen them before, and you've been having that dream since you were six.'
'So?'
'SO? Shit, girl, think about it. What was your first memory?'
'What does that have to do with anything?'
'The hospital, right? Why nothing after that?'
'I had an accident and lost my memory. What's the big deal?'
'What kind of accident? Why didn't anyone tell you?'
'I don't know. What's your damn point?"
'Do they remember you before the hospital?'
'WHAT?!'
'You know what I mean. They never talked about before then, haven't they?'
'So what, it's not like I've asked.'
'Aren't you even curious?'
'I've got better things to think about. I mean, I'm going to inherit the company when Dad retires. I don't have time to think about shit like that!'
'Dad, huh? He didn't seem like dad when we woke up at that hospital.'
'SCREW THIS SHIT!!!! JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!' B.C. turned on the television in frustration, trying to silence that probing voice in her head. 'They were super heroes, right? Maybe they had psychic powers or something. I mean they did lose their sister. They might have just reached out to me or something. Maybe I did see them before, they might have been on the news and I just didn't remember.' It was too much for the young woman to bear. 'Why did Dad have to send me to that dump anyways? Hell, no one in their right mind would spend a penny on that place. Just full of psychos and kids trying to get the hell out.' B.C. sighed in frustration and concentrated on the television. She didn't want to think anymore.
B.C. sat in the diner a few blocks away from Dragonfly Comics. She downed her fourth cup of coffee waiting for the time to meet with the owner. She felt like hell, not having much sleep the previous night. Being a rising corporate star earned her a few curious glances from the more business oriented clientele. She decided that her casual ware would be appropriate because this wasn't really an official business meeting and she sure as hell didn't feel like dressing up. "Check please" she told the waitress.
"Here ya go, hon." The waitress handed her a paper with 12.95 scrawled on it. B.C. slipped a twenty in the bill and handed it back, telling the middle aged woman to keep the change. "Thanks sweetie." Was the reply. B.C. lifted herself off the seat and walked out the door and the rest of the way to the comic book store enjoying the cool autumn air as she walked down the street.
After a brisk walk, B.C. arrived at Bubbles Utonium's comic book store. 'A bit early, but what the hay. Guess I'll find a nice comic for James, since I'm here. I owe him that, at least.' B.C. entered the store and looked around. A rather large man sat at the counter fully engrossed in some horror comic.
"It is the Return of the Revenge of the Son of the Curse of Evil Tim, part three." He paused to tell her, then returned to his choice of literature. B.C. gave the man a strange look, and snickered to herself. 'Definitely one shy of a six pack.' She thought in amusement before browsing the wares.
"Hi there." B.C. was greeted by a perky blonde wearing a dress shirt, slacks and a smile. "You must be Miss Luceid."
"Uh.. Yeah, that's me." B.C. was a little embarrassed looking a little more dressed down than she should have been.
"I'm Bubbles, it's a pleasure to meet you." The young woman said, offering her hand. B.C. took Bubbles hand and shook it. "Ed, I'm going to.. Oh for crying out loud.. ED!"
"Yeah, boss?" Ed dropped his graphic novel at the sound of Bubbles's shriek.
"I'm going to the back with Miss Luceid, I need you to pay attention to the store."
"I will be like the eyes of an onion." Ed told her in a serious voice. Bubbles just shook her head and led B.C. to the back of the store and into a small office.
"Interesting guy." B.C. commented.
"Ed, he's a bit different, but he's a great help. Works all day and never complains. And he knows just about everything about the horror genre, not really my favorite kind."
"Yeah, you strike me more of a war story type." B.C. answered wryly. Bubbles giggled at joke.
"So, you wanted to talk about Townsville." Bubbles asked. B.C. could see something dangerous dancing in Bubbles's light blue eyes.
"Well, yeah, you see I had done some research there, for the company, and I thought it would be a good idea to get your perspective on it, seeing how you used to be the super hero there."
"They used us." Bubbles growled.
"I'm sorry?"
"They used us. We thought they loved us, but all they loved was us getting hurt for them. Fighting crime and monsters, it was all a big show for them. Just a fun show, for their enjoyment. We-we were too naïve to realize it. But Buttercup figured them out. She figured them out, but it was too late" Bubbles snarled.
"Um, Bubbles."
"Yes?"
"Would you mind talking to me about Buttercup."
"Huh?" Bubbles snapped out of her rage, "Buttercup? I don't mind, but why?"
"Curiosity, I guess. I'd like to know more about her. "
Bubbles looked pensively at her guest before answering, "Alright, come with me."
Bubbles led B.C. to a door in the back of the storeroom. Bubbles opened the door to reveal a small modest apartment. B.C. followed her host inside and took a quick look around. Posters of anime characters decorated the bright, white walls. There was a small television situated in front of a dark green loveseat. Bubbles continued upstairs to a small hallway with the two doors. One door had another colorful Japanese poster, B.C. surmised that it led to the blonde's bedroom. Across from it was the second door, with crucifix hanging in the middle of it. Bubbles unlocked and opened that door revealing a makeshift shrine, dedicated to her late sister. Many pictures sat the shelving, pictures of Buttercup posing with her sisters and alone, playing, fighting criminals and monsters. At the center of the shrine was a small, stuffed green dragon with a fierce expression.
"Is that a Fuzzy Friend? I thought they only made animals." B.C. asked
"It was made special for her. She gave it to me as a gift." Bubbles answered in small voice. "I look in here.. when I need to remember the good times."
"The good times?"
"When she was still with us. She was always acted so tough and mean, but deep down she was a warm and caring person. Whenever I was bored and lonely, she'd be there to play with me. Whenever I was scared or hurt, she'd be there to protect me. Whenever I needed her, she'd be there. Until that day."
"You mean.."
"She had accidentally killed Mojo Jojo while trying to stop him from killing a crowd of people. I don't know why, but everyone turned against her, they thought she did it on purpose. She pretended that she didn't care, but I knew it had really hurt her. One day, I broke one of our father's inventions and let her take the blame for it. She got sent to our room and that was the last time I saw her. If I'd only.. She might be.." It was too much for Bubbles to go on, tears began to stream from her eyes, and the young woman began sobbing. B.C. had felt terrible bringing up such painful memories. She took the grief stricken woman into her arms and held her while she cried for her lost angel.
Later in the afternoon, the women lounged on Bubble's small bed. They had traded stories of their lives. Bubbles talked about her family and growing up in Townsville and later, Notte Falls. B.C. told stories of her exploits in the planned community of Wolf Ridge and what it was like being the only daughter of Maxwell Luceid.
"So where did you get the name, B.C.?" Bubbles asked her new friend.
"My nanny, Kay. My full name is Bethany Christine Luceid, but she always called me B.C. I guess it kind of stuck."
"Kay? What was she like?"
"She was real great. The closest thing I had to a mother. She helped me out a lot with myself. Helped me out with my schoolwork, played with me, taught me about boys when I was old enough. Yeah, she was the best friend I ever had."
"She sounds pretty cool." Bubbles thought for a second. "So what are you planning to do about Townsville?"
"Oh yeah, that. Well, it's really not up to me, it's the board's decision to make." B.C. looked at Bubbles and smiled, "But between you and me, I think the government should spend the taxpayers' dollars on something more worthwhile, like a giant billboard that says no fat chicks." Bubbles looked back at B.C. and the two began to laugh at B.C.'s quip. The two lifted themselves of the bed and began to head back to the store section of the building.
"I'd better check up on Ed, he's not the kind of guy you want to leave alone for too long." Bubbles giggled.
"Yeah, he seems to be quite the character. I think one of our R&D guys may have known him."
"Really?"
"Yeah, some geek who always wears a hat, nice guy but a little on the anal retentive side. He always went on about his old friends, some wannabe con artist and a lovable oaf. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure your Ed is that oaf."
"Wow, small world. Say, if your free tonight, I know some fun places we can go tonight, have some drinks and check out guys."
"Oh man. I wish I could, but I got to get back home. If I'm too late, Dad'll kill me." Bubbles seemed disappointed at B.C.'s decline. "But the next time I get some free time, I'll come down and take you up on that." That perked Bubbles back up. "Anyways, thanks for talking to me, I'm sure it couldn't have been easy for you."
"Actually, I've been wanting to talk to someone about her. She was a really terrific sister and I want the world to know that." Bubbles wiped away a tear. "But I'm glad I met you. I look forward to the next time we meet again."
"Me too, Bubbles." The two friends hugged each other and headed their separate ways. Bubbles went back into her office and B.C. headed towards the store exit, when something in the display case by the door caught her eye. 'SPORE #1, oh man, James has been looking for that one forever. Oh what the hell.' "I'd like that SPORE #1 please." B.C. told Ed.
"That will be $600 plus tax, huh-huh." Ed told her while ringing up the amount. B.C. pulled out her personal checkbook and began to fill it out. "Any checks above the amount of $100 must be approved by the management." Ed recited the store's check policy.
"It's okay, Ed." Bubbles called out from her office. Ed seemed satisfied by his employer's response and accepted B.C.'s check.
"Table for two." Ed blurted out as he placed the mylar protected comic in a bag and handed it to B.C. "Thank you drive thru and please come again." Ed smiled at B.C.
"Uhh, yeah, uhh, see ya later." B.C. responded as she walked out the door.
After getting her things from the hotel, B.C. made her final preparations to return back to Wolf's Ridge. She dropped her sidearm off at delivery service and had it sent to her home, then she checked the company car in at a Luceid executive branch office. While making her rounds, B.C. thought about her meeting with Bubbles. 'Pretty nice kid, a bit too cute for a comic book storeowner, but she seems to have a good head on her shoulders. Funny, I just met her but it feels like I've known her all my life.'
'..blowing bubbles..'
'Strange, when she told me about her adventures as a super hero in Townsville, it all sounded familiar. Like I was being told my own memories.'
'..watching the buttercups..'
'She mentioned her sister, Blossom. I never met the woman, yet, when Bubbles described her, I knew who she was talking about, and what she was like.'
'..blossom to full bloom..'
'What does it all mean? Is it possible that.. It doesn't make any sense. Townsville is so far away from home, yet.. That mayor, Miss Bellum, she acted as if she knew who I was when I walked in. The motel owners, for some reason, there was something I didn't like about them. That cop, I just liked him before I really got to know him. And Bubbles..'
'My sisters and I.'
B.C. left the Luceid branch office and caught a taxi to the airport. She opened up her cell phone and dialed her father. "Daddy?"
"What's wrong dear?"
'No, I can't ask him. I know..' "Would it be alright if I visited with grandpa, before I come home?"
"Of course, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you."
'Strange, I thought I was on a time table.' "Are you sure? I know you and the board are waiting for my report."
"It's alright, I want you take all the time you need."
'What does that mean?' "Okay, thank you Daddy. I love you."
"I love you too, Bethany"
B.C. closed the cell phone back up and slipped into her pocket. 'Grandpa, he'll know something. He was the head of the company back then. He'll know something.'
Later that evening, in a small apartment tucked away behind a comic book store, a young woman, a former super hero, sat on her bed stroking a green stuffed dragon, with the nametag proudly bearing the word Buttercup. She thought about the day she had received her most priceless treasure.
Little Bubbles lied down on the Powerpuff Girls' bed crying as hard as she could. She had foolishly brought her beloved Octi to the previous monster fight. Unfortunately, this monster was of the fire breathing variety, and gave Bubbles and her toy octopus an up close and personal demonstration. Bubbles was singed but otherwise ok, but Octi didn't fare as well. The result was a very dead monster and on less stuffed toy in the world. Blossom had given up all hope trying to comfort her sister and sat in a corner, sadly watching her grieving sister. Buttercup flew in the room and into the closet, pulling a large bag from the shelving.
"Bubbles?"
"Go away, I hate you! I hate everything!"
"Just listen, please?"
"What!?"
Buttercup gave her sister a sympathetic look. "Remember when I busted up that huge bootleg Fuzzy Friend operation?"
"Well, DUH. You wouldn't shut up about it for a week."
"Ha-ha, yeah. Well, the By corporation was so happy about it, they gave me a bunch of rare Fuzzy Friends as a reward. I was going to keep them and sell them someday, but I want you to have them." Buttercup emptied the bag's contents on the foot of the bed. Blossom got up from the corner and inspected Buttercup's gift.
"Woah, Buttercup those things are worth a fortune." Blossom gasped. Bubbles released the pillow she was crying into and crawled to the small pile of toys.
"Aww, thank you Buttercup, these are real nice but.. huh?" Bubbles caught sight of an unusual Fuzzy Friend, a green dragon. "I thought they only made animals."
"Oh yeah, that one was made special for me. The inventor said I had saved her company millions of dollars in lost revenue or something so she made that one for me as a reward."
"And I can keep her?"
"Yeah sure, anyways like I was saying, the inventor said.." Buttercup was cut off by a blue streak crashing into her. Bubbles had her green-eyed sister in a bear hug.
"OH, YOU'RE THE BESTEST SISTER IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! YOU'VENEVERDONEANYTHINGTHISNICEANDILOVEYOUSOMUCH. I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!!!!!" Bubbles released Buttercup and called out the door, "PROFESSOR!"
The Professor came into the room, wondering what the commotion was about. "What is it?" he asked.
"Look at what Buttercup gave me." Bubbles happily answered, thrusting the green dragon in his face.
"That's nice dear. I'm glad you're feeling better." Professor Utonium turned his attention towards Buttercup, who was being helped up by Blossom. "That was very wonderful thing you did for your sister."
Back in the present, Bubbles continued to stroke the dragon she had received so long ago. "Thanks to those toys you gave me, I had the money to start my business. I was so happy not because of the toys but because you gave me a part of yourself. This dragon always reminds me of you and how tough you were, but so caring and wonderful. I wish you were around today so you could see how well I'm doing. I even got meet the Bethany Luceid.." Bubbles stopped suddenly.
'Bethany Luceid, the way she comforted me. Those green eyes of hers.. The way she talked.. The way I felt around her.. Could it be?' Bubbles grabbed her phone from the nightstand and quickly dialed the number of her family's home in Notte Falls.
"Hello?" a male voice answered.
"Hi Professor." Bubbles answered back.
"Oh, hello Bubbles. How is everything?"
"Oh great, everything's great. Um, could I speak with Blossom, please?"
"Well she just went to bed, but I'll see if she's still awake."
"Thank yoou, tee-hee" Bubbles hated doing that, but she knew her father loved it. A few seconds later a tired voice came on the line.
"Yeah what is it?"
"Um.. Blossom?"
"Yes, Bubbles, what is it?"
"Well, I met Bethany Luceid today. She came into my store and talked with me and.."
"Urgh, Bubbles if you woke me up to tell me you met some famous, rich girl.."
"Just listen, we were talking about Townsville and stuff.."
"Get to the point!"
"Sorry. Blossom if I didn't know any better, I could've sworn she was really Buttercup."
Chapter 4
B.C. laid in the soft, comfortable hotel bed staring at the ceiling. She just had that dream again. It played like a movie, no deviation from earlier times save the new feelings of confusion, doubt and fear. 'We sat there in the fields, blowing bubbles while watching the buttercups bloom to full blossom, my sisters and I.'
'That girl's name was Bubbles. Coincidence, I guess.'
'Is it?'
'What the hell does that mean?'
'Why is it that Buttercup never appears in that dream?'
'I don't know.'
'Why do you even have that dream? You've never really heard about those girls until went to Townsville. Hell, you've never even seen them before, and you've been having that dream since you were six.'
'So?'
'SO? Shit, girl, think about it. What was your first memory?'
'What does that have to do with anything?'
'The hospital, right? Why nothing after that?'
'I had an accident and lost my memory. What's the big deal?'
'What kind of accident? Why didn't anyone tell you?'
'I don't know. What's your damn point?"
'Do they remember you before the hospital?'
'WHAT?!'
'You know what I mean. They never talked about before then, haven't they?'
'So what, it's not like I've asked.'
'Aren't you even curious?'
'I've got better things to think about. I mean, I'm going to inherit the company when Dad retires. I don't have time to think about shit like that!'
'Dad, huh? He didn't seem like dad when we woke up at that hospital.'
'SCREW THIS SHIT!!!! JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!' B.C. turned on the television in frustration, trying to silence that probing voice in her head. 'They were super heroes, right? Maybe they had psychic powers or something. I mean they did lose their sister. They might have just reached out to me or something. Maybe I did see them before, they might have been on the news and I just didn't remember.' It was too much for the young woman to bear. 'Why did Dad have to send me to that dump anyways? Hell, no one in their right mind would spend a penny on that place. Just full of psychos and kids trying to get the hell out.' B.C. sighed in frustration and concentrated on the television. She didn't want to think anymore.
B.C. sat in the diner a few blocks away from Dragonfly Comics. She downed her fourth cup of coffee waiting for the time to meet with the owner. She felt like hell, not having much sleep the previous night. Being a rising corporate star earned her a few curious glances from the more business oriented clientele. She decided that her casual ware would be appropriate because this wasn't really an official business meeting and she sure as hell didn't feel like dressing up. "Check please" she told the waitress.
"Here ya go, hon." The waitress handed her a paper with 12.95 scrawled on it. B.C. slipped a twenty in the bill and handed it back, telling the middle aged woman to keep the change. "Thanks sweetie." Was the reply. B.C. lifted herself off the seat and walked out the door and the rest of the way to the comic book store enjoying the cool autumn air as she walked down the street.
After a brisk walk, B.C. arrived at Bubbles Utonium's comic book store. 'A bit early, but what the hay. Guess I'll find a nice comic for James, since I'm here. I owe him that, at least.' B.C. entered the store and looked around. A rather large man sat at the counter fully engrossed in some horror comic.
"It is the Return of the Revenge of the Son of the Curse of Evil Tim, part three." He paused to tell her, then returned to his choice of literature. B.C. gave the man a strange look, and snickered to herself. 'Definitely one shy of a six pack.' She thought in amusement before browsing the wares.
"Hi there." B.C. was greeted by a perky blonde wearing a dress shirt, slacks and a smile. "You must be Miss Luceid."
"Uh.. Yeah, that's me." B.C. was a little embarrassed looking a little more dressed down than she should have been.
"I'm Bubbles, it's a pleasure to meet you." The young woman said, offering her hand. B.C. took Bubbles hand and shook it. "Ed, I'm going to.. Oh for crying out loud.. ED!"
"Yeah, boss?" Ed dropped his graphic novel at the sound of Bubbles's shriek.
"I'm going to the back with Miss Luceid, I need you to pay attention to the store."
"I will be like the eyes of an onion." Ed told her in a serious voice. Bubbles just shook her head and led B.C. to the back of the store and into a small office.
"Interesting guy." B.C. commented.
"Ed, he's a bit different, but he's a great help. Works all day and never complains. And he knows just about everything about the horror genre, not really my favorite kind."
"Yeah, you strike me more of a war story type." B.C. answered wryly. Bubbles giggled at joke.
"So, you wanted to talk about Townsville." Bubbles asked. B.C. could see something dangerous dancing in Bubbles's light blue eyes.
"Well, yeah, you see I had done some research there, for the company, and I thought it would be a good idea to get your perspective on it, seeing how you used to be the super hero there."
"They used us." Bubbles growled.
"I'm sorry?"
"They used us. We thought they loved us, but all they loved was us getting hurt for them. Fighting crime and monsters, it was all a big show for them. Just a fun show, for their enjoyment. We-we were too naïve to realize it. But Buttercup figured them out. She figured them out, but it was too late" Bubbles snarled.
"Um, Bubbles."
"Yes?"
"Would you mind talking to me about Buttercup."
"Huh?" Bubbles snapped out of her rage, "Buttercup? I don't mind, but why?"
"Curiosity, I guess. I'd like to know more about her. "
Bubbles looked pensively at her guest before answering, "Alright, come with me."
Bubbles led B.C. to a door in the back of the storeroom. Bubbles opened the door to reveal a small modest apartment. B.C. followed her host inside and took a quick look around. Posters of anime characters decorated the bright, white walls. There was a small television situated in front of a dark green loveseat. Bubbles continued upstairs to a small hallway with the two doors. One door had another colorful Japanese poster, B.C. surmised that it led to the blonde's bedroom. Across from it was the second door, with crucifix hanging in the middle of it. Bubbles unlocked and opened that door revealing a makeshift shrine, dedicated to her late sister. Many pictures sat the shelving, pictures of Buttercup posing with her sisters and alone, playing, fighting criminals and monsters. At the center of the shrine was a small, stuffed green dragon with a fierce expression.
"Is that a Fuzzy Friend? I thought they only made animals." B.C. asked
"It was made special for her. She gave it to me as a gift." Bubbles answered in small voice. "I look in here.. when I need to remember the good times."
"The good times?"
"When she was still with us. She was always acted so tough and mean, but deep down she was a warm and caring person. Whenever I was bored and lonely, she'd be there to play with me. Whenever I was scared or hurt, she'd be there to protect me. Whenever I needed her, she'd be there. Until that day."
"You mean.."
"She had accidentally killed Mojo Jojo while trying to stop him from killing a crowd of people. I don't know why, but everyone turned against her, they thought she did it on purpose. She pretended that she didn't care, but I knew it had really hurt her. One day, I broke one of our father's inventions and let her take the blame for it. She got sent to our room and that was the last time I saw her. If I'd only.. She might be.." It was too much for Bubbles to go on, tears began to stream from her eyes, and the young woman began sobbing. B.C. had felt terrible bringing up such painful memories. She took the grief stricken woman into her arms and held her while she cried for her lost angel.
Later in the afternoon, the women lounged on Bubble's small bed. They had traded stories of their lives. Bubbles talked about her family and growing up in Townsville and later, Notte Falls. B.C. told stories of her exploits in the planned community of Wolf Ridge and what it was like being the only daughter of Maxwell Luceid.
"So where did you get the name, B.C.?" Bubbles asked her new friend.
"My nanny, Kay. My full name is Bethany Christine Luceid, but she always called me B.C. I guess it kind of stuck."
"Kay? What was she like?"
"She was real great. The closest thing I had to a mother. She helped me out a lot with myself. Helped me out with my schoolwork, played with me, taught me about boys when I was old enough. Yeah, she was the best friend I ever had."
"She sounds pretty cool." Bubbles thought for a second. "So what are you planning to do about Townsville?"
"Oh yeah, that. Well, it's really not up to me, it's the board's decision to make." B.C. looked at Bubbles and smiled, "But between you and me, I think the government should spend the taxpayers' dollars on something more worthwhile, like a giant billboard that says no fat chicks." Bubbles looked back at B.C. and the two began to laugh at B.C.'s quip. The two lifted themselves of the bed and began to head back to the store section of the building.
"I'd better check up on Ed, he's not the kind of guy you want to leave alone for too long." Bubbles giggled.
"Yeah, he seems to be quite the character. I think one of our R&D guys may have known him."
"Really?"
"Yeah, some geek who always wears a hat, nice guy but a little on the anal retentive side. He always went on about his old friends, some wannabe con artist and a lovable oaf. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure your Ed is that oaf."
"Wow, small world. Say, if your free tonight, I know some fun places we can go tonight, have some drinks and check out guys."
"Oh man. I wish I could, but I got to get back home. If I'm too late, Dad'll kill me." Bubbles seemed disappointed at B.C.'s decline. "But the next time I get some free time, I'll come down and take you up on that." That perked Bubbles back up. "Anyways, thanks for talking to me, I'm sure it couldn't have been easy for you."
"Actually, I've been wanting to talk to someone about her. She was a really terrific sister and I want the world to know that." Bubbles wiped away a tear. "But I'm glad I met you. I look forward to the next time we meet again."
"Me too, Bubbles." The two friends hugged each other and headed their separate ways. Bubbles went back into her office and B.C. headed towards the store exit, when something in the display case by the door caught her eye. 'SPORE #1, oh man, James has been looking for that one forever. Oh what the hell.' "I'd like that SPORE #1 please." B.C. told Ed.
"That will be $600 plus tax, huh-huh." Ed told her while ringing up the amount. B.C. pulled out her personal checkbook and began to fill it out. "Any checks above the amount of $100 must be approved by the management." Ed recited the store's check policy.
"It's okay, Ed." Bubbles called out from her office. Ed seemed satisfied by his employer's response and accepted B.C.'s check.
"Table for two." Ed blurted out as he placed the mylar protected comic in a bag and handed it to B.C. "Thank you drive thru and please come again." Ed smiled at B.C.
"Uhh, yeah, uhh, see ya later." B.C. responded as she walked out the door.
After getting her things from the hotel, B.C. made her final preparations to return back to Wolf's Ridge. She dropped her sidearm off at delivery service and had it sent to her home, then she checked the company car in at a Luceid executive branch office. While making her rounds, B.C. thought about her meeting with Bubbles. 'Pretty nice kid, a bit too cute for a comic book storeowner, but she seems to have a good head on her shoulders. Funny, I just met her but it feels like I've known her all my life.'
'..blowing bubbles..'
'Strange, when she told me about her adventures as a super hero in Townsville, it all sounded familiar. Like I was being told my own memories.'
'..watching the buttercups..'
'She mentioned her sister, Blossom. I never met the woman, yet, when Bubbles described her, I knew who she was talking about, and what she was like.'
'..blossom to full bloom..'
'What does it all mean? Is it possible that.. It doesn't make any sense. Townsville is so far away from home, yet.. That mayor, Miss Bellum, she acted as if she knew who I was when I walked in. The motel owners, for some reason, there was something I didn't like about them. That cop, I just liked him before I really got to know him. And Bubbles..'
'My sisters and I.'
B.C. left the Luceid branch office and caught a taxi to the airport. She opened up her cell phone and dialed her father. "Daddy?"
"What's wrong dear?"
'No, I can't ask him. I know..' "Would it be alright if I visited with grandpa, before I come home?"
"Of course, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you."
'Strange, I thought I was on a time table.' "Are you sure? I know you and the board are waiting for my report."
"It's alright, I want you take all the time you need."
'What does that mean?' "Okay, thank you Daddy. I love you."
"I love you too, Bethany"
B.C. closed the cell phone back up and slipped into her pocket. 'Grandpa, he'll know something. He was the head of the company back then. He'll know something.'
Later that evening, in a small apartment tucked away behind a comic book store, a young woman, a former super hero, sat on her bed stroking a green stuffed dragon, with the nametag proudly bearing the word Buttercup. She thought about the day she had received her most priceless treasure.
Little Bubbles lied down on the Powerpuff Girls' bed crying as hard as she could. She had foolishly brought her beloved Octi to the previous monster fight. Unfortunately, this monster was of the fire breathing variety, and gave Bubbles and her toy octopus an up close and personal demonstration. Bubbles was singed but otherwise ok, but Octi didn't fare as well. The result was a very dead monster and on less stuffed toy in the world. Blossom had given up all hope trying to comfort her sister and sat in a corner, sadly watching her grieving sister. Buttercup flew in the room and into the closet, pulling a large bag from the shelving.
"Bubbles?"
"Go away, I hate you! I hate everything!"
"Just listen, please?"
"What!?"
Buttercup gave her sister a sympathetic look. "Remember when I busted up that huge bootleg Fuzzy Friend operation?"
"Well, DUH. You wouldn't shut up about it for a week."
"Ha-ha, yeah. Well, the By corporation was so happy about it, they gave me a bunch of rare Fuzzy Friends as a reward. I was going to keep them and sell them someday, but I want you to have them." Buttercup emptied the bag's contents on the foot of the bed. Blossom got up from the corner and inspected Buttercup's gift.
"Woah, Buttercup those things are worth a fortune." Blossom gasped. Bubbles released the pillow she was crying into and crawled to the small pile of toys.
"Aww, thank you Buttercup, these are real nice but.. huh?" Bubbles caught sight of an unusual Fuzzy Friend, a green dragon. "I thought they only made animals."
"Oh yeah, that one was made special for me. The inventor said I had saved her company millions of dollars in lost revenue or something so she made that one for me as a reward."
"And I can keep her?"
"Yeah sure, anyways like I was saying, the inventor said.." Buttercup was cut off by a blue streak crashing into her. Bubbles had her green-eyed sister in a bear hug.
"OH, YOU'RE THE BESTEST SISTER IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! YOU'VENEVERDONEANYTHINGTHISNICEANDILOVEYOUSOMUCH. I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!!!!!" Bubbles released Buttercup and called out the door, "PROFESSOR!"
The Professor came into the room, wondering what the commotion was about. "What is it?" he asked.
"Look at what Buttercup gave me." Bubbles happily answered, thrusting the green dragon in his face.
"That's nice dear. I'm glad you're feeling better." Professor Utonium turned his attention towards Buttercup, who was being helped up by Blossom. "That was very wonderful thing you did for your sister."
Back in the present, Bubbles continued to stroke the dragon she had received so long ago. "Thanks to those toys you gave me, I had the money to start my business. I was so happy not because of the toys but because you gave me a part of yourself. This dragon always reminds me of you and how tough you were, but so caring and wonderful. I wish you were around today so you could see how well I'm doing. I even got meet the Bethany Luceid.." Bubbles stopped suddenly.
'Bethany Luceid, the way she comforted me. Those green eyes of hers.. The way she talked.. The way I felt around her.. Could it be?' Bubbles grabbed her phone from the nightstand and quickly dialed the number of her family's home in Notte Falls.
"Hello?" a male voice answered.
"Hi Professor." Bubbles answered back.
"Oh, hello Bubbles. How is everything?"
"Oh great, everything's great. Um, could I speak with Blossom, please?"
"Well she just went to bed, but I'll see if she's still awake."
"Thank yoou, tee-hee" Bubbles hated doing that, but she knew her father loved it. A few seconds later a tired voice came on the line.
"Yeah what is it?"
"Um.. Blossom?"
"Yes, Bubbles, what is it?"
"Well, I met Bethany Luceid today. She came into my store and talked with me and.."
"Urgh, Bubbles if you woke me up to tell me you met some famous, rich girl.."
"Just listen, we were talking about Townsville and stuff.."
"Get to the point!"
"Sorry. Blossom if I didn't know any better, I could've sworn she was really Buttercup."