Author's Notes: Heya peeps. I'm back with Chapter 15. I'm so sorry that I didn't post this chapter up sooner, but high school is whole lot harder then I had expected it to be. I wrote most of this during my weekends and during my small breaks, but A LOT of this was written during Christmas Break. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 15: Green With Envy
Somewei
Bubbles…no…Princess was right…this was a trap, and I lead them into it…Blossom thought bitterly to herself. The redheaded leader shook her head and looked down toward the hallway. No…If we're going to win this war against Ivy then I have to be strong. Determined to get her sister back, she continued down the hallway, listening for anything suspicious lurking near her. Deciding it would be best to get an idea of who could've captured Bubbles and whom she was probably going to have to go up against, Blossom pondered about various suspects.
It can't be any of the Doom Girls because they're in training right now and obviously HIM, Mojo, Sedusa or any other villain could've knocked her out unless they used Antidote X. But that would take to much time to inject her and Bubbles could've escaped a long time ago…so…Blossom analyzed. It has to be Butch, Brick or Ivy. I have a feeling that Butch is with Buttercup so that cancels him out leaving my counterpart and enemy. Great…the two people I don't want Bubbles to be in the custody of…
"Bubbles!" Buttercup shouted as she began to dash off to where she heard Bubbles scream, but was cut off when Butch grabbed her wrist.
"Ah, what's the matter, Buttercup? I thought you were eager to beat me up?" Butch mocked as he dragged her closer to him. Buttercup gritted her teeth, stomped on his foot and jammed her left elbow underneath his chin. Butch released her arm and stumbled back a bit from the impact.
"That was when my sister wasn't in danger. So sorry, Butch, but I'm going to take a rain check on this fight," The raven-haired fighter snapped as she floated slightly above the ground and took off down the hall. Butch shook the pain off and then chased after his counterpart. He sped up and soon maneuvered himself in front of Buttercup. She stopped abruptly, glared at the green Rowdyruff and growled, "Get out of my way."
"Why? You seemed thrilled to fight just a short while ago," Butch remarked.
Blossom panted as she ran through the halls of Ivy's palace. This was the first time that she would have to face Ivy alone without her sisters at her side, but if it meant risking her life to save Bubbles then she would readily do it. For too long Blossom lay hidden underground from Ivy. It was her time to shine. It was her time to be the strongest. She, Blossom, would once again reign as the top strategist and leader, and once again resume her strength.
"Butch, please move!" Buttercup snapped as her anger began to rise. Butch was insistent on not letting her leave. The raven-haired puff looked into his eyes and saw fierce determination. Sighing, she saw no way out this situation. She knew that he was anything like her, then he wasn't going to give up until he got want he wanted and this time it was a fight.
"I'm not going to let you leave, Buttercup! Face the fact that you can't save Bubbles. Besides, I'd be more worried about myself if I were in your position," Butch remarked. Buttercup's fists clenched as she listened to his arrogance. The thing that got her even madder was the fact that he was stronger then she was and he knew it too. He knew that he had an advantage over her and he also knew that she knew it too.
"It seems that you're not going to back down are you?" Buttercup commented. The green ruff smirked finally knowing that she wasn't going anyone. The puff back up slightly and braced herself for his attack. Without hesitation, Butch jumped from his spot and lunged himself at her. He threw his fist back ready to punch her just as Buttercup lifted her arms up to block, but he surprised her when he used his other hand to punch her in the stomach.
Buttercup stumbled back coughing. Okay, this fight was going to be a little more difficult than all the others were. Obviously Butch had gotten stronger, but this was nothing surprising to Buttercup. He always got stronger every time they encounter, but this time Buttercup had gotten stronger and she was not going to run.
The two stared at each other for some time trying to anticipate the other's movements, trying to see who would strike first, and if so, what they were going to do. Buttercup looked into Butch's eyes trying to figure out why he was so eager to fight. She noticed that his intense glare at her didn't falter and Buttercup's didn't either. They stared at each for the longest time.
"I've been waiting for this," Butch said. Buttercup backed up slightly and put up her guard once again. "A fight between you and me, one-on-one, no interruptions. Daisy won't be here to get in my way and neither are my brothers or your sisters. Ivy has given me complete freedom to fight you with no interference. All I have left to say is this - are you ready?"
Buttercup narrowed her eyes, got into a fighting stance and gave her dangerous answer, "Bring it on."
Butch smirked and floated several inches of the ground. Buttercup's eyes followed him. Her heart pounded for some reason and then something hit her. No interruptions which meant that neither Bubbles, Blossom or Boomer would be able to hear her, and Ivy wouldn't stop them in mid-fight. She swallowed the lump in her throat and waited for Butch.
He came all to quickly for her. His punches and kicks were swift and it took all of Buttercup's concentration to try and dodge them. Finally one of his punches connected with Buttercup's stomach again and it caused her to double over. Immediately Butch pushed her against a stone wall and pinned her to it. Buttercup struggled to break free and all of a sudden a familiar feeling swept over her.
It was like when Boomer pinned her and Butch used her as his "new punching bag" except this time it would be worst. Butch pushed her deeper into the wall and caused an outline of her body to be indented in the wall. He threw a punch at her but it was quickly deflected by Buttercup. Breaking her arm free from Butch's grip, she punched him the face and then gave him a roundhouse kick.
The green ruff flew back and crashed into the wall. Rubble tumbled around him and enclosed his body. Buttercup collapsed onto one knee, never taking her eyes off of the pile her rubble. Her heart pounded faster that it had just a few seconds ago and her adrenaline was rising. The ground began to shake violently and with a burst of energy, Butch emerged from his stone prison.
He turned his angry glare on her and dashed at her. Buttercup jumped to her feet and once again concentrated on blocking Butch's furious attacks. As she blocked her eyes darted all around the hallway. Maybe she could find something to have her get the upper hand. She looked back at Butch and thought hard.
Blossom stopped running and looked around. She closed her eyes and began to shout commands to Bubbles through her mind, hoping her blonde sister would hear them. No such luck occurred because all she heard was silence. Sighing, Blossom figured that Bubbles was still knocked out.
"Brick, would be as so kind as to guide our guest here. I'm sure she's lost," Ivy said calmly as she kept her eyes on the unconscious Bubbles. She was a bit disappointed that the blue puff hadn't given much of a fight, but that was okay because Blossom would be the one facing off with her. She only wanted Bubbles to be the bait and obviously her plan succeed.
"Of course," Brick said as he turned on her his heel and walked out of the room. As he ventured down the halls searching for his counterpart, he began to fidget with his maroon shirt and black jacket. For some reason he was nervous about seeing Blossom despite the fact that he was still upset with her. But what irked him was that Butch always pressured him about it. He always questioned Brick about why he was upset with Blossom and Brick would give the same excuse, but truthfully he didn't know why he was upset with his counterpart.
The redheaded ruff shook his head, trying to get the thoughts out of his head. He didn't need to be distracted when he saw her. He needed to be focused so he could execute his orders perfectly. He decided that he would knock her out by surprise so she could be a little strong when she faces Ivy…he'll be a little nice to her.
Turning down the corner, Brick saw Blossom and noticed that her back was to him. Shaking his head, he crept up behind her and hit her behind the neck. Blossom gave out a soft gasp as she collapsed into him unconsciously. The red ruff picked up his counterpart and began heading back toward the main control room.
He stopped walking when he heard a battle cry coming from behind him. He turned around and listened intently. The cry came again and Brick figured out that it was coming from Buttercup. She unmistakably found Butch and both were having their little duel at the moment. Rolling his eyes, he turned around and started back toward his destination. In a short while, he would be witnessing a fight between Blossom and Ivy - the two fiery leaders that had reputations for their tempers and minds.
The two greens punched each other at the exact same time and both skidded back. Butch put his hand on the ground to slower his speed and Buttercup dug her feet into the ground making some of the stone come up. Pushing off the broken floor, Buttercup charged at Butch. The male fighter's eyes narrowed as he pushed himself up and started blocking all of Buttercup's brutal assaults.
Grabbing her wrist, he flung her across the room. Although she was at top speed, the green puff managed to spin her body around and kick off the wall. Once again she charged at Butch and began her aggression again, but again Butch grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the ground. He looked into her eyes and saw them flash green for a brief second before feeling an intense heat to his chest and the force of him being knocked into the ceiling. Growling, he pushed himself away from the ceiling and glared at Buttercup. She used a power she hadn't used in a long time - her eye lasers.
"Nice little trick, but I got something better," Butch said as he landed on the ground again. Buttercup rose an eyebrow and readied herself from another attack by Butch but instead felt the ground shaking. She turned her emerald eyes on him and saw him smirking. Lightning began to crackle around his body and gave off a fierce heat. "You like? It's a new attack that I learned a little while ago. I was perfecting it for you."
Buttercup gritted her teeth as the ground began to shake more violently and the lightning became more turbulent. Butch began to laugh as he held his arms apart and two small balls of electricity form in the center of his palms. The green puff swallowed hard as she kept her eyes on the energy.
"Put her down on the floor. She'll wake up right now," Ivy ordered Brick. He nodded and gently put the pink puff on the ground. The woman walked up to the Powerpuff leader and kicked her on her side. "Wake up."
No movement came from Blossom as Ivy waited impatiently for her rival to awaken. Ivy tried kicking the teenager again, but was instantly caught by Blossom. She opened her eyes and revealed furious pink eyes. Growling, she said, "Don't ever kick me again…I don't appreciate it."
"You think you have a high status here to order me around like that?" Ivy sneered. "I shall do whatever I want despite the fact that you like it or not. In my empire you are lower than dirt, lower than an amoebae, lower the smallest living organism this universe has to offer."
Blossom jumped to her feet and stared straight into Ivy's eyes. The last time she looked at her enemy with unfaltering determination was when she first arrived on the planet, but that was quickly shattered when Ivy quickly proved to be a formidable foe. Clenching her fists, Blossom growled, "You shouldn't be talking. While everyone else was doing your dirty work, you stayed in this pitiful palace and held the thing they hold most precious ransom. Are you that unfit for command to blackmail your so-called servants to do your bidding?"
"How dare you! You shouldn't be lecturing me on leadership when you yourself is faltering in that field!" Ivy shouted letting her anger get the best of her. Blossom narrowed her eyes as she thought quickly of her counter. If she stammered at all in this combat of wits then she would cease to be the best at debates and cease to be at least "worthy" in Ivy's eyes.
"At least I have people's loyalty without threat under them and I can lead them with their trust in me," Blossom sneered as she glared at Ivy. She swallowed her fear sensing something bad was about to occur. She didn't know what it was, but she kept her guard up both physically and mentally.
"I'm not the one who was betrayed at your most weakest point," Ivy argued. Gritting her teeth, Blossom kept her calm. She would not let her anger get the best of her although her opponent had hit a nerve. As the redheaded puff thought about what to say something struck her. She didn't know Princess and Aaron betrayed her. Smirking, Blossom finally knew what to say.
"How can you be so sure? If I remember correctly, Princess and Aaron left a long time ago and gave distinct information that Bubbles was bait the whole time and you planned on breaking me down with that," Blossom countered. Ivy's eyes widened with each word.
Traitors? In her presence and she had not known about it? To make it worse, Blossom was the one to deliver the news causing her to become speechless. Ivy had no argument to deflect what the pink puff just said. The female villain looked into Blossom's eyes and saw a fire dance around in them. She knew that Blossom knew she won. Ivy clenched her fists and let an angry growl escape.
"You think you can embarrass me in my own quarters? My own territory because if you thought that then you are deadly mistaken," Ivy scoffed.
"Me, mistaken?" Blossom said offhandedly. Her pink eyes were scanning the area, trying to find an exit or some place to hid. Her eyes fell upon her unconscious sister hanging on the wall by the shackles around her wrists. The redheaded puff tried to keep herself calm as she noticed her sisters weak body. Closing her eyes and turning away from Bubbles, she looked at Ivy. When she opened her eyes, she found her enemy looking at her with a smirk.
"Ah, did poor Blossom find her dear little sister?" Ivy asked. "Well, let me tell you something. You better get a good look at her because once I'm through with you; you won't be around to see either her or your other wretched sister anymore. Actually, forget I said that…you and Buttercup won't be able to see Bubbles anymore because Butch is taking care of her as I speak."
"Buttercup," Blossom whispered, her eyes widening. "What are you planning on doing to Bubbles?"
"Simple, really. Keep her as a slave," Ivy replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I plan keeping something of yours as a trophy like a necklace or some hair to show your failure. Of course, I have to get rid of you first, and when that job is completed, I will rule the universe!"
The green puff ran as fast as her legs would carry her as she tried to dodge the electric bolts emitting from Butch's hands. She stole a quick glance at him and saw him smirking at her. She gritted her teeth as she jumped out of the way of an incoming bolt. Landing gracefully on the ground, Buttercup began her charge at him.
"Trying to attack, are you?" Butch said amused. "That's a laugh."
He released a wave of energy and directed at his counterpart. It hit her in the stomach and caused her to fly back. Once her back connected with the wall, the green puff began to choke violently as she tried to regain her breath. As she tried to control her shaking body, she could hear Butch's taunting voice, "Is that all you can do? Run, jump and avoid? I guess I underestimated your abilities. Here I was thinking you were better than this. Guess I was wrong."
Buttercup growled and looked at Butch. The lightning was still emitted from his body fiercely and she knew that if she charged at him, it would only result in her being thrown into another coughing fit. Once her breathing slowed, she began to think of every possibility she could use to win this fight. Butch had a new power that was…wait…a new power? Didn't she have one as well?
Buttercup knew she could use it, but if she used it too soon then he'll know everything she can do and there'll be no hope of escaping if he outmaneuvers her. Closing her eyes, she thought what would Blossom do. She snapped her eyes open when she heard Butch say, "I think its time that we end this little dispute."
Having only a second to react to the incoming of Butch's power, she dodged out of the way and ran as a stream of lightning followed her like a guided missile.
I got to tire him out, but if I keep running, it'll only tire me out, Buttercup thought. I got to get him to fight without his powers until I find the opportune moment to use mine.
"What's the matter, Butch? Can't fight without your powers?" she taunted. "Are you that much of a coward?"
"John! Sandy! Sara! You're back! Oh thank goodness! I beginning to wonder who would open my pickle jar seeing that the girls are gone!" The Mayor said in his usual, naïve tone. Sara sighed heavily as she listened to the mayor's ranting while Sandy giggled quietly to herself. "By the way, where did you guys go?"
"That's not important right now, Mayor," John said solemnly. "What is important to figure out what kind of predicament the girls and Boomer are in."
"It's obviously a trap, John," Ms. Bellum said. "A foolish one, but enough to get the girls to fall for it."
"Yes, I know," The professor returned. Shaking his head he looked at the two women and said, "For now we need to find a way to get the girls – and Boomer – some help and get them safely away from Ivy, Brick and Butch."
Nodding in agreement, the three began to venture to the main control room. The Mayor watched them walk away with confusion written over his face before shouting, "Hey! What about my pickle jar?"
"Wait for me!" huffed Aaron as he tried to keep up with Blossom's rival. Princess rolled her eyes, stopped walking and faced the blonde-haired teenager. She tapped her foot on the ground anxiously as she waited for Aaron to catch up. She knew she didn't have much time seeing how Ivy's plan was already put into action and she needed to get to the Powerpuff base so she could try to help them, but it seemed to more was in store for Princess by means of Aaron.
"Can't you go any faster? You're slowing us down!" She complained as her companion finally caught up to her. Resting his hands on his knees, Aaron tried to catch his breath. Once his breathing slowed down, he looked up at Princess with a frown.
"I'm not like you who runs and jumps and fights everyday," He reminded her. "In case you haven't noticed I was always either the 'errand boy' or the technician for Ivy. I was not fighting the Powerpuffs like you and the other villains were."
"But didn't you play any sports in school?" Princess asked. Aaron shook his head and the redheaded female sighed in aggravation. "Whatever! This conversation is pointless and it's taking time away from helping the others get a victory over that horrific woman! Now come on!"
"Coward? You dare call me a coward!" Butch shouted as he stopped his electrical rampage. "I'm not the one constantly running around. Need I remind you that you're running around, dodging everything rather than actually fighting."
"I'm not the one who's using long-ranged attacks to try and hit me. What's the matter Butch? Can't fight without using powers anymore?" Buttercup continued to taunt her already angered counterpart. The lightening disappeared as Butch kept his focus on Buttercup. His anger face then turned into an arrogant expression as his frown was turned into a smirk.
"Very well then, but remember, you signed your death warrant," Butch said smoothly. Butch charged at Buttercup at full speed and the green puff tried to think of where to escape. She dodged his attack, but as she tried to run away, he caught her ankle and threw her into the wall. She crashed into the wall and then fell to the ground. As she tried to get up, rubble fell onto her back causing her to be buried within the debris.
As she stayed with the rubble trying to recuperate, she felt Butch's hand grab her wrist and lift her out of the rubble. He punched her in the stomach and then gave her a roundhouse kick to her face. Again, she crashed into the wall and fell to the ground. She groaned as she felt many of her previous wounds begin to take its toll on her. Panting heavily, she stood up and before she could react, Butch pinned her to the wall and began his assault of punches on her. He finally released her and watched as she collapsed to the ground.
"How's that for being a coward," He muttered. He frowned when Buttercup got up once again. Becoming angry, he forgot Buttercup's challenge and resorted to using his powers to weaken his counterpart. Summoning a majority of his powers, he aimed his attack towards Buttercup and released it on her. She screamed out in pain as she collapsed to the ground.
"Don't you sound a bit arrogant?" Blossom asked as she narrowed her eyes. Ivy's eyes narrowed as well as the two engaged in a staring contest.
"You're one to talk," Ivy sneered. "You may have won the short battle of wits, but trust me, on the account of strength, you won't win. You'll be begging me to stop hitting you not even halfway through the fight and you know what? I won't stop until you've been completely crushed. Blossom, you know what you are to me? A little bug that needs to be squished. You're an annoying fly that just won't be a good girl and die."
"All I'm hearing is the same thing that both you and previous villains have said to me. This speech on winning and me being the way is nothing but a monologue that never dies," Blossom snapped. "So truth be told, you're the annoying fly and trust me, I'm going to enjoy rid of both you and the darn monologue."
Ivy sneered as she watched the anger flare up in Blossom, but a small whisper caught both girls attention. The small whisper from Bubbles, sidetracked the pink puff and immediately threw down her guard, "Blossom…help…"
"Bubbles," Blossom whispered. Ivy looked from the weakened Bubbles to Blossom and with a quick jump into the air, Ivy charged at the hotheaded leader. The Powerpuff caught a quick glimpse of Ivy charged before she was knocked back into the wall behind her. Blossom shook the rubble off of her and dodged and incoming punch that was directed towards her.
Bubbles gasped as she watched the fight between her sister and Ivy grow and instantaneously tried to help her sister, but was stopped by Brick. Bubbles struggled to break free from Brick's grasp as she watched her sister get thrown into the stone wall again.
"Brick please…let go," Bubbles pleaded. Blossom got onto her feet and once again started to dodge all of Ivy's assaults. She bit her bottom lip as she concentrated on Ivy.
If I ever wanted a vision, it would be now! Blossom thought desperately. I want to know what she's going to do.
Buttercup struggled to get up as the painful feeling of electricity shot through her. She collapsed once again and listened to everything. She could hear her own screaming being mixed in Butch's maniacal laughter. Buttercup collapsed to the ground again and looked straight ahead. She could see Butch's feet moving towards her and her heart began to quicken.
Butch loomed over her injured body. He smirked as he continued to watch the green puff struggle to sit up. For so long he wanted a one-on-one fight with just him and no Dawn to interfere. For so long he wanted Buttercup to feel the intense pain of his attacks like he endured the pain from hers and now his wish was granted. He picked her up by the collar of her shirt and lifted her off the ground. She choked out in pain as her bruised body was moved around.
Buttercup placed her hands on his arms, trying to get him to release her. He let out another laugh as he raised his fist to punch her. He looked into her eyes and noticed both fear and pain mixing into her emerald eyes for the first time in the fearless puff. He brought her closer to him until their noses touched each other.
"Ready to feel tremendous pain?" Butch asked.
"Do you think you can do it? Do you think you can live with the burden of taking someone's life? Butch, you love to fight just as much as me, but taking someone's life is a different ball game. Are you really that much like Ivy? Are you really that heartless and cold?" Buttercup interrogated in a desperate voice.
"Shut up! I'll do what I want!" Butch shouted at her as he punched her in the face. The green puff was sent back and crashed into the stone wall behind her. Butch walked up to her and grabbed her once again by the neck.
"Butch," Buttercup pleaded desperately. "Listen to me. You have to wake up and realize what kind of mess you're in!"
"Hypocrisy!" Butch shouted. Buttercup furrowed her eyebrows, wondering what he was talking about. "All you're feeding me is hypocrisy! Buttercup, you yourself take lives everyday when you save this pathetic town from monster or villains! You are your sisters are hypocrites – all of you! You're only telling me this because you want to save your own life!"
Buttercup's breathing became shallow as she watched Butch. With each word his voice became louder and the ground began to shake with electricity sparks erupting from both the ground and his body. She tried to make her dry mouth moist again, but all she could concentrate on was Butch and his anger.
"I'm tired of it!" Butch said. "Day in and day out, I've watched you girls save the town and for what! Nothing! These citizens go on day by day taking our powers for granted! No more! I am going to use my powers to rise up above these fools and make them bow down to me!"
"And getting rid of me and my sisters will help how?" The raven-haired fighter questioned.
"You and your sisters are so 'perfect' that you'll do anything to get in my way of power," Butch said dangerously low. "Getting rid of you is the first step towards my rise of power."
Buttercup's eyes widen. Butch jumped from where he was standing and charged toward her. The green puff's heart raced as she watched the lightening sparks fly from his body dramatically and once the green ruff came close to Buttercup she closed her eyes and screamed. As soon as her eyes shut she imagined one memory of Butch she treasured and she instantaneously released an illusion. Butch stopped charging when Buttercup disappeared from his sight and snow started to fill the room.
"What?" He whispered as the lightening disappeared from around him. He held out his hands and he watched the snow fall around him. He looked ahead and noticed his house from before the attack by Ivy. The green ruff sniffed the air and smelt melted chocolate coming from the house. Closing his eyes and heard the faint traces of Christmas carols being sung.
He opened his eyes and found himself inside the house where he found the Utonium family, his brothers, Vanessa and Ms. Bellum sitting around the fire talking. The girls and the boys were decorating the house while the adults drank hot chocolate and talked amongst themselves.
He walked further into the living room and saw Blossom and Brick setting up porcelain angels on the mantel while the talked and laughed together about school. He also saw Bubbles and Boomer decorating the Christmas tree with gold ornaments. Butch then rested his eyes on Buttercup as she stood on a stool, trying the fix the mistletoe above the entrance to the kitchen. The stool began to wobble, but before she could fall, the illusion version of Butch caught her and then lifted her down to the ground safely.
"Thanks Butch," 'Buttercup' said.
"No problem," 'Butch' said with a smile. The real Butch watched carefully as the two green counterparts moved towards their parents and sat down with them. The scene before Butch vanished as an image of him when he was sick with the cold and his mother taking care of him.
"Buttercup…" Butch called. "What are you doing? Why are you doing this?"
No reply came as the scene changed again and turned into an image of him and his brothers playing football at the park on the traditional Townsville picnic day. The images continuously changed and Butch became more and more confused and angry.
"Buttercup!" He screamed. "Answer me! Stop showing me this! Stop it!"
The green ruff collapsed to his knees, holding his head in his hands. In shaky whispers and through angry tears he whispered, "Stop…please…just stop."
The images stopped changing and it revealed a battered Buttercup. In even sized steps, she walked towards him and bent down to his crouched size. Gently lifting up his chin, she saw his tear-streaked face and asked in a hushed voice, "Why do you want me to stop showing you these memories? Is it because you're trying to remember why you loved being who you were rather than this madman crazed for power?"
"Yes," He croaked in a weak voice. Buttercup's eyes softened as he continued, "Yes, I do because I think they are a weakness. I think these happy memories, these loving memories are a weakness."
"Oh Butch," Buttercup whispered as she embraced him in a tight hug. "Love, happiness and many of these joyful emotions aren't a weakness. They are a strength that keeps us strong against our fears and our enemies that pursue destroy what we cherish and build. It is because of love that we can be strong and can protect those who care for us. It is because of love that we can go on with dignity and hope."
Butch cried in Buttercup's arms as he listened to her speak and in faint murmurs, he said, "I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…"
"John, we have two teenagers waiting outside the base saying they wish to speak with you," an operator of the main control room said to the professor. "They said their names are Princess and Aaron and that they know of Ivy's plans."
John nodded as he exited the control room and headed towards the entrance hall. Once he reached his destination, he noticed the two familiar teenagers and greeted them with a blunt hello before he cut to the chase, "Princess, Aaron, I know what you are here for, but how can we know we can trust you?"
"Simple," Princess responded immediately. "Because we wouldn't come here and tell you of Ivy's plans knowing that you would not trust us. No matter how much we could try to convince you, there would always be some doubt in your heart."
The professor looked into Princess' eyes and saw that she was telling the truth. "Fine, I believe you for now. Tell me of her plans."
"Ivy plans on striking the town when the girls are the weakest. Meaning mentally, emotionally and physically. She's waiting on Blossom the most though," Princess explained solemnly. John furrowed his eyebrows in confusion before Princess continued. "Blossom is the leader and the strongest. Ivy knows that if Blossom falls as a leader because of her own emotional misery then she can move to dominate. Without a proper leader, Ivy figures that Bubbles and Buttercup will fall. What she didn't calculate was that the girls would be able to turn at least Boomer back, but she then thought with Brick under her control, then the Rowdyruff Boys won't be a problem."
"So everything rides on Blossom's emotions and Brick's decision on which side he will choose to be on," John muttered and then sighed. "Another burden placed upon Blossom's shoulders. With all this stress, Blossom will fall."
"That's what Ivy hopes for," Aaron said suddenly. All eyes turned on him as he began to speak, "But what Blossom doesn't know, can't hurt her…literally. She already knows that she needs to bring Brick back, but if you tell her of his importance then she'll try too hard and it could ruin her. Just make sure she stays happy and focused and you'll be fine. Like you said, anymore stress on the leader could and will bring her to her fall."
"It's exactly what Aaron said," Princess agreed. "Now, Ivy doesn't know that I was able to hack onto most of her information on the computers. Give me a computer and I'll be able to retrieve a lot of her plans for you."
John nodded, "You two come with me. We can use you in the main control room. With you being able to access important information for us and with Blossom's plans, hopefully we'll be able to get a victory over this wretched woman. But one question…why are you helping us?"
"I'm helping you because I'm tired of Ivy running my life. My father disappeared when the attacks happened and Ivy proclaimed she was holding my father captive, but I knew that was a lie. I want to get rid of her and her evil and I know the only people that can get rid of her is the Powerpuffs," Princess stated. "I want my life and freedom back."
"Same here," Aaron seconded. John nodded and motioned for the two teenagers to follow him. They quickly walked to the main control room; they found both Sara and Sandy looking at the computers with frowns on their faces. John noticed the distress facial expressions and asked what was wrong.
"The girls strength is very weak," Sara explained. "Blossom's overall status isn't too good and neither is Buttercup's. Both are weak from fighting and we don't know how much longer they can hold out. Boomer and Bubbles are in the best shape because they haven't seen any action."
"We also found out what's happening over there," Sandy continued. "Butch and Buttercup are facing off in a brutal fight as well as Blossom and Ivy having a one-on-one fight with each other. Bubbles is tied up watching Blossom's fight, unable to help her and Brick is just watching like nothing is happening."
"How do you know all this?" John asked, surprised at the information given to him. Sara smiled, as did Sandy.
"We were able to contact what's left of NASA and they said they could help us. We used one of their many satellites and used body heat coming from the palace to find out what's going on," Ms. Bellum said, pleased with their course of action. John's eyebrows rose impressed, but then shook his head.
"Satellite tracking is going to famous for tracking people, right next to the girls," John muttered. "Anyway, what about Boomer? What's his position?"
"Boomer is trying to find a way in, but so far he hasn't succeeded." Sandy replied.
"Can't that boy break through the walls? For Christ's sake, their secrecy has been blown, so what's the point of trying to sneak in their quietly?" John exclaimed and then turned his eyes on Sara. "You contact your boy somehow and tell him to platy knight in shining armor to my daughter right now. If he doesn't move, this could mean the end of Blossom as we know it."
"John, don't you have faith in the girls?" Sandy asked, shocked at John's pessimism.
"With Ivy's strength matching against Blossom's, Ivy's sure to win this bout," Princess interjected as Aaron nodded enthusiastically behind her. John and Sandy looked at each other with disturbed expressions as they thought about what could happen to Blossom.
"Princess, Aaron, come with me and we'll set you up on a computer," the professor said.
Ivy threw a punch at Blossom and the pink puff ducked. She countered by throwing a punch at Ivy's stomach, but the clever woman dodged and jumped away from her opponent. Blossom stepped back and wiped as much blood from her face as she could. Although Blossom was tossed around a couple of times, many of the objects she was thrown had already pierced through her skin. The redheaded puff wiped the trickling blood from her lip and tried to think of what Ivy was going to do next.
Ivy began to charge at her once again and Blossom began to run backwards, never taking her eyes off the woman in front of her. The older woman's speed began to quicken and Blossom resorted to gliding over the floor instead of running, but Ivy was too quick for her because she caught up to her and proceeded to punch Blossom. The hot-tempered leader grabbed Ivy's fist and kicked Ivy who only grabbed the foot.
Ivy twisted Blossom's ankle and the pink puff let out muffled screams. Getting a firm grip on Blossom's ankle, Ivy threw Blossom towards the computer that was behind Ivy. The pink puff collided with the computer causing many broken pieces of glass to glide over her skin and give her many scratches on her arms and face. Blossom tumbled to the ground and looked at her sister. Traces of tears could be found of the blue puff. Blossom then looked at Brick and saw that her counterpart remained emotionless.
Bubbles bit her bottom lip as she watched her sister get through around like she was nothing. She tried many times to break free from Brick's hold, but he held a firm grip. Bubbles eventually gave up, but it hurt her to see her sister in so much pain and she could do nothing but watch. Bubbles wanted to jump into the fight and help Blossom, but she knew she couldn't no matter how much she wished.
"Is little Blossom wondering what her counterpart is thinking?" She heard Ivy say. Looking at her sister, she saw Blossom grit her teeth and looked back up at Ivy with fierce determination. As she struggled to get up, everyone in the room listened closely to what Blossom was saying. Ivy leaned forward and with a smile, she said, "What was that? I couldn't hear you."
"I said no," Blossom hissed. "I'm neither concerned nor wondering."
Bubbles felt Brick's grip tightened on her. The cheerful puff looked at Brick and saw anger and hurt flicker in his cold red eyes. She looked back at Blossom and looked into her pink eyes and saw that she was lying. Of course Blossom was wondering. Bubbles should have seen it. The blue puff figured that Blossom's nightmare often caused her to think about what Brick was feeling and thinking, even if she didn't admit it, but apparently through her lies she was hurting Brick in the process, even if he didn't admit it. Looking back at the fighting redheads, the blonde began to wonder where Boomer was.
As Boomer floated around the palace, he felt a vibrating coming from his jean pocket. He furrowed his eyebrows, reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. Looking at it oddly, he answered the phone and heard his mother's frantic voice on the other end.
"Boomer," Sara said. "You have to break through those walls and get both Bubbles and Blossom. If you don't, it could mean Blossom's end. Get in there!"
Boomer complied, hung up the phone and flew directly through the wall. As soon as he touched the floor, he felt the ground begin to shake. Curious as what was happening, he tired to contact Bubbles.
Bubbles! It's me, Boomer, can you hear me? Boomer thought, hoping that his girlfriend could hear him. Apparently she had because she quickly replied after several seconds.
Boomer! I was wondering what happened to you. Where are you? Bubbles said telepathically.
I'm in the palace, but why was the ground shaking?
That was both Blossom and Ivy colliding. Boomer, you have get over here because I don't know how much longer Blossom can last. I would help, but Brick is holding me back. He won't let me get anywhere near her, but I think I found out the reason why Brick is with Ivy, Bubbles said.
You can tell me that later. Tell me where you are and I'll come and get you, Boomer said with urgency.
We're in the main control room, The blonde female answered. Nodding, Boomer replied that he would be there in a second and flew off towards the main control room while he wondered he would be able to free Blossom and Bubbles from both his brother and Ivy.
Butch and Buttercup looked around the palace as they felt the ground rumble. Standing up, Butch muttered, "It must be Ivy and Blossom."
Buttercup looked back at Butch with a worried expression, she began to question, "Blossom and Ivy? What do you mean? Are you saying that they are having a fight? We have to find them and get Blossom out of there. Where are they fighting?"
"Calm down, Buttercup," Butch said gently. "We'll find both your sisters and get them out of there. Maybe with your illusions we can sneak both girls out of there without Ivy or Brick noticing, but if your panicking, we can't help them in any way."
Buttercup swallowed and nodded her head slowly. Butch smiled and then commanded her to follow him. The two green counterparts began running towards the main control room and as they were running, they ran into Boomer, who was more then thrilled to see both of them. Butch told his brother of his plan as the three continued to run towards the battle.
Blossom panted heavily as she tried to avoid Ivy's blows. She was beginning to tire and she began to wonder if she could hold out any longer. She looked around the room and saw many holes in the walls and ground from her being thrown around by Ivy. She looked back at Ivy and gritted her teeth. The redheaded Powerpuff could feel her body begin to hurt.
Bubbles tried to break free from Brick, but his tight grip on her stopped her. Desperate to get to her sister she said, "Brick, why are you doing this? Why are betraying everything that you are? Betraying your family and friends?"
"Betraying? I have not been a traitor to my friends and family because I have none! " Brick argued. Both watched as Blossom was crashed against the wall and fell to the ground. Blossom felt the wind get knocked out of her as she tried to breathe. Bubbles looked at Brick again with tearful, pleading eyes.
"She's your friend! Blossom would help you in any way she could. She would do anything for you, Brick! You betrayed her!" Bubbles yelled at him.
"Betrayed her! HER! She betrayed me!" Brick screamed. "She's the traitor! Not me!"
"Brick, what are you – " The blonde-haired puff began, but was stopped when Ivy knocked her from behind and sent her headfirst into the wall. Blossom gasped as she jumped to her feet.
"Bubbles!" she screamed. She began to run towards her sister, but was stopped when Ivy pinned her to the wall by her neck. She gasped out, trying breathe as her nemesis began to choke her with her powerful grip. Gasping, Blossom cried out, "Ivy, let go of me!"
"Why? So you can play hero by rescuing Brick from me?" Ivy snorted as she pressed Blossom deeper into the wall. "Look around, what do you see? Don't you see that Brick chooses to be here. His brother's were weak, impudent fools who aren't worth my time. I'm getting really tired of you trying to turn my servants, my fighters against me. Brick, do you want to say here and become stronger, more powerful?"
Brick turned around and looked at Ivy and then looked at Blossom. He saw her struggling to break free and to breathe. Looking back at Ivy, he frowned and whispered, "Yes."
Ivy looked back at Blossom and was about to speak when a loud, strong voice screamed, "LET HER GO!"
All eyes turned around and fell upon and panting Bubbles. She stood up with fiery determination and growled, "You touch her any more than what you already have, I swear I'll make you feel so much pain you'll be begging for me to stop."
Ivy rose an eyebrow, smirked and began to laugh. Letting go of Blossom, she began to walk slowly towards Bubbles. Blossom inhaled a deep breath and watched Ivy walk closer to her sister. She jumped up to run towards her sister but was stopped by Brick. Ivy began to run towards Bubbles and the blonde watched her opponent. The redheaded enemy punched Bubbles, causing the blonde to skid across the floor.
Ivy walked up to Bubbles, picked her up and was about to punch her when Ivy felt a fist collide with her face. The female villain released Bubbles and flew back. Blossom gasped and whispered, "Buttercup."
Buttercup bent down and picked up Bubbles. The blonde gasped out in pain and then both sisters glanced at Blossom. The raven-haired fighter gave her a slight smile, "It's time to go home."
Brick turned around with a frown and Ivy burst from the rubble that surrounded her. She panted angrily and growled, "I don't think you're going anywhere. In fact I'm glad you're here because then I can get rid of all three of you at the same time."
Blossom glared at Ivy and then looked at Brick with soft eyes. Brick looked back at her. He looked at the teenage girl in front of him and part of him wanted to leave with her and the other wanted to scream and yell. She was so close, he could feel her breath upon his face and he didn't know what to do with himself. He wanted to be the villain he thought he was, but a part of him screamed not to. Shaking his head, he dismissed the troubled feelings from him.
Blossom could feel her jaw begin to tremble and her eyes begin to water as she continued to stare at her counterpart. With a small murmur, she said quietly, "I'm sorry." She watched as Brick furrowed her eyebrows and with one quick movement, she punched him in the stomach and pushed him away from her. Looking at Buttercup, she gave a quick nod and her sister replied back.
"Bye Ivy," Buttercup said curtly. Ivy was about to charge at the sisters when all three of them disappeared. She looked around and saw only Brick. Confused, she looked around for the three of them and growled when she realized that they were gone.
Blossom flew behind her sisters, Boomer and Butch and thought about what she meant we she said she was sorry. She knew what she saw when she had that nightmare. She saw Brick and what he felt about her. She could feel his anger towards her and all she could do was say sorry. Sighing, she looked ahead and saw Butch and Buttercup talking amongst themselves. She looked then looked at the two blue counterparts and saw Boomer asking her continuously if she was all right.
I feel alone all of a sudden, Blossom thought to herself. Closing her eyes, she didn't notice Bubbles look back with concern in her eyes. Looking ahead with a troubled expression, she sighed to herself. Boomer glanced at his counterpart.
"What's wrong?" Boomer asked.
"Blossom," Bubbles whispered. "I feel…bad for Blossom. I feel guilty because here I am with you and here Buttercup is with Butch and who does Blossom have? Brick is so stubborn and so is Blossom that they can't see the harm they are bringing each other."
"What do you mean?" Buttercup asked curiously as she and Butch flew closer towards the two blondes.
"Today I caught a glimpse of what Brick was feeling and kind of what Blossom was feeling," Bubbles began. "Brick feels anger towards Blossom because he feels betrayed by her. I don't know why, but he does. Blossom, on the other hand, feels frustration and an enormous amount of stress on her. She feels like she has to bring Brick back. I have a feeling that she knows what Brick is feeling and is trying to mend Brick's hurt, but doesn't know how."
"Brick won't stop though. He's stubborn and won't listen until he can numb everything he's feeling," Butch said. "He smart and he doesn't like feeling complicated emotions. That's why he's cold and distant sometimes. He's not like us who will eventually give in to what we feel. He's going to be a challenge for Blossom."
"She can to do it. I know she can," Buttercup whispered. Without another word, the five super-powered teenagers flew quickly back towards their base.
"So, Princess and Aaron are the new operators for us?" Butch asked as he walked into Buttercup's room. Buttercup nodded as she wrapped her arm with bandaging. The ruff frowned as he walked up to her and lifted her face up with her chin. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Buttercup whispered. "You did nothing wrong."
"Yes I did. I hurt you," Butch replied. "I made you feel immense pain by my hands, my powers. I made you suffer."
"Nothing I haven't felt better," The green puff brushed it off.
"Buttercup, you don't understand," Butch cried as he placed his hand on her face tenderly. "It was me. Not some other villain whom I can beat up later. It was not someone who could hit you, but hardly feel anything. I was the one to do it."
"I don't care, Butch," Buttercup said as she embraced him. "All I care about is the fact that you're back and not some crazed man. You're back to being the Butch I knew and cared about. That's all I remember about this day, not what you did to me."
Butch sighed and hugged Buttercup back as he listened to her words. From outside the room, Blossom listened carefully to what they were saying. She smiled to herself as she heard what her raven-haired, feisty sister was saying. Turning away from Buttercup's room, she walked back towards hers. Upon entering her room, she went towards her window and looked up at the sky.
"I promise Brick," She promised. "I'll get you back. Even if it costs my life in the process."
Author's Notes:
THAT'S IT! YAY! I'm done with this chapter. You want to know the reason why it took so long? Because my muse decided to take a vacation and leave me wondering what I going to do with this chapter, but during my vacation, she came back. Anyway, I hoped in this chapter to show the inner struggle between Blossom and Brick and to show what kind of challenge Blossom has to go through.
So now that Butch and Boomer are back with the girls, it seems that Ivy is having a big dilemma now. As Tonifranz had stated last chapter, Blossom is becoming very witty and very assertive. I feel bad because I keep putting too much on poor Blossom, but hey.
As for the Butch/Buttercup romance, I have to move them slowly because they aren't like Bubbles and Boomer who are the most emotional and would probably be Romeo and Juliet if they wanted to. So, for all you green fans, sorry to make you suffer, but they are the toughest fighters and I don't think that they'll become incredibly emotional towards the other right away.
Anyway, here's the review replies:
Review Replies:
Nightglider: I'm glad you like this chapter and don't worry about not updating. I do it all the time. LOL! Anyway, thanks for the Glad you liked the story and thank you for the review!
Runa: Actually, we are close to the end of the story…just several chapters away. Anyway, thanks for the review and I tried not to make it so suspenseful for you! LOL!
Lil Fang: LOL, glad you thought it was long. This chapter wasn't as long, but hey. Thanks for the review and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
RayeBBG: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for the review!
Kats02980416: I tire to do a whole new perspective for each ruff and I think somewhere under that tough act Butch has a soft side and seems Buttercup was able to find it this chapter. Anyway, thanks for the review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Tonifranz: I guess I kind of surprised you by making Butch come to the good side already. Yeah, Blossom is becoming well aware of what she could do to defeat Ivy, but of course, there's still that doubt in her heart. As for the Boomer part, he could probably control the amount of heat he's using so he can not harm the three adults. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Animegirl171: Bubbles is rescued! Yay! Bubbles gets a little tough in this chapter, but if you were in her spot, wouldn't you? Anyway, thanks for the review!
Anyway, December 27 is my birthday and I'm turning 15! Yay! Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter and please review!
Somewei
"The highest fences we need to climb are those we've built within our minds." – unknown