She hadn't struggled, but she also hadn't gone silently, muttering a string of curses at him as he strapped her onto a table where she came face to face with his new machinery. It looked like an enlarged super soaker but it's 'water' compartment was filled with a clear liquid that she knew was antidote X. A loud humming vibrated through her ears and spirals of electricity began to tangle themselves around the ray gun. Her heart began to beat rapidly.

"Now then..." Mojo stood a decent distance away from her, a control pad in his hand. He began clicking buttons and the machine above her righted itself so that it was aimed at her. She sucked in a breath. "I don't believe this should hurt...much...but regardless it won't cause too much damage to anything besides your brain." He pressed another button and the humming grew louder. "Your sisters have already been injected with the serum so they won't remember anything. After I'm finished with you, they will be returned to their house."

She lifted her head up to attempt to look at him. "Give me your word."

He raised an eyebrow. "As if it matters now. What would you do if I told you I had killed them? You don't have any powers right now, you're trapped. Out of options, Blossom."

She pulled at the restraints but he was right. Right after she had agreed to his terms, he had dosed her with antidote X. She knew she should have listened to Brick and at least tried to think of another approach because now her sisters could still die and then all of them would be dead, Mojo would rule the world. She slammed her head back against the metal table. There were other obstacles though. Listening to Brick could have used up her time. What if she hadn't gotten to her sisters before the timer went off? She needed to accept the fact that she was screwed. She had been screwed the minute she let her ego surmount her sisters.

Mojo continued to speak to her but she blocked him out. She wanted her last thought to be of her sisters but one person invaded her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. But the figure wouldn't go away, the voice wouldn't stop whispering into her ear.

"I love you...I won't let you die...let me help you...please."

Why was she suddenly so stuck on him? So obsessed with him? Hadn't she been the one to reject him hours ago? 'Maybe you're in denial, it's something you're good at.' She nearly scoffed at her own thoughts. Yes, she was good at being in denial because she was so stubborn, but was this really denial? Or was she just worried about what would happen to her counterpart after she died? It had to be the latter. There was no way that she had mutual feelings for Brick.

The straps securing her down began to tighten and constrict her movements so that she could only take shallow breaths. Her back was pressed firmly against the table and the circulation in her legs was cut off. She desperately tried to take deep breaths, willing herself to calm down, but the straps were too tight.

"Don't worry, it'll be over soon." Mojo spoke to her cheerfully, incredibly amused with her current position.

She stared up at the machine and tried to figure out how it worked. Gamma rays in low levels such as the ones produced from the sun that enter Earth's atmosphere can't harm a human unless there is too much exposure and even then death is not immediate. So that would mean that Mojo would need a much higher level of gamma rays to kill her...but such a high level of radiation would cause an explosion, so why was he standing in the same room as her still? She frowned and inspected the electricity that was wrapped around the machine. Could there be a fusion reactor attached? She couldn't imagine how else he could produce the gamma rays. Fission wouldn't make sense because it wouldn't produce as much energy. But then where was the electricity coming from?

"You've lost your intellect." She blinked at the chimp who now stood over her.

"What do you mean?" She questioned, her voice strained.

He tapped the machine. "Let me ask you a question; what do you think this is?"

"An antidote X induced gamma ray gun." She answered blatantly.

He rolled his eyes. "Did you really think I could produce my own gamma rays and mix them with antidote X, put them into a gun and kill you? The minimum damage that would cause would be the obliteration of Townsville." He shook his head in disappointment. "Although I'm sure I could have found other ways to kill you...theres still a better option."

She glared at him. "I'm not a rocket scientist you-" Her face fell. "Wait, what?"

He sighed at her ignorance. "I'll put it in simpleton words; I'm not going to kill you." At her look of bewilderment, he continued. "Why would I waste you? With the Powerpuff leader and my sons at my side Mojo will be unstoppable, because not only will your sisters not have their leader but they won't be willing to go against you either. Brilliant? I think so. But of course, I, Mojo Jojo, am always brilliant."

It took her a moment to process his words and then she only stared up at him, speechless.

"And if you're wondering how I'll make you attack civilians, or how I'll stop you from attacking me then here it is; this machine-" He put his hand on it, but was not shocked because of his electricity resistant gloves. "Is actually filled with midazolam, the same substance that I gave your sisters. It's a sedative that relaxes patients before medical procedures...but also is known to erase memories both short-term and long-term, depending on the dosage. I've tried it on my sons before so I know that it works." He paused to allow her to process what he'd said so far. Once the confusion on her face had seemed to disperse, he continued. "The electricity will shock you awake and speed up the spread of the sedative through your bloodstream. It will also ensure that you don't die from the extremely large dosage. Because even for a super being, this drug can be deadly as it messes with the brain and the composition of your brain is the same as a human's."

She gaped at him. "You're going to erase my memory?"

He nodded. "Then I, Mojo Jojo, will teach you all the things I know and turn you into a villain more malicious than Him. That way you'll fight along Mojo's side forever and not care about your old hero ways."

"But-" She wanted to argue. She wanted to escape. She didn't want to lose her memory and help him destroy the world, she'd rather be dead. Why couldn't he just make it simple and kill her? Why did things always have to go so wrong?

"No one will be fighting along your side, Mojo."

Mojo's head snapped up to look at the intruder but Blossom was so tightly strapped down that she could no longer move her head, instead she let out a groan of discomfort.

"I said you had to follow my rules. I clearly stated that you were to come alone." Mojo spoke to her through clenched teeth.

She opened her mouth to respond but the stranger beat her to it. "She didn't break any. I came on my own terms."

It irked her that she couldn't figure out who the person was based on their voice because of how loud the humming machine was above her head, but they sounded like they were on her side, which gave her hope.

"On your own terms? Don't tell me you're here to help her." Mojo scoffed.

She could hear faint footsteps. "What? Did you think I would just let you take away her memory and make her into your minion? What was your plan again...to take over the world with us all at your side?" He laughed out loud. "Listen, pops, my brothers and I don't belong to you. We're not 'on your side'. There is no way in hell we would ever join you to take down the puffs and rule the world because the puffs are our business, not yours. No one messes with them but us. And quite frankly, we're not interested in world domination. Hell, we don't even care for causing crime nowadays. Because we don't want to turn into scumbags like you."

Pops? Brothers?

"Brick." She murmured.

"Why? What about this girl is so special to you? How is it that someone so insignificant such as her can influence you so much as to change your motives, your life's goals, entirely? Explain that to me, Brick." Mojo leered as he walked away from the table.

Blossom closed her eyes and focused on their words.

"Insignificant?" Brick spat. "You're calling a world-renowned super hero insignificant? She is the definition of special, everything about her is different from all others. She's intelligent, clever, caring, beautiful, loyal, honest, and so many other things. No one can match her perfection. And she's my counterpart. She is the only person in this world who understands me. We were created for each other after all, weren't we? Dad."

Her face grew hot.

"No. You were created to destroy each other." The monkey retorted.

"Yes, you created us in order to destroy them. Meaning you made us for them. But maybe the creator isn't always the master. Who says you get to choose our fate? Or how we live our lives? Because you don't. Why would I choose to be enemies with the only person in the world who gets me? She and I, we share similar difficulties and can understand each other's thoughts and feelings. We can communicate. That's something I've never experienced before. Sure, people obey my orders but they never really listen. She does."

Her stomach flipped.

"And another thing," Brick hissed. "I destroyed her town, I tried to kill her, I nearly killed her sisters, I tortured and tormented her, I'm supposed to be her mortal enemy and her childhood nemesis is my father, and yet somehow, in some impossible way, she was able to find it in herself to save my damn life. Her freedom would've been granted had I died and yet she saved me. That's when I realized how heartless, selfish, and despicable I've been all these years. And I didn't want to be hated anymore, especially not by her. Because when she saved me that day, I fell in love. I fell in love with my supposed enemy because she was selfless enough to actually care about my life and save me not only from dying, but from falling into an endless pit. Had she of not taught me what good can do in this world, I might be on your side right now Mojo. But that's not how things played out and I will never associate myself with you in any form other than my enemy because anyone who hurts her is my enemy." His voice went dark. "Now listen, and listen fucking good, because I'm only going to say this once. Back the fuck away from her, turn off the machine, and get the hell out."

"Fine." Mojo spat. "Have it your way, boy."

There was the sound of Mojo's quick footsteps, the click of a button, and then the machine began to shake. She stared up at it in horror as the electricity gathered towards the tip and the liquid in the capsule began to empty.

She pulled at her restraints, disregarding the fact that she was trapped, panic taking over her thoughts. She needed to escape now or all of her memories, her entire life, would vanish.

"What are you-!" There was a loud thwack and something fell to the metal floor. Her breathing became erratic and she squirmed frantically, desperate to remove the restraints.

"Brick!" She called for him, not knowing where he was. Not knowing where Mojo was. Her chest vibrated with the pounding of her heart. Terror grasped onto her and she began to scream. "BRICK HELP!"

The fear was overwhelming her and just when she was about to lose it, a hand fell onto her arm and she looked up into a pair of red eyes. Relief flooded over her as he burned off the straps and released her from the prison. She pushed herself off the table and into his arms, letting a few tears spill down her cheeks.

"It's okay." He whispered, his gentle hands caressing her back as she cried. "Your sisters are safe at home. Mojo is unconscious."

"No..." She mumbled into his chest. "That's not why I'm crying."

She carefully eased herself away from him. "What is it then?" He questioned.

She used her shirt to dry her eyes before looking at him. "I need to apologize for how I acted and for not listening to you. I'm sorry for ever doubting or denying you. I shouldn't have pushed you away, it's just that I...well...I don't know how I feel yet." He furrowed his brows, but nodded as though he understood. She hugged him again and as their bodies were embraced she glanced over at the limp chimp lying on the ground, a small smear of blood staining his forehead. But he was breathing and didn't look pained. She tilted her head. "You...let him live."

Brick frowned. "You're surprised? I thought you said I was improving."

She looked him in the eye. "You are improving and I'm not surprised, I'm glad." She took his hand in hers and smiled. He smiled back. "And thank you for saving me." Then she leaned up and placed a light kiss against his cheek.

His smile stretched and he intertwined their fingers. "Come on, let's get your sisters home and leave this hell hole."

She let him pull her along but didn't overlook the light blush that painted his cheeks.

Blossom had decided that it would be best for her to wait a little while longer to see her sisters. She didn't want to frighten them after their sudden blurred memory. She also wanted to have some sort of plan going into it, in order to make sure she knew what she would say to her sisters so that they would understand her disappearance and fake death. Of course, Brick was the one who suggested that. She also needed some time to sort things out with her counterpart, an issue that needed immediate attention, more so than the reunion with her sisters. She couldn't possibly reunite with her family while her emotions were so distraught.

Ever since he proposed his love to her underneath the apple tree he had planted, she couldn't get rid of the gut wrenching ache of guilt in her stomach. She kept chastising herself for being so selfish and cold. He was a man of pride, a guy who kept to himself, a ruff who dismissed lovey dovey emotions and yet he had revealed so much to her in the past few days. They had shared deep, heartfelt conversations and passionate moments that she knew must be difficult for him to partake in without feeling uncomfortable. So why had she rejected him? And why in such a rude manner? She hated to think of how hurt he must of been and how badly his ego must be bruised, his dignity squashed. For all she knew, her rejection could've sealed the deal for any chance of an open Brick. Now he would seclude himself from the world again and refuse to show emotions. She couldn't believe how stupid she'd been.

Yet she still was unsure of how she felt towards him. When they'd first met, she'd been curious about the new super being that matched her in every way and could challenge her authority. But then, as she got to know him and his immature, reckless ways, she began to be disgusted by him. Then they entered high school and the boys disappeared for a while, rumored to have been 'training' with Him. When they returned, they were bloodthirsty and absolutely despicable. It was no longer just battles with a few scrapes and bruises, it became full blown war between the two trios. They didn't always fight their counterparts, a technique that Blossom attempted in order to defeat the ruffs. But every time they were equally matched. Frustration set in and Blossom grew irritable of Brick's snide remarks during battle. He would tease her by saying he was smarter, stronger, faster, and most annoying of all; that he was the better leader. That was the time when her ego got the best of her and she thought only of one upping him in everything, never letting him get to her head, always 3 steps ahead, constantly outsmarting him...but unfortunately in the end it was Brick who outsmarted her. Her feelings towards him went from curiosity, to disgust, to irritation, to hate, to absolute despise. After she'd started living with him as a slave she got to know his sadistic side which only further increased her hate for him. But then, he showed weakness and emotion. She knew she had to learn to deal with living with him so she willed herself to find decent traits that he held. Then he started protecting her and showing actual care for her well being. Once she saved his life, everything changed. It wasn't long before she grew fond of his confident, protective, clever nature. She also found it adorable how he would get embarrassed whenever he discussed or showed emotions. Now she no longer held any hate for him. But she just couldn't figure out if she loved him or not. She wasn't sure that she even knew what romantic love felt like. She'd never had a boyfriend or crush before, never cared about that sort of thing. So now she was lost. And yet again she wondered if she was in denial.

The morning after her run in with Mojo, Blossom wandered into the living room and took a seat beside Butch. He was playing a game called Mafia, his character crouched behind a cement wall and shooting at an oncoming group of white men in suits with machine guns.

"What's your favorite game?" She questioned.

Butch stole a glance at her and grinned. "Morning Bloss." He turned back to his game and retained an intense glare. "Probably GTA just because there's shit like grenade launchers and helicopters and strip clubs. But this game is pretty sick too. Why do you ask?"

She shrugged and leaned back into the couch, absentmindedly brushing off wrappers that littered the cushions. "You just seem to like video games a lot. Do you do anything else? Like boxing or something?"

He chuckled. "I'm guessing that's one of Buttercup's hobbies."

Blossom blinked, nodding slowly. "Yeah...it is. How'd you-"

"We're counterparts." He stated. "Remember?"

She hummed a 'yes' in response. Maybe she was unaware of just how similar they all were to each other. And if they really were then that meant that she knew more about Butch than she thought.

"So how's it with Brick?"

Blossom let her eyes settle on the TV. "Good, I mean we're even now. I saved him, he saved me. There's no more tension." She sighed and wondered if she should speak her true thoughts to Butch. Buttercup was always the best listener, she would never snitch or judge, she would just listen and give any advice that she could. She figured Butch could be the same, so she went for it. "Honestly, I don't know how to feel."

To her surprise, Butch paused his video game and went silent, fully intent on listening. He really was like Buttercup.

She went on. "Yesterday he told me that he loves me..." She noticed that Butch was unfazed. She frowned. "You already knew, didn't you?"

He stared at her. "Bloss, Boomer and I have known even before Brick himself knew. It's pretty obvious."

She sighed. "I guess Brick and I are just really bad with emotions."

Butch chuckled lightly. "You think Buttercup and I are good with them? Not even the blues are good with emotions, they're sensitive as fuck."

She tilted her head. "Yeah, you're kinda right. But still...I don't know if I feel the same way towards him. I don't know how to tell if I do. I'm lost, Butch." She rested her head against the back of the couch. "What if I do like him? What then? We just hook up? What about my sisters? Or our past? What would the town think of their perfect puff leader dating a super villain? And I know that's not who he is anymore, but no one else knows that." She rubbed her temple, brows furrowing. "It's just so overwhelming. I'm trying to think about the future because Brick is letting me return to my sisters and he's not keeping me here forever. I have to stay for a while longer, but eventually I'll return to the world and be a hero again. I'll be all over the news, the whole world will be questioning where I went. My sisters too. There's so much to do but all I can think about is Brick. Tell me what to do."

The green ruff looked shocked by her words. "Well that's something I never thought I'd ever be asked to do; help a puff solve her love life." She gave him a small smile but he could tell it wasn't the time for jokes. He mocked her position and leaned his head against the couch. "Well I don't know you well enough to decipher between whether you're in love or not, so I can't help with that much. But the best thing to do would probably be to sleep with him and see if you feel a connection, you know?"

Her eyes went wide.

"Butch, shut the fuck up." Boomer shook his head in disgust as he appeared behind them. He looked to Blossom. "Do you want some real advice? Spend some time away from him and see how you feel. If you're sad and constantly longing for him than you're almost definitely in love. If you feel nothing or feel free and happy than you're not in love. Then once you figure it out, talk to him. You guys are both smart, you'll figure out how to handle things."

Butch rolled his eyes but Blossom smiled. She actually felt hopeful that she could sort things out, somehow. "Thanks Boomer." She got onto her knees on the couch and reached over to give him a hug, which he uneasily accepted.

"Um hello? I helped too."

They looked at Butch, who's arms were crossed in a pouting manner. Blossom smirked and leapt at the green ruff, tackling him in a bear hug that knocked them off the couch. She wrapped her arms around him tightly enough to cause discomfort.

"OK YOU CAN LET GO." Butch choked out and she did as he bid. She laughed as he dramatically gasped for air.

"You think that hug was tight? Watch this."

Butch's face went pale as Boomer went after him and he got up and tried to take off. Boomer was faster and caught Butch's torso, cutting off his breathing with a hug and smothering the green ruff's face into the couch cushion. Blossom giggled at the two boys. They were like adorable children. She smiled and tilted her head. These boys weren't villains at all and she was going to prove it to everyone...right after she dealt with a certain red ruff. But for now, she just wanted to relax for the first time in months.