Our Colors are on the Rise

by reina.connected

[Formally Against the Grain] There is something dark brewing just beneath the surface of the quiet city of Townsville. [Dark crime/ romance/ mystery][multi-ship] [Rated M for language, violence, and gore.]

4. Part Four

Disclaimer: I do not own The Powerpuff Girls, they belong to Craig McCracken and Cartoon Network

Update: 5/16/20; noticed a few mistakes and errors, fixed and reuploaded. Cross posted on AO3 under the same name.

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Brick pulled into the shopping center and gave Boomer a warning look, "you better not get into shit tonight."

Boomer gave him an exasperated expression, "dude, I know. I already told you I'm just seeing a movie with friends." It still felt weird to say that, since he was pretty sure he only went to movies with his brothers or spent time at Mike's place.

Pulling into a parking spot at the edge of the movie theatre lot Brick shut off the engine and stared at his hands as he gripped the steering wheel. Rolling his eyes at his brother, Boomer unbuckled his seatbelt and began to open the door muttering, "I told you I didn't need a ride. I'll be home late."

His sneakers hit the asphalt and he started walking over to the entrance. Already he could see Robin, Mary, Mike, and Buttercup next to one of the beams. "Over here, Boom!" Waving at him, Mary's voice carried over the busy crowd and he began jogging over. He could feel Brick staring at him, his back was practically radiating heat but he didn't feel like looking back at his brother.

Butch had opted to go out with some of the guys on the soccer team tonight so it was only Brick being left to his own devices. He'd gotten out of the car to ensure his brother wasn't sneaking off with anyone from the Gang Green Gang, but maybe he would have preferred that. Everyone else he recognized, but the one person who put him on edge the most was the green puff herself. Since when was his brother friends with one of the girls?

Out of all the girls to be friends with too he had to pick Buttercup? Loud, brash, and intimidating, that wasn't Boomer's style. Narrowing his eyes he glared at the girl, who in turn noticed him and gave him the middle finger and mouthed, 'fuck off.' She might have looked more feminine than usual tonight with her hair in a half up bun, a black denim skirt, and cropped green sweatshirt, but there was no way he'd doubt she'd get into a fist fight with him right this second if he pushed her.

Getting in his car he slammed his door a little harder than he intended to, quickly he eased the car into gear and sped out of the center. He'd park at home before getting into other things for the night. He might not have fun plans but he needed to reach out to HIM and get some answers.

Watching the car leave, Boomer exhaled with relief, he jumped when Mike said close to his ear, "your brother doesn't seem too happy."

Boomer just gave a laugh, "yeah, the guy's just pissed cause he's the only one without Friday night plans now." Even if that wasn't true he felt like it was the best thing to say.

Mary piped up, "really? I'm surprised. All the girls in my AP lit class think he's pretty mysterious and hot."

Two sets of fake gagging noises came right after Mary's remark and Boomer said, "oh gross, well they'll be sorely mistaken when they realize he's just a boring fuddy-duddy."

It was no surprise the other person to make those noises with him was none other than Buttercup, but now she was sniggering behind her hand, "Seriously, dude? 'Fuddy-duddy?' You've been talking with Bubbles too much this week."

He could have smacked himself, he didn't even realize he'd said that. "She just has interesting expressions is all." Trying to shrug it off.

Mike patted him on the shoulder, "it's okay, man, she got me saying 'goodness' and 'golly' all of last year." Grinning at his buddy Mike finished with, "her chatter gets in your head like that." Someone caught his attention and Mike walked away calling, "it's about time you losers got here! Hurry up!"

Mitch and Samson had finally arrived and Robin ran over to give Mitch a hug, hanging off his shoulders. "Finally!"

Looking down at the ground Boomer noticed those signature banged up combat boots Buttercup had been sporting for years. Looking up at her he was surprised to see her in a skirt, and not only that but she had earrings in too. He must have been staring because she snapped at him, "jeeze, what are you looking at?"

He jumped slightly and could see this spark igniting her eyes, "uh," he gave a shrug, "nothing, your earrings are cool."

"They're Bubbles'." Her arms were crossed and she stared back at him, narrowing her eyes.

Boomer just shrugged again, "that's fine, but they still look cool on you." A little surprised at the compliment, Buttercup felt one hand absentmindedly reach up and touch one of the earrings, but she was saved as Robin ran up and linked her arm in Boomer's and began ushering the group forward.

"Alright! Everyone is here, let's make sure we can get a whole row."

Boomer just looked at the excited girl curiously, "so uh, what are we seeing anyway?"

He could hear Mike laugh behind him as Mary responded, "does it matter?" And Boomer actually had to admit it really didn't, he was just enjoying the moment.

---

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Crouching on the roof of the observatory Brick could feel the cool night air run through his shirt, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, though it wasn't like anyone would notice him up here. After the volcano went dormant and the observatory expanded there was a lot less foot traffic at night. A bunch of local teens were complaining about a monkey spraying them with a firehose when they were making out, and as far as they knew he was still here and would keep on doing just that.

The thought of Mojo just made Brick tense, although the girls were helping them and had made some progress he still felt like they were moving too slowly. He was expecting a miracle from a bunch of girls who knew just as much as he did. Closing his eyes tightly he slammed his fist into the cold metal beneath him, 'where the fuck is HIM?'

A toe tapped impatiently, the vibrations coming all the way down to Brick's hands, he shot into a fighting stance, expecting one of the girls but what he got instead was shock. "Where have you been?" He hissed, his posture on the defense as he looked at the very creature he had been trying to reach for close to two weeks.

Standing on top of the observatory was none other than HIM. There was no mistaking who he was just by how he always dressed; thigh-high black boots, velvet jacket set with extravagant feathers dawning it, and not for the first time a pair of tiny black sunglasses. A wicked grin came over his lips, "well 'hello' to you too, son." His claws rested on his hips as Brick floated up and landed before him.

"I've been trying to reach you for weeks," exasperation was in his voice, why did he feel so desperate?

Sighing dramatically, as was his usual, HIM twirled one claw in the air, "in case you haven't noticed I've been a little busy." His voice morphed from high and airy to the harsh tone that was practically a signature of his.

"You've been busy? Do you have any idea what the fuck has happened?"

Looking around them unenthusiastically and then back to Brick HIM raised an eyebrow, "well! The city hasn't burned down so… no. I'm going to guess you got in a fight with your brothers or Miriam?"

Clenching his fist Brick quietly said, "Mojo has been missing for weeks. You haven't returned any messages, you somehow 'blocked' us from coming to you, and I know you know something."

HIM's demeanor suddenly changed, his slim figure rigid. Just reading his body language Brick tried not to look hurt and tried to ride his anger instead, "is he even alive? Do you know where he is?"

HIM let his body fall backwards and a plush chair materialized beneath him, floating in the night air. Removing his sunglasses his eyes met Brick's, "I don't know." Sighing he crossed his long legs and leaned forward on his elbows. For the first time Brick noticed something odd about the deranged creature, his eyes were sunken and hollow, there were lines fissuring on his exposed skin as if someone had started painting his veins black and gray, and his normally brightly colored body seemed faded. This was worse than he realized.

"You need to tell me what's happening."

With a weariness that should have been on an old man and not an immortal creature of chaos HIM moved his head to stare past the city. "Mojo was conducting research on a specimen that was located after the death of one of Sedusa's men. Last we spoke he was still not getting any results for its physical makeup." Swinging his head back around to look at the young man he tried to crack a devious smile but instead it just looked forced and brittle, "I've been hiring out lower demons for weeks now, my strength has been waning as four have already shown up destroyed beyond belief and I've had to send out stronger ones, two have returned dead already."

"What can kill those things? I thought they were immortal like you?" Now this dreaded feeling of uneasiness was crawling into his stomach, whatever it was he knew it wouldn't be good.

"Nothing should be able to kill them. They can be defeated but they vanish and respawn in the pits, you should know that by now from training." Pausing HIM exhaled deeply before standing back up, snapping his claw the chair vanished from sight.

"Whatever it is, if Mojo is missing then he's likely dead." There was a bitterness to his words. Villains did not often cultivate friendships but in this case, the case of creating and being responsible for The Rowdyruff Boys, one had been forged.

Still clenching his fists Brick asked, "is there anything you can do?"

HIM gave a humorless look, "no. Expending more energy to equip and enhance these demons is already taking its toll on me." Sighing he looked at the boy, "I have scouts all over the city searching for this specimen. Marion will keep you boys safe in the meantime."

"No, she can't," Brick cared about Marion in his own way but if this thing was killing suped up demons then there was no doubt in his mind that Marion could easily be destroyed.

"I asked the Powerpuff Girls to help locate Mojo." This was one thing he had been dreading telling HIM, it was possible he would see this as a betrayal.

Instead HIM looked at Brick blankly, "and have they figured anything out?"

"They found a weird vault through the ducts in the observatory. Boomer discovered some plans of the park and discussed coming back tomorrow afternoon and looking around." He paused, "what does this thing look like?"

Pondering for a moment HIM responded, "it's almost a magnetic liquid, it moves and appears wet but it isn't, it clearly has a mind as it responds to movement and interference."

"Color?"

Shrugging HIM replied, "not sure, looks black I think?"

Sighing with frustration Brick came back with, "real helpful." But the look they both exchanged clearly showed that they were at least on the same page.

"This thing will kill you if you get too close. It will kill those girls." For the first time since he had started this hunt for Mojo Brick felt a twinge of fear and even guilt. The kind that seeped into your bones and made you feel cold all over. He'd never thought of that possibility.

"I'll get them to drop it, but I'll find this thing and I will destroy it."

With a 'tisk' HIM just slid the tiny sunglasses back onto his face. "I'm telling you to stay away from it." He took a few steps away from Brick who now stepped forward, not ready for him to depart when he was finally getting answers.

"Where are you going?"

With a tired but devious grin HIM just motioned his head, "seems you get to have your little break up sooner than you thought. Kisses! Tell the boys I'm thinking about them." He was lowering one side of the frames to give a wink, but instead he just looked worn, "I mean it, don't go looking for that thing." And in a wisp of crimson smoke HIM vanished.

Brick was just pondering what HIM had meant when he heard the sound of two piercing streaks, turning around he watched the pink and light blue fade out, and hovering before him were Blossom and Bubbles. He must have had a strange expression on his face because worry knitted itself between the blonde's brows, "are you okay?" He just stood there for a moment, not sure why he wasn't responding or rocketing off.

When he and his brothers had tried to kill the girls when they were kids that was one thing, but knowing he was dragging them into a situation where they could possibly be killed made him feel… guilty? Blossom was standing above him in the air, her arms crossed over her chest, he had to admit he'd never seen the three of them in their uniforms besides bits and pieces that got onto the news and he was slightly distracted.

Bookish and prim Blossom was wearing something skin tight, he'd always known she was a girl but here he was actually noticing she had a figure. Bubbles was much the same way, sweet as candy and friendly to a fault but she too had become more feminine and less girlish. "Uh," caught a bit off guard and he blinked a few times to regain his composure. It had been way too long since he'd hooked up with a chick if seeing the girls in tight outfits was distracting him.

Blossom raised her head a bit and then looked back down at Brick, "was that HIM?"

The demon's name was enough to ground him again, scowling Brick crossed his arms, "yeah."

The girls exchanged glances before Blossom followed up with, "well?"

Shit. "He doesn't know where Mojo is."

Blossom had her chin in her hand, "okay, well we can still continue with tomorrow's search."

"I can take it from here. Thanks for your help." His tone was dismissive but before he could react further Blossom landed square in front of him, Bubbles right behind her.

"I'm sorry, what?" Her voice was indignant and strong, he knew that tone and that she wouldn't drop this.

"I can handle it. I don't need your help anymore." He went to move past her but Bubbles dashed to the side, blocking him from passing. Narrowing his eyes at the petite blonde he felt the side of his mouth twitch. He could launch off now, but two against one wasn't exactly fair. They'd catch him in no time.

Glaring at Blossom he continued, "you can go back to protecting Townsville. I've got the Mojo situation under control." Blossom could have slapped him, he was the one who had asked for help!

Frustrated she sarcastically barked, "then where is he?" Gesturing around them while keeping her eyes on him, the last thing she wanted to do was give him the opportunity to flee.

"Leave it alone, Red." He practically shoved his finger in her face as he jabbed at the air, she slapped his hand away.

"No. Whatever is happening is bigger than just Mojo. I know it."

Clenching his fists he stepped forward, she met that same step, and their powers were ignited in a way they hadn't been towards one another in a long time. Their eyes both glowed, red and pink clashing, and the heat and electricity was rolling off their bodies in waves. "This is your last warning; Drop it." Brick was speaking through clenched teeth, out of the corner of his eye he could see her hand flex and knew what was coming.

A hand reached out and grabbed onto Blossom's arm, neither party looked at her but Bubbles was there glaring alongside her sister. "I'm helping Boomer tomorrow, you're welcome to join us or go off on your own." With great control Blossom began to exhale, her stance started straightening and her hand reached across her own body to touch Bubbles' hand. Both girls dropped their hands now and Brick took a step back, eyes moved to meet Bubbles now, he wasn't particularly fond of her at the moment.

She gulped, even though he'd always been curtious towards her and overall pretty neutral she was intimidated by the leader of the Rowdyruffs but she knew if she turned tail and ran that Blossom and Brick would end up fighting. They hadn't properly fought in years, and with age and gained strength there was no doubt in her mind how bad the damage could be now.

As much as he wanted to hit something right now he didn't want to fight Blossom. He knew if he told the guys now that he didn't want to work with the girls anymore they would question his judgement. They were all finally catching up on much needed rest. Plus he doubted saying, 'they could be killed,' would be a good enough reason for Boomer and Butch. The girls were always putting themselves in life or death situations, why would this one be any different?

Because it was them that were putting the girls in this position.

Straightening up Brick crossed his arms and turned his eyes back onto Blossom, she mirrored his own posture and lifted her chin, staring down a slim nose at him. They stood in silence for a few minutes, with nothing but the sound of their breathing and the cars in the city passing between them.

Finally breaking the silence Blossom asked, "did HIM say what Mojo was looking into?"

Brick practically grunted, "yeah."

Raising an eyebrow in his direction Blossom waited again, but when he didn't offer up additional information she spoke again, "we need to know what this is, I doubt HIM will talk to me about it," she paused as if what she would say next would be painful, "please."

Rolling his eyes Brick motioned with his hands in an awkward manner as he tried to give the best image he could, "he doesn't know. Something escaped, they found it and were trying to figure out what it was. You saw the lab." Nodding Blossom gestured for him to go on, and with a heavy sigh he continued, "he said it's killing people and even demons."

Blossom and Bubbles looked at each other, worry lining their faces. They had fought demons before, they were brutal and tough, they knew they would just return to HIM once they were defeated but if they were actually dead then whatever this was it wasn't good. Brick shoved his hands into his pockets, "you still planning on not listening to me, Red?"

Looking back at Brick, Blossom just shook her head, "no, I'm afraid not."

He figured he had one more shot, "you and your sisters could die. No amount of Chemical X will fix it."

Blossom looked over to Bubbles, her sister's lower lip trembled slightly and her eyes were glassy but she just nodded at her leader. Turning back to Brick she answered, "we know what we signed up for."

"You're probably the dumbest girls I know." Turning his back to them he walked a few steps away and then stopped. "I'll see you tomorrow." He crouched before launching himself into the sky, the dark red streak fading behind him, leaving no trail.

"Do you think we might actually die?" Bubbles was looking at her feet trying to hold back tears. She'd already come so close recently, she wasn't ready for it to happen again.

Blossom put her hand on her shoulder, "we haven't yet, have we?" Looking up at her sister Bubbles was almost surprised to see the confident smile on Blossom's face.

"No…" offering a hesitant smile herself.

"Well I don't plan on starting now."

Bubbles admired the glow that radiated off of Blossom's face, sure she knew deep down that it was a worry that they all had whenever they were fighting but hearing someone actually say it out loud, that was perhaps more terrifying. Especially when it was someone who used to try to kill them.

Blossom's phone began to beep, pulling it out she silenced the reminder, "that's our cue, let's get back home and grab the cake and supplies, the movie is going to end soon." Both girls launched off, eager to have anything else to think of other than the disturbing conversation they had just had with Brick.

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~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

"Did you see when they all popped up in the end to drag him away? That part was so cool!"

"I totally knew he was an alien the whole time, and I bet in the sequel they'll make him a witch or something."

"Uh, no? He was dragged back to become a superhero, did we even watch the same movie?"

"He had sparkles coming out of his fingers and he wore a silly hat! That makes him a witch!" Samson pushed Mitch as they exited the theater, but Mitch dragged him into a headlock leaving Samson to waving his arms around wildly.

"I don't care what you say, dude, he's not a witch."

As the others filed out behind them Mike just rolled his eyes and gave Boomer an exasperated look, "I swear they were married in another life."

Robin leaned on Mike's other side and watched Mitch and Samson rough house, "tonight was awesome," a satisfied smile was on her face and she looked completely relaxed. In her mind there was no way that the day could've gone better. Well, except for Pablo being here, but she knew he would be happy that her birthday went well.

Buttercup had her hands on her waist as she arched an eyebrow, "I'm shocked these dorks aren't on the ground yet."

No sooner was the sentence out of her mouth it happened as it usually did; Mitch's foot slid off the sidewalk and they tumbled into the firelane in the parking lot. Scrambling to their feet they dusted themselves off, more sarcastic banter being flung between the two.

Robin leaned over and motioned at Buttercup, "you still okay with taking me home?"

Before she could respond Mary stepped forward, "you can't go home before we get a group photo though!" She laughed but Boomer stiffened, although he liked everyone he didn't want them to feel like he was going to force himself into their group.

"Ah, I think I-," but without waiting for him to respond she linked arms with him and Robin.

Giving Boomer a wink she said, "we all look so cute tonight it'd be a shame if no one else saw it." Feeling himself being tugged towards the small pavilion in the shopping center he threw over his shoulder a glance at Mike who just pointed ahead with a knowing look.

"Blossom, hurry! I can hear them coming!" The string lights that were above the public area were still lit and would be for another hour, when they turned off that was the sign to go home. A couple of other teenagers were in one corner beneath a tree with white Christmas lights on it and a small table of adults were eating takeout not too far from them. They had snagged the small gazebo that local musicians would stand and sing on during summer when the shopping center was packed with people getting dinner or coming out of movies.

Putting the last candle in a sugar rose Blossom hissed back, "I know, I know, be quiet." Striking a match she carefully lit each candle, they had opted for only ten since seventeen would be way too many and they didn't need Mitch to make a joke about burning the whole place down. "Perfect," Blossom backed off to admire their handiwork, well Bubbles had done all the baking and most of the decorating but she'd helped make the frosting roses.

Walking into the pavilion Mike, Mitch, Samson, and Buttercup rushed ahead and up the two steps to join the girls. "That looks good!" Samson reached out a finger to swipe some icing but Bubbles held the cake out of his reach and used her foot to keep him away from it, "don't you dare!"

Buttercup picked him up by the back of his jeans and hoisted him to the other side of Mitch, then dusted off her hands and gave him a pointed look.

Mary had forced Robin and Boomer to take a selfie with her by one of the lit trees so she could give the others a chance to get ahead, with his hands in his pockets Boomer lifted his head and noticed they'd been joined by Blossom and Bubbles.

He hopped onto the small platform as Mary pulled Robin forward and turned around letting everyone shout, "happy birthday, Robin!"

Her hands went to cover her mouth which was set in a wide grin, "oh my gosh, you guys!" Running the last few steps onto the gazebo she slid to a halt in front of the cake, "awww, who made this?"

Grinning Bubbles declared, "I did!"

Blossom chimed in, "I helped decorate!" She was proud of how the roses had turned out.

Mitch leaned over to Mike and through clenched teeth murmured, "thank god."

Trying not to laugh, Mike just elbowed him, "shhhh," but he knew from the raised eyebrows and slight tilt of Blossom's head that she had heard them.

Blowing out the candles Robin was glowing, she managed to get all but one, which Mary teased her about. Blossom had paper plates and plastic forks in her hands, Buttercup cut the cake and divided them among everyone and the distinct sound of the camera clicking away on Mary's phone could be heard.

They were mostly all sitting, Mike and Bubbles were sitting criss-cross and Samson was lying splayed out on the floor after devouring three slices. "That was great…" He sighed heavily with contentment.

Blossom was standing with Robin and nudged him with her shoe, "don't fall asleep, I'm not flying you home." He just swatted lazily at her with one arm, "aw, please? I've never flown before."

"Nah, man, I've been actually thinking about my woodshop project a lot, I think I'm going to try to make a new skateboard," Mitch was holding out his phone and showing Boomer his last attempt at it.

"How'd that one turn out?"

Buttercup sniggered, "real great, until he tried to do a kickflip and the board broke in half."

Mitch just scowled at Buttercup, "I didn't see you doing any better, Butterbutt."

Boomer quickly covered his mouth as Buttercup turned red, "eat shit, dipwad." Sticking her middle finger up at him.

"Language," Blossom said in an exasperated tone, Buttercup crossed her arms with a 'hmph' sound and narrowed her eyes at Mitch. He just flashed her a double middle finger and a winning smirk. From what Boomer had observed over the years at a distance this was the norm when it came to these two.

Standing up and dusting off her skirt Mary started, "okay, before we get kicked out lets get a group shot."

Boomer walked towards Mary as the rest of the group began to get into one spot, "I can take the photos, Mary."

Giving him a gentle smile she just said, "you're getting in the photo too, I've got a device to hold the phone."

Backing up a few steps he watched as she pulled a tripod looking device out of her purse and wrapped it around one of the beams, sliding the phone into a slot she began getting ready to set the timer.

"Boomer, come stand with me," turning he saw Bubbles waving him over.

"Sure," coming around to her side she pulled an arm around him, her hand resting on his upper back and her other arm around Robin's waist. Trying not to look too nervous he just focused on staring at the phone as Mary slid over and knelt on the ground with Mike and Samson was laying dramatically across the front. He was startled when he felt someone leaning on his other shoulder and found it to be Buttercup sporting a look of 'cool indifference.' Mitch had his arm wrapped around Robin's shoulder and Blossom was on his other side making a peace sign.

"Get ready guys! Say 'guava'!" And the sound of the shutter going at least twenty times could be heard.

---

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Walking into the house, Boomer tossed his keys in the bowl next to the door, he could hear the TV on in the living room and made his way over. Butch was lazily scrolling through his phone and didn't even look up when his brother entered the room.

"Where's Brick?" Not that Boomer was worried but at the moment he wasn't feeling up to dealing with his other brother.

Butch just shrugged from his position on the sofa, "I came in and he went out, I'm not his keeper." Shooting an unamused look in Butch's direction Boomer started to turn to head upstairs when Butch called out, "hey."

Sitting up now he leaned forward, "I found out some shit for tomorrow, if you wanna hear." Waggling his eyebrows trying to gain Boomer's interest.

Narrowing his eyes suspiciously, Boomer slowly turned around, "Okay…." walking over he sat catty corner on an overstuffed chair. "Alright, lay it on me."

"So," Butch started to set the scene, "did you know that since Townsville was built, like, hundreds of years ago that the water level has risen?"

Boomer wasn't sure where he was going with this, "ah, sure? I guess with global warming and everything-" quickly he was interrupted, "nah, man, before all that."

"Are you saying the sewers are-" but again Butch interrupted, "no, we probably don't even need to go into the sewers, that could be a last resort."

Now Boomer leaned forward with interest, his elbows on his legs and chin resting on his hands, "go on." Anything to not have to walk in the sewers was more than welcome in his opinion.

"Well when the sea started rising people figured, 'we'll just make our buildings taller,' which they did, and the city decided to raise all the streets up maybe two stories. But Townsville wanted to charge them a fuck ton of money to make new sidewalks and change the addresses but the people said, 'fuck that,' and just connected all the old streets and kept using the same entrances and shit for deliveries." This was probably the most into something not dealing with sports, girls, that stupid crotch-rocket or fighting that Boomer had seen Butch talk about in ages.

"But now," he was using his hands to make a sort of directional diagram, "people were getting mugged and murdered since they had to climb down ladders into these areas. The city finally agreed to pay for the sidewalks and the underground was mostly sealed away."

Boomer held his hand up for a second to pause him, "what do you mean by 'mostly'?"

Cocky as always Butch now leaned back into the sofa and crossed a leg so it was resting over his knee, "that's exactly it! Some businesses kept trying to do shady shit down there but a lot of the underground tunnels collapsed or had flooding once new sewer lines were put in."

Pondering this for a moment Boomer questioned, "so what you're saying is there are still ways to get into these tunnels? Like, they're still there?"

Grinning wildly Butch answered, "that's exactly what I'm sayin', bro."

"Hold up, if they're closed off how do you expect us to get in there?" Maybe Boomer wanted to see some flaws in Butch's logic. He trusted Butch when it came to fighting or mechanics, and sometimes girls… but history?

Butch simply brushed it off, "Ace told me he's seen these sealed up entrances, one is by the maintenance booth outside city hall and he's seen another in the vault of Townsville's biggest bank. He thinks there is one in the huge storm drain in the park too but doesn't know which one. We'd have to check some old plans. They aren't public, I already looked."

"You seriously think Ace was telling you the truth?" Boomer was skeptical of this, Ace was an alright dude and all but he was still the leader of the Gang Green Gang.

Shrugging Butch responded, "I don't see why not, dude looked freaked when I found him." Butch's face went serious for a moment, "they can't find Grubber."

Both boys sat in silence for a moment, they didn't have to speak to know they were both thinking that Grubber's disappearance was likely linked with Mojo's. If bodies were going to start piling up then they knew this was bigger than they initially thought.

Boomer shifted slightly, "I can ask Bubbles if she can get us the location for the storm drain entrance, probably more inconspicuous." Pulling out his cell he began scrolling through his contacts when Butch snatched the phone out of his hand.

"You have one of their numbers!? Oh this is perfect," sniggering he immediately began typing out a message.

"C'mon man, don't be a dick," Boomer grabbed Butch's arm and the two rolled back over the coffee table and hit the floor with a loud 'thud'.

"I just wanna have a little fun!" Butch started pushing Boomer's head into the carpet in an attempt to push off and run for it but Boomer grabbed his ankle and sent him sprawling.

"I said not to!"

Rolling onto his back Butch just tossed the cell back with a satisfied smirk, "too late." Frustrated Boomer opened his messages up and saw what his brother had typed.

hey baby ;) lets meet up and "explore" before everyone gets there ;) ;)

With Frustration Boomer put his head in his hands, "you're such a jackass." Butch had his back against the wall and was enjoying tormenting his brother a bit, Boomer on the other hand was just flat out irritated. "I wish I were an only child." Moving he sat up and Butch flipped him off, the text tone going off.

"Well? Aren't you going to see what she said?" Boomer could have punched that shit-eating-grin off of his brother's face. He'd apologize, she'd understand, right?

lol very funny butch

whats up?

Exhaling with relief he scowled at Butch and stuck his tongue out, "she knew it was you, asshole."

Shrugging Butch replied, "maybe I wanted her to know it was me." He cackled and pushed himself up off the floor, extending his hand for Boomer to grab.

Pulling himself up Boomer gave Butch a shove in the arm before he plopped down on the sofa, "you're a dick."

sorry hes an ass

uh can you find out if there is an underground entrance in the park?

locations are private but its public knowledge

underground? sure let me reach out to someone

tonight was fun btw! i'll message you tomorrow!

Shoving his phone into his pocket Boomer just glared daggers at Butch who simply shrugged it off. He had checked the time before he had put it away and it was almost 1am. Leaning for the remote to change the channel he was interrupted by someone stepping into the room, Butch straightened up and Boomer twisted around but he had a feeling he knew who was there. Brick stood in the doorway with his arms crossed.

"I talked to HIM tonight."

---

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Pinching the bridge of her nose Chief Miranda Rosa was slumped over a pile of paperwork on her desk. The overnight hadn't been exactly busy but reviewing all the security requested that Norman Blaine had submitted was taking forever. Her assistant chief would be taking things over around 8am and she still had an hour to go.

Lifting the coffee mug to her lips she was met with cold coffee. Again. Pushing the chair away from the table she stood to go nuke her coffee for the third time since 2am, walking past a couple of empty desks she glanced at someone's screensaver which showed the date. They were about to enter the end of the month, that meant it was grind time. Cases needed to be closed, quotas needed to be filled, and she needed to choose a new lieutenant. She was happy that Gideon was expecting his third kid and all but he was moving his family overseas, he couldn't have picked a worse time to do so.

Entering the break room she walked over to the microwave, as she was about to pop the mug in Santiago dumped a box of doughnuts on one of the center tables. "I love the end of the month," he sighed with pleasure before noticing Miranda. "Morning Chief!"

Turning her head slightly, Miranda gave a slight nod of her head, "morning, Santiago." Eyeing her cautiously he grabbed a doughnut out of the box and gave a salute with it as he exited the room. She knew she looked tired but did she really look that tired? Popping the mug into the microwave she punched in for a minute thirty and hit start.

While the microwave whirled away she checked her calendar in her cell, she noted she had a skype call with Mr. Blaine's assistant this afternoon and this evening she had a phone call to her sister scheduled. She was wondering if she could move that call but at the same time she really wanted to hear her nephew's voice. Sometimes she regretted staying on the West coast instead of moving with her sister and her family to Boston.

A quiet knock on the doorframe brought her out of her train of thought, "uh, Chief Rosa?" Turning around Miranda saw the little blonde Powerpuff standing in the doorway holding two large cups of coffee. "The lady at the front desk said you were still working so I was wondering if I could ask a question…?" Her voice hovered on the air of uncertainty in the woman's presence.

"Sure, that should be fine."

Miranda slid her phone into her back pocket, perking up Bubbles walked quickly over the room and with gusto put out her hand with one of the large coffees, "here! I didn't know if you would want coffee or-" she was suddenly interrupted by the beeping of the microwave behind the chief.

With a tired smile Miranda took the cup into her hands, "thanks."

Opening the microwave she picked up the mug and dumped its contents into the sink, the old coffee smelled burnt anyways by this point. "Let's go speak in my office."

Walking down the corridor and into the large room with all the desks lined up Miranda took a gulp of the black coffee, not even minding the singeing of her tongue, with satisfaction she lowered the cup from her lips and glanced at the small girl by her side. The older the chief got the more she didn't understand why kids dressed the way they did.

Although she knew Bubbles was in high school the long pigtails paired with a set of baggy and cuffed overalls and an oversized bomber made her look younger. As if she could feel the chief studying her Bubbles self consciously pushed her hair behind her ears, "sorry I'm not more dressed up, I have to go to the animal shelter after this."

Opening the door to the messy office Miranda let Bubbles enter before closing the door behind them, "please, take a seat." Bubbles scooted over to one of the empty chairs in front of the desk and plopped herself down. Miranda began moving a few papers around before she sat down herself. With her dress shirt sleeves rolled up and a coffee stain on the collar Miranda knew she looked a mess, her normally neat ponytail was askew, baby hairs poking out around the chief's ears and forehead.

Folding her hands on the desk she leaned forward, "what can I do for you?"

Nervously Bubbles started twirling the end of one of her pigtails, "ah, this is going to sound weird but I know there is a tunnel entrance to the underground part of the city," already the chief had her brows raised but she would let her finish.

"And we really need to get down there, we know of a couple other entrances but we really want to get through one that isn't super exposed…"

Miranda sat up and took another sip of coffee, "uh-huh… you know that is incredibly dangerous. Those tunnels are closed for a good reason."

Bubbles looked sheepish but didn't let her eyes leave the chief's face, both her hands grasping her own coffee cup like it was her touchstone. "Please, Chief Rosa, we know it's dangerous but-"

Interjecting Miranda was stern, "it's dangerous, I can't let you girls do whatever you want because you're superheroes."

"But-" Bubbles didn't get a moment to finish.

"It is my duty to keep the citizens safe, you girls are included in that."

"But we think someone is down there!" Leaping up from her seat, Bubbles was tenacious in this need.

Perhaps she said the right thing because the chief was quiet for a moment, "please sit." Bubbles didn't let the determined expression leave her face, now that it was there she needed to lock it in. Sighing, Miranda pinched the bridge of her nose for the second time that morning, her eyes closed, "who do you think is down there?"

With boosted confidence Bubbles knew she had to be truthful, "Mojo Jojo."

This gave Miranda pause, it was true she hadn't seen any of his shenanigans in a few weeks, but she had written it off to him being away. The fact they let a criminal like that run around was beyond her, but he had saved the city numerous times. The tiredness was back on Miranda's face as she looked at Bubbles, "how do you know he isn't on vacation? Or maybe he moved?"

She hadn't been expecting to have to explain everything, but she knew she had to give more so she could get more. "The Rowdyruff Boys asked my sisters and I for help. We went to his lab and it's all topsy turvy."

Clicking on the mouse on her desk Miranda woke her computer up and clicked on the archive the Townsville PD had set up with every known villain, Bubbles was silent as the chief typed away on her keyboard. Without a doubt she knew the boys were in there. She was watching Miranda's eyes flick over the files on the monitor, Bubbles felt a pit grow in her stomach, she didn't want to betray Boomer. They were kind of friends now.

"So, these boys that tried to kill you are asking you to find one of their buddies and you think he might be under the city?" She sounded as skeptical as she looked, furrowing her brow slightly.

Bubbles chirped, "they haven't tried to kill us in a long time. They had to sign a contract with the city, I was there, I saw it."

"You don't think these boys will try to kill you again? It says they are your counterparts, why aren't they off saving the city?" Miranda wanted to punch as many holes in this story as she could. If she let those girls go down there and the boys murdered them it would be her fault.

Huffing Bubbles was getting tired of that, "because they're my friends." Miranda raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "and! And it's not their job! They paid for their crimes, we go to school with them, they really, really need our help." That emotional side was beginning to control her again, her eyes began to get watery, "we have to help them find Mojo." Bubbles' lower lip began trembling.

Sitting back in her chair, Miranda just stared at the monitor with the three boys' faces on it. One was gap-toothed and had a bloody nose. Another wore a backwards cap and sported a split lip with the most stubborn look on his face that she had ever seen on a child. The last one bore a black eye and a split lip and looked like he'd light the city on fire if given the chance.

Clicking through the files again she checked to see if there had been any recent issues; Disturbing the peace, breaking curfew, leaving students on the flagpole… the most recent were just noise complaints from them flying overhead and a handful mentioned fighting with the girls but without charges pressed. Miranda figured if you had powers like that then the only thing you could fight besides monsters were other beings like yourself.

"If they put one pinky-toe out of line then I will come for all of you." Miranda's voice was calm and neutral, "you are to report back to me no later than 24 hours after your return. Do I make myself clear?"

Bubbles just sat in surprise for a moment, she had to make a decision without her sisters, a decision that would directly impact them if something happened. She wasn't the leader and this was a big thing to agree to, Bubbles had to ask herself how much she actually trusted the boys.

Standing up she forced her hand out, "crystal clear, ma'am!"

Miranda leaned back in her chair a bit before standing and shaking Bubbles' hand. "Good. Now let me write the location down for you. Be careful and bring a flashlight. You can't see your own nose in front of your face down there."

Gulping more of her coffee so she wouldn't make anymore agreements Bubbles just hoped her gut was right about the boys.

i got it

---

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

The sun was high this afternoon but there had been a lingering chill all day, Bubbles turned her head as a breeze whipped past them, it smelled like rain. Buttercup was sitting on the grass next to Bubbles pouting, not only from her team losing on a technicality but from Bubbles filling her and Blossom in on the chief's terms. Blossom hung up her phone and walked over to the girls, her face was stern, "I told the professor we will be careful and home as soon as we can." With her hands on her hips she looked at Bubbles, "I'm sure the boys will be fine, but just in case let's not even tell them what happened." Sighing, she shook her head, "I wish you'd let me talk to the chief."

Pouting Bubbles just mumbled, "it would've been the same and you know it."

Blossom looked almost out of place as she stood there with her hands jammed into her pockets, but when it came down to it Blossom saved jeans for times like this, she couldn't even remember the last time she wore any. She pushed up the sleeves of her sweater and readjusted her ponytail, retying the ribbon several times until she was satisfied. Buttercup and Bubbles exchanged a look, they knew when their sister was uncomfortable and now was a perfect example.

Standing up Buttercup dusted off her joggers and sighed, "they are so incredibly slow." She'd come straight from the game and was still dressed as if she were on the sideline yelling at her team. Encouragingly of course. The girls had already retied their sneakers, checked the batteries on their mini flashlights, and made sure someone knew where they were. That someone was Robin who had been directed to check in with them in five hours. Now they just needed the boys to show.

Brick distinctly caught the view of Blossom's bright red bow and vibrant hair through the overcast skies, pointing down he and his brothers began to descend, Brick keeping one hand on his backwards cap. They landed somewhat heavily but didn't skip a beat as they walked over the last few steps to the girls. They were dressed much like the girls were, in athletic gear, torn up jeans, and old t-shirts. Plus it was The Powerpuff Girls and The Rowdyruff Boys, they weren't trying to impress one another.

"Sorry for the wait, got a bit held up." Brick stood next to Blossom, crossing his arms and staring down at her. Something was off about her, or maybe it was just him being weird about their conversation the night before. It wasn't everyday you told someone they might die while helping you. As stubborn as Brick knew he was he knew Blossom could give him a run for his money.

Boomer gave a friendly smile and a wave which Bubbles returned and Buttercup only half returned. He chalked it up to Buttercup being Buttercup at this point. Even if he'd only been actively hanging around her for a week that seemed to be a default mood for her. Too cool, even for her own sisters. For once Butch didn't start in on anything, he didn't even look in their direction and instead appeared to be surveying the area around them.

Brick turned his attention over to Bubbles, "you know where we're going?"

She nodded at him, "mmhmm, Boomer has the layout though." As soon as she mentioned it Boomer began pulling out of his back pocket the folded up paper. He opened it as they all gathered around, Bubbles tapped her finger on her lips as she scanned the layout before resting her index finger on a location, "here, there should be a maintenance entrance that leads into a hallway with a door at the end."

"God that's a weird place to put an entrance," Brick took the paper from Boomer and folded it back up and placed it into his own back pocket.

Butch rolled his eyes, "jeeze, man, I told you why last night. It's like you don't even listen to my stories."

Brick just shot him an unimpressed look, "I don't." Butch looked like he wanted to hit him and Boomer just sniggered behind his hand, served Butch right for being a jackass last night.

With his hands on his waist Brick rotated his torso and looked around, "alright, let's get going then." Luckily they had converged around the middle of the park so all they had to do was head towards the south east corner, an easy walk, but they also wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible too. However, it was a group of six teenagers, and not only that but three were fairly famous.

Blossom had to stop when two little girls came over to show their matching red bows off, and of course their dad came and took a photo of all three girls smiling with the kids. Buttercup got stopped by a few members of a boys and girls club she'd been a surprise guest at over the summer and even though she had that aura of 'I don't give a shit about anyone,' she listened to them tell her about their games at school and asked if she was planning on coming back next summer. Several dog walkers stopped Bubbles to show them the dogs they had adopted from the rescue she volunteered at, taking a few selfies with the owners and happy pups. To say moving around with the girls was eventful was an understatement.

Sighing as she caught back up with the group, Bubbles pulled up next to Boomer, "I hope we don't get stopped anymore, it's just so hard to say 'no' when you see how excited they are."

Butch gave her a critical eye, "if you girls just said 'no' this walk would've only taken 20 minutes."

Blossom just pinched the bridge of her nose, "we can't just ignore people."

"Yeah, but now they know we're with you," Brick interjected.

"Why do you care about that?" Bubbles asked, looking at Boomer who shrugged, "I mean, I'm cool with it."

Butch just gave an exasperated sigh, "we have a reputation to uphold, doesn't help to be seen willingly with you."

Blossom, who was next to Brick at this point chose to point out, "you don't care that you're seen with me when we go to academic competitions."

"That's different, that's for school." Grumbling Brick moved off the path and the group followed, through a few trees and the sound of trickling water was heard.

There was a small creek that moved through Townsville park before going under another few blocks and joined a river under a bridge by the west side of town that flowed out to sea. The massive storm drain was roughly 6ft down towards the edge of the park, if they were normal humans then they'd have to slide down carefully or navigate a few rocks jutting out of the sides and hold onto the roots that were overgrown, just to get to the shallow end of the creek. Water rippled over the rocks and slowly filtered into the drain, the view was not so inviting.

Luckily all they had to do was float and then hover, holding his nose Butch announced, "ugh, please tell me it's not going to smell like that in the tunnels."

Buttercup joined him, "pee-yoo, Bloss, this is gross."

Wrinkling her nose Blossom landed on the end and took out her tiny flashlight, beaming it down the drain, the top was even dripping slowly in some spots and her pure desire to turn around and go home was strong. Even though they did disgusting things all the time as superheroes it didn't mean she wanted to go in there. She felt a hand press to her lower back, pushing her forward, "c'mon, Red, we're wasting time."

Brick was right behind her, his hand still pressed and she suddenly felt her face get hot. Instinctually she knew that it was quite romantic and a turn on when a man held a woman's waist but this was ridiculous. Shooing away his hand she continued to walk in, holding her nose with her free hand. One-by-one they began to file in, Bubbles clutching Buttercup's hand as she trailed behind her, Boomer bringing up the rear kept a look out that no one had seen before he entered the drain as well.

Cautiously making their way in Brick hissed, "how far up is the maintenance door?"

Buttercup squeezed Bubbles' hand and made a slight jerking motion to catch her attention. "Uh, it should be right before the metal bars that separate where the drain gets more narrow."

Although they could have moved more quickly no one wanted to bash their head against the top or slip and fall. The wet sound of their footsteps, the slow dripping from the top of the drain, and their breathing was all that they could hear. Boomer thought he was going to go crazy if no one said anything.

"It's here!" Blossom called back, immediately they started to cluster more.

Buttercup was pushed into Butch's back and he sarcastically said, "jeeze, Butterbabe, buy me dinner first."

She raised her free hand to smack him but Bubbles grabbed it from behind, a small barely audible, "don't."

Muttering to herself Buttercup lowered her hand once Bubbles released it, she'd get him back later.

Brick was leaning forward where Blossom's light was illuminating the door, looking at something. "It's locked."

Bubbles and Boomer had figured it would be but before they could even say anything Butch pushed past Brick, "I got it." Placing his hand on the slimy metal handle he jerked it towards him before twisting and forcing the door inwards. The snap of the metal bolt holding the door was audible, and the creek of the door swinging in the air before smashing against the inside door vibrated the tunnel.

Butch just raised his eyebrows at Brick before stepping into the pitch black musty hall, it was a bit less narrow in here but not by much, at least the ceilings were higher. Buttercup and Bubbles pulled their own mini flashlights out, turning them on as they entered the hallway, Boomer was ushered in by Blossom before she closed the door behind them.

She didn't mean to but every fiber in her body was screaming, Bubbles didn't realize how hard she was squeezing Buttercup's hand until she felt her sister pushing her fingers away, "christ, Bubbles, my hand is gonna fall off. Chill." Being in this dark room felt so much like being in those air ducts and she was panicking. The only reason she wasn't turning tail was the reassurance that she wasn't alone.

Easing up on her grip now, Buttercup stopped fighting her but Blossom came up behind her and rested her hand on her shoulder, "just keep the flashlight on and stay close."

Moving off to join Brick towards the front Blossom announced, "Stay together, we still have to get into the old part of the city."

Not wanting to be outdone Brick pointed at both Butch and Boomer, "and don't fuckin' touch anything." A low hiss of 'language' from Blossom could be heard but Butch and Boomer just looked at each other in disbelief.

"The fuck?" Butch asked, but Boomer just shook his head.

Moving forward the girls all kept their flashlights pointed at the ground, the walls were old with rust stains running down them, the floor beneath them was a mixture of brick and dirt. It was like the air had been stagnant for so long, if they breathed it in too long then they'd be able to feel it clinging in their chests and sticking to their bones. Musty, cold, and a little bit damp.

Rounding a corner, Blossom beamed the flashlight down the corridor and the glint of a door was only a few yards away. Shuffling down the corridor Buttercup felt Bubbles cling to her, as much as she felt bad dragging her back down into another dark place she also needed her sister not to be a baby. She fought monsters for fucks sake, why was it that a little dark terrified her?

Brick walked a few steps in front of Blossom and expected the door to be locked but was surprised when it clicked open as he turned the handle. Glancing back at the group he paused, held up one finger to wait, then slowly began to open the door, it's weight was heavy but it followed a dirt path that had been worn into the ground before. In silence he motioned for Blossom to shine the light and she did so, before them it appeared like it was the floor of an old store, broken wooden crates and barrels in one corner and then what looked like framing with a few pieces of wooden walls hanging onto bits and pieces.

Out of the corner of her eye Blossom noticed a warm light coming from down the path leading out of this room and she stopped Brick from moving in with a soft hand on his chest. Butch and Buttercup were restless, fidgeting as they wanted to escape the confined area, Boomer stared at the darkness behind him, focusing his eyes, worried someone could follow them in. He would've heard the door but still, maybe his brain just needed something to focus on. Practically trembling on her sister's arm was Bubbles, slowly inhaling and exhaling with the flashlight clutched tightly in her other hand.

"Stay here," Blossom crept through the door and began making her way slowly through the room, flashlight cast directly at the ground.

Butch muttered a, "Brick? What the hel-" to get shushed by his own leader. Brick didn't like this anymore than the rest of them but he could feel their tension rolling off of them, trying to sweep him up in it. He needed to keep cool.

Without pointing the flashlight down the other tunnel Blossom slowly peeked around the corner, her brow furrowing as she studied the large industrial glow stick just lying in the dirt. Now she beamed the light down the tunnel and saw small edison bulbs strung up by the ceiling, they were out but a large switch on a metal box was where the light stick was below.

Straightening up she turned and motioned Brick in, walking to meet him halfway in the room she was about to say something when their siblings practically tumbled into the room with a heavy thud, quickly dusting themselves off.

"What did I tell you?" Brick hissed quietly, but Blossom said in a normal voice, "it's clear."

Butch eagerly walked over, "what did you find? There's supposed to be tons of cool shit down here."

Blossom pointed a slender index finger at him, "language, please." Collecting herself she reported, "there's an abandoned industrial light stick below some lights that look like they line the tunnels. No sign of anyone, and there's too much of a dirt and brick mix to see if there are footprints."

Walking over to the light stick, Brick picked it up and studied it. "This is the real deal, the types that deep sea divers use." Holding it up he peered at the large switch on the wall, then turned back to the group. "Someone has been here recently, these things don't last more than 12-24 hours tops."

A shiver ran down Bubbles' spine as she listened to Brick, "but the main door we came in was locked tight."

Buttercup released her sister's hand and walked closer to where Brick was standing, checking out the metal box. "I think it's a fuse box, or something like that anyways."

Boomer and Bubbles stood beside Blossom as they tried to figure out their options, but Butch interrupted all that, "there are tons of ways to enter in here from storm drains, but really tiny entrances, and then there are the other two we already knew about." He shrugged when Blossom gave him a curious look, "what? I can read you know, I'm not just a pretty face and gorgeous bod." He flashed a confident smirk in her direction.

Rolling her eyes Blossom retorted, "I'm more impressed that you took the initiative to read about this place."

He was used to her biting comments, "whatever." God forbid he actually thought history was cool, he might not be in the AP course but he was in honors history. He wasn't stupid.

Buttercup turned and asked, "yo, Boomer, you can make lightnin', right?"

The fact Buttercup had asked him a question almost surprised him but he nodded, "sure."

Leaning her back against the wall she indicated at the box with her thumb, "can you charge shit like this?"

Hand slap to her forehead, Blossom just muttered a defeated, "why do I even bother?" Getting anyone here not to cuss was proving to be pointless. Nervously Boomer moved forward to check out the box.

Butch remarked, "these lights should line most of the tunnels if the wires aren't fucked."

Brick met Blossom's eyes, "if we light up the tunnels we're announcing that we're here." This gave everyone pause, but Brick and Blossom just quietly stared at one another. After another minute Brick turned to Boomer, "do it."

Bubbles had to wonder if maybe they could communicate with their counterparts telepathically, but more likely she figured Blossom and Brick were just on the same wavelength. They were leaders, they were used to making tough calls. If Blossom hadn't agreed then she wouldn't have let Brick say anything.

Clasping his hands together Boomer started to focus, his dark blue eyes blazed vividly in the dark, the white and blue electric sparks dancing between his palms and fingertips as he pulled his hands apart. Grasping the side of the metal box with one hand and the wire that jutted out from the top with his other he braced and pushed the current through his hands and into the cable.

Flickering dully the lights struggled, a couple of faint popping sounds coming from further within the tunnels as lightbulbs that couldn't handle the electric surge shattered. Pulling his hands away, the light dying down from his own body, Boomer stepped back and looked at Brick, "I don't know how long that'll last."

"Way to go, Boomer!" Bubbles and Blossom cheered, he smiled sheepishly and flushed.

Buttercup gave him a pat on the back as she walked past him, "not bad."

Brick motioned and the group followed down the next tunnel, the lights flickered every few moments or so but Blossom was now insisting that they conserve the battery life they had in their flashlights. "Why?" Buttercup questioned, "we have a living, breathing charger right here?" She motioned at Boomer who looked quite self conscious at her remark.

Blossom corrected her, "we shouldn't rely on our powers too much down here, it's very old and if we lose control or push it too far then who knows what will happen to the city above us." Her voice was serious and Buttercup pouted slightly, "we need to be smart down here." With that, Blossom finished.

Reluctantly Bubbles pocketed the flashlight, she was right beside Boomer who gave her a thumbs up, she returned one, smiling lightly. Buttercup glanced at them, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly, she still wasn't 100% on board with Boomer. Turning around she stepped up by Brick as they moved onto another block of old buildings.

"Keep going, we'll have to search the rooms we come across."

. . .

With a heavy sigh Buttercup leaned against the outside of an old building, "we've been walking around for an hour now and still nothing," Blossom gave her a reproachful look. She wasn't happy about being stuck down here either but she was determined to find something. The stagnant air was messing with her senses, she could have missed an important clue and not even realized it.

The lights were still flickering, more consistently now, and they hadn't come across another fuse box to recharge and backtracking seemed silly at this point. Clutching her flashlight again, Bubbles wandered down the tunnel, noticing the ceilings were getting higher she paused. "Guys?" She could hear them moving around and talking, louder she called, "um, guys, you're going to want to see this."

Brick turned his head, surprised that Bubbles had actually wandered off from the group, she'd been almost glued to her sisters or Boomer the whole time they'd been down here. Walking down the tunnel to join her he began with, "what did you fi-" he stopped dead in his tracks behind her. "Fuck."

The tunnels were splitting off now in several different directions, where they had stopped seemed larger as well. A cracked statue of a man on a horse was partially sticking out of the ground, the hand and half of the head were missing and the raised leg of the horse was almost completely gone. It looked like some sort of meeting area, and even though he couldn't hear the city above them he had a suspicion that they were in the center of it.

They both walked forward, there were only a few bulbs lit in this area but they also noticed that all of the tunnels were dark going forward. Flicking on the flashlight, Bubbles moved the beam around slowly, trying to take everything in. There was the usual broken wooden crate and barrel, old moldy papers and broken stones, but as she dragged the beam across one of the crates Brick put up his hand, "stop."

He moved over to the broken crate, in it was something they hadn't come across yet and that was scraps of fabric that must have come from an old store. It was almost set up like a small tent. Carefully Brick peered in, but saw nothing, dust seemed to be collecting here now too. "I need you to get closer, I need the light."

Moving closer to Brick, Bubbles leaned over and fully shined the light in, he was lifting up one of the wrapped up tarp pieces when a faint glint came tumbling out of the filthy mess. Neither of them spoke as Brick reached in and pulled out a piece of glass, he held it up to the light and the light lavender and gray swirls that were wrapping around the creamy white base were recognizable.

Locking eyes Brick and Bubbles knew exactly what it was, they backed away from the spot just as the others began filing in the large room.

"Shit, you gotta be fuckin' with me," Buttercup remarked at the large room, Blossom hissed at her sister again about her inappropriate use of language but Boomer and Butch were in full agreement. "Shit."

Waving at them Bubbles called, "guys, we found something!" Trying not to be too loud, as even though this confirmed that someone was down here it didn't confirm if anything else was.

As Blossom approached, Brick held the piece out to her, carefully she examined it, her face grim. "Mojo was definitely here."

The boys already looked strained by this development, but Brick announced, "we need to keep going."

Grabbing his arm, Blossom pulled, "stop," and the look he gave her as he spun to look at her almost caused her to let go. There was a frenzied heat radiating in his eyes but that was the catalyst that forced her to continue. "We don't know how long that has been here, dust settles so quickly down here, we need to have a plan before we go wandering off into those tunnels."

They stood for a moment, as they did when weighing decisions, before Blossom dropped her hand and Brick crossed his arms. "So what do you propose we do?"

Biting the corner of her lower lip Blossom turned on her flashlight and beamed it down each individual tunnel, the darkness swallowing up the light further down. There were too many tunnels spiraling out from this point for them to split up and go down each one in pairs of two, and if they left any tunnels unexplored then without a doubt the boys would blame her and her sisters if they didn't locate Mojo.

Rejoining the group she exhaled deeply before beginning, "we need to go in pairs down each tunnel," Brick was about to interrupt her but she continued despite his open mouth, "we will walk down each one for 30 minutes and then turn around and walk back. That means we will meet here in an hour, once we do that we can split into two groups and take the last two tunnels."

Bubbles felt like she was caving into herself at the very idea, the only reason she'd gotten this far was because the group was so large, she knew she was safe. But what if one of her sisters got hurt when they were split up? Or one of the boys went too far ahead? Anything could happen down here.

"Well," Butch interrupted, and Blossom turned to look at him surprised, "we're already in the center of town which means one of these tunnels has the maintenance room entrance and then the entrance with the bank shouldn't be too far away either. We won't have to turn back but," he paused, "some of these tunnels collapsed years ago, the entrances could be in one of those areas too."

Lifting an eyebrow with some uncertainty, Blossom replied, "Okay then... " her eyes flashed over to Buttercup who just shrugged.

Boomer came to his brother's defense on this one, "he actually read up on this stuff, so I trust him." Butch tried not to look surprised, failed, and just jammed his hands into his pockets.

"You two," Brick pointed at Butch and Buttercup, "I don't want you two pairing up, you'll just collapse more of these tunnels."

Snorting, Buttercup waved him off, "fine by me."

"Me too." Butch didn't want to be alone with his counterpart any more than she did.

Sighing, Blossom wasn't sure how she felt about Brick taking the reins from her like that, but she couldn't help but admit that Brick was right. Cracking her knuckles she started walking over to one of the tunnels, "lets go, one of you." Awkwardly the boys exchanged glances before Boomer jogged off to join her.

"Guess we'll meet up in an hour," Butch tugged the back of Bubbles' jacket and she awkwardly stumbled a few steps before twisting around to walk after him. She could easily protest but she knew sending Buttercup with him would be way worse.

Grumbling, Buttercup flicked on her own mini flashlight and gestured to Brick, "which one?" Brick pointed at one and they too began heading down.

It was only going to be for an hour.

. . .

Boomer wasn't sure why he'd chosen to follow Blossom, he'd spent the least amount of time with her out of all the girls so maybe that had something to do with it? He was only a few steps behind her, her long red ponytail swayed from side-to-side with her movements and he was surprised to find she was rather graceful. Seeing "the girls" as regular girls was kind of weird but it certainly wasn't unwelcome, he had someone he could talk to about his powers that weren't his brothers. Butch and Brick always acted like they had shit figured out but he'd seen them struggle when new things popped up or abilities changed.

In the reality of it though he wouldn't say anything for a while, that was personal, and none of them were there yet. There was also no guarantee that they ever would be so he was probably getting his hopes up that this newfound kinship would continue after Mojo was recovered.

"You and your brothers must be close to Mojo." Blossom's voice was rather matter-of-fact, but she hadn't asked a question, she continued to beam the flashlight on the ground ahead of them.

Shrugging even though she couldn't see it, Boomer replied, "I guess. We spent way more time with him than with HIM anyways. But Brick is actually a lot closer to Mojo than Butch or I. He's more like an uncle than a 'dad', you know?"

Without missing a beat, Blossom responded, "not really. The Professor is our dad and calls us his daughters."

Hearing this made Boomer realize that there really might not be common ground to stand on, "oh, that's cool." He was stuck and didn't really know where to go from here, their footsteps merely echoed off of the dirt walls for a few minutes.

Blossom attempted further conversation, "I saw you play at the Christmas concert, you were really good. I was surprised to see you switch onto multiple instruments." She wasn't sure why she was mentioning this but it seemed like a safe topic.

Although she couldn't see it, Boomer lit up at the subject, "thanks," his voice was bright and warm in her ears. "There's something really exciting about learning different instruments and music styles," he chuckled, "Brick complains I make more noise than music but that's kind of the whole thing with experimenting. He doesn't really get that, sometimes I think he doesn't realize that you can be good at more than just school." As soon as those last words were out of his mouth he wished he had just shut up. He was talking to someone that kind of was Brick.

Before he could backtrack though he heard a light sigh, "yeah, I forget that too sometimes but I'm proud of Bubbles and Buttercup's accomplishments. The Professor used to remind me that they're just as smart and capable as I am, but in different ways." She glanced over her shoulder, a small smile on her lips.

Moving to be more beside her, Boomer continued scanning the ground, "I don't think Buttercup likes me very much, I'm just hoping she and Brick don't rip each other's throats out." He said this only half joking, he'd seen Buttercup mouth something out past him the night before, his guess was it had to be Brick.

Shaking her head, Blossom cooly stated, "Buttercup only gives people a hard time because she doesn't like to get too close. She has to be the dog with the biggest growl in the room." Her face was rather exasperated, "people push to be her friend and that's the only way she lets them in. Like, they have to take her verbal abuse to prove they aren't going to just up and abandon her."

This was a lot for Boomer to take in, he would never have expected someone to say all that about Buttercup. She was admired, he'd had his ass handed to him before by her and knew the girl could fight better than most, she was strong and attractive, and it seemed like she was universally liked at school.

"I never would've guessed," he said this sincerely.

Blossom just quirked the side of her mouth, "don't tell her I told you that, she would be furious if she knew I was even talking about her." Pausing she laughed to herself, "I bet her ears are burning right now."

Finally coming to an old bank they walked in, Boomer used his powers to light up one of his hands but was careful not to touch anything. Out of curiosity he questioned, "so are you going to stay in the city as a superhero or go to college?" The rummaging from the other side of the room stopped and Boomer felt his face begin to burn, maybe that was too personal of a topic.

The silence sat in the musty air for a moment before Blossom responded, "I want to go away to college, I just haven't decided where yet. Plus," she stood and turned around, "we can't leave the city in just anyone's hands." She walked over to him and motioned to follow her back out, "nothing here."

Walking back out into the tunnel and into another old storefront Blossom asked, "what about you and your brothers? Do you see yourselves going to college?"

He was kind of surprised, other than a small handful of teachers no one had really asked him that. Sure they asked Brick, but Brick was on the academic team and took all AP classes. He was destined for a good college. "I want to, we all do, I think." Butch had only brought it up a few times so he couldn't say much about him.

As they continued walking Blossom noticed something ahead of them on the ground, "what's that?" Picking up the pace she kneeled in front of the object, Boomer leaning over her shoulder. It was a dingy yellowish color and ridged with vertical lines. Both parties were hesitant on picking the object, it looked more organic than man made.

Carefully Blossom picked the object up, it rested between her index finger and thumb, she was surprised that it was at least 3 inches in length. Spinning it between her fingers to get a better look she noted the underside was more flakey and matte, she suddenly realized what it was. Jerking back and dropping it she frantically waved her hand, "oh gross!"

Startled by her reaction, Boomer helped her up by her elbows, "what is it?"

Still looking disgusted she turned to him, "it's a nail, not sure if it came from the foot or hand, but I'm positive it's a nail."

Boomer's own reaction mirrored her disgust, "and you touched it?"

"I didn't know," shaking herself off she looked at Boomer, "we need to keep going, we have probably 45 minutes before we need to be back in that room." Nodding he continued to follow her further down the tunnel.

It wasn't long before the musty scent of the air stopped covering the stench of what had lost the nail. Boomer gagged and immediately held his nose, "ugh, that's disgusting." Blossom just grimaced, although she wasn't super familiar with the scent she had a very strong hunch.

"It's going to get worse, you can stay here if you want, I don't mind checking it out." Blossom was used to doing that sort of thing as a leader; Bubbles was pretty squeamish and Buttercup wasn't much better when it came to corpses. Blood, dirt, and slime? Sure. All three plus a gnarly smell? Forget it.

Boomer surprised her when he insisted, "no, I'm fine." She looked at him for a moment before he started walking off, "lets check it out."

They crept along the dark tunnel with their shirts pulled up over their noses; a broken crate was partially spilling from a still standing doorway, the door and half the wall were long gone. "I bet it's in there," Boomer observed. It was way too strong to be anywhere else.

"Luckily it's pretty cold underground, so it shouldn't be super decayed or bloated yet."

Blossom said this so matter-of-factly that Boomer had to stare at her in bewilderment. "You must watch a lot of true crime shows."

He couldn't see it but Blossom had given a half smile, "I used to, but you'd be surprised at what you run into while saving the city." She knew she was just making light of a very serious issue but thinking about the bodies she had seen over the years never helped much. There were plenty of times that citizens had been killed because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She began by flashing the light through the doorway, she could make out a strange shape in the dark and as she swept the light over the room she held her breath, there was viscera scattered over the dark ground with a few flies and gnats buzzing around the rotting pieces of flesh. Blossom could hear Boomer gulp behind her, no doubt trying to keep his lunch down. As her light settled on the figure in question she grimaced and Boomer sharply inhaled.

Clearly this was a person at some point, but what was on the ground wasn't much of a person anymore, just a hollowed out husk. There was a full leg missing from the knee down and the other leg had the tibia fully poking out from the discolored skin and torn up black pants.

Walking closer now, Blossom pulled out her phone and unlocked it, handing it to Boomer. He looked puzzled for a moment but she cleared it up, "Are you alright with taking pictures? I need to notify the chief about this and she'll want documentation."

None to thrilled, Boomer took the phone and turned the camera on, the flash from the back acting like a brighter flashlight so he could see what exactly he was looking at. He did wonder why they didn't just do that in place of using flashlights but he figured that draining their batteries wasn't a risk Brick or Blossom wanted to take.

As Boomer started to take photos of the various entrails, Blossom began moving closer to study the corpse. It was if something had cracked the sternum and then ripped open the ribcage, like whoever had done this was tearing through a much wanted Christmas gift. Already most of the inside was on the outside, maggots were strewn about on the bloody rot, and as she moved the light she noticed the entire jaw and the throat had been ripped out to the point where the esophagus was exposed. One of the eyeballs was hanging from the person's eye socket and an ear was missing.

Studying the corpse, Blossom figured that if there was a wallet it would be in one of the pockets but without gloves she really, really didn't want to touch it. And even though she was positive that whatever had done this damage wasn't human, Chief Rosa still wouldn't approve of her contaminating the scene.

Hunching down roughly a foot away from the corpse she slowly waved the flashlight beam up and down, trying to catch any clue. Boomer walked up by her, his face pale as he quietly said, "do you know who he is?" But Blossom only shook her head.

Pivoting to walk back towards the feet to snap some photos, Boomer stopped, movement had caught the corner of his eye and it wasn't Blossom. She was ridged beside him and she held up a single hand to notify him not to move. The head had lolled to the side.

Obviously this person couldn't survive what they had endured and like a spark Blossom's free hand began to glow a vivid rose, beside her Boomer followed suit as his hand blazed a deep sapphire. As the head lolled again Blossom stood up defensively and eye'd the corpse, her breathing slow. Rather lazily a small nose and whiskers pushed itself out into the remaining esophagus and a brown rat darted across the room.

Blossom gave a short yelp before resting her now calmed hand over her chest. Her heart felt like it would pound right out of her body. Boomer gagged, coughed, and spun away. His body retching as he dropped the phone on the uneven floor and his hands gripping his lower thighs as he tried to compose himself. He didn't need to vomit, not here, and not in front of Blossom.

A cool hand rested on his upper back, firm but gentle, and Blossom's voice sounded muffled in his ears. Blinking rapidly, trying to slow his breathing he turned his head to look at her. She looked more worried than anything, "what?" His voice was a hoarse gasp, his lungs filling with the heavy and musty air. What he would give to have fresh air right that moment.

Her voice came more clearly this time, "take your time. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth."

Nodding in understanding Boomer closed his eyes, the minutes dragged as he calmed his nerves. If Brick or Butch had been with him they would've given him hell and called him a pussy. He didn't doubt this at all. Clearing his throat he stood up, still pale and quite embarrassed he managed a quick but sincere, "thanks, sorry about that."

Picking up the phone from the ground Blossom handed it back to him, "the first time you see that is always the worst."

She was trying to reassure him but a look of horror washed over his face, "h-h-how many times have you seen that?!"

Giving him a weak smile she shrugged, "enough times that I stopped getting sick, I guess."

With the knowledge that she had gotten sick previously made him feel a little bit better, but not by much. Clearing his throat again Boomer turned around with her to walk back towards the corpse, "could you, ah, maybe not mention this to anyone else?" He chuckled weakly, "I have a reputation to protect after all."

Her hand went up to her mouth as she stifled her own laugh, glad he had a sense of humor and was powering through all this. "Of course, Boomer." They stood there for a moment, just relieved to think of anything other than the body in front of them. "Let's finish up here."

Turning back to the corpse, Boomer turned the camera function back on once Blossom had unlocked the phone, and then she returned to her crouched position beside the chest. As Boomer moved around and continued to snap photos he was relieved that the queasy feeling was nearly gone, snapping a photo of an arm that was barely still attached to the body he remarked, "this guy must've fought a lot."

Without lifting her eyes from the face Blossom asked, "why do you say that?"

"Well," Boomer started, "he's got a lot of faded bruising, he practically looks green in some places."

No sooner was that statement out of his mouth Blossom shot up standing and really leaned over to look at the head. She felt so stupid. How had she missed that? It was a graying chartreuse, but she'd been foolish to write it off as decomp. Biting the corner of her lower lip she moved around the body, really getting a look at the height and soiled clothing.

Boomer had just finished taking photos of the head when he looked over at Blossom. Her face was apprehensive and she looked up and met his eyes, Boomer had never seen her look like that before. It was like she was uneasy but also pushing off anger. "What is it?"

Gulping she walked back around and Boomer met her, "I have to ask, do you guys still spend time with the Gang Green Gang?"

Puzzled, Boomer muttered, "I mean, sometimes, mostly at clubs or shows but Butch was talking with Ace the other da-" And it hit him. Turning his head to look at the mangled face again in his head he attached a long jaw and cleaned up the blood and decay. "Oh, fuck."

For the first time that day Blossom didn't even correct him, his face turned back to her, "Ace told Butch that Grubber has been missing."

Looking past him she quietly said, "well, he isn't anymore."

"We have to tell him," Boomer didn't know why he was saying this, maybe because the gang had also tried to kill the girls there was a concern that their pride would outweigh their morality.

Of course it didn't. "And we will, I just-" she was deep in thought and didn't have time to finish. A deep rumbling was coming from their left and the ground trembled beneath their feet. With alarm Blossom's head whipped around and there was a slight quaver in her voice, "oh shit."

Boomer wasn't sure what surprised him more, the movement beneath the city or the fact that Blossom had kind of cussed.

Both of them bolted out of the room and down the long tunnel, carefully maneuvering as to not trip. Flying down here was too risky. "We need to find the others. Now!"

. . .

Walking side-by-side it was a battle of wills of who would speak first. Brick had taken the flashlight from Buttercup, they were careful as they walked with the light to guide them. Buttercup had a super neutral expression, for all he knew she was thinking about sports or dinner. That's kind of how he viewed Butch when he got that look. However Buttercup was concentrating on the smell in the air. There was something different, not just the old dirt and wood but something almost metallic. She wasn't a bloodhound but she knew the smell of blood when it lingered in the air.

Dipping from one of the tunnels into what was once a shop Brick and Buttercup rifled through the ruins around them. Buttercup pulled a filthy canvas covering off of a cluster of crates, dust flew in the air and with an inhale she immediately regretted it. Unable to fight the tickle her hands flew up at her face to cover the sneeze. However all that came was a very small, but forceful to her, 'choo'.

Whipping his head around, Brick stared at Buttercup, his brow was furrowed but not with anger. Wiping her hands on her leggings she looked up at him, an unamused expression on her face, "uh, can I help you?"

Brick just turned away slightly amused, "oh, nothing, just thought Bubbles had traded places with you." He was shining the flashlight at her, "that was very dainty of you."

Scowling she Crossed her arms and started walking toward him, "there ain't nothing dainty about me, asswipe." He moved aside as she stepped through a hole in the wall that lead to the next building. Using one hand she moved so quickly it looked like she merely snapped her fingers and the glow of her powers was activated.

Rolling his eyes Brick walked over to the tarp that she had discarded and he quickly pulled it into strips until he had a huge pile. Luckily this didn't take too long. He knew it would be better with green wood and having dry wood would limit his time but he didn't need it for a super long time. Grabbing an old wooden rod off the floor he quickly tied the canvas to the top of the rod. Layering the old tarp meant he had time before it reached the stick, or it should. Once completed he used his free hand, a red flame ignited in his palm and he slowly guided it around the first layer until it caught fire.

Holding his makeshift torch Brick was actually pretty pleased with himself. Turning the flashlight off he stepped over the fallen bricks into the next building, Buttercup was already about to head out, it seems she had searched the place. "Nothing here either," she grumbled.

Walking beside her she stared skeptically at him, but before she could say anything he held the flashlight out to her. "Here."

Letting the light of her powers fade away she took the flashlight out of his hand she muttered, "thanks."

In truth she was a little impressed, that had been smart of him, but she wasn't going to give him credit. He got plenty of that at school. Stepping into the tunnel again they walked along in silence, the only sounds were their feet on the dirt and stone and the licking flames. She almost wasn't going to say anything but felt it was her place to do so, "why'd you try to get us to stop helping you?"

Brick was almost taken aback by what she was saying, but realized that of course Blossom and Bubbles would have told their sister what had happened. Trying to sound nonchalant he replied, "it's just not your place."

With an eyebrow up she gave him a serious stare, "and you think Butch and Boomer can handle this kind of shit better than we can?" Clearly incredulous she just rolled her eyes before returning them to the path.

"If you die it's not my fault," Brick was expecting a bigger reaction but Buttercup just gave a laughing snort.

"You gotta be kidding me," she chuckled, "oh man, you should do stand up."

A little irritated by her reaction he grabbed her shoulder and stopped, she turned to look at him, clearly unamused. "I won't let the whole fucking city hate me or my brothers because I got you killed by asking for help. I was serious when I told Red that we could do it on our own."

Skeptically Buttercup stared at him and brushed his hand off her shoulder, "dude, this is our job. Aren't all heroes supposed to go out in flaming glory? Like if we don't die for our city then we were shit at our job?" Brick wasn't sure if he should be taking her seriously or not, and actually kind of pissed she wasn't taking him seriously. Scowling he started lifting a hand when she burst out with, "plus can you imagine relying on Boomer to save your ass when you get in too deep? Or Butch!?"

"My brothers are good at what they do." Brick knew that his brothers were strong and fast, but he also knew they could be reckless.

"And we're better," Buttercup pointed her thumb back at herself. She turned to keep walking, "ugh, my ears feel like they're on fire. Did I bump into something?" She rubbed one of her ears with her fist but Brick stopped her. "Hey I got thi-,"

"Shut up." He was looking at her ears and her face was red. Who was he to shush her!? "You look fine, there's no swelling," he paused and smirked at her, "I guess someone is just talking about you." He turned and continued walking down the tunnel, Buttercup right on his heels.

"Alright, thanks, doc!"

"You know, one day you're gonna say that to me and it's gonna be true."

He wasn't looking at her but could feel her eyes on his face, "oh yeah? And what for? Being super annoying?"

The corner of his mouth quirked, "no, but nice guess. I'll be sure to send you a bill though for today, it's probably going to accrue a lot of interest. Hope you can pay it."

Sticking her middle finger up at him she made that 'pffft' sound, "fat chance, ruff."

"That's fine, my lawyer will enjoy taking you to court."

She laughed, "you're pretty confident for a punk who has tons of years left of school. I'll be too much of a broke bitch to pay you probably. The city will have to do that on my behalf."

"Isn't that what they do already?" He raised an eyebrow and glanced at her but he noticed her face was more serious this time.

"Please, you think we see any of that money?" Buttercup's tone was huffy, clearly this was a sore topic that had been discussed many times.

Brick was surprised, "don't you kind of put your life on the line for these people? I'm pretty sure their taxes go to paying you partially."

With every name she gestured in a circle with her hand, "and the mayor, and the fire department, and the police force, and the hospital," Looking at him she said, "we get barely anything out of all that. Plus the professor has it go to college savings." Sighing she returned her attention back to the uneven ground in front of them, "if we hadn't enrolled within the heroes union a few years ago we'd be flat broke. Even they don't pay too much for the time and energy we spend saving the world," she shrugged, "what are you going to do?"

In all seriousness Brick said, "freelance. Private Investigators." She eye'd him up but he stated, "I plead the fifth." Plus when it came to teenage boys with criminal records and superpowers what else was there left for them to do? No one would hire them. Doing itty-bitty jobs here and there didn't hurt, plus it's not like it was always stealing back someone's black diamond broach they lost in a divorce, or their dog named Henry. Sometimes it was standing in a fancy suit while looking intimidating.

She nodded, "sure, alright. Are you the only one who does shit like that or are your brothers wrapped up in it too?" When he didn't reply Buttercup sighed, "I'm not going to tell Blossom."

"Sometimes. Mostly me, Butch on occasion, Boomer never." She was about to ask him why not Boomer when Brick explained, "who do you think filters the calls, processes the payments and books the clients?" Buttercup would never pin Boomer to be trusted with that sort of work but apparently it worked.

"Not bad, if ya ever need a sub give me a call." Brick didn't think she was serious but one look at her face and body language told him otherwise. "We'll see." It wouldn't be bad to have the Toughest Fighter on their roster, even if she didn't know exactly what they did from time to time. He chose not to comment about Blossom's reaction, deep down he had a feeling they both knew what it would be and he wasn't going to be the one to poke the bear.

Buttercup had made it a few feet in front of him in the new area when she suddenly stopped, her eyes locked on a boarded up building that looked like it had been someone's house. Brick almost stumbled over her, he wasn't ready for her to stay so planted. "Jeeze, a little warning would be nice."

"Oh shut up." Hands on her hips as she rolled her eyes at him, then pointing, "we need to go in there."

Giving her a quizzical look Brick started, "we need to keep goi-,"

"Nah, nah, nah. We need to go in there." Buttercup brushed him off so dismissively but he just waited to see what exactly her plan was. Walking up to the boarded up doorway she noticed a few gaps, and what looked like something had squeezed itself underneath the bottom board. Something caught her eye, "you're gonna love me," her voice was deeper with a sort of overconfidence, her fingers plucked something that had been caught in the boards.

Standing up she lifted her hand to his face and shined the flashlight on the cluster of fine black hairs. Brick's eyes widened with the realization, "you're a fucking genius."

Buttercup just shrugged and pretended to dust off her shoulders, "oh I know. Tell Bloss, would'ya?" Pivoting on her left leg she swung her right over, the bottom of her sneaker making contact with the boards as they splintered beneath the force of her kick.

Sure, a normal person wouldn't have been able to do that, but they weren't exactly normal.

Buttercup pivoted to the side and mock bowed at Brick, "ladies first." Normally this would piss him off but she'd done damn good finding those hairs. Stepping over the bottom board and into the dark room Brick was beginning to catch what she had. A dry and lingering metallic scent, sweeping the torch across the floor he noticed a few dry patches of blood on the old wooden floors. His stomach suddenly felt very heavy.

As she stepped over the threshold herself Buttercup shook out her hair and ran her fingers through it, she was about to put the flashlight down so she could throw her short bob into a ponytail but stopped. Looking around the room she voiced something Brick hadn't quite picked up. "There are floorboards in here."

Looking around Brick observed that she was right about this one, except for the entrance by the door where it was disturbed dirt and a few bricks the rest of the room was covered in wooden floorboards. There was also furniture in here, covered in sheets, a disheveled and crumbling carpet, and a sealed up fireplace. "Must have been someone's home and not a business."

The corner of her mouth twitched downward, "that sucks." She could only imagine having to leave her whole home because she'd no longer be able to get in or out anymore. Since the tunnels were higher up here she suspected that the rotten stairs on the far corner lead upstairs to a bedroom that hadn't known bodies in centuries. She started to make her way over to the stairs when Brick's voice halted her right in her tracks.

"Stop." A queer expression on his face, his eyes narrowed and without looking at her he said, "can you walk back over that way again?"

As much as she didn't want to take orders from Brick he had asked… with a sigh she moved again over the creaking floorboards, trying to figure out what it was that had caught his attention. His head snapped up to look at her, "do you hear it?" Maybe if she'd been wearing her combat boots instead of sneakers she would've caught it but she just looked blankly at him. "Here," he walked over and handed her the torch before crouching down to the floor.

Rapping his knuckles on the wood by her feet the fullness of the knock could be heard, but as he moved a few steps away he knocked again. This time the sound behind was hollow. He looked back up at her and there was a glint in her eyes as a smile slid onto her lips, "there's a cellar down there."

Standing up Brick dusted off his hands and took the torch back from her, he knew he'd have to extinguish it soon. First he needed to find the door. Slowly he made his way across the room, looking for notches in the wood, a rope, anything to indicate where there was a door. Just to satisfy her curiosity Buttercup inspected the stairs, no more dried up blood and some of the steps looked so damaged that if Mojo had attempted to climb up them he would undoubtedly have fallen through. There would be splintered wood and a broken railing. She was sure of it.

Walking back to where Brick was she asked, "why don't you just stomp your foot? The hinges should make a sound, right?"

He looked at her and stood up, clearing his throat he began to walk away, "I was going to do that next."

"Right..." Crossing her arms she raised an eyebrow at him, sure he was.

This definitely helped them progress faster, and when Buttercup stomped down for the seventh time a faint rattle echoed in the room. Walking over quickly Brick crouched down, "try it again." But this time the rattle didn't come. They exchanged looks before Brick hopped up, his fingers diving onto the wood, searching. With a hiss he called, "got it." Moving his fingers under the small notch the door opened with a loud groan.

"Not too shabby for a Rowdyruff," Buttercup crossed her arms and cocked her hip with a smirk.

Brick just looked at her and returned the grin. "Not too bad for a Powerpuff." Maybe they could get along. His brothers bickered with him, challenged him but they eventually backed down. She bickered with him, had challenged him, and he knew she wouldn't back down. He kind of admired that she could be good to work with in the future.

Beaming the flashlight down the cellar stairs Buttercup stated, "I'm not walking down those things," and she jumped down into the dark.

"What do you see down there?" Brick was about to follow her but wanted to be sure the door was securely open, so he moved one of the old chairs in the room on top of it. It was a shitty security but if any of their siblings came this way they'd know. "How much time do we have left before we need to head back?"

"Lots of old shelves and some jars with preserves, a lot of broken ones too." Whipping out her phone Buttercup checked the time, "like 5 more minutes."

He jumped down into the hole with her, "15 minutes then, we'll be fast getting back, we know the way."

Nodding in agreement Buttercup said, "something smells damp."

Brick had to agree, the distinct smell of water and stone, and if he strained hard enough he could hear the slow dripping of water. "Probably leads to an underground system," his voice was low, "if Mojo is anywhere it's probably by water. Looks like he got to the food here already." Buttercup had to agree, and her slow walk forward was all the confirmation Brick needed at this point in time.

After crawling around the edges she hissed back, "here," the tunnel was slick, and the steps that had been carved in were smoothed down by time. Exhaling Brick looked at the space, he wasn't too keen on getting down there at all but if Mojo was down there then he would.

"Let's not walk, I can't carry your injured ass and Mojo's." The sarcastic tone in her voice was noted but Brick could hear the seriousness too. Nodding he began to rise as well, and follow her down. The torch was getting hotter in his hand, and as moisture dripped from the walls as they journeyed further down sizzling could be heard from the fire.

At first they figured they must have been wrong when they got to the bottom, the room was semi-large, at least large enough to fit a few cars in, and there were rock formations and a small pool of water that passed through an underground stream. But no Mojo. A rusted out tin bucket was on the ground and as they looked around Buttercup felt her temper get the best of her. "Fuck!" Stomping on the bucket, it crumpled beneath her foot.

The echo vibrated through the cavern and with frustration Brick grabbed her arm, "don't."

Locking eyes that familiar heat started rolling off of them when a shuffling sound was heard coming from a corner of the room. This instantly caused them to react like a fire that had just been doused, rigid they stood and peered out of the corners of their eyes. A movement of shadow against the wall and behind some stones caused them to slowly rotate their bodies.

They didn't say anything for a long moment, but Buttercup elbowed Brick and gestured that he needed to do something. Exhaling, Brick's voice was low, "Mojo?" more rustling, and the sound of panicked breathing.

"Mojo, it's Brick. We came to get you, the girls are here too." He began to inch closer to the rocks, his hand felt sweaty. This had to be Mojo, right? Buttercup was right at his back, a sort of reassurance that if it wasn't Mojo that she'd react violently if they were attacked. Lifting the torch higher to cast a warm glow in the corner he said, "c'mon, we need to get you hom-" but he didn't finish. In fact the words died in his throat and he straightened, his whole body was rigid.

Buttercup pushed at his back, "yo, why'd you stop?" Brick let her move past him to take a look and even she felt sick. As much as she and the girls had beaten him up or however many times they dropped him off at the jail, they had never done anything to actually kill him. Even if he'd been trying to destroy them when they were kids, it was like a weird game. But this wasn't a Mojo she recognized anymore.

He was alive, but the damage had been done. The black coat was dingy and oily, patches of hair were missing, his blue tunic was a rag that hung off his malnourished frame. Long gone were the boots but one look at his left foot showed it was mangled beyond repair, and it had definitely started to set. He was missing an ear and two fingers on his right side, and that partially exposed brain. His helmet had been partially shattered, not that difficult to do, but whatever had done this had truly meant to hurt him. There were shards sticking out of a part of the soft pink flesh and worst yet was the upper chunk on the left that was missing, as if it had been torn right out with grubby fingers.

She felt like she was going to puke. Before either had proper time to react a deep quake began shaking the room, a low rumbling coming from overhead. Mojo, in his confused panic screeched, his overgrown nails sinking into Brick's flesh as he attempted to scramble over them. He was using Brick's arms and face, trying to springboard off his head.

Reaching out Buttercup grabbed one of Mojo's ankles and they both fell with a sharp thud, gasping Buttercup cried, "do something!"

Wiping the blood out of his eyes he whipped around as Mojo clawed at Buttercup's fingers and forced her to release him, she screamed again as the primate tried scrambling away but Brick surrounded him in a crimson ring of fire. The torch lay on the ground, extinguished, Buttercup rocked onto her own feet, "what the fuck was that?!"

"I don't know but we need to get him out of here," Brick's voice was angry, and for a moment Buttercup questioned if he'd thought she would just take off and leave them both here.

"You have to knock him out, we can't get him if he's struggling the whole time!" Her voice was raspy, low, she began unzipping her track jacket and whipped it off her body.

Cringing, Brick knew it had to be him that knocked Mojo out. Brick walked through the licking flames as Mojo continued panicking, knowing he was terrifying his mentor in all things science, it made him feel like a piece of shit. He never would've felt this way if he'd stuck to being a villain, if he had stayed in the system, this would be easy.

A quick and low whispering was coming from Mojo, it was muffled by the crackling fire and low rumbles but it was clear he was speaking in broken sentences and garbled gibberish. "Brick!" Buttercup's voice broke him from his thoughts, another quake rocking through the room.

Diving for Mojo he wrapped his arms around his neck in a chokehold. Mojo's ragged nails scratched and clawed at Brick's exposed arms, easily drawing blood in his desperation to escape. Thankfully with Mojo's current condition it didn't take long for the primate to collapse limply. While Brick had been subduing Mojo Buttercup had been stomping the flames out around them.

Buttercup rushed over, "lay him on this," spreading her jacket out on the ground. Brick eased Mojo onto it and watched as Buttercup wrapped it around the primate, tying it securely behind his back, his hands partially tucked into the sleeves in order to keep him restrained.

"Let's go." Buttercup was in the air already.

Brick lifted the frail primate into his arms, "lead the way, I'm right behind you." They took off like a shot up the stairs and through the cellar, pausing as they got back out into the tunnel, "we need to get to the others."

Nodding and back on their feet they raced off, the thundering of their own sneakers on the dirt was louder than the movements they sensed to their left.

. . .

Clutching the flashlight tightly in her fist Bubbles trailed a few steps behind Butch, they'd been walking for a few minutes now and he hadn't said anything else since they had parted with their siblings. Being alone with him was the last thing she needed, she'd take Brick any day of the week. He was intimidating but always polite since Buttercup always promised to kick his ass if he made her cry. Butch never cared much for those threats, and Boomer didn't need them since they were friends now.

With an exasperated sigh Butch remarked, "you know, it doesn't help me if you're lagging behind. You have the flashlight," He looked over his shoulder at her, "unless you want me to hold it?"

Quickly Bubbles shuffled up right beside him, "nope! I got it, you don't need to worry about holding this at all. I can do it." Babbling to try to cover her panic, she suspected that Butch would take turns turning the flashlight off and back on just to mess with her and make her cry.

Stepping into the first open building they came across she swept the light over the room, the shadows created by damaged belongings and the hazy air sent chills down her spine. Her knuckles were practically white with the force she was afraid to let the flashlight drop from her hands, although if she held it any tighter she'd end up breaking it. Exhaling she repositioned her hand, the musty air feeling cool and refreshing on her burning palm.

She was just being silly.

It's been by chance that he'd ended up alone with her, although he'd had to agree that if he and Buttercup were in a room alone together that they'd probably take the whole fucking place down. But now that he thought about it, he had been with this one when he destroyed that area of the shipping yard. Not that their siblings were aware of it. Suddenly stopping his search he turned to her, "so why didn't you tell your sisters about that night on the docks?"

Her reaction was to blanche at the memory of that fight, long coils of fear tangled themselves around her heart and squeezed. Blinking she mumbled, "I knew Blossom and the chief would want to talk to you," her voice was small, "I didn't want them to bother you for helping me. And I didn't want you to be mad at me either." He'd saved her life, and with their records she didn't want to risk Blossom getting angry at him for interfering or the chief make him sit down and tell the story over a million times.

"You need to stop worrying about what other people think all the time," Butch stood up and dusted off his hands, "let's keep looking." She followed closely as he stepped back out into the tunnels. This one was pretty barren, many of the buildings were sealed shut.

Taking what Butch had said to her, Bubbles asked, "so why didn't you tell your brothers?" Quietly they walked side by side, their sneakers crunching loose gravel and stone. She was sure he wasn't going to answer her when the corner of his mouth twitched and he spoke.

"I guess I didn't want them asking why."

Puzzled she stared at his profile, "so why? I never got to ask but I want to know why you saved me." Exhaling with some frustration at his silence she continued, "I know you don't think much of me, and if I died," at that word her voice cracked slightly and she could feel those coils tighten again, "if that happened then it wouldn't matter. Buttercup is your counterpart so I can understand that mattering more but-,"

Interrupting her, "do you ever give yourself a fucking break?" She was startled by this, Butch was frustrated as he explained, but maybe it was more embarrassment. "You needed help. I helped. Plus, I guess, ah," he was looking for the right words, "that fucker was tough and you held your own. I guess I was sort of impressed."

Her mouth dropped, "I impressed you!?" Clear surprise was written all over her face, but Butch just pushed her away from him by placing a hand on her head, "hey, stop!" She brushed his hand off and he could've sworn she had fuckin' stars in her eyes.

"I'm not saying it again," he remarked. Girls were so annoying, especially this one.

Smiling softly she sounded almost smug when she replied, "you also said I did a good job last time." Jeeze, was she looking for compliments? Though he had to admit, between her sisters she probably didn't get the most recognition unless it was as a public figure. He'd seen her talk with news stations and all on their behalf for years. They had been proud of her when she handled crawling in the ducts, the fact she'd been in there as long as she had been. If anyone knew what competing with your siblings was they were definitely on the same playing field.

Snarkily he said, "I said you did 'okay', don't push it." But for the first time since he'd seen her all day her face didn't look so strained or worried. He was fine as long as she didn't start crying or anything again.

The tunnel seemed to change and Bubbles brought the beam of the light up higher, "what's that?" In the darkness there was something protruding right in the center, but as they got closer they realized they were at a dead end and a rusty ladder lead upwards. "Where do you think it goes?" Bubbles asked, she was definitely not going to check it by herself, she could see the outline of a heavy door-like grate.

"I think it's one of the other entrances, give me a sec," before she could say anything he shot up to the top, moving his hands over the rusted metal until he found a handle. He pulled it and it made a heavy thunk sound, it was locked. The flashlight was practically blinding but he knew she'd want to keep him in her sights the whole time. Closing his eyes Butch tilted his head and listened closely. A small steady beeping, like a security alarm in a vault. Straining harder he could make out the faint sound of footsteps. It was a Saturday so the bank would be closing shortly.

Nervously rocking back on her heels Bubbles called, "what is it?" Her other fist was clenched and she could feel herself opening those crescent shaped scars all over again, she'd been trying to stay calm but the last few weeks had her feeling like she was sitting beneath a piano on a fine wire. She was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Exhaling with relief as Butch landed in front of her she opened her mouth again to ask but he interrupted her, "it's the entrance in the bank. I can hear the armed security alarm." Rolling his neck to crack it he stated, "guess we can go through another tunnel, this didn't take all that long." His pace was faster as he started walking back, but Bubbles stayed right on him.

"So how do you know what an armed security alarm sounds like? Hm?"

She raised an eyebrow at him and he rolled his eyes, "you know damn well how I know." There was no anger or malice in his words, he'd never been delusional about where he and his brothers picked up their skills. Backtracking was much faster and only took a quarter of the time, they exited into the large and empty room, it's stillness felt like none of them had even been in here to begin with.

Looking at the other two tunnels Butch had his chin in his hand, debating where to go next, Bubbles walked over to one, shining the beam down into the darkness. All the hairs on the back of her neck stood at full attention, her breathing shallow. "Maybe we should just wait for the others," something in her gut was pulling her into place, her feet firmly planted.

Butch just huffed and walked past her, "please, we have maybe 40 minutes before they get back. Let's go."

Hesitantly Bubbles whined, "I don't think we should go down this one, Butch." He stopped in his tracks and skeptically looked at her before walking back over and bent down to be eye level with her. She hated that he did that but she just crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. Sure she was acting like a brat but something just felt off to her.

"Look," he started, "you can give me the flashlight and I can go by myself, or I will throw you over my shoulder kicking and screaming the whole way down. What's it gonna be?" He saw her seize and clutch the flashlight tightly, frowning at him. Cockily he leaned back and opened his arms in a placating manner, "plus, I'm here. I saved you before, I could probably do it again."

Huffing she walked past him, her face flushed red, "fine! But if anything happens it's your fault." Butch just shrugged it off, coming close behind her. After a few minutes in the dark she slowed down, her steps felt heavy as if she were moving through mud instead of just walking on the ground. Breathing in deeply she tried to ease the tension in her body away, but the musty air didn't do much good.

They passed a few buildings where the fronts were entirely missing, scattered stone and wood laying over the tunnel paths. Butch pulled some of the longer pieces up and moved them to the side, he wanted to get a better look at what was around them. He actually felt a bit like a kid in a candy store now that he was getting to rummage through more with Brick or Boomer tensely hovering over him. He wanted to find Mojo just as much as they did but he loved this kind of shit, it was interesting to him seeing the stuff in real life and not just in photos on the internet. Plus a lot of them weren't up to date or the area they were in at this moment.

Studying Butch, Bubbles remained quiet for a bit, she was still kind of mad at him. She knew she wasn't supposed to be mad but he'd been a real ass. And the fact he even thought he could pick her up and force her to do something? Where did he get off? They'd gone further down the tunnel before she asked, "you said I impressed you before, right?"

Exasperatedly he crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her, "I told you I'm not saying it again," there was a touch of seriousness in the cadence of his voice but Bubbles waved a hand and stepped forward.

"And you don't have to," he paused and started to drop his arms and turn but she surprised him when she said, "I want you to teach me some of your moves."

Caught off guard he stumbled a few steps, "I'm sorry, what?"

Bubbles looked like a plucky heroine in a movie as she stood as tall as she could, "I want you to teach me some new fighting moves, like the barrier technique."

"Have Buttercup do it," dismissively Butch started to walk again but Bubbles darted in front of him, stopping him right in his tracks.

"She won't go as hard as you do," the urge to make a filthy joke was strong but he held back, "plus she's always afraid she's gonna make me cry."

Quickly he interjected, "I don't do crying girls."

"I won't cry!" She insisted, but he still looked skeptical.

Sighing he rolled his eyes, "and what do I get out of all this? If I teach you some of my moves? Hm?"

She stated simply, "the satisfaction of a good deed, of course."

Butch practically burst out laughing, ignoring her indignant expression, he moved a few steps around her and pulled jokingly on one of her pigtails, "damn, you really don't know me at all."

Slapping his hand away she retorted, "I know you're proud."

Eyeing her humorously he said, "yeah? And what of it?"

"You said I impressed you on my own, I bet I'd be better if I learned some of your moves and techniques." Butch still wasn't budging so sighing dramatically she started walking past him, "fine, I guess if you won't that means you can't teach me anything Buttercup doesn't already know." Butch was completely silent and Bubbles knew she had poked the right nerve. The two had to be put into separate classes because they'd start fights over who was smarter, stronger, a better athlete…

The corner of his eye twitched, he didn't know why that pissed him off so much, but then again he and Buttercup operated the same way. Shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his nose he resigned, "you're a tricky bitch, you know that?" She was about to be offended when he said, "fine. I'll do it, but don't tell anyone I'm helping you."

Bubbles jumped in place, "thank you, thank you, you won't regret it! I'll be super hardcore again."

"Just try not to cry okay? I'm not going to go easy on you."

"Promise," she held up her free hand for a pinky promise and Butch just looked at her oddly. Gesturing with her head she explained, "you're supposed to shake with-"

"Oh I know," he grumbled, "you're goddamn weird." Sighing, he complied and rolled his eyes, "can we get going already?" Eagerly she stuck by his side as they continued forward, passing more sealed up buildings on their way.

The buzz from her success started draining with each minute they continued, that sinking dread pulling and weighing her feet to the floor. It had only been another 10 minutes, what had changed? "Butch?" She stopped in her tracks, it felt like there was a strong gust coming from ahead of them. "Something isn't right." Her voice was tiny, he barely caught it but stopped in his tracks. Pushing his dark hair out of his face he looked back at her, it was the same look she had had when she'd first looked down this tunnel.

"It's just an air pocket, like that bigger room, it just travels better because there aren't as many obstacles. It's fine." She walked over to him slowly and he took the flashlight from her, her fingers felt numb and without protest she let him. "I'll walk ahead, you'll see it's fine."

Moving out of the current tunnel there was another large gap, though not nearly as clear or large as the area they had split up in. Moving the flashlight beam around Butch realized it was only that way because all of the previously standing buildings were destroyed. This wasn't a sealed off tunnel, it shouldn't have been like this. Whenever something like this happened the city officials were meant to close it off right away.

Out of the corner of his eye Butch caught movement, he darted the light over as something scurried away.

"Butch, we need to go," Bubbles was right beside him, and even though she hadn't started crying her eyes were still wet. She looked terrified.

"It's probably just a rat." Lifting his hand with the flashlight up higher he noticed another small thing scuttle away. A rattling insect-like noise came from behind the rubble of an old storefront, this caused a small ripple of responding rattles sounding off. Butch stepped back, his free hand igniting with that blazing emerald green.

Bubbles clutched his arm hard, and leaned back to pull him, "we need to go now," there was force on the last word. Desperation and fear, she knew this sound deep in her bones and would know it until the day she died. Butch wasn't sure what was keeping him glued to the spot but he started to turn when a short whistle sounded and something impacted Bubbles' right shoulder, sending her toppling behind with a pained gasp.

Before he had time to react he heard the same sound and winced, cradling his wounded hand. The flashlight fell to the ground and rolled, the light now caught the creatures that had caused this damage as it rolled on the ground. They were smaller than the one he and Bubbles had fought the first time, probably the size of a 50lb dog, and there were probably twenty of them standing there. Their jaws all opened to show the spined teeth, the grotesque tongues lolling out of their mouths, these things were a solid liquid, and in this number he wasn't feeling so confident.

One swished it's tail in a predatory manner before launching itself at them, Butch barely got his other arm up to form the barrier as it bounced off the light. Up on her feet already Bubbles looked at Butch with panic, a few more launched themselves at the barrier, bouncing off and into the darkness. "Fuck," was all he could manage to say.

Blood was seeping through her jacket, but she too brought her hands up as well, engulfed in the crystal blue light that had bought her so much time during her last fight. "I'm going to launch this energy ball down this tunnel, can you blow them back again?" Her voice was trembling but she was confident in buying them time.

Nodding at her, Butch braced his left foot, "go for it."

Drawing her arm back she launched the blue light down the dark tunnel, as soon as it left the tips of her fingers Butch pushed the forcefully into the creatures. Immediately a few were scattered like raindrops but others had taken cover. The ground beneath them trembled with the force, loose stones falling and crumbling on impact.

Bubbles and Butch were already speeding down the tunnels, the bright streaks of light fading in their wakes. The glow from their powers helped navigate them, but the turns were still dizzying. Shattering stone echoed behind Butch but before he could even think he felt something wrap around his lower leg, with a short yelp he went crashing into the ground, another loud tremor. He twisted onto his back, the jaws just ripping open in front of his face, with his hands still ignited he grabbed the creature's mouth. He was desperate not to let it get any closer. It's tongue flicked out, the tip running across his left cheek to his right eye, he could feel the burning acidity in his face, his hands were barely protected by his own powers as he could feel his fingers begin to burn with the same pain.

A swift blue energy ball knocked the creature off of him, followed by a flurry of several more, the clicking and hissing loud behind the dusty and murky air. Landing behind him Bubbles was frantic, "you disappeared, you, y-y-you alm-" she was already in tears, pulling him up she felt his one hand was slick with blood as he pushed her forward.

"Keep going," he grunted. With his less bloody hand he launched a few more energy bursts, his feet stumbling as he launched himself back into the murky air.

They were almost out of the tunnel when he stopped and eyed up the debris he had moved early, "we need to block this, buy us more time to get out." Bubbles halted, her heart thundering in her chest, she could hear someone yell from behind her but it was far away. Clenching her eyes tight she swallowed and dove down to help Butch.

The crackling of tiny bones in a thick liquid echoed in her ears, "they're changing," her panic forcing her to clumsily tear at the bricks that were rooted to the floor.

"Fuck," launching another few bursts before he leapt back behind the building barricade. Bubbles was about to finish sealing the top when the piercing whistle cut right past her, her neck felt like it was on fire as one hand clasped the new injury.

Landing heavily beside Butch he took in the new damage, nodded and pulled out his overly confident smirk, "I got this, get to the main part, I'll be right behind you."

Hesitating she croaked out, "but-"

"But nothing, sweet cheeks, get your ass there on the double or you'll be left with Buttercup as a teacher." Even in such a dismal situation he was still trying to crack jokes, she didn't smile but she did nod at him before shooting back off into the main room.

Boomer and Blossom were already sprinting in her direction, as she went to touch down her feet came out from under her and her knees skidded over the old bricks. "Bubbles!" Blossom was on top of her as she had started to stand. Bubbles was still clutching her neck unable to reassure her sister at the moment. Her nerves were shot.

Boomer was leaning over her shoulder, looking at her injuries before his head whipped back to the tunnel, "where's Butch?" There was panic under his voice that was ready to break the surface, he was about to say something when Buttercup shot out of an adjacent tunnel, Brick holding Mojo was right on her heels as another quake rippled through the ground and the loud rush of collapsing stone and wood echoed in the tunnels. Brick was thrown into the lip of the tunnel but he stumbled back to his feet. "You found him," Boomer's relief was evident, but his face turned back to where the dust was settling. Before he could start in that direction Butch came out of the dust and landed heavily.

Exhaling deeply he was panting slightly, blood dripping down his face. "What the fuck?" Blossom didn't even correct Brick's outburst because for once she agreed. What the fuck had just happened? Her eyes were wide as she took in the scene around her, all in all she and Boomer were unscathed. Brick had blood on his arms and scratches on his face, Buttercup was standing in her sports bra with her hands all bloodied up and her jacket wrapped around an emaciated and damaged looking Mojo Jojo. Bubbles was bleeding through her jacket by her shoulder and from a scratch on her neck, and Butch was bloodied across the face and hands, she even noticed he was bleeding through his jeans.

Inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth Blossom prepared herself and then launched into directing, "Bubbles, take Mojo and get him to the professor. I know you're hurt but you're still faster than me and Buttercup." Bubbles nodded, reluctantly Brick handed Mojo to her but she clutched him closely as if they were mother and child.

"Don't worry," her voice was a whisper but there was a determined look on her face, she was relieved to have anything else to focus on.

Brick turned to Boomer and pointed at Bubbles and Mojo, "stay close, light the way out." Boomer nodded and he and Bubbles rocketed down the tunnels, Boomer illuminating the way.

During this Blossom was talking to Butch, "what was that? You could have gotten us killed! The city! Ugh," throwing her hands in frustration before she locked back onto him, "how long do we have until whatever did all this," she gestured at his wounds, "comes through?"

Catching his breath Butch waved a hand, "I wouldn'tve done it," pausing to inhale, "but we had no other options." Clearing his throat and wiping at the blood that kept trickling down his face he said, "maybe 15 more minutes. Tops."

Blossom turned to Brick and Buttercup, "we need to seal this area off, not just the area by the park."

Butch held his finger up, "we found the entrance to the bank but it's locked."

Blossom considered it, "is it safe?"

Nodding again Butch replied, "yeah, jus' gives 'em another way up eventually."

Gritting her teeth, Blossom turned away, "that's fine, we have to go. Now." With the force of her voice Buttercup shot forward, hands illuminated. She began tearing at an old wooden beam, she wanted to collapse it here so whatever creature that was had to work to get through.

"Why don't we just fight this shit?" She wasn't asking anyone in particular but Brick, Blossom, and Butch were already helping her with the blockade.

"Trust me," Butch said, "you don't want to fight these fuckers." Hearing him say that made Buttercup uneasy. Butch was up for a fight against anything, just like she was. If he didn't want to fight it that made her stomach drop. Powering through it though she brought the top part down, right on the heels of everyone else.

The hour journey in was shortened into a mere 15 minutes, but that probably had more to do with them not having to observe anything, not be super careful, and of course the flying helped too. They were already at the heavy metal door that led them to the tunnel that then led to the storm drain, Blossom barked out, "seal it closed." Buttercup started to say something but Blossom cut her off, "I'll explain it to the chief, just do it."

Brick and Buttercup worked on sealing the door closed, welding it to the metal doorway.

. . .

Ahead of them Bubbles and Boomer were speeding through the pelting rain, it stung his arms and cheeks but he stayed just a beat behind her. Even if it was pouring rain he was just relieved that they'd gotten out of there, Butch had looked like utter shit and Bubbles had gotten injured too. He eyed Mojo in her arms, she was still clutching him tight, when they'd realized it was raining she had whipped her jacket off and covered the primate's head to protect him.

Even though her arms were tired and the rain stung her exposed skin she continued to speed through. They hadn't wanted to travel too high, but the dark navy and pale blue streaks that followed them gave up their position easily even against the overcast sky. Bubbles suddenly changed her position, her feet in front of her. Boomer followed suit and they landed heavily on the sidewalk outside of her home. Cracked shards of concrete flew into the air beneath their sneakers. Boomer was right on her heels as she flung the front door open with one hand and then stumbled in the foyer.

"Professor!" Bubbles shrieked, Boomer almost covered his ears but knew that would be rude, he also didn't know if he should be calling for the professor too. "Professor, hurry!" Her blood was spilling down her chest and staining her overalls.

"I'm coming, I'm coming, calm dow-" The tall man who had started going silver halted dead in his tracks at the sight of a soaking wet duo and the creature his daughter was holding onto tight. "My god," he rushed forward and held her face in his hands, worry drew wrinkles around his eyes, "what happened?" But Bubbles shook her head, his hands dropping as she desperately held out the bundle to him.

"Professor, it's Mojo," she bowed her head exhausted.

Peering under the jacket the Professor's face was grim, but it's like a shield dropped over his features because he stepped aside, "take him down into the lab and put him in the spare recovery room." He turned to Boomer, "how long has he been like this?"

Taken aback Boomer stumbled over his words, Bubbles was already gone, "ah, I-I don't know, he went missing ah- one, no, two weeks ago. I wasn't the one that found him."

Nodding the professor pulled out his cell phone and hit one of the contact names, Boomer didn't know why but suddenly he was on edge and terrified that the professor was calling the police. Thankfully though the man instead said, "Clark?" Someone was responding, "Can you get here?" Sighing, the Professor spoke into the phone, "Now." Pausing, "one of your best. Yes, thanks." And hung up.

As the Professor turned to follow Bubbles into the lab four piercing sounds landed right outside, the door was still wide open from Boomer and Bubbles bursting in. "Professor!" Blossom was running to him, "did you-" Blossom sounded breathless as she pulled up to the professor's side. In that instant the shield of a man doing his job lifted and revealed a father who adored his girls. Giving her a reassuring smile the professor patted her damp head with tender comfort. Boomer had never seen anyone do that to Blossom. Ever. It made her seem small. Again, seeing the girls as people and not just superheroes or classmates was so alien and foreign to him.

"He's downstairs, I have Clark and one of his best students coming over." They were filing downstairs, discussing what the plan was, Brick partially stumbled through the door, supporting Butch. Buttercup slammed the door behind them and sighed with her back against the red wood.

Looking at the three drowned rats in front of her she grimaced and then burst out laughing, "you all look fucking awful!" She wiped a tear off her cheek and proceeded to shuck her damp shoes off. Brick looked less than humored, his hat was jammed into his pocket and he had red flyaways plastered to his face. Butch and Boomer looked like rejects from an early 2000's emo band with their hair practically laying flat against their heads.

"C'mon, shoes off." Reluctantly Butch leaned against the wall next to the coat closet and slowly pulled each shoe off, his socks followed. Brick had to untie his laces, but Boomer was able to step on the back of his heel and slide his own off. Buttercup had disappeared for a moment, by the time she returned all three boys were standing damp and barefooted looking awkward and exhausted. "Here," tossing each of them a fluffy towel, her own hung around her neck and she had two more under her other arm. "We need to go downstairs," smirking like the cat that ate the canary she looked over at Butch, "dude, you look like shit."

They walked over a soft carpet before making their way down the steps and into the lab, this was certainly an interesting way to "officially" meet the professor, so much for first impressions.