Chapter 2 Guilt
Morbucks awoke to the sound of a woman singing. Looking around, she found herself in a completely different residence. Most of the room was empty, with nothing beyond what was essential to a living space. It was so minimalistic, and reminded her of some poor friend's house. What is going on? Rushing over to the kitchen, Morbucks looked up to see a tall woman with long red hair. I don't understand. One moment, I'm kidnapped and now I wind up here. Am I...Dead? If I am, then where have I Gone? Heaven?How could I go there when I made it on Santa's naughty list? This place doesn't seem like hell either, so is this purgatory? Dad said mom passed away when I was little. Could it really be...
"Issssss.. Thhhhhhaaaaat... you...mom" Morbucks said weakly? The woman kept singing, and didn't notice. Then the girl's stomach began to rumble. Princess was left with the burning desire of figuring out exactly who this person was, but that would have to wait. Morbuck's voice wasn't the only thing that was weak. The stress from the previous night, coupled with being taken before she could eat dinner, had greatly diminished her strength. Normally, she would scream at someone if they didn't answer her the second she asked any question. Her entire life, she'd been pampered and it was so frustrating when she was on someone else's time. Wanted to get the woman's attention somehow, but being too exhausted, she decided against any further attempts to do so. Then, Princess heard the sound of boiling water. Is she making... Mac...and Cheese...MAC AND CHEESE! Moving to the side of the woman, she gazed into the pot. The noodles had expanded from their original, smaller form. This brings back memories...Morbucks was always an impatient girl and very demanding. Sometimes, the maids just couldn't cook something quickly enough. Time and again, Morbucks would walk over to make sure the maids weren't slacking off. Eventually, Morbuck learned that being suspicious of the maids wouldn't cook the food any faster. She'd intruded on their space so many times, that she'd witnessed varying stages of the process. The lady is about to...looking around Morbucks found what her eyes had been searching for on the counter: The colander. Then, just as the maids had done so many times before, the mysterious woman placed the colander on the sink. Then, she dumped the water and noodles into it. Morbuck's stomach kept growling again. Shut up...Shut up. If only a stomach listened as well as one of her maids.. The woman spoke "it will be done soon". "Whhhhhhhhhhherreeee...am...IIIII". The woman turned around to face the hungry child. Morbucks had finally gotten a good look at the woman's face. There was something about this person...The red-headed woman had a hard look, but it wasn't like anything Morbucks had seen before. It was if this person had been through a lot, but didn't seem to give off the normal animosity she'd come to expect from people with hardened expressions. The woman was projecting a weird strength, like the kind that can tackle anything that heads in its direction. The woman walked over and picked up Morbucks. "Heeeeeeeeeey!"
The woman's expression changed slightly from its calm hardness to one that was more serious. "I'm sorry, but you need to rest right now". Morbucks wanted to argue with her, that she was fine, but her body gave credence to the lady's words. Laying her down on the couch, she looked at Morbucks more softly now. "The food will be done soon". Morbucks tried to move again, but this time the woman gave her a very concerned look. Then, she walked back into the kitchen. Morbucks thought about climbing off the couch, but realized deep down the older lady was correct. Also, now that she knew what was being cooked, was there really a point in standing until it was finished? Morbucks reluctantly sucked up her pride and decided to wait.
Morbucks body was so weak, but at the same time she felt the slightest bit of strength to move. Her body felt similar to a time when she had fallen a good distance and hurt herself after a battle with the Powerpuff Girls. It was so frustrating to have the desire to do something, but not the ability. Princess had spent her entire life fighting against that reality, defying what others had deemed impossible or beyond reach. If only there was something I could do to pass the time...Then an opportunity presented itself.
The woman started singing again, but this time it was a different song. Listening carefully, Morbucks could make out the words.
The crashing offffffffff the waaaaaaaaaaves, the bristling of the trees,
So many things change, there's so many things... that bring you... to your kneeeeeeeeeees,
But it's the simple stuff that stays, it's always the simply stuff that stays,
It doesn't cast any judgments, it doesn't make you pay,
I had a friend named Charlie, and boyyyyyyyy was he hardy,
Tried so hard to make him smile, used every bit of wit, used all my guile,
But no matter how hard IIIIIIIIIIII tried, no matter how much IIIIII lied,
There was something buried deep, something deep inside,
The crashing offffffffff the waaaaaaaaaaves, the bristling of the trees,
So many things change, there's so many things... that bring you... to your kneeeeeeeeeees,
But it's the simple stuff that stays, it's always the simply stuff that stays,
It doesn't cast any judgments, it doesn't make you pay,
Morbucks was starting to get it now. She wouldn't be able to anticipate all the lines, but she could sing the ones that the woman was repeating.
Charlie had a mom who tucked him in bed, Charlie was a boy who did what was said,
But OOOOOOOOOOOOH there came a day... when the tucking ceased, there came a day... when it ceased,
Then the boy of red, that lovely boy of red, came one day to his bed,
And tucked himself in, he just...tucked himself in,
Anticipating the lines, Morbucks began to sing weakly along with the red-headed woman.
The crashing offffffffff the waaaaaaaaaaves, the bristling of the trees,
So many things change, there's so many things... that bring you... to your kneeeeeeeeeees,
But it's the simple stuff that stays, it's always the simply stuff that stays,
It doesn't cast any judgments, it doesn't make you pay,
Charlie turned himself oooooooooooofff, like his emotions... were a switch,
Pressssssssssed the buttons, oh how IIIIIIIIIIII tried...to press his buttons,
But the batteries were dead, and I was out of triple A's,
The batteries were dead, and then it came... that day...
The crashing offffffffff the waaaaaaaaaaves, the bristling of the trees,
So many things change, there's so many things... that bring you... to your kneeeeeeeeeees,
But it's the simple stuff that stays, it's always the simply stuff that stays,
It doesn't cast any judgments, it doesn't make you pay,
Charlie decided to take it the easy way, Oh Charlie, Oh Charlie,
He pushed me away, he just...pushed me away,
I was tossed to the side...just tossed to the side,
Opened myself up to him, now I'm aaaaaaaaaaaaaalong... for the ride,
The crashing offffffffff the waaaaaaaaaaves, the bristling of the trees,
So many things change, there's so many things... that bring you... to your kneeeeeeeeeees,
But it's the simple stuff that stays, it's always the simply stuff that stays,
It doesn't cast any judgments, it doesn't make you pay,
Morbucks kept singing, but her body gave into exhaustion and she fell asleep.
10 minutes later, the woman walked into the room to find the little girl sleeping soundly. Setting a bowl and a glass of water down on the table adjacent to the couch, she roused Princess from her slumber. Morbucks was about to tell the woman to shove off out of instinct, but then she saw the food and quelled that part of herself for the moment. Forcing her body to get up was difficult. It was as if someone had attached a large weight onto her legs. Despite that, she reached for the spoon and took one scoop of the Mac and Cheese and swallowed it. Then, as if the girl had never known restraint, Morbucks scooped and chewed the food so fast, one would think that it was a competition. Then, she gulped down the entire glass. The woman was watching silently, and it was impossible to tell what she was thinking.
This woman could play a mean game of poker if she wanted...
I have so many questions...
Morbucks felt the pull of sleep coming to claim her for the world of dreams. As Morbucks eyes shut, the woman left to enter one of the bedrooms. Upon returning, the older lady carried a purple blanket and covered Princess with it. "Get some rest, kiddo"...and turned the lights off.
Morbucks was falling through the void, into an everlasting pitch of nothingness. Then, she landed on the ground. The image of her mansion lie In front of the girl, but something was wrong. Even as Morbucks ran to her home, it felt as if the distance was widening. Then, the mansion had completely receded from sight entirely and Morbucks fell again. It was as if...everything was slipping away. Then, as before, Morbucks landed on her feet again and this time, all the maids, friends and...the child's father were walking away. WAIT! For a reason unbenownst to Morbucks, her legs were moving of their own free will and giving chase. Just like before, they had moved on. It was if...she was being left behind.
Then, suddenly Morbucks found herself in the suit that was destroyed yesterday. The powerpuff girls had defeated her once more and were smiling, leaving to go home to their father. Morbucks face was flashing with anger and then another they also disappeared, leaving her alone again.
Then, there came flashes of light and then she landed in front of some odd-looking castle. A woman came out and, unlike the others, started to move towards her and Morbucks was looking at the ground to avert eye contact . Again...
A long time ago, when Princess had asked about it, Mr. Morbucks would avoid the subject. Eventually, he found his daughter rummaging through his property and looking for anything to answer that question. She went through the photo album, only to find every single photo with a woman In it had been cut out with scissors. Why?! Her father answered "She..."he looked away, trying to repress all the pain. "She's...not here anymore". Morbucks kept asking what happened, but her father's mouth had remained shut. Eventually, Morbucks stopped, but a part of her mind had always wanted to know the truth...What happened?
Morbucks was afraid to look up, but didn't know why. Then, she gazed upon a true terror: A red-haired woman with a hole where the face should be. Then, the hole had drawn Morbucks body in, and Morbucks found herself resisting it with all her strength. Right before it could swallow her whole, the girl screamed in horror. Waking out of the nightmare in a cold sweat, Morbucks began whimpering in fear.
The light had been turned on prior to her awakening. Morbucks looked over to see the mysterious woman holding a glass of water. How did she...how could she have...Morbucks shaked her head again. My entire body still feels weak...but not as bad as earlier. I hate this feeling! Morbucks grabbed the water and downed it. There was something...otherworldly about this person. The lady was unusually tall, had an almost indecipherable expression and was waiting very patiently. I've had my fair share of battles with the powerpuff girls, but...I also swam in shark infested ponds too. Morbucks was narrowing her eyes at the woman in suspicion. Mojojojo? ...No, that isn't in his nature. He's too proud and arrogant to pretend to be someone he's not. The gang green gang couldn't pull off a disguise to save their lives, so it couldn't be them. The RowdyRuff Boys? They aren't smart or cunning enough. There's only one individual who might be able to do it...Him. Who else would take advantage of her current misfortune? When the Rowdyruff boys had been killed by Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, who brought them back from the grave? Why wouldn't he want to control her as well? Morbucks had never seen Him impersonate a human being. However, it's not impossible...
My being here can't be an accident...Why would someone do something for nothing? No, everything in this world has a price. Clothes, jewelry, video games, family,...even loyalty can be purchased. Even if this isn't Him, there must be a reason why she was brought here. My family is loaded after all, and even though...Morbucks winced in pain at even contemplating it...whatever is left is my inheritance...I imagine that any regular bumpkin who would want it might do anything to get it.
The woman was waiting ever patiently, as if all the catastrophes the world over could not move her. What did she want me to do? Why am I even here? What happened to those men who killed my-"You're looking better". Before another thought could enter Morbuck's head, the woman spoke once more "Try to stand now and you'll see what I mean", smiling warmly and moving backward to make room. This person...there's something very off about this. The woman was holding her hand open, so that Morbucks could grab ahold of it. I guess it couldn't hurt to play along for now. She used the woman's hand to pull herself up and stood. The weakness was still there, but it had diminished a great amount. A playful smirk had formed on the woman's face and Morbucks was looking up, wondering if this would be the moment when Him would reveal his identity. Then, she unexpectedly picked Morbucks off the ground and placed the little girl on her shoulders. "HEYYYYYYY, what are you doing"?! Morbucks turned her neck around to glare.
"It appears that your spirit is recovering as quickly as your body". Morbucks was starting to get tired of this constant aversion to direct conversation. What was she, a cat to this lady? Morbucks just repeated her question and the woman sighed. "You're strong enough to stand, but you haven't regained all of your strength... What do you think would happen if I just let you burn yourself out again?"
"I'm fine, I don't need you carrying me around"...
"I don't agree". Morbucks was gritting her teeth and growing frustrated. The woman's expression changed from jovial to serious. "let me DOWN"!
Morbucks struggled, but the woman would not listen. Then, she started walking towards the door and waited until Morbucks had worn herself out from yelling. The woman spoke more gently this time and with a great deal of compassion "Just for today, then".
Morbucks was thinking about pulling the woman's hair, but decided against it. If this really was Him, then he had the ability to utterly annihilate her within a matter of seconds. Did she really have the courage to run that gamble? No, I guess I don't...
As annoyed as Morbucks was at being forced to do anything, she was also interested in seeing what lie outdoors. That curiosity had quelled her otherwise incorrigible nature. What would she see outside that door? Would it be the woods or some remote location away from Townsville? Upon stepping outside, her questions were put to rest.
It was Townsville alright. In her battles with the powerpuff girls, she had gotten a view from the city above. From a ground level, it's about what she remembered. The endless houses, the green lawns, a few chairs here or there on a front porch, the cars parked in the driveways or by the sides of the road...but something was off. It was the middle of the day, the sun was shining, and yet...there's not a single person around. What is going on here?
"I'm sure you have a lot of questions" the woman said confidently.
You got that right. Where are the people of Townsville? Is this even Townsville? Why am I not dead? Is this purgatory? What happened to those jerks who kidnapped her and...? Yea...lots of questions.
More than anything, who is SHE?
"First, before I answer those questions I would like to ask you a few first kiddo". Morbucks was listening intently now. Would Him finally come on out and bribe her? She was at her most vulnerable, after all. Looking at it coldly, the facts spoke for themselves. Her father had struggled financially, leaving her with less wealth, her father was..., and she had no idea how to run a business at all, her suit was destroyed...ever there was a moment to take advantage of her...this was it.
"What is your name"? Morbucks looked bewildered. Wouldn't Him be privy to this information? Why would he ask me my name? Maybe this is just one of his games...
"My name is Catherine Morbucks". She wasn't lying, as it didn't seem to really matter if she had. If he was Him, he'd know that she wasn't telling the truth anyways. If it wasn't him, it couldn't hurt at this point, could it?
"Catherine...that's a good name". "Would it be alright if I used that or do you have a nickname"?
Morbucks had to think about that for a bit. Cat was definitely out of the question, seeing as how it felt so...animal to her. Morbucks was a princess...but she didn't exactly use her first name very often. Cathy...Cathy doesn't sound that much better either. After giving it a bit more thought, Morbucks answered the woman's question.
"I'd prefer you just called me Princess". The woman started cracking up and laughed.
"What's so funny"?! Morbucks was starting to lose her cool again, but then the laughing abated.
"It's just strange that you don't want to use your real name, despite how pretty it is" the woman said, smirking up at Morbucks.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Morbucks cracked a tiny smile but quickly caught herself. I can't let my guard down for a moment! At least...not until I know that I'm not in danger...
The woman kept walking down the street and grew quiet for a bit. Then, she continued her inquiry.
"I guess I can call you Princess, but it's a very strange thing to call oneself"...the woman thought to herself loudly.
If this person is him, then they've put on the act of a lifetime so far. Most people in townsville are fully aware of her name and why she calls herself that. A lifetime being rich had made her feel superior to others, in a class above them. Whether it's a democracy, a monarchy, dictatorship, there were always the haves and the have nots. In a democracy, they call you rich kid, in a dictatorship you'd be worshipped like a God and in monarchies there were princesses. Watching countless cartoons on television and reading fairytales as a child, she'd fell in love with the idea of being a princess. They were revered, loved by their family, friends and town. The entire world would set its problems aside and venerate those few "chosen ones", those people who were destined to rise above the rest. They were meant to be loved and respected above all others.
"You're not from around here, are you"? Morbucks asked before realizing it.
The woman answered quickly "You're very smart for a kid your age".
Morbucks was blushing a bit at first out of embarrassment, then said "Hey!"
"Well, now that I've answered a few of your questions Princess, I imagine you have some for me"?
Morbucks tensed up a bit. There were so many questions running around in her brain that she couldn't keep track of them all. Well, since she asked first...
"Who are you"?
"Well, that's a bit complicated"..the woman's face looked detached, as if her spirit had taken flight and left this world. What's so complicated about a name Morbucks thought. It should be easy to come up with one on the spot.
"I've long since discarded my name and I'm not even sure I really remember it" the woman said bluntly. This woman is calling me weird, but she can't even give me a name. "As a matter of fact, I haven't used any names in a long time"...her face growing forlorn. Forget weird...this woman is downright nuts! I better get away befo-"I guess you can call me...Maia".
…"Maia"? Morbuck asked, with a look of genuine curiosity stuck on her face. Now that's a name I've never heard before. Women usually went by more common names like Sarah, Jessica, Karina, Karin, and the like...If someone really did forget who they were, would this be the first thing they'd come up with?
Before Morbucks could ask what it meant, something else had derailed it. The woman had been walking, carrying Morbucks on her shoulders for a good while now and not once had they even so much as stopped by a dog or human being. This can't be a coincidence...It's impossible to go this far without running into somebody..Where am I...truly? Morbucks face was a mixture of fear, anticipation, and despair. The woman caught notice of this and as if she pulled a card right out of that gangster's playbook, she asked Princess "I'm sure you'd like to know where you are".
Morbucks was waiting any second now for him to pop out and welcome her to whatever screwed up place he lived in. She'd heard around the grapevine a long time ago that he used to live in Townsville, but abandoned it for some reason. If he was going to do it at any time, this would be it...Morbucks closed her eyes and prepared for a red demon to reveal himself.
"Well, I'll tell you this much...you're not in Townsville...at least not the one you were born in".
Morbucks opened her eyes back up and the woman was still carrying her. Morbucks was completely lost at this point. "What does that even mean"? Morbucks asked fearfully.
"We're almost at the park. When we get there, I think you'll understand better. If you still need an explanation, I'll offer it then". Morbuck's imagination was all over the place. The town looks like an exact duplicate of townsville, minus the population. How could you be in Townsville and yet not be in Townsville? Morbucks was torturing herself with the questions until they arrived at the park.
"Stay still" the woman said assertively. Morbucks, for once in her life, was too afraid to disobey. Then, all of a sudden the lady in front of her was emanating bright light. The light wasn't just blinding, but it also felt very warm to the touch and was soothing her skin. When Morbucks opened her eyes, the two of them were surrounded by the townspeople.
Morbucks looked at the woman in shock and she smiled smugly. The children were playing Frisby with their parents, couples were out having a picnic, squirrels were running up and down the trees, and it all seemingly came out of nowhere...the perfect harmony that seemed to naturally spring forth from the people of the city was unmistakable and it made Morbucks feel nostalgic.
"Would you like to stay for a while"?
The question itself had some serious implications. Was it safe for her to be in Townsville? Did Him take care of the gangsters, so that they wouldn't hinder his plans? Judging from the question alone, Morbucks assumed that she was safe for the time being. I may not be back for a while...So I guess it couldn't hurt. However, where would she go and what to do? The mansion? What's the point? There's nothing left there now except memories of what was...Morbucks winced at the mere thought of it. Without the suit, there was no way to settle the score. The worst part of it all is that even if she did inherit the money, would she be able to maintain her dad's business or would that be left to other people? How much money did he have left, after Morbucks burned holes in his wallet? That feeling crept back in again, the one she wasn't quite able to identify. Rage, sadness, happiness, joy, these were the feelings she understood well but this one was different.
"Well, I'll take your silence for consent". Morbucks looked up, then back down at the ground again, enraptured in that unfamiliar emotion. "Oh, I know just the thing", the woman said jovially. I just don't understand...what is this...why do I feel this way? It was Bernard who ordered the...it was Wade and that other mobster who...Morbucks had grown completely despondent again. Maia looked up and saw the look on the little red head's face. "It's on me today". Morbucks was still lost in that feeling that she couldn't quite identity, weighed down by something unknown. The woman's words went in one ear and right out the other.
After some time had passed, Morbucks looked up and some of those depressed thoughts were temporarily forgotten. "It's...It's"...-"Hoppins" Maia finished, with a smirk. Walking by the glass, Morbucks was looking excitedly at the options. "Rocky road"! "Rocky road"! "ROOOOOOOOOOCKY ROAD", Morbucks kept saying demandingly, pointing several times in the direction of that delicious ice cream. The cashier looked at Princess disapprovingly and Maia rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. "Well, you heard her...".
Rolling his eyes, the man sighed in resignation. He fished out an ice cream cone and scooped up the Rocky road into it. Then, he slowly worked his way to the register and asked "is it just your daughter today, maam or do you want something too"? Maia blushed a little and Morbucks gave him an incredulous stare. Morbucks looked up at the woman and then thought about it for a bit. The woman did have red hair, so I guess it's not impossible to think that...
Morbucks had never seen what her mother actually looked like, so I guess she could have had red hair.
"Chocolate will do" Maia ordered definitively.
Nodding, he got it and calculated the total.
Maia payed the amount due and then left with Morbucks.
"Oh god, it's so good!" Morbucks went from licking the Rocky Road to biting off sizable chunks of it, her eyes beaming and temporarily full of life again.
"Hey, take it easy or you'll get a brain freeze" Maia chastised.
Morbucks was too engrossed in what she was doing to listen or care. It didn't matter if Maia was Him or that she might be taken to hell to live under his thumb. For the moment, the only thing that mattered was savoring every lick, every bite of that Rocky Road. If only for a moment, she could forget that she was orphaned, that the normalcy of her life had been permanently displaced and that the future was uncertain. Maia had kept talking, but soon realized that the girl was so far gone so she gave up and kept walking.
When Morbucks had scarfed the rest of the cone down, Maia gave her a very serious look.
Morbucks looked up, expecting Him to pop out at any time.
"Your body and spirit are recovering, and you'll be back to normal in no time" she said matter of fact.
If this is Him and they're going, then will she be closer to Brick and the Rowdyruff boys? They can be real jerks, but it's better than hanging around the girls...Just the thought of them had Princess gritting her teeth and growling lightly.
"One final question and then we'll return to my world". Morbucks looked up a bit defiantly.
Before Morbucks could even ask, Maia answered "It's just for the night", placating Morbucks for the most part.
Morbucks had grown confused again and a bit frustrated. Why would Him respect anyone's consent? He's the kind of person who'd milk a situation for all it's worth. This woman acted so...so selflessly. Why would a person do this for anyone? Why go so far on her account? Just who is this lady and what does she want?
That light flashed again and then they found themselves in the abandoned Townsville again. Morbucks still had so many questions that remained unanswered. What happened to Wade and Bernard? How is she able to jump in and out of Townsville like that? Why did this woman save her life? What would she do now that...?
"Now for the final question" Maia said warmly. Morbucks screwed her head up expectantly, waiting for Him to pop out and issue his demands. The Rowdyruff boys would be here any minute, I'll bet. Morbucks was looking around to see if any boys were floating in the air. Aside from a few birds and clouds, nothing else was in sight.
"How is your...heart"? Morbucks shot her a look of surprise, mild embarrassment and wonder.
Now that is a question. Truth be told..."I don't know really"...Morbucks said, her facial expression glum and downtrodden. A silence had grown between the pair. Maia began talking again, as if she were a professor lecturing a college student. "The body and mind are much easier to treat than the heart...and it doesn't take an expert to see that you're troubled by something".
Lady...you have no idea...Morbucks thought morosely, trying to confront that one thought that she barely kept at bay this entire time.
"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but if you change your mind...I'll listen" Maia said empathetically.
Morbucks looked a bit distant then, but met eyes and said earnestly "I...I'm not ready yet...I can't put I—it... into words".
"Then...it can't be helped".
Morbucks kept up her internal struggle, all the while they kept walking back.
"For now...It's beddy bye time".
"This soon?!" Morbucks asked disappointingly.
"After you've got another day's sleep under your belt, I'll answer any remaining questions that you have" Maia said calmly.
Morbucks still had energy and the will to move around, but what would she do with it in a world this empty? Maybe they should have stayed in Townsville a bit longer...
But at least I got some ice cream out of it. Maybe tomorrow she can return to Townsville and go shopping for some new clothing...that would be therapeutic. Then again...If this world is like the original...I wonder if that means that those shops could be found here as well? Morbucks didn't have any money at the moment...but maybe she didn't need any yet. It was so frustrating...being so displaced from her natural rhythm of life. And humbled...to the point of being a mere commoner! Most of the time, her friends had looked up to her for her wealth and fashion sense. She loved the attention that people gave her, even if wasn't always positive. Money had always seemed like the key to that...Money could give you anything you wanted...Respect, Power, Love...Money could buy anything it seemed...
But...now there was something that it couldn't bring...and that...Morbucks started crying lightly again.
Maia had felt the tears dripping down on her shoulder.
"Are you alright, Princess"? Maia asked, concerned about the orphanened child.
"Iiiiii-I-I''m...Fi-FiNE! Morbucks struggled to squeak out.
Maia watched Morbucks quietly, thought about saying something but chose to stay silent.
"We'll be back to my home, soon." Maia grabbed some tissues from within her pants pocket and handed them to Morbucks.
"Whhhh-y dddddd-o you hhhhhhhhaaa-ve tishhh—ues"
Maia responded "Because we all have those days when we need them", handing the tissues to her.
Morbucks took them and then another feeling had worked its way inside here. It wasn't the other one related to...but this one made her feel better.
They had finally returned back to that house.
Contrary to what Morbucks thought, the lady kept holding Princess until she reached an unknown bedroom. Flicking the switch, it lit up to show a mostly empty bedroom. If I'm going to be here a while...I need to spruce this place up... It lacks any and all elegance! Maia pulled the covers, layed Morbucks down and tucked her in.
"I'm going to cook dinner. Anything in particular that you'd like"?
Morbucks put her hand to her chin and then it came "Spaaaa-ghetti"?
"You really love pasta, don't you"? Maia asked, giggling a little before leaving the room.
It was true, there wasn't any way she could deny it. When it came to bad foods, Princess was hopelessly in love with them. Pizza, lasagna, mac and cheese, and...Spaghetti...the absolute favorite of the kind she'd eaten so far. The maids had cooked them for her every other day at one point, until she put on a lot of weight. Then, Princess had to make concessions...to lose all that she'd put on. As much as one loved food, there was something else that mattered a little more: physical appearance. It was a pain, and if only there was a way to pig out without having to compromise...now that would be a dream come true!
Being wealthy wasn't just about having money, social status or power...it was about appearing presentable and being overweight was scorned in the world she grew up in. There were expectations from a young age to act a certain way and coupled with the ambition of being the embodiment of a living princess, a few sacrifices were necessary to attract attention and admirers. The days before then, when she hadn't matured into her ideal were dark indeed. Shuddering at the thought, Princess forced it away and began thinking about the lady again.
I've met my fair share of villains over the years and even a few heroes other than those blasted girls...but I don't think that's Him. There's also this...oh what is the word...authenticity about Maia...She doesn't seem malicious at all. On the other hand, there were times when you'd think the lady had been through a war. It was so strange, seeing a person who could be so gentle one moment and hard the next. And that power of hers...how could there be two different Townsvilles? I still don't get it...Morbucks was tossing and turning now.
Also, if she can draw me into this world, can anyone be brought here? Nothing about her other than that ability appears supernatural...Then again there was no telling what the limits of her powers are. Those girls had grown stronger in the time since they were born and there was no telling if that would ever stop. "Limitless potential..."Morbucks said jealously. They had so many gifts, that they were hard to count all at once. Super strength...Super speed, lasers, supersonic waves, ice powers, …
Not only that...but they also had a town that loved them unconditionally and a father who actually spent time with them...They had so much to be grateful for...
Then Morbucks began to scowl. Everything good that ever came to me had a price tag on it...How is that fair? Money could buy her that suit, it could buy friends, maids, and even adoration from some,...but now there's something it can't do...Morbucks expression was shifting between bitterly angry and mournful. Climbing out of bed, Morbucks stared at the ceiling and tried to think some way out of it. The entire time she'd been alive, the words "I can't do it" never entered Morbuck's mind. Something was clearly tormenting her waking thoughts, but no amount of thinking was bringing clarity.
"ArrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgH!" Morbucks threw her hands up in frustration and gave up. This feeling was here to stay, like an itch that just couldn't be scratched, a pit pull who wouln't let go once it locked it sunk its teeth into your skin.
"I need to do something...I need...revenge" Morbucks stated viciously.
Then, Morbucks had a decent idea pop into her head. If this entire world is just a replica of Townsville...then maybe a suit of hers exists here too. Also, even if it didn't, there were objects to barter off and money to find. Morbucks face lit up like it did at Christmas time, optimistic for a change. With a little bit of luck, she'd have her rematch yet and this time...They would finally lose.
That feeling still lay within her, but it had been overtaken with that all too familiar desire for vengeance.
For the time being, that was the only way Morbucks knew how to handle it. Content with the feeling being overshadowed and suppressed, she climbed back into bed and layed down. Suddenly, a memory had interrupted those thoughts...a memory from a long ago.