Hey, everyone! Since I'm quarantined these days, I can get a bit of writing done. Would really appreciate a review, they really keep me going!

XOXO

That morning the professor asked them all to join him in his laboratory. He looked even more haggard and preoccupied than he did in the last few weeks.

'Buttercup, I am sorry to tell you this, but you've made a mistake. Luring one of the Rowdyruffs with no backup and in the middle of a neighborhood has worsened our situation tenfolds. You've ruined that area, many people lost their home in the fire you caused.'

He paused, waiting for her response. It never came, Buttercup had lowered her head and clenched her fists.

'The mayor has been asking me to do a press release with you. Everyone is angry, and rightfully so, the pressure has been building for some time. Luckily the public did not realise you started the altercation yesterday. However, we can't postpone it anymore, we might risk a riot among the people. I know you all find the idea deeply uncomfortable, but it can't be helped anymore.'

Blossom shifted uncomfortably, her heart sank at the thought of finally facing the crowd.

'What should we say? What do they want to hear?'

The professor sighed: ' I think they should know we're working on a solution, that we're deeply sorry for what has transpired so far and that we will take precautions that a similar situation doesn't take place again.'

Blossom cocked her head at him:

'...and you are close to a solution, professor?'

'I need more time. I've only recently realised that I can't solve this problem without putting you in some danger, as well. The solution will end up being as effective against you as against them. It's can't be done otherwise, I'm sorry to say.'

'I see. What might it be, professor?'

'I call it Antidote X. It works as a counter for Chemical X, turns a Chemical X user into a normal human being. I would appreciate if you wouldn't share this information with anyone.'

Blossom's stomach retched at the thought, she couldn't help it. She could feel the chemical rumbling with displeasure in her veins at the mere mention, and noticed her green sister fuming next to her.

'You want us to use it on them ?' Bubbles timidly asked.

'Yes, you would have to inject it. There needs to be a sufficient quantity in the recipient's body for it to work. I hope.'

'My experiments on bacteria haven't been conclusive so far, but I'm certain I'm getting there.'

Buttercup erupted:

'Antidote X?? PROFESSOR, ARE YOU INSANE? How can you create something that can destroy us just like that?'she snapped her fingers. 'What if it gets in the wrong hands?'

'It won't. I'm working alone, as usual. I don't want anyone to know the true nature of the weapon I'm creating. As you suspect by now, we have been able to live a fairly eventless ,undisturbed life because of the nature of your powers.' he rose from his chair and absentmindedly grabbed one of the Petri dishes.

'You're not stupid. I hope you've realised that the only reason why the authorities haven't bothered us along the years is because they know you're a force to be reckoned with. They've asked me many times to let them analyse you and your blood, but I wouldn't permit it. You'd end up spending the rest of your lives as lab rats and I couldn't allow that. They couldn't force you to do it because they knew you could burn the world to the ground if you wanted to.'

'To answer your question, I've turned it on all sides in my head, Buttercup.' his jaw tensed up.' If there was some other way I wouldn't have resorted to this.'

'What is this sensation in me? What's wrong?'

Blossom could feel every one of her cells collapsing into itself, dread taking over.

'Blossom, are you fine? You look like you've seen a ghost.'

'Yes, professor, I'm fine.I just have to lie down for a bit until it's time to leave.'

''This Antidote X...what if we do get exposed to it? Isn't normality what I yearned for in the last decade of my life? We could lead average, simple lives. Then why do I feel such dread?'

This dominated her thoughts so much, that before she knew it she was in the city hall, with the press and the mayor waiting for their speech. At his right was Miss Bellum, as glamorous as ever.

'Girls, are you ready? I've counted so many times on you in the past and you never failed us. I wholeheartedly trust you will protect us now as well.'

Blossom nodded.

'A few ups and downs, but it's normal, yes? Keep your chin up, things have a way of working themselves out!'

'That's a fine example of wishful thinking.' Blossom pondered. 'I wonder how much of it is a façade tho.'

'Is this mic on? ah, yes, it is. People of Townsville, we are gathered here with our saviors, the Powerpuff Girls and their father, professor Utonium. They are here to answer your questions. So far we can tell you that the professor is tirelessly working on a weapon that can tackle the threat. As per usual, you are asked to inform us of every sighting of the Rowdyruff boys so we can minimise the damage. At the moment this threat can only be contained by the girls, not wholly eliminated. We ask you again to leave the area where you see a fight happening in order to avoid casualties. If your house is destroyed we can offer you food and shelter until your home is back to its original state.'

'We can take questions now. One at the time please.'

A lot of hands were raised and general commotion ensued. The mayor picked the closest journalist, a nervous looking man in his 50s.

'I would like to ask the Utonium sisters a question. 'he adjusted his glasses ' Why have you avoided the press until now? We have made multiple requests to address you and you have refused them all?'

Blossom was at a loss, but before she could utter anything at all, the professor grabbed the microphone.

'We would have been open to a civilised conversation, but it wasn't the case. Other questions?'

The mayor picked a well dressed woman nearby: 'How long do you expect this situation to last? How long before the weapon is created, professor?'

'I can't tell you for sure, but I am making steady progress. It is an intricate process and we ask for your patience and collaboration in these trying times.'

'Miss Utonium, you have been spotted in the Townsville college campus with a new boyfriend, do you think it's appropriate during this crisis?' a man yelled in the back.

The professor attempted to shut down his question, but Blossom gave him a reassuring look and grabbed the microphone. She looked around, and tentatively began to speak:

'I'm deeply sor...I feel ashamed for being involved in the events from the last few weeks.'

We couldn't stop your families from getting hurt, even though it's our job to do it. With the help of professor's weapon, we promise to keep you safe from now on.'

She cleared her throat:

'As for my personal life...I do not think the subject should be discussed in the press. Thank you.'

The camera flashes blinded her, and she wondered if he's watching this right now.

'Probably plotting his next move. Why am I thinking about him right now? Would he try to kill me if he knew I'm planning to stab him with Antidote X? Would??You know he wouldn't hesitate.'

Her reverie was broken by a colorfully dressed journalist coming closer to the stage, waving his arms:

'Nobody here has the guts to say it, ,but y'all a pest on Townsville! A fucking pest! Everyone's too afraid to say it, but not me!! You bitches can kill me right now, I don't care! Fry me to death for all I care! I either die or your hand or the bastards', it's all the same!!!'

The security guards intercepted him, the professor grabbed the mic and sharply ended the discourse: ' Thank you for your time, everyone.'

As they walked out, the redhead could feel Bubbles taking her hand reassuringly, her soft fingers interlocking with her own.