Buttercup~
My back is screaming as loud as the crowd as I make my way center stage. The arena is packed to the gills today, no doubt for my return, plus watching champions in the Pits is mandatory. Though for whatever reason, I give these people hope. Hope from their dreadful lives of slaving in the mines, shops, and factories that run the Inner City, a reminder that they have it better or maybe even worse. Regardless the reason they cheer me on, their once dead faces filled with joy when I'm in the colosseum. Leo places his hand at the small of my back causing an audible squish. I bite back the wince before he presses his lips to my ear.
"Are you sure you're up to this?" He whispers, I shrug too scared a scream will escape with his fingers pressing into the tip of my wound. I step away from Leo and present myself to the crowd who in return roar at my presence. My eyes always find him first or at least ever since he showed his face in the Pits. A sharp pain shoots through my chest as I study Butch. Exhaustion and worry pull at his features as he sits on the edge of his throne showing the most emotion I've seen. Whoever I have to fight today must be too tough for my injuries or maybe it's my injuries causing that damn gut wrenching frown on his face. Returning from a three day hiatus Butch was furious to find me ready for the Pasture in my cell. He hastily bleed my infected wound and stitched me up as I passed out from the pain. I shudder as I feel a ghost of a needle and thread slipping through my swollen skin. I should blame him for my infliction but I don't, it's my own dumbass fault for seeking him out. My eyes flicker to the movement to Butch's left, I see Boomer sitting smugly with his arm wrapped around porcelain shoulders. I follow his arm causing my heart to sink deep into my stomach. Bubbles sits under his arm looking fragile as ever, painted up in makeup and in a beautiful ball gown but she isn't smiling. Looking this dolled up and to be under Boomer's arm would be her dream instead she sits rigid eyes glued to me as if I might fade away. My mouth goes dry as I piece together the royal gossip, one King got a doll the other got a pet. I find Blossom instantaneously, my chest burns as I stare at the sheer piece of cloth that leaves nothing for the imagination. The chain to her gaudy collar goes right to Brick's hand as if she truly is a dog that could run away. A hard tremor works its way into my neck as I find HIM feeling a new found strength. This is all HIM's fault.
"Your Greatness." My voice drips with sarcasm and I don't even bother to bow, "What great fight do you have in store for me today?" I sweep my arms out and ignore the fire spreading up my back. HIM smiles down at me with too sharp pearly whites.
"Oh Buttercup." HIM's many voices meld together, forever in crescendo, "I have a special treat for you today! Leo send her out." Leo gives a small bow before motioning to the left entrance, all anyone can hear is the clinking echoing down the long hall. Great the new fighter already has the advantage with either armor or weapons. The crowd is completely silent as the opponent comes into view. I grit my teeth as a young frail mine worker stands facing me, her armor is still clinking she's shaking so hard.
"Surely this is a joke." I can no longer look the girl in her bright blue eyes. Eyes too much like my sister's. Butch seems relaxed now maybe he was expecting something else, his demeanor has returned to an air of boredom.
"Oh no sweet little Buttercup. This is no joke, defeat her and you will be champion once more!"
"Fine easy enough." I crack my neck, all I really have to do to this poor girl is knock her over. There is no way in hell I'd kill her, especially since my sisters are here, they don't know how bloody these hands are now.
"By killing her." HIM sounds delighted as he adds this extra detail, people gasp out. My body goes rigid at his words, a death match with this sweet girl? My head snaps to face HIM, a great plan to have me end this girl in front of my sisters. They would be horrified, I would be horrified. HIM picked this girl for one reason and one reason alone she looks too much like Bubbles. Had I not seen Boomer's dirty mitts grabbing all over Bubbles I would think she was somehow standing before me. Even in the face of Death she smiles, courage knowing no end. My eyes find Bubbles a final time.
"I refuse." The mass of people become quieter than a church mouse. The clouds above turn sour with HIM's mood. A deep black hue takes the sky as an electrical storm brews.
"What did you say darling?" The voices are singsong for now as HIM floats towards me, "I don't think I heard you." HIM's tone dips into that deep sinister voice I've heard in my nightmares time and time again. Both sisters are silently begging me to just let it go but I can no longer obey.
"I did not stutter." HIM stands before me now allowing me to see that damned necklace up close and personal. Three diamonds catch the light delicately woven into a rope necklace. One is pink. One is blue. And one is green. Instantly I know what they hold and snatch them right off of his ruddy neck. The green tint fades from the diamond as I feel my powers returning. I quickly try to form an energy ball in my left palm but I'm cut short by a searing pain in my right arm. I cry out as the green settles back into the diamond, the necklace hitting the dirt dashing my dreams to save my sisters with it. Half of my forearm is hanging on by a thread, I swiftly avert my eyes before my brain can register the entirety of the damage. That same bloodied claw strikes faster than a snake, sinking slowly into my tender throat. Centimeters of flesh separate the razor sharp jagged edges from my major arteries. Panic swells in my chest as my body rides on instinct, I can't be executed in front of my people, in front of my sisters. I bring my knees to my chest followed by a symphony of pops as my back is reopened from the force of the movement. I have no time to reflect on the deafening pain as I shove both of my feet square into HIM's chest causing him to skid a foot away from me. Not too bad for someone who doesn't have their powers. I hit the ground with a solid thud and a plume of dust follows in my wake. There is no doubt that HIM will end me now but the worst part is that I have no more fight in me. My back is demanding attention, flooding my system with pain drowning out all other thoughts while my arm pulls at my consciousness. Blood finds its way up quickly causing me to choke. HIM's black heels are almost in view when something flutters before me. I force my eyes wide open to see Butch standing between me and certain death.
I hear a claw sink into toned flesh and gag on upcoming blood once more. Butch doesn't even flinch as HIM's claw grinds on bone.
"Father." Butch purrs, "I know you want more than anything to end this ingrate but have a look around." I don't know if HIM does but I do. My eyes sweep the crowd as throngs of people teeter on the edge of the six foot wall while others stand pushing their way towards the edge and for what? For me? For my injustice? I squeeze my eyes shut to keep in the tears.
"Could you imagine what a riot in the Pits would do for the rebellion?" Butch continues, "You'd kill everyone here! You'd send my brothers and I on a final purge to end all of humanity. Can you fathom the boredom that would follow with no toys to play with?! Father she has to die by another champion's hand or these people will resist."
"Then tell me Butchie what do you suggest we do with her?" HIM's voice is vibrating through my chest egging on the nausea. I crumple in on myself as Butch retorts.
"I'll sponsor her seeing as no one else will. I'll retrain her, make her obey." He glances over his shoulder at me, no doubt smirking over my blatant weakness, I cringe, "Maybe even make her my right hand warrior."
I growl a soft no that goes unnoticed. I will NOT be his right hand man again. HIM is silent for a moment too long plotting how this will benefit him in the long run.
"Fine but know these people came out for a show!" HIM's voices are back to its cheery singsong tone, "So you will kill the girl in Buttercup's place!"
"Whatever you say Father." The words come out with a bit of a bite. I grip onto Butch's black cape with all the strength I have left in my left hand.
"Don't!" I shout finding my voice for a fleeting moment, "She's just a child Butch!"
But I fall on deaf ears, he sweeps his cape from my grip and steps towards the girl.
"Any last words?" He removes her helmet and cups her face with his rugged hands. But it looks all wrong, his too tanned hands contrast harshly against her translucent skin. He brings his lips to her slightly freckled forehead and places a small kiss.
"Don't don't don't… Please Butch just kill me instead." I mutter hoping beyond hope that he will but he doesn't once glance my way.
"It is an honor to die for the Toughest Fighter." There's just something about the way she says my title. I'm usually referred to as champion, Leo only just recently started calling me that after I saved his sister from an untimely beating outside of the Pits. Before I know it an audible crack snaps me back into the present all too quickly. Butch had snapped her neck faster than I could blink. Her limp body falls to the Earth with a clunk her lips still raised upward, a smile to carry to Death himself. I watch the life drain from her haunting blue eyes as I scramble for her. My left hand is clammy as I squeeze her small calloused hand, my heart rips in two as I watch her face grow slack, eyes hooded as death sets in. Too many emotions are surging through me as I feel this death resonate in me. This girl was the Joy and Laughter embodied, courage til the end and even in Death was grateful for her life. My body shakes as I let out a soft sob that turns into screams of no. Butch tries to scoop me up but I'm latched on to the nameless girl trying to kick his arms away from me. Finally after moments of fighting Butch has me in his arms, I've given up for now. I even start to fade into darkness but something pulls me back. It starts of soft almost like a murmur that turns louder and louder until the chant is clear.
"Buttercup the toughest fighter!" Is screamed over and over again until I fall deep into nothingness where only blue eyes follow.
Blossom~
I throw my wine glass against the floor. Desperately needing to destroy something, shimmering white mixes with burgundy wine on the hardwood. My blood is boiling under my skin with the disappointing news I've just received. Buttercup was right when you're human your emotions are much stronger. I never did believe her. I always thought she used it as an excuse for her irritability while on punishment with antidote X but then again I was never injected with it, never before was I powerless as I am now. Is this what she feels like all the time? All of your emotions bubbling to the surface with no composure to be found? I glare down at one of Brick's maids with animosity I didn't know I possessed.
"What do you mean you couldn't find anything out? I asked for information and you said you could provide!" I'm screaming at this poor girl who's taking the brunt of a year's worth of frustrations. This is why I prefer Hecate, Butch's head maid. Whatever the subject matter she could answer, even information about the rebellion Brick has been staying up late to pour over recently. But this girl! This incompetent girl cannot even find whereabouts on a closely watched public figure.
"Mistress, I'm sorry but the other maids are being very tight lipped on this matter." She says timidly, picking up the shards of glass. She lets out a wince and holds it to the bottom of her white apron. I am already the cause of the giant red stain in the center of it and now I will be culprit for the smaller one in the corner. I sigh bending to help her collect the glass.
"Mistress there is no need to help me." She says fumbling for more of the glass. I cradle her hands to stop her from cutting herself again.
"I'm sorry. This is just very important to me." She holds my gaze before blushing and bowing her head.
"I know Mistress she is close to your heart, almost like a sister." She's staring down at the wine as if her face might give her away. Odd she would say that with Buttercup but not Bubbles. Am I missing something?
"Pet!" Brick calls from the foyer, coming home sooner than I expected. No time for me to research anything now. I don't try to hide the fact that I'm aiding the help but the maid turns a deep red under the King's gaze. At first I think he might harm her but instead he smiles devilishly.
"Oh Pet you don't have to help clean up anymore." He places his hand under my upper arm and pulls me to my feet, "That's what she's for." I finish dumping the glass into the trash before making my way to the other side of the island, no use in arguing with him. I reach into a cupboard for a mug and begin to make Brick's coffee. I don't have to clean up my own messes but I still have to clean up after his and in more ways than one.
"How was court?" Thankfully I got a reprieve from going but that doesn't mean I'm not dying for any sort of information. It's been a week or so since the Pits incident and I haven't heard a peep about Buttercup. I don't know if she's missing her right arm or if she's even alive. I swallow hard at the thought.
"Same old same old." He pulls out a stool to the island and sits.
"No word on the champion?" I set his coffee in front of him. He takes a sip eyeing me.
"None that I've heard. Why?" He's looking over the rim at me as he takes another sip. It gives me a moment to think of something that sounds inconspicuous but I can't think of anything so "Just curious" comes out instead.
I lean against the cool marble counter top as his burnout red eyes study me.
"Just curious?" His hand slips towards me palm up and I gently place mine in his. He pets me for a moment, "Butch hasn't been in court since. Pet I don't know what to tell you." The kettle screams to life from the stovetop demanding full attention. I give his hand a squeeze before tending to my tea. I slosh the tea infuser in the hot water while mulling over my thoughts. Butch has skipped out on plenty of court dates since I've been here but for "business" trips and not usually unannounced. I chew my lip overthinking what this could mean, he could be mourning. Regardless if he remembered Buttercup fully or not there was something between them. Or maybe I'm wrong, maybe he's preparing for a big transition. Brick did say Butch made a deal with the Devil.
"I think your tea has steeped enough." Brick says wrapping his arms around my waist. It startles me for a moment before I sink into him. His touch is the same but different. Honestly I can't explain who or what he is becoming anymore. Before I could dissect Brick's body language like an expert but now I'm uncertain. There is a dark undertow to him now, something off, different, causing him to be forever on edge.
"You've asked me about the green eyed champion a lot since the battle. Why the sudden interest?" He asks almost suspiciously turning me around to face him, "She's as good as dead after that little performance no matter what deal Butch has made."
I stiffen at his words and turn my head away. The kitchen begins to blur.
"Oh Red, it's not that bad." He coos softly, "There are so many other champions to root for."
I know he doesn't know the weight of his words but my body reacts anyway. Without thought I bring my hand back and slap him across his face. He doesn't move and no red mark appears to show the force I wielded. In fact I know my hand stings far more than his cheek. He's silent and still. The air around us heats up, the wood in the stools begin to crack. If I had my own powers I would combat his heat with my chill but I don't so instead the candle on the island begins to melt.
"Don't ever speak so nonchalant about her again, she's my si…my si…" I still can't say it. My lips move on their own accord, curling in over my teeth. I try a few more times before bursting into tears, "Why can't you see that?"
His grip on me loosens and the candle on the island stops at a puddle.
"I…" He starts, leaning his forehead against mine. He closes his eyes for a long moment before letting out a sigh while his hands fall to his side. I rush to our room and lock myself inside like a child. As if he couldn't rip the door from its hinges.
"Pet…" He calls through the thick door. That nickname used to mean something else, something more. It used to be a term of endearment but now it's just a title. I finger the collar around my throat to remind myself. I lean against the door until I hear another sigh and the soft click of the study door closing down the hall. Brick should be pre-occupied for a few hours with the stack of paper's he brought home. I rip up the floor board near the bed to fish out a book. Ironically the title is Control is an Illusion. I settle for this one and swing my feet up onto my reading chair willing to read anything to keep my thoughts at bay.
Bubbles~
My stomach is still in knots from what happened last week. I haven't seen or heard from Hecate nor Butch in that time. Next week I am supposed to take the train to the station near Butch's estate but I'm getting the sinking that that won't happen. I want it so badly though and not just to get away from head case Boomer but to see if Buttercup is there. Boomer's maids know nothing and hear nothing causing further irritation on my part. I could barely get a message to Blossom as is through these maids but with Boomer's extra precautions it has made the task impossible. A petite girl barely fifteen is brushing my hair and won't make eye contact with me. The skittish teen has been assigned to me for one reason and one reason only. She will keep me deaf, blind, and dumb on anything concerning the world outside these four walls. Boomer has deemed my concern over Buttercup an obsession and whenever I have an "obsession" he loves to keep me in the dark.
Another week of the same routine has already had its toll on me. I haven't spoken to anyone in days aside from a yes or a no. I haven't even been allowed to be in the courtyard without supervision from either Boomer or his "bodyguard." Since the bodyguard is a man of few words and as far as I know nameless I call him Barro since I have to call him something. He is constantly in black armor with a blue insignia on his chest plate, donning a black mask that hides all of his features except for his brooding muddy brown eyes. Barro stands with his shoulders squared near the entrance to Boomer's as I tend to the small herb garden in the courtyard that connects the three brothers' apartments. Butch has given me his side of the garden since he no longer lives at the main house. The meek maid holds my basket filled to the brim with basil, rosemary, thyme, and an array of spring flowers, I smile at my findings before going back to harvesting. Mid-spring is my favorite time of year. The birds hang in the trees above singing their songs, squirrels scamper around for their forgotten acorns and cats laze in the sun. It saddens me that I don't know what the birds are singing about today or any other day for that matter. I place the last of the basil in the basket before staring into Butch's kitchen window. The place is empty, hollow even, with nothing but cabinetry and the identical island in my own tidy cell. I catch a glimpse of my reflection and stare at the ghost of the girl I used to know. The French door to Brick's home opens outward onto the small patio pulling me out of a daily spiral. Blossom stands in casual clothes for the first time since she's been in Brick's care. Her auburn hair burns in the afternoon sun and is neatly braided down to her waist. I start to make my way towards her, desperate for comfort and information, Blossom is the leader so she must know something. I'm also hopeful that she is dressed so casually to come and tell me to pack as she normally does. Our tickets are for today and I can only pray that she is coming to collect me.
"Madam…" The maid starts, "We must return inside now." I turn on her faster than I should. My fists are bawled tightly as if I'm going to strike. I have half a mind to. She shrinks away from my furry but Barro does not. He stands taller than Boomer and almost as muscular as Butch. He looms over me with foreboding eyes before placing a black gloved hand on the small of my back urging me towards the door. I twist to look over my shoulder at Blossom who's clutching a notebook in her hands watching the scene unfold. Barro presses harder in warning for me to hurry. I look at him desperately begging for just a moment with my sister but he doesn't even glace my way. Fear grips me for a few heartbeats, what if I am no longer allowed to see Blossom? I may have very well lost one sister I cannot lose another. I stop dead in my tracks.
"So I am no longer allowed to see my friend?" I ask with a bite. Barro hardly reacts but the maid seems to jump.
"No madam you may not on behalf of the King's request." Barro's voice is deep and unyielding. Anger swells up just as fast as the fear.
"Well I don't give two shits what the King's request is!" I shout making a run for Blossom. Barro's thick arms wrap around me swiftly and haul me onto his shoulder like I'm a sack of potatoes. I fight causing my skirt and petticoat to rise to my hips.
"BLOSSOM!" I scream desperately for her help but she stands there immobile with her classic deer in the head lights look. I cannot fathom why she looks so petrified. Clearly Brick is not home what with her jeans and no collar but she still has her wide pink eyes fixated on a spot behind me. Barro's hand runs over my ass as he smooths down my skirts, saving the maid from the site of my thong no less.
"Put her down." A voice thunders causing an echo to bounce off the grey walls. I don't need to turn around to know it is Boomer who is in a very foul mood. Barro places me firmly on my feet and I run to Boomer as if hurt, knowing full well Barro wasn't lying about his request. I play dumb and cry anyway.
"Barro won't let me see my friend Boomie….."I cry into his chest hoping beyond hope he will be sympathetic today instead he grabs me roughly and drags me inside. I try to dig in my heels only for him to lift me where I stand.
"Enough!" His voice thunders once more in the small kitchen and I shrink away. A heavy silence falls between us as bruises bloom on my upper arms.
"You are no longer allowed to associate with my brother's possession." He hisses at me, grabbing me by the chin, "Nor are you allowed to see my other brother. I'm beginning to think you're forgetting who you belong to."
I want to scoff but a look in his eye causes me to swallow it down.
"I don't belong to anyone." I whisper looking at the ground. Had I been Buttercup maybe what happened next wouldn't have happened at all but I'm not, so it did.
In an instant Boomer rips the top of my dress exposing my breasts. I scream and try to wretch myself out of his grip but I'm only deepening the color of the bruises. He pins me between the counter and himself with his left arm holding me as still as he can. His right index finger is glowing blue close enough to my skin I can feel the heat.
"No…Boomer no no…"I'm whimpering, begging him to stop still he goes on.
"Then I'm going to make sure you know who owns you." He growls. I cry out as he draws a straight line just below my collar bone and above my heart. Hot tears stream down my face as it bubbles up but he continues. Soon his finger makes one bump and then another connecting it to the straight line before he lets me go. I fall to the ground in a heap sobbing from the heartbreak. He did it, he actually did my worst fear. My stomach threatens to heave as I stare down at the swollen B marking me as his.