Bubbles~
Days and nights melt together in a blur of blood stained sheets and nightgowns. I've seen Barro more than I've seen Boomer in what feels like weeks, though I am unsure how much time has really passes. I haven't had the same maid twice in that time but today is different. Today I have one of my usual maids, Ann. Ann is brushing my sunshine hair and braiding it back to keep it free of my mark. The maids were told by Doctor Caldwell to braid my hair back before changing my dressings. Hooded dull eyes stare back at me in the mirror while Barro looms in the shadows behind Ann. His muddy eyes are focused on the Bloody B that's beginning to seep through yet another nightgown, if he's disgusted I don't know. His black mask hides all of his features save those burning brown eyes. His eyes shift and narrow holding my gaze but I just stare right through him.
"Today is a special day love!" Ann bellows behind me. It takes a lot of effort to hold her gaze. She swallows and tries again.
"A very special day Princess, today is a big ball." She smiles brightly at me, "You'll get to wear a beautiful gown!"
I wince from bother her palpable excitement and the bandage sticking to the B. Barro and Ann both take a sharp inhale as my wound looks worse than before. Ann mutters a small apology as she fishes in her bag for the antiseptic. The wound was cauterized when Boomer made it but I've been picking it open in hopes that Boomer will heal it that or the pain will resurrect me. But neither have any positive affect so I just let the days continue to run into one. Boomer just becomes more vile and angry with each scab I pick. I want to burst into tears from embarrassment for being so desperate for something other than the numbness that has been boding my every thought, action and word but even so I have no tears left. I am all dried up. Ann gives me a reassuring smile while patting the B with some cream before hiding the ugly monster away. She guides me to my feet and strips me of my now too big nightgown. Barro shifts his weight from one foot to the other, eyes studying my body. I don't need to look in the mirror to know that he will see rib bones beginning to push against my moonlight skin and collar bones straining to break free. It's as if my skin is too tight and my bones are begging to be seen.
"Have you been eating Mistress?" Ann coos and I nod yes even though it's evident that I haven't. I haven't eaten more than a full meal since Buttercup was torn in half in front of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people. I give a defeated sigh as Ann dresses me in yet another high neck dress. She was sure to add an extra layer to my dressing as Boomer saw some blood reaching the surface after a meeting last week, staining a very expensive gown. I don't know why he insists that I wear light colors but I'm not going to argue with someone who has a deteriorating reality. My gown for tonight lies waiting on my chair by the window. The gown will be the same baby blue shade I used to wear as a Powerpuff. I finger the lace that lines the high neck and admire the buttons that run down the back. It's a beautifully elegant gown with layers of lace and beads. A dream gown that Boomer has picked out so lovingly for me, so why can't he treat me that way?
"We can talk about your makeup selection if you'd like." Ann offers, "Or hairstyles."
"Sure." I say my eyes never leaving the dress, "We could do that."
Boomer~
I'm fastening my sapphire cufflink on my deep blue suit in the guest room admiring how well I clean up. Bubbles always loved us getting ready in private so we could surprise each other with the end result. At least I think she always did, in the beginning her eyes would sparkle when she saw me all dressed up and I keep having fuzzy memories of the same likeness. Us getting ready separately, her looking so damn beautiful. How she looks at me now causes a deep pain to resonate in my chest. How could she look at me as if I have broken here when I have done nothing but provide and protect her? And why…why is that worthless champion so damn important to her, before it was Brick's slave and now this? It's none of her concern how that toxic trash ended up. Had I known Father was going to rip that girl limb from limb I would have never agreed to bring Bubbles to the Hell Pits. My Bubbles is a fragile thing. I sigh and tie my white tie with black telephones on it into a neat Windsor knot before stepping out to wait in the living room for my princess. After a few moments Hector or as Bubbles calls him 'Barro' comes out of the room followed by Ann and Bubbles. The sight of her takes my breath away and for a moment she looks as she should. Her golden hair is up in two large braids that act as a crown on her head with small sapphires woven in, her dress is long and flowing trailing behind her a foot or so. The color is just right on her and I have a hazy memory of her laughing by the lake in a tank top the same color. I place my hand over my chest and breathe out sharply as pain grows in my heart. I reach for her but she shrinks away from my touch towards Hector. I frown but understand why. My eyes fly to where her wound is and I look away. I can't look at her, I am unworthy of this woman before me. I lost my temper and truly hurt her. Not just physically but mentally. It's why I've been hiding out at Father's office, not wanting to see the pain or lack thereof in her eyes. I sigh offer my hand to which she takes after a few minutes. Tonight will be my first full night with her in weeks. A night where I only have to mildly entertain Father's guests, I do not want it to go to waste.
Buttercup~
"A ball?" I hiss to Hecate who's kneeling near the edge of the tub. I'm currently sitting in a lavish bath that Hecate has drawn up for me using one of her Bath Brews. The bath is filled with spices, oils and whatever other random magical bullshit she can add to it I'm in my usual brew that's supposed to help with weight gain, muscle fatigue and overall mental health. To say they aren't working would be a bold face lie. In the few weeks that I've been staying with Butch I have come very close to Hecate. She is a fiery woman who takes no shit and that's someone who I can respect.
"Yes Cher."
"Sounds idiotic. I'm not going." I state nonchalant. I want to sink deeper into the tub but Hecate is holding my ankle tenderly.
"Cher you have to go. Master Butch needs a date." She states, "Plus this is part of your new role."
"Well Butch can kiss my ass. I'm not going. He can take some hussy off the street for all I fucking care." I hiss and she rips the hairs off of my leg. I give her a pointed look and she just smiles sweetly back at me. All day it's been pampering and gussying me up, Hecate cutting my hair and even plucking my eyebrows. I didn't protest because it reminded me of the comfort Bubbles liked to give Blossom and I, spa days she called them. But had I known it would have been for a ball I would have hid out at the Pits instead. It isn't long before I'm hairless where it counts and sitting on the edge of Butch's bed.
I'm knotting the black sheets in my fists as Hecate takes her sweet time in Butch's walk in closet. Or as he likes to say 'our' walk in closet. I frown hard staring at the silky linen for answers. Butch hasn't dared sneak into bed with me since he's let me stay. Weeks have passed and even as I've proven I would continue to fight in the Pits he hasn't given me any more restrictions. Just let him know I've left and come home to him. I swallow hard at the last thought, his gruff voice sounding vulnerable as his whispered words echo in my head, "Please Buttercup just come back home to me."
"Let's start on your makeup." Hecate emerges from the closet empty handed. I give her a puzzled look but she just gives me a cat smile.
"No." I cross my arms and glare at my bargain mark, "No makeup."
Hecate guides me back into the bathroom to the vanity that sits in between the two sinks. The marble counter is lower here and a plush stool is tucked away beneath it. She pull it out and gestures for me to sit, I glare at the stool until I'm sure I've burn holes in it before Hecate makes the same gesture. I snarl at her and cross my arms before accepting defeat and sitting gently on the fur topped stool. I pull my silky robe closer to me and am left to my thoughts while Hecate works her magic. Pun intended.
My thoughts go to several places at once, but there is always an underlying theme. He's six foot four and has shimmering green eyes. I never understand his transition, how he became to be the Butch I would actually be….friends with. If you could even call us that. It went from black mailing me into killing people for him to…..I bite my lip and sigh out as my thoughts linger on our last few months before all hell broke loose. I can't help but wonder where he was during the time that Him was ripping the portal to Hell open. Broken memories flash before my closed eyes, stinging cheeks, low growls and a phrase I still hear in my dreams. 'You are by far my favorite toy to break.' The voice is hazy and sounds distorted so I can't place who it comes from. But the words haunt me none the less. A toy, I was nothing more than a pawn in someone's game.
"You are memorizing." Hecate's honey voice pulls me back to the present and I stare at my reflection not recognizing the woman staring back at me. Sure we have the same shining green eyes but it seems as if we have lived two different lives. The last time I saw my reflection my skin was dry and wrinkled, cheeks sticking to cheek bones too much, lips cracked and scared and eyes that showed all that they had seen. But this woman staring at me in the mirror could have been anybody. She has a deep berry hue to her plump soft lips, her luminescent eyes are lined with dark black winged eyeliner. Cheeks no longer hallow but full, peachy even. I can't hold the gaze long, I feel almost ashamed. I am only in this situation thanks to Butch.
"Wait until you see your dress Cher."
Blossom~
Brick is sitting in between my legs as I finish braiding his rust colored hair. He smiles up at me, his brick red eyes glistening in the light and I feel my heart swell a bit. He rises and smooths out his suit, dressed long before me.
"Thanks Pet." He says before placing a soft kiss on my forehead. I feel heat rise to my cheeks from the tender gesture. Since coming home and finding me in hysterics he has been more….Brick than ever before. I sigh as he leaves me to dress alone. I haven't seen my dress for this evening and am worried I will be in little to nothing for all the world to see yet again. Brick said he picked it out himself so I can only imagine how many people will see my nipples tonight. A soft knock comes from the bedroom door.
"Mistress I'm here to help you get ready." Clover, one of my favorite maids in waiting says through the door. I open the heavy oak door and gesture for her to enter. I trudge to the vanity dreading whatever dress Clover is going to push and pull me in tonight. When Clover emerges from the closet I let out a small gasp at the elegant gown in her hands. At first I think she is mistaken, that this was not the dress that Brick picked. She smiles as she hangs the dress on the back of the door. The gown is the same shade of pink I would have worn as a Powerpuff girl. The dress is in a semi-mermaid style and floor length with a high neck of lace starting from the bust. My feelings deepen for Brick and my cheeks are hurting from smiling so much. Clover pulls away all of the hair just above my ears and pulls it back to tie with a soft pink ribbon. My soft pink ribbon that I've always had, the one Butch had given to Sedusa what feels like centuries ago. It wasn't long before we got to the castle that Brick ripped that ribbon from my hair after buying me, saying I wasn't in the 'right light' before and didn't deserve it. I touch the silky ribbon and smile wider.
Brick and I are lined up behind Boomer and Bubbles in a cramped hall just outside of the ballroom. We are to wait here to be announced to Him's closest friends, which according to Brick's paper work is over one hundred in fifty people. An intimate party in the standards of Him. A servant sticks his head out of the large double doors and steps into the hall after seeing Brick and Boomer waiting.
"Are his majesties ready?" The servant asks bending low at the waist. I look around the meager corridor and see one or possibly two people missing.
"Where's Butch?" I whisper to Brick whose russet colored eyes survey his surroundings. I hear him cuss before he lets out a low sigh.
"I don't know, I'm sure he will be late as always pet." Brick whispers to my hair before placing a kiss, "When has he ever missed a party?"
I laugh just as the servant opens the double doors wide for Bubbles and Boomer to pass through. I can hear the size of the crowd by their conversations. They are loud and robust, alcohol fueled no doubt.
"Introducing King Boomer and his China Doll." The crowd goes silent as the two set foot into the party. They cheer for a moment before quieting down as Brick and I pass the threshold of the ballroom. The servant looks to us for a moment before announcing
"Introducing King Brick and his Pet." The crowd cheers before going right back to where they left off. The party was far more lavish than anything I've seen Him throw and that's saying something. The Demon loves his luxuries but today it has more of an intimate feel to it, Sedusa was clearly in charge of the decorations for this particular party. I smile as I take it all in, Brick presses his hand to the small of my back to guide through the parted crowd. It feels weird not walking behind him as he pulls my small golden chain I wear tonight but I don't question it. Silk curtains adorn the french doors that line the entire ball room, the doors open to let in the cool evening air and some of the setting sun. Candles are lit on any and all surfaces including the walls, causing the room to have a certain feel to it, an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and scandalous. High tables draped in silk are scattered around the space allotted for the dance floor to hold hors d'oeuvres and cocktail until a very, very late dinner, if any. After we are seated below Him's delicate looking throne the crowd looks to the door expectantly, waiting patiently for the duo of brothers to become the trifecta. But Butch is never announced and I can see Him biting back a snarl. Him clears his throat and gives some sappy speech about the good company Him has tonight and how Him owes it all to us, his loyal subjects. I scoff softly while the crowd roars with agreement.
"Without further ado please enjoy the party, mingle, dance, and be merry." Him's singsong voice bounces off the walls and the crowd begins to chatter once more. Boomer's blue eyes scan the crowd angrily but he rises to chat, Bubbles rises with him following in his wake like a shadow. Looking everything like the ghost she's becoming. I frown, biting my lip to keep the tears from coming. Brick rises and pulls me by my chain lightly, taking me away from the horrors of the garden. He smiles softly at me and places his rough hand to my back.
"Who would you like to speak with first?" Brick whispers in my ear as if he doesn't already know. My rosy eyes find her in a flash and I make my way over to Sedusa and the small pack she has with her. She too has her 'slave', Ace chained and a throng of her best sellers surround her. All willingly, especially with the large amounts of money they will be able to pull from the elite tonight. Brick follows my eyes and guides us that way.
"The place looks stunning." Brick comments, russet eyes studying the lavish seating closest to the French doors.
"Wait until you see the balconies Brick darling." She coos while pulling me into a hug, "How are you honey?"
"I'm very well." I reply and then hug my friends. We chat and catch up while Brick makes his way to the drink table saying something along the lines of 'Watch Pet' to Sedusa. He returns with a drink for me which I down swiftly. Tonight I am going to let go, I'm going to try to drown the guilt that sits in my stomach. Brick passes me his drink to which I sip gingerly as the girls catch me up on the ridiculous requests that they have gotten recently. A lot of the stories are about girls having to wear collars with a chain or dresses like the doll. I laugh loudly as Edith goes into detail of her china doll incident. An hour and a half passes and I'm perfectly tipsy now nursing my third drink. Brick gives my chain a light tug to say it's time to chat elsewhere.
"We'll be back after I make my rounds okay?" I nod as he hands me a small plate of cheese and bread. I daintily pick over the food on the plate as he talks business with old greedy white me, funny how they are still in power even after the insane events leading up to this. I guess they too are demons. I snort into my drink before I finish it as they all drone on about financial problems. I can tell Brick is growing bored of the financial issues and quickly moves to the small scientists circle. I would love to speak with them too but alas I am still not allowed to be anything more than a sex object.
It was nearing eleven and I could feel the hunger gripping at my stomach. Him announced that this was going to be an all-night event. Until the morning red sun rose we would be partying. We are still chatting by the scientist who are discussing theories as to how Him ripped open the portal to Hell and how some humans could now wield magic. I chalked it up to blood lines and begin to space out. Brick had been steadily keeping my fruity drink full. People are dancing, laughing, and actually enjoying themselves at this party while all the light in the world is fizzling out. My stomach sours at the thought. I let my eyes wander over the crowd and spot Sedusa dancing with her foreign off again on again lover, the man who Brick sent with the message. Ainmire was his name. Bubbles could tell me what his name meant and the thought of her causes my stomach to lurch but I swallow my sixth drink anyway. I swayed with the soft music and heard pieces of conversations and gossip as I did. All useless information and if any was useful I couldn't be bothered to remember.
As if a switch was flipped the room becomes quiet, even the music stops as the air changes to something less merry. At first I think some fool has insulted Him without realizing it but instead I spy a dark haired man seeming to tower over the crowd. My throat closes up as I watch Butch saunter through the room. His raven hair shines in the low candle light, the only color to him are the emeralds in his crown dancing with the fire light while the rest of him is in a stark black suit. From what little I can see, paired with the devilish smile on his face, I can see why a lot of women have flocked to him over the years. I swallow down my desire and wait patiently to see if his counter-part is present tonight. Boomer's sapphire eyes turn icy as they land on something shorter than Butch giving me the answer I need. That's when the crowd parts enough for me to see her, my green eyed sister. Buttercup looks disgusted as she surveys the crowd, imaging all of the ways she could hurt these people. She looks absolutely stunning and rebellious in the sleek black low V cut dress that stops at her solar plexus in the front paired with a V that dips down between the dimples on her lower back. Showcasing the full length of her healing and stitched back. Her throat wounds are exposed as well showing dark nasty scabs that she wears as a necklace. But she is alive and seems to be well. Her olive skin looks enchanting under the candle light and her hair shimmers as bright as Butch's. She's put on some weight and even muscle mass. She looks better than Bubbles that's for sure. She bares her teeth in Him's direction while Butch moves her by the hand on the small of her back.
"Is this not a party?" His voice purrs but there's an edge to it. An underlying threat that he will make good on and the crowd hears it too. The music begins again and people resume the party as if nothing happened Butch is introducing Buttercup as something but I can't quite hear the title he gives her over the scientists franticly discussing nonsense. She and I catch eyes, her green ones go wide before relief sets in. She sees too that I am well but how will she react when she sees that shell that was once Bubbles? She tries to make her way towards us but Butch snakes his arm around her waist. She makes to lean away from him while he whispers something in her ear, she stops and leans closer to his mouth. She side eyes him with a mixture of a glare and an emotion I can't quite place. It placates her for now and she stays with Butch so he can finish parading her around. Her eyes catch mine before they turn and she darts them to a French door, silently telling me to meet her outside if we can. I nod before making quick work of finding Bubbles and pushing through the party to get to her. I'm fortunate enough to catch her while Boomer is across the room and she is only accompanied by Barro. I loop my arm through hers and avert my eyes from her.
"Hey." I whisper, still being pouting like a child.
"Hey." She murmurs back but it doesn't sound as empty, "Did you see her? She looks dazzling tonight." I know instantly who she's talking about and glance at her face. For the first time in months she looks almost happy. I squeeze her arm and whisper "I'm sorry.." My voice cracks and tears threaten to fall. I clear my throat.
"I'm sorry that I didn't…didn't help." I stare into her aquamarine eyes and silently beg for forgiveness before she gives me a small smile.
"What could you have done?" She nudges me, "It's alright Blossom."
I sigh with relief but the guilt still clings to me.
"Buttercup wants to meet on one of the balconies. Keep an eye on her. We should go out separately." Bubbles nods in response just in time for me to unlink arms and find my wandering Brick.
"Did you see the Champion?" He asks handing me another drink. I stare into the sangria while my stomach churns with nerves, "He is going to get her and himself killed." My eyes fly to his and he shrugs his shoulders in reply.
"Father doesn't like subtle rebellion. Even if no one here will get it." Brick sighs, "Let's go introduce ourselves to Butch's newest play thing shall we?"
Brick pulls me by my chain, reassuming his 'Master' roll and I already miss the feel of being his equal. Butch's eyes light up as we make our way towards him.
"Oh my little Blossom you look absolutely lovely tonight." His voice is deep and velvety, his muscled arm still wrapped tightly around Buttercup. Who I can tell approves of the dress but not the chain I'm wearing. Brick stiffens next to me but I place a hand on his arm.
"Thank you, your majesty." Here I have to play the part of pet, even if Butch asks me to call him by his first name. Drunk or not I know I need to be proper among Brick's subjects and peers. Butch smiles in return, his eyes sliding over to Brick. Assessing his dark red velvet suit, a red that borders black and a black tie, his deep emerald eyes trail to his ruby studded crown before a dark smile spreads on his lips.
"When you spoke of a red suit I thought it would be obnoxious." Butch gives Brick a once over, "But Brother this is a very fine suit. I'm surprised you traded your cap for a crown."
Brick laughs and clamps hands with his brother. In this moment, the air about the brothers feels right. For once they are not hostile towards each other.
"I haven't seen that hat in a long time." Brick admits, his red eyes look Buttercup up and down, lingering on her throat, "And who is this?"
"This…"Butch wraps his arm possessively around Buttercup's waist, "is my Champion who is acting as my bodyguard."
"As if you need a bodyguard, King of War," Brick snorts, "What is she really?"
Butch's devilish smile returns as he replies, "That is what she is. What else could she be? You have a pet, Boomer a doll. There is nothing left."
Brick eyes his brother, silently sizing him up. Possibly debating if he should pick a fight either way the battle would be close.
"Butch what is she really?" Brick almost growls.
"My Champion doubling as my bodyguard," He rests his head against hers to which she tries to lean away to no avail, "and my mate."
My heart stops beating for a second. His mate? Is that what he's been telling the others? Bricks eyes narrow, Buttercup bares her teeth to him. Apparently this is her first time hearing it too. To proclaim a mate, not just a girlfriend as he has before, but a mate is big. It would mean possible marriage, a continuance to His Greatness' legacy. Putting Butch a little closer to the crown. Brick half lunges for Butch's collar but Butch takes a step back pulling Buttercup with him.
"Champion, mate. Same thing." Butch says before growling, "Don't forget we are at a party brother." Butch holds his gaze for a long time before Brick backs down pulling me away but not before I catch Buttercup mouth smoothly, one. I grab Brick's arm gently, reading his watch while whispering, "Don't let him get to you. You know he loves to crawl under people's skin." 12:30 I had thirty agonizingly long minutes to wait before being reunited with my final sister.
The half an hour flies by and I watch Buttercup sneak out of a set of French doors. I make quick work of playing up the wooziness I'm feeling and say I just need some fresh air. Brick nods, "Don't be long love." He whispers and then continues his conversation. I catch Bubbles eye who gives me a small nod to say she will be out in a moment. I cross the threshold of the doors and the cool summer breeze helps ease my sour stomach. I let my eyes adjust before spying Buttercup leaning her elbows against the balcony looking at the city below. It's surprising clear tonight, normally the sky would be choked with clouds but the moon is illuminating the balcony. Possibly by Sedusa's request to placate the new comers from foreign lands. I watch her a moment, to make sure this isn't a dream. She looks even better up close, she looks healthy but as usual there is a war she is waging with herself. Something I can see in her face. I touch her arm gently before pulling her into a fierce hug.
"What's with that awful get up the other day?" She snarls at me and pulls on the golden chain, "And this what is this bullshit?"
I smile over joyed to hear that my sister still has a foul mouth and bad attitude.
"That's normally what I have to wear. This dress was…" I trail not finding the right words, "a reprieve I guess." Her upper lip curls in disgust as she holds me at arm's length.
"Other than that are you well?" I nod as she rushes out the next question, "Where is Bubbles?"
"I'm right here." Bubbles states as she strolls gently to us. Buttercup snatches her into a very tight and long hug that Bubbles returns.
"Are you well?" Buttercup asks, pulling her back just enough to see her. Bubbles gives a wary smile before nodding yes, she is fine. In our presence she seems less hallow and a little more alive.
"I'm so very thankful you are okay Buttercup." Bubbles is choking on a sob and Buttercup pulls her back into a fierce hug. I watch as Bubbles face contorts into one of pain, biting back a wince for her sister's sake. But we don't have much time to talk before all three Kings realize where their possessions have gone. I touch her arm and she knows that time is against us too. She cuts to the chase leaning against the railing once more.
"I've made a plan."
"For?"
"What do you think Blossom?" She snarls at me, patience and relief all washed away. I look at her dumbfounded trying to come up with an answer but my head is still swimming. Se rolls her eyes before leaning in close to me.
"Escape." She hisses and I back up as if I've been struck. There is no way we could escape, no way all three of us could leave.
"But what about…." Bubbles starts but loses the words and I instantly know what she's going to say.
"What about the boys?" I finish her sentence for her and Buttercup goes rigid.
"What about them?" She retorts, green eyes growing dangerous, "What about the boys?" A long moment of silence passes between the three of us and I feel our precious seconds ticking down.
"We can't just leave them." Bubbles finally says, tears beginning to stream down her face. Buttercup motions for her but stops dead in her tracks. A tremor goes through her arms as her hands clinch into fists. I follow her deadly gaze to see a bloody B starting to seep into the baby blue dress. My eyes go wide, is that what he had done while I stood petrified in the garden?
"What. Is. That." Buttercup says through gritted teeth while Bubbles' hand flies to cover it.
"Nothing." She says backing towards the party, "It's nothing Buttercup."
She rips Bubbles' hand away and dares to rip the dress. The B is more prominent through the dressings and from the looks of the blackish blood it's infected.
"HE BRANDED YOU?!" She shouts, while I struggled to reach for Buttercup, thankfully the party erupts in laughter drowning her out.
"Hush!" I hiss grapping onto her arm, "They will hear you."
But that doesn't stop her. She advances, making her way to rip the dressings off to see the wound and its entirety but she never does. Boomer steps onto the balcony stopping suddenly in his tracks.
"I thought I told you not to speak to that vile trash." Boomer spits venom, as he grabs her roughly by the arm, bruises already forming, "They are both beneath…"
Before Boomer can even finish his skewed opinion of us Buttercup rears her fist back and connects it to Boomer's face, sapphire crown toppling to the floor. I'm instantly sober watching Boomer stumble back and remove his hand to reveal a split lip. It's impossible what she's just done. There is no way she exerted that much force without chemical X to produce a bloodied lip. I glance at her hand which is shaking and a few knuckles are sunken in. Her hand is definitely broken now and with the way Boomer is staring her down it won't be the only thing.
"You bitch!" Boomer lunges for Buttercup, who apparently is still seeing red. She uses her left fist to connect another punch but this one is not as hardy as the last. Boomer barely flinches glaring down his nose at Buttercup. He grabs a fistful of that shiny raven hair and slams her into the ground, shaking the whole balcony. She bounces from the force, a soft crack echoes off the castle bricks. Bile coats my throat as I again stand petrified as Boomer stalks towards Bubbles, a mixture of rage and hurt clouding his eyes. Bubbles' sky eyes dart towards me in a pleading manner but still I stand a statue. Buttercup is to her feet faster than I can blink and not letting the possible cracked rib slow her down. She slams into Boomer hard enough that he topples to the ground, straddling him in the process. She raises her swollen left fist and strikes Boomer hard enough that her palm splits. Boomer quickly over powers her and flips her onto her back, hand steady on her throat.
"If Father and Butch are too scared to put you down vermin, then I will." He pushes down hard and I hear her stitches pop. She gasps out and claws at him yielding broken nails instead of skin. I quickly grab Bubbles hugging her tightly against me wondering what the hell is taking Brick so long to find me. Or Butch for that matter, especially since his new found 'mate' had been absent for a while. There is no way neither of them hear us. As if on cue Brick pops his head onto the balcony and watches the scene unfold. He goes to reach for Boomer to pull him off of Buttercup who is starting to turn shades of blue. Her left hand gropes the ground for that golden sapphire crown, she swings the pointed end right for Boomer's face. The crown makes purchase and breaks both his skin and concentration. Buttercup catches her breath trying to heave Boomer's toned body off of her in the process only to be too weak. Brick stands stunned as his brother cups his bloodied cheek, still sitting squarely on my sister.
"It smells like blood.." Is all Butch gets out before an icy rage fills the air. Butch's bear paw of a hand clamps down hard on the nape of Boomer's neck and he lifts him up as if her were a puppy. A wind whips around us shutting the doors to the party.