Disclaimer: So much for the 1st Amendment.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Specifics or more than one"
"Specials or Attacks"
The Magic and Science of Good and Evil!
Chapter 13: Pride and Circumstance
Part one
The City of New Townsville and although cloudy outside, three of the girls seem to be making the best of it as they rested their feet in water while their boys gave them each massages on their shoulders. Blossom, Bubbles and Bubbles were all in bliss while Ken and Kasey played a board game out of the way of the older kids, meanwhile Computress stood cooking breakfast. Despite all the fun they were having, Buttercup was nowhere to be seen which left the girls worried about their agitated friend.
"(Sigh)" Blossom breathed
"Are you okay angel?" Dexter asked as he massaged more "Do you need anything?"
"No, I'm fine… I'm just worried about Buttercup."
"Yeah, me too." Bubbles spoke up "She hasn't been herself after our loss that day."
"Bell creamed us… who knows how powerful really she is."
"I know, it's scary." Bunny joined in "Buttercup's pride must have been shattered… and now she doesn't know how to cope with it."
"I know but…" Bubbles paused "She's so angry now, well… angrier than usual."
"I can understand how Buttercup feels." Cody explained "Being stuck in a rut, frustrated, feeling helpless, and most of all weak… it's hard."
"I'm sure she can find a way to cool off." Jack reassured "So why isn't Mitch here either?"
"He said he was going to check on Buttercup at the soccer field." Dexter answered when suddenly there was a knock at the door "Ken?"
"I got it Dexter!" Ken said as he got up to get the door
"Alright guys that's enough." Blossom said making the boys take a break
"Alright, man she did a number on you." Dexter explained "I wish I could do some research so that maybe I could find a weakness."
"NO YOU CAN'T! YOU MUSTN'T!"
"But, I want to help."
"I know, but Bell wants revenge on you."
"I know that, the question is… why?"
"I don't know but… (Sniff) Dexter, I just don't want anything to happen to you… (Teary) not again…" *Read Chapter 10*
"I know…" Dexter explained as he laid his forehead on Blossom's "And I promise, I'll be there for you, always… and alive."
"(Sniff) I know… I love you."
"It's scary huh." Cody said sitting next to Bubbles holding her hand "Seeing you risking your lives every day."
"There's a reason why we're the Power-Puff Girls." Bubbles explained as she tightened her grip on Cody's hand "And I have the power to protect everyone I love, if I don't do it… who will?"
"I kind of know how they feel…"
"…Me too"
"Bunny?" Jack asked getting Bunny's attention "Do you agree with them?"
"Actually… yeah." Bunny grimly answered "Dr. X wants revenge on Professor Utonium and he may destroy New Townsville to do it."
"I may not have super powers, but that doesn't mean I won't be there for you."
"Jack no, you'll get hurt and I don't know if I'm good enough to protect you."
"Yet you try every day and I can't help but worry… I think I understand how Barry feels…"
"Oh Jack." Bunny sighed as she laid her head in his chest "I care about all of you too much… That's why I can't give up… thank you."
"Sure thing, Bun-bun."
The girls felt some relief knowing that one thing they protected would have their backs. Suddenly the romantic moment ended as Princess Morbucks entered the room looking gloomier than ever.
"Hi Princess." Dexter spoke up "Are you feeling better?... Can I get you anything?"
"No thanks Dexy." Princess spoke in a low tone "Is the Professor here?"
"Yeah, he's in the office to the left."
"Thank you."
Princess slowly walked to the office leaving her friends with worry
"Poor Princess." Bubbles stated
"Yeah, I know how she feels." Cody explained "Finding out that you have a monster inside you… it's kind of heart wrenching."
"We had no choice." Dexter began "We explained that she was affected by black Z-rays."
"We know." Blossom followed "We couldn't explain how or why and she ran off."
The group all stood silent unsure of what to do, suddenly Princess came back into the room
"Um… can I sit with you?" Princess asked
"Sure." Blossom explained as she, Bubbles and Bunny moved the ice and towels out of the way to make room for Princess "So what happened?"
"The Professor's busy?"
"Oh… maybe we could help."
"What?"
"We'll listen Princess… you kind of caught us off guard the other day, that's why we were speechless."
"I know, but I was just so… so confused, I mean I remember everything… all of my attacks, all of my powers and all of my…"
"PRINCESS! Sit down and breath."
The frantic Princess did what Blossom told her and looked at her classmates along with the little kids who were worried about her.
"Now tell me." Blossom began "How did you find out about all this?"
"Well, I don't really know why but…" Princess paused for a minute "I think it happened because… I went for a walk in the lab and I found this strange glowing green orb."
"A glowing green… (Gasp)" Dexter thought for a moment "I'll be right back!... Computress, can you make something for our guest too?"
"That will not be a problem Dexter." The robot assistant complied as Dexter ran off to the back
"This green orb." Bunny spoke up "Did it look like a giant atom?"
"I think so." Princess thought for a minute
"PRINCESS!" Dexter came back with a round metal orb and opened it to reveal his Nurotomic Protocore "Is this the orb you're talking about?"
"THAT'S IT, THAT'S THE ORB!"
"So how did it happen?"
"I… I don't know… I was walking around the lab yesterday, when I suddenly felt something… calling me… I couldn't help it, I went in the room saw the case and opened it to see this thing, next thing I knew… all these memories came flushing into my head and I… I… I panicked!"
"Oh my!" Bubbles gasped "So how do you think it happened Dexter?"
"Not sure." Dexter spoke with his arms crossed "Even I don't know the full effects of the Nurotomic Protocore, especially when it comes in contact with Z-rays or someone with Z-rays in them."
"What the heck's a Z-ray?" Princess asked
"A Z-ray is what gave us and all the monsters powers." Ken said as he walked up to the group "There are white Z-rays which are attracted to positive energy, those are the lights that created the Power-Puff Girls."
"So the Black Z-rays make monsters?"
"Oh… wait a minute… so where did these Z-Rays come from?"
"Well… they are a mixture of Him's black dust, Kenium He and Chemical Z, the dust and Kenium were trapped in an ice burg, Chemical Z freed them and changed them into pure energy I.E. the Z-rays and blasted them into the sky and landing on random targets."
"A BLACK LIGHT… OUT OF THE SKY?" Princess jumped out of her seat in shock
"What's wrong Princess?" Blossom asked
"I… I remember a strange black light coming out of the sky and… that's it… that's how it happened." Princess flopped back down "I… I…"
"It's a lot to take in I know, but we can help."
"Y-you can."
"Yeah."
"… thanks"
The group stood silent as Princess calmed herself down; suddenly a question came to her
"But… why me?"
"Well… based on my research." Dexter explained "I found out that Z-rays are attracted to positive or negative energy given off by people or things through thoughts or emotions. For example the white Z-rays are attracted by Blossom's go to attitude, Bubbles' kindness, Buttercup's will, Bloom's bravery and Poochi's helpfulness. But the black Z-rays were attracted by Mojo's hatred towards humans, Fuzzy Lumpkins selfishness, The Ameba Boys desire for more and Sedusa's desire to be someone else."
"Sedusa?... (GASP)" Princess thought as a memory came back to her "You mean Annie?"
"Yeah, how did you know?" Bubbles asked
"Annie actually transformed in front of me once, I forgot all about it… poor thing… wait, what about me?"
"Well Princess I… uh…" Bunny spoke up "I think Black Z-rays were attracted to you because of your desire for more attention since your parents didn't give you as much as they should have."
"Oh… I see… what about you?"
"Me?"
"You're a Power-Puff Girl right? Why were white Z-rays attracted to you?"
"Um… well I um… uh…"
"They weren't." Blossom answered for her stuttering friend "You see while Bubbles, Buttercup and I were trying to collect Z-rays we accidentally merged a black and white Z-ray together… the rays flew to Bunny together, the White Z-ray was attracted to Bunny's pure heart but the Black Z-ray was attracted to her low self-esteem, they made her both a Power-Puff Girl and a Monster." *Read TZRSA chapters 3 and 4*
"So Bunny's a monster too?" Princess asked with surprise
"Not any more, you remember Mona right? Well thanks to her she was able to get rid of the black Z-rays and cure her."
"Can you cure me too?"
"…No… I'm sorry, you see Mona was able to take the Black Z-ray out and let the White Z-ray clean out the residue, even if we got rid of the Black Z-ray in you Princess, the residue would still make you transform."
"What?"
"Right now there is no cure for you."
Princess looked down with disbelief and uncertainty leaving the others silent and unsure of what to do or say, suddenly Princess' dark aura began to glow as her anger rose, then out of nowhere she transformed in to her monster form and looked at the group with tears and rage
"RAWR!" Princess yelled as she lifted and threw the chair she was sitting on at the group making them scatter, in her frustration she then lifted the couch above her head "You did this! My life is ruined because of you!"
"Princess wait!" Kasey spoke up as she came over to the rampaging monster teen
"KASEY NO!" Blossom called out
"We're still looking for a cure, we haven't stopped yet."
"SO WHAT?" Princess yelled "I'm a monster and I have to live with it. How can I deal with this?… AND WHAT IF MY PARENTS FIND OUT I'M A BAD GUY!"
"But… you're not all bad Princess."
"How do you know?"
"Because when Bunny and I went to save my sister from Him, you saved us and helped rescue her remember?" *Read TZRSA Chapter 14*
"… (SIGH) I remember…"
"And didn't we all think you would make a good Power-Puff Girl if you weren't a monster."
"… Yeah… So what?"
"Well maybe until we find a cure, you can use your powers differently now that you can control yourself."
"… tell me… why would you help me after all the bad I've done?"
"Because you weren't you… and now you are…and besides… you're our friend."
Kasey's words effected Princess making her look at the little girl's smiling face, she then calmed down and put the couch back in place as she changed beck to normal
"Kasey, I…" Princess took a deep breath and calmed down "I… I just need time to think… but it's so hard."
"The only thing we can do right now is to help you cope and accept it." Cody explained "Trust me that's a good start."
"Cody's right!" Bubbles followed "If you can deal with the monster inside maybe you can use it to your advantage."
"Oh I see, maybe I can…" Princess thought out loud "Wait, did you say Cody? (Gasp) You were that Lion-Wolf thing that was with us during the war?" *Read TZRSA Chapters 13-15*
"Uh yeah." Cody reluctantly answered
"Wow, I would have never guessed it… So I guess you are talking from experience huh?"
"Yeah, it's not easy… but I have my friends there to help me… and if you want, we can help you too."
Princess stood silent and lost in thought as everything everyone said was beginning to sink in
"(Sigh) I guess I'll have to give it some time."
"Good." Jack sighed as well "I don't think I can handle you super powered types much longer."
The group laughed and Princess seemed calm when suddenly the Professor and his wife came in the room.
"So Princess?" Professor Utonium kindly asked "Are you ready?"
"Yeah." Princess gloomily answered "Make it quick, I promised my maids I wouldn't take long."
"I'll see what I can do."
The two left the room leaving all the teens and kids to give a sigh of relief
"Oh Dexter, could you do me a favor?" Dr. Utonium asked
"Yes ma'am?"
"Could you pick up some thing for us at the grocery store, I have a list?"
"Okay, I really don't have anything else planed."
"Thank you Dexter, you're such a sweet boy."
"Do you want to come too Blossom?"
"Sorry Dex, I'd love too but I really should wait for Buttercup." Blossom sadly explained
"I understand, I'll be quick." Dexter finished as he gave a quick peck on Blossom's forehead and waved good bye to everyone else.
"(SIGH)"
"What's wrong Blossom?" Bubbles asked
"It's nothing… just… too much going on at once, you know?"
The others agreed and continued their day in the lab.
Meanwhile at a soccer field
A curtain raven haired tomboy practiced her shot but missed the goal… for the fiftieth time
"ARGH!" Buttercup screamed "WHY CAN'T I DO THIS?"
"Because you suck." A familiar voice answered in her head
"WHY CAN'T I BEAT YOU?"
"Because you're the weak one?"
"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM US?"
"What would I want… from a loser? Ha ha ha ha ha, AHH HA HA HA HA HA!"
"STOP LAUGHING AT ME!"
Buttercup kept kicking soccer ball after soccer ball trying everything she can to hit the goal where an imaginary Bell stood, laughing and taunting her as Buttercup missed every shot
"ARGH!"
"AH HA HA HA HA HA!"
"Dang it, What the Heck, when I find that witch again I'm gonna kick her stupid Butt and make her eat Fudging Snot."
"Dang girl!" Mitch appeared getting her attention "Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"
"What do you want Mitch?"
"I just came to check up on you… is there something I can do?"
"I'm fine, I don't need any help!"
"Really?... considering your constant cussing and you goals are zero to… a hundred, I think you do."
"Leave me alone."
"Buttercup listen, I get it you lost to that white Power-Puff."
"LOST? Mitch, I was humiliated!"
"Okay, so you're down… but taking your frustration out on soccer balls doesn't seem to be helping, so I came to help… whither you like it or not."
"I SAID I DON'T NEED HELP, NOW LEAVE… ME… ALONE!"
Without thinking Mitch marched over to Buttercup and grabbed her wrist halting her rampage on the field
"Buttercup calm down!" Mitch ordered in frustration "If you don't you're going to do something you're going to regret!"
"Mitch, you don't understand!" Buttercup struggled "I have a lot to stand for, ugh, and for me to just lose to some bratty snow white wannabe… how can I face myself?"
"By doing something you don't normally do, THINK! I get it, you lost and your pride is on the line… I'VE BEEN THERE, I've lost fights too, but I've learned that if I don't think, I'm going to end up hurting someone I care about."
"Grr!"
"Is that what you want to do Buttercup, block everyone out until you attack them? THEN HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FEEL?"
"MIND YOUR OWN BUISSNESS!"
*SLAP*
Buttercup managed to free herself from Mitch's grip and back handed him leaving his face red
"Happy?" Mitch asked with frustration
"I don't need anybody's help." Buttercup explained with rage in her eyes "I'll beat that little white witch… and nobody's going to stop me."
And with that Buttercup ran off leaving Mitch to sigh with his failure
"(Sigh) MAN… now what do I do?"
Meanwhile at the Grocery Store
"Laundry detergent… check, cooking oil… check, snacks… check, milk… check." Dexter said as he looked at the list "All that's left are eggs."
Dexter walked over to the eggs when suddenly a strange man in a trench coat, hat and sunglasses held the fridge door open for him
"Oh, thank you sir." Dexter spoke up
"You're welcome young man… oops!" the strange man said as his sunglasses fell off
"I got them, here you go." Dexter said as he grabbed the specks and got a good look at the man's green hairy face
"Oh thank yo…" The man paused as he recognized Dexter's face
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH"
"YOU'RE THE BRAT WHO HANGS OUT WITH THE POWER-PUFF GIRLS!"
"AND YOU'RE MOJ…"
"Shh" Mojo shushed
"…Mojo Jojo!" Dexter quieted down "What the heck are you doing here?"
"Well a guy got to eat… besides I'm not in the mood to be both starving and beaten."
"Makes sense."
Later on the line
*Beep*
"…This feels weird." Dexter complained
*Beep*
"How do you think I feel?" Mojo responded
*NEXT*
Later by the exit
"Well, that was…. Interesting." Mojo stated as he checked his bags "Well… see ya."
"Yeah… oh Mojo wait!" Dexter called getting Mojo's attention "I know I shouldn't be helping my enemy but… there's someone very powerful looking for you."
"Powerful huh? Sounds interesting."
"I don't know what they want with you, but I know it's bad."
"What do you think they want with me?"
"Who knows… Maybe they want to dissect your brain or maybe they want to recruit you, either way it will be bad for everyone."
"Hmm… I take that into consideration kid… thanks."
"… Yeah sure… see you later."
After that awkward moment the two geniuses left in opposite directions
"Well that was… interesting." Dexter sarcastically told himself
"Excuse me." A girl's voice called getting Dexter's attention "Can you help me with something?"
"Sure, what seems to be the prob…" Dexter froze as he turned to look at the white Power-puff "YOU!"
"That's right… and I need you to come with me!"
Dexter only stood there standing his ground yet frozen in fear as Bell came closer
"Sorry, but you really don't have a say in this matter tee hee."
Bell playfully touched Dexter with a finger… suddenly…
*FLASH*
Dexter and Bell disappeared, groceries and all.
Meanwhile back at the lab
Kasey sat on the couch trying to catch her breath
"That was scary." Kasey explained as Blossom and Bullet comforted her
"Cheep!" Bullet smiled
"Tell me about it." Ken stated
"Yeah, it was." Blossom said "But you managed to calm Princess down and it helped all of us."
"I know, but what I said was true after all!"
"We know Kasey." Bubbles spoke up "She just needs some time to cool down and think this through."
"Princess is not really all that bad once you get to know her huh?" Cody asked
"Maybe." Jack explained "But she still scares the heck out of me."
"Tee hee, don't worry Jack." Bunny reassured "Besides I can kind of relate, having something inside you that you don't think you'll ever understand."
"I know." Blossom spoke thinking of her Dark Blossom form "But then again, the city could always use more heroes. There's only so much the Power-Puff Girls can do."
"Hey maybe Princess could be a Power-Puff too!" Kasey cheered
"Cheep?" Bullet said bewildered
"Absolutely not!" The teens all gloomily stated
"Humph." Kasey pouted
"Not this time Kasey." Ken explained
The team laughed but the mood suddenly changed when Buttercup entered the room, still huffing
"Buttercup?" Blossom called walking towards her still angry friend "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Buttercup gruffly stated
"… hmm… still mad."
"Back off, you're not my psychiatrist."
"You're right, I'm not your psychiatrist! I'm your friend and I want to help you anyway I can, but I can't do that if you block me out by acting like a big baby."
"Grr… WHAT YOU SAY?" Buttercup growled as she grabbed Blossom by her collar "I said I'm fine, so you want to help me, tell me where Bell is so I can beat her to a pulp."
"LET GO OF ME!" Blossom screamed as she forced Buttercup's hands off and pushed her away "Even if I did know where she was, I wouldn't tell you! You're out of control Buttercup and what makes you think you can beat her the next time you see her?"
"You don't have to worry about that… I'll win… and she'll never humiliate me again! She was lucky last time, this time she'll lose big time."
"LUCKY? She didn't beat us with luck, if anything we're lucky to be alive!"
"That's because you were in my way!"
"In your way of what? Getting killed?"
"Of beating her!"
"I don't know where this delusion of grandeur comes from, but it's clouding your judgment… Did you forget? We were all beaten; she was just toying with us!"
"Fine, I'll beat her all by myself!"
"How? And with what power? That pride of yours is going to get you killed."
"You should talk fearless leader, you who don't even have the guts to get revenge!"
"I do want revenge, but I have to be cautious."
"Cautious? HA, in case you've forgotten… YOU'VE ALREADY BEEN KILLED ONCE, so is that what you mean by being cautious?" *Read TZRSA Chapter 13*
The whole room gasped at Buttercup outburst, causing everything to halt and the whole room to stare and Kasey to almost burst into tears at the horrible memory
"Buttercup, that's low!" Bubbles yelled "Even for you!"
"We're all in this together!" Bunny explained "You're no better than anyone here!"
"What do you know?" Buttercup screamed "My father and brother are champions in their respected sports… and so am I! But now… to have some punk witch show up and tell me that all I've accomplished is all for nothing? That's unacceptable."
The room stood silent until Blossom spoke
"So… is you're attitude now acceptable proof of what you accomplished?" Blossom asked making Buttercup angrier "You're acting like a spoiled child, not a champion of anything."
"You wouldn't understand!"
"You're right I wouldn't understand, but even so that is no reason is act like a chicken with its heads cut off!"
"…Grr…"
"There will never be a reason good enough to turn my back on my friends… I gave my life because I was trying to protect everyone… and as much as I hate to admit it… I'D DO IT AGAIN IF I HAVE TO!"
"…"
"But I have to be cautious and hope it never comes to that, I have too many people I love… and I can't just leave them, but I can't give up on them either!"
"… I'm out of here."
"HOLD IT! We're not done yet!"
"I don't care, I'm going to find her and beat her."
"Oh no you don't!"
Blossom tackled Buttercup and did her best to restrain her friend but the whole group joined in and held them both down
"Blossom, Buttercup Stop!" Bubbles ordered
"Please don't do this!" Bunny pleaded
"You two have to calm down!" Cody explained as he restrained Buttercup
"You two are friends right?" Jack stated as he held back Blossom
"All right that's enough!" Dr. Utonium yelled
"She stared it!" The two combatants angrily explained
"I don't care, you two are friends. You all have come back from worse things stronger than ever, you can't let this one defeat bring you down. You have to figure out a way to win, but taking your frustration out on each other isn't going to help. You have to think about your friendship."
The two managed to stop fighting but huffed and turned away from each other in displeasure; their prides were in their way. Blossom wanted to look before leaping and Buttercup demanded action a.s.a.p., suddenly the video monitor signaled an incoming call.
"It must be the Mayor." Professor Utonium explained as he answered the call "Hello Mr. May… you're not the Mayor!"
"Wow, you figured it out, you really are a Professor!" A familiar white haired and eyed Power-Puff teased
"IT'S BELL!" All the girls gasped
"Oh wow you remember me!"
"What do you want Bell?" Blossom asked
"Oh nothing, I just want to play a little game."
"We are not in the mood for your kind of games Bell." Bubbles glowered
"But it'll be so much fun, I have prizes and everything!"
"Whatever prize you have Bell, you can keep it." Bunny explained
"Oh really, even this prize?" Bell said as she moved the camera around to reveal a familiar figure tied, bound, and gaged in a chair
"Hmm hum hmm hmmm!" The gaged red haired glasses wearing boy tried to talk
"DEXTER!" Blossom yelled in fear
"So do you want to play now?" Bell evilly teased
"You let go of big brother Dexter right now!" Kasey demanded
"Cheep!" Bullet followed
"I will… if you play." Bell continued teasing
"What do we have to do?" Blossom asked
"Simple, bring me Mojo Jojo by sun down and you can have Dexter back… but if you don't, then I'll finally have my revenge on Dexter."
"Where are you?"
"In an old cabin not far from Fuzzy's property, you better find me… the clock is ticking… BYE!"
*CLICK*
And with that the monitor went off leaving the girls with a new dilemma
"She's mine!" Buttercup growled as she stormed off
"Buttercup wait!" Blossom called "We need a plan first; if we just go in there we'll be putting Dexter in more danger
"You want to save your dumb boyfriend, FINE! You rescue him, while I beat up Bell."
"Don't you mean get beaten up by Bell, she's too powerful Buttercup, you know that."
"GRR, YOU'RE WRONG, I CAN BEAT HER, JUST WATCH! Powered Buttercup!"
And with that Buttercup Transformed and flew to Bell's location leaving her friends in the dust
"BUTTERCUP WAIT!" Blossom called out but it was too late as Buttercup was already out of sight "Dang it!"
"Don't worry Blossom." Bubbles said reassuring the leader "We'll find a way to help Dexter."
"You just concentrate on Buttercup." Bunny helped finish
"You sure." Blossom asked as Bunny and Bubbles nodded "Okay, thanks guys… but be careful! Hyper Blossom!"
And so Blossom transformed and flew off after her rebellious friend
"So now what? Bubbles asked
"Should we look for Mojo?" Bunny followed
"Hmm… HEY, I have an Idea!" Kasey explained
"HUH?" the two teens gasped
"Cheep?" Bullet mimicked
"I don't like the sound of that." Ken explained
"Don't worry, I have it all figured out." Kasey said very prideful "Computress, remember that one robot that Dexter made that was destroyed?"
"Which one Kasey?" Computress asked "Dexter repairs all his robots and puts them away in case of emergencies."
"Okay, here's the plan…" Kasey whispered in everyone's ears as their eyes grew wide with surprise "… Okay, do you think it will work?"
"I'm impressed Kasey!" Bunny smiled
"Wow, you really are Blossom's little sister!" Bubbles explained with glee
"Okay, everyone knows what to do right?" Ken asked
"I'll get the robot ready." Computress complied
"Cheep Chi!" Bullet cheered
"Alright, let's begin operation: Bait and Switch, READY?" Kasey rallied the group
"YEAH!" The whole room cheered as Kasey's plan went underway.
Meanwhile in the cabin in the woods
Dexter struggled as he remained tied up while Bell finished her message to the girls from her laptop and strutted towards him
"Well that was fun." Bell explained "I already know they're going to come without Mojo. (Sigh) Such a shame, they really think they can beat me… as for you, are you ready for my revenge."
"Revenge? For what?" Dexter asked as Bell removed his gag
"You took someone away from me… and I will never forgive you."
"What are you talking about? I never took anyone away from anybody."
"Don't play dumb."
"I'm not playing, besides I don't even know who you are."
Dexter had a point, there was no way Dexter could ever recognize Bell in her Power-Puff form. So without a word Bell went over to a dark corner so Dexter couldn't see, she then revealed a strange object… a wheelchair
"Recognize it Dexter?" Bell sternly asked "My grandfather gave it to me."
"What does a wheelchair have to do with anything?" Dexter was confused
"I couldn't get around without one… let me tell you how I got my powers. Months ago when Dr. Hardly kidnapped the Power-Puff Girls they were held in a containment chamber, little did they know they were being scanned by Dr. Hardly's partner, Alexander Protozoan, the son of Professor Protozoan. You managed to rescue them but we already contained enough data of the black z-rays we stole from Mojo Jojo and the White Z-Rays we scanned from the Power-Puff Girls."
"I had no idea."
"Of course not… anyway we were able to create synthetic Z-rays and use them anyway we wished. Later Professor Protozoan was defeated and arrested by you and those Power-Puffs, leaving Professor Utonium a free man. Little did they know Professor Protozoan had a granddaughter, who from birth had a rare disease but Professor Protozoan still loved more than anything. He wanted to rule the world just for her and he would do anything to obtain that dream, even kill. But once he was arrested the little girl was stricken with hatred and wished nothing but hate for you and the Power-Puff Girls as she remained bedridden. A few days later, there was a brawl at the prison, some of the inmates that Professor Protozoan sent turned on him… and ended his life. Once the news reached his son and granddaughter the girl grew gravely ill. Then one day Alex told his daughter that the Z-rays can grant the user healing properties, Alex decided to use it on his dying daughter, but the synthetic rays were too unstable so he couldn't risk it. But the girl didn't care, she will die soon anyway, so she said she would do it and take on the synthetic White-Z rays, as much as it takes… for revenge."
"Wait, what? You mean…"
"That's right, the experiment was a success the girl was allowed to live and obtained great power far greater than the Power-Puff Girls, however the girl's powers were too great and drove her insane. Alex managed to reason with the girl and bring his daughter down to Earth. Meanwhile the girl had only one thing on her mind… revenge on the one who truly ended her grandfather's career and life… YOU DEXTER."
"It can't be… you mean you're…"
"Yes." Bell finished as she activated her Black and White compact transforming her back to normal, her white hair and eyes were now black and blue and she wore a denim vest over a white shirt, black belt and grey skirt, her headband also changed from black to white to match her new hair "My name is Belladonna Protozoan… and I… am the Granddaughter of Professor Protozoan."
"I don't believe it, we've met before but… that's why you showed me the wheelchair, your sickness made it so that you couldn't walk without passing out."
"So you do remember, good!"
"Listen to me, I sent your grandfather to jail yes. But I had no idea he would die there."
"Well he did AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"
"I understand that you loved your grandfather, but he was a madman, he needed to be stopped before he hurt or killed someone else."
"I don't care, you took him away from me and now you are going to pay."
"…"
"Now you will die Dexter!"
"Tell me something."
"What?"
"What will killing me accomplish?"
"… It will satisfy me, knowing that justice is served for my grandfather."
"Maybe, maybe not."
"What do you mean?"
"Professor Protozoan took care of anybody who got in his way, thus… he also killed my grandfather as well."
"What?... No… you're lying?"
"It's true, look up his archives, I'm sure that if you have them you will see that the fire at Dex-Labs was no accident."
"So you took out my grandfather for revenge too."
"No, I sent him to jail to pay for his crimes and hope he would come out a better person. I did not think he would die there… If I had done what you are about to do myself… then I would be no better than him."
"So… you're saying that… death isn't the answer?"
"It never is and it never will be, it won't make you any better than the person you cause it on… trust me, all you will do is make people hate you more. Either way, your grandfather is dead… and is never coming back."
"I KNOW THAT, I just… I just… (Sniff)… I loved my grandfather so much… (Hic)… I know he was insane… but (Sniff) He said he'd do anything for me… and he did… (Hic…Hic)… and you took him away… WHY DID YOU TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME? (Hic) WAAAAAHHH!"
The girl could only cry tear after tear as memories of the one she loved most ran through her mind, Dexter stood silent, knowing that saying anything could mean disaster for both him… and Bell.
Part 2.
Meanwhile in the middle of the forest
Buttercup grew angrier and angrier as she grew more and more lost trying to find the cabin that Bell was using to hold Dexter; she continued her search as a storm was brewing in the sky
"Grr… a cabin near Fuzzy's forest my butt!" Buttercup growled "When I get my hands on her I'm gonna…"
"There you are!" Blossom called interrupting Buttercups rant "Buttercup listen to me."
"I have nothing to say to you Blossom." Buttercup said turning her back on Blossom
"I get it, you're mad because you lost first… But we're a team; we can't just do whatever we want alone."
"Ha, a team? The rest of you just get in my way, I'm the strongest, I'm the best fighter and I never leave a job undone, unlike you who can only pretend to be a real leader."
"I don't pretend, I've made mistakes and I've done selfish thing, but I would never turn my back on my friends like you are doing now."
"… humph…"
"Buttercup listen, there is another way. We will defeat Bell and we will protect our home, but we can't do it by blocking out what's in our hearts. Bell is stronger, faster and more powerful than any of us, we have to work together. You think your father and brother never lost anything, that's impossible, we can only truly learn by losing. We all lost to Bell because we attacked separately, I understand if you want to beat her on your own but there's too much at stake here."
"…"
"Come on, let's put that pride aside and work together."
"…No…"
"This is not just an order from your leader Buttercup; this is a request from your friend."
Blossom placed her hand on Buttercup's shoulder, which was the final nail on the coffin. Buttercup's hammer appeared and with a mighty swing Buttercup knocked Blossom to the ground. Now covered in dirt, Blossom grew more frustrated.
"You are so smug, you know that?" Buttercup yelled "You think the world revolves around you, you think that we can't do anything without the great Blossom to guide us through our problems huh. We'll I got a news flash for ya, I can do things just fine without you."
"Oh and this counts as just fine?" Blossom screamed back "Going out on your own, fighting an enemy we can't beat and possibly get killed? I mean come on what are you thinking?"
"Don't push it red, you can't expect us to fall in line every time like your little toy soldiers."
"Hey I do what I can as a leader, FOR YOU! W-why do you hate me for that?"
"And who ever said I wanted to be led? I'm better off calling my own shots now so get used to it!"
"YOU AREN'T READY, you're impatient and hot tempered and I've never thought that I am better than you… and you're not better than me."
"HA HA HA, oh little Blossom, I'm going to have to prove you wrong on that one." Buttercup stated as she readied her hammer
"Don't do this Buttercup."
"I'm done taking orders… and I'm done… with friends!"
Blossom took out her Yo-yo and prepared herself; it was a moment Blossom never dreamed of… she would have to fight… and defeat… one of her closest friends.
"HAAAAA!" The two charged at each other then suddenly…
*KA-BOOM*
The two super powered girls crashed into each other creating a shockwave knocking away some trees, they then raced into the sky, crashing into each other causing shockwave after shockwave separating and scattering clouds with every blow. Buttercup appeared and used her multi sonic swing on Blossom, only to have the attacked dodged, except for the last beam. Buttercup then charged towards Blossom to strike her down, but Blossom dodged the attack and used her Yo-yo to tie around Buttercup's leg, swing her and then slam her back into the ground. Blossom then charged only to suddenly stop and use her shooting Yo-yo attack, overcome with the illusion of what seemed like hundreds of Yo-yos Buttercup could only block the incoming attack. All the strikes caused dust to fly up blocking Blossom's view of her target; she then stopped to see the damaged done but saw that Buttercup was nowhere to be seen. Buttercup then appeared from underground and struck Blossom with her hammer on her side sending her flying knocking down many trees. Buttercup then charged at Blossom only to have her attack halted as Blossom grabbed her collars, put her foot on Buttercup's abdomen and toss her through more trees. Buttercup then landed in an open area of the forest, as she tried to get back on her feet Blossom landed close to her and readied her weapon again
"Stop it Buttercup!" Blossom ordered "This is getting stupid, I don't want to fight you."
"Too bad." Buttercup growled "Because I'm going to PUMMEL you!"
Buttercup charged only to have Blossom flip her over and put her in an arm lock
"Was that good?" Blossom asked as she let her go "I learned it from you."
"YOU… (ugh) lucky shot!" Buttercup growled as she rubbed her now sore arm "But now you're luck has run out."
"… I'm not fighting you Buttercup."
"You're only saying that because you know I'll win… face it Blossom, I'm stronger than you, faster than you and I'm a better fighter then you will ever be."
"You know what… you're right… and I've always respected that about you. In fact I've always thought of you as a better asset to the team than any of us… especially me. But now all I see is a little brat who's mad because she can't have her selfish way."
"You have no idea about how I feel do you."
"No… I don't… but that's only because you think you can do anything all by yourself… and you won't let anyone see your pain… you were defeated, humiliated and tossed aside like nothing… so now you think you can win, just because you think we were in your way? ARE YOU CRAZY?"
"This is my fight… STAY OUT OF IT!"
"THIS IS OUR FIGHT… and I'd rather die than see any of my friends get themselves killed because of something stupid! YOU CAN'T WIN BUTTERCUP… not yet."
"I have to win… she has shattered my pride, stolen my honor and made everything I've worked for look like it was for nothing… she must pay Blossom… and you're not stopping me."
"… Tell me… what more do you have to lose, so that you can open your eyes Buttercup?"
"Grrr."
"I'm your friend Buttercup… and even if I have to beat you to a pulp, I'm always going to be your friend… that's why I'm going to stop you, even if it kills me."
"…Blossom… the truth is… you're stronger then you think. You're as much as an asset as I am and I've always accepted you as a good friend and a great teammate… but I… I need closure… I need to fight Bell with my all and win, so that I can go on knowing I can look at myself proudly and go "they can always count on me"… but I can't do that… if I'm being held back."
"… I understand… but that pride has misguided your better judgments and cause you to hurt others around you and not think ahead… I just don't want you hurt any more than you already are… if you do fight Bell the way you are now… you might lose more than the fight."
"ENOUGH TALK BLOSSOM, let's finish this."
"… I guess I have no choice… LET'S GO!"
"LET'S SETTLE THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL!"
Meanwhile at Morbucks Manor
Princess climbed out of her limo and walked towards her home lost in thought
"Welcome home dear!" Mrs. Morbucks as they walked by each other "Alright I'm late for an appointment, bye-bye."
The woman rushed by not even looking at her distraught daughter as she walked to her room. She then plopped herself on the mattress and began to wonder
"(Sigh) Do I really deserve this?" Princess asked herself "Oh Sapphire, I'm a monster… but I don't want to be one… what do I do?"
"Meow." Sapphire just purred as she cuddled up next to her owner
Princess looked up at the ceiling lost in thought as time went by, suddenly she got up looked out the window and thought out loud
"What if I was a Power-Puff Girl?" She spoke "Or not a Power-Puff but… something else… but what?"
Suddenly a loud booming sound went off in the forest not too far from the manor, it was strange to all the maids but to Princess it was something else
"This… feels… familiar… Blossom? ... And Buttercup?" Princess realized then turned to Sapphire who just meowed "Sapphire… Something tells me something's wrong… and it has to stop… Sapphire… wish me luck."
Princess locked her door and walked over to Sapphire and grabbed the cat's tail
"MEEEOOOOOW!"
And with that Princess transformed
"Sorry Sapphire." Princess said with a sheepish look on her face "But I'm still not used to Transforming on my own yet… alright, I'll be back."
Princess flew off without being noticed unaware where she was going and unsure what would happen next.
Meanwhile back at the hut
"So now what?" Dexter asked Bell as she sat on a chair opposite of his
"I don't know." Bell answered "I know what my Grandfather did was wrong but I had no idea… I… I'm just… I loved him so much and I put the blame on you because you put him there, you didn't kill him but you caused it."
"…"
"So Dexter, now that your time is up… any last words."
"Yeah… Professor Protozoan was an evil man, he caused pain and suffering to others by abusing his powers. Even if what he did was for you it was still wrong… and if I didn't stop him and put him in jail someone might have done something worse to him. I'd be lying if I said I never wanted to terminate him, but then I'd lower myself to his level and be no better than him. Death is and will never be the answer, I wanted him to pay for his crimes not kill him… I understand how you feel because… I lost my grandfather too and when I found out it was because of Protozoan I wanted him dead. But then I thought about my friends and family, what would they think if I became a murderer. I sent him to jail hoping he would come out a better man, I had no idea about his death… So that's why all I can say is… I'm sorry… for everything I did… and didn't do."
Bell stood silent at Dexter's response, she tightened her fist and gritted her teeth and turned around as tears of frustration poured out her eyes
"DEXTER!" Bell yelled "I…"
"BELL… ARE YOU IN THERE?" A familiar female voice called "We brought Mojo Jojo as promised
"Bubbles?" Dexter asked
"Let me go you smelly humans!" A familiar monkey voice followed "You will pay for this, I am MOJO JOJO!"
Bell wiped the tears off her face and put on a fake smile, she then walked out the door and saw Bubbles and Bunny with a tied up Mojo Jojo
"Ooh you found me!" Bell playfully teased "Hey… where are the others?"
"Blossom and Buttercup are having a disagreement." Bunny explained "And Bloom is safe at home."
"Oh is that right?"
As the girls continued back and forth Dexter struggled with the ropes, but to no avail
"Dang, I can't get free." Dexter grunted when suddenly
"Cheep!" Bullet chirped next to him
"Bullet, what are you doing here?"
"We're here to save you." Bloom appeared and gave him a peace sign "Come on Bullet, try to break the ropes."
"Cheep." Bullet replied as she began biting the ropes
Meanwhile Bubbles and Bunny kept Bell busy
"Well since you brought Mojo to me hand him over." Bell ordered
"Not so fast." Bubbles spoke up "Tell us why you want Mojo Jojo."
"I don't." Bell answered shocking Bubbles and Bunny "My boss does."
"Your boss?" Bunny asked "Okay… why does your boss want Mojo Jojo?"
"Who knows, something about being useful to him."
"So your boss wants me to work for him?" Mojo asked
"Yeah, Pretty much."
While the others kept bell talking Bullet and Bloom managed to free Dexter
"Excellent!" Dexter cheered as he got up and stretched
"Come on Dexter Let's get out of here!" Bloom begged as she pulled his arm
"Cheep!" Bullet chirped from atop of Bloom's shoulder
"Wait, let me get something." Dexter explained as he ran over to the laptop Bell was using "Here it is."
"What's that?" Bloom asked
"A flash drive."
"A what?"
"It's like a backup system for your computer, if we're lucky maybe we could find out more about Dr. X and his plans."
"And Bell?"
"No… I pretty much found out all I can about Bell."
"Huh?"
"I'll explain later, let's go."
"Right!"
"Cheep!" Bullet agreed and the three jumped out the back window
"Well now that we're done talking." Bell said as she pulled out her jump-rope whip "Let's get down to Business."
*WHIP* *CRACK* *SLICE* *BOOM*
"Did you really think I wasn't going to notice you're little trick." Bell said as she called back her whip after destroying the C.R.O.N.E.*Read Chapter 6* "So how about this…"
Bubbles and Bunny prepared their weapons ready to fight for their lives
"Just take him." Bell said as she put her weapon away and turned her head leaving Bubbles and Bunny confused "Didn't you hear me, I said take Dexter and GO!... What's with that look? Oh I get it you had a plan and Dexter's already gone, right?... Alright, well I'm bored… see you later."
Bell flew off leaving Bubbles and Bunny confused, once Bell was out of sight the girls ran to catch up with Bloom and Dexter, who were somewhere in the forest
"Come on Dexter!" Bloom called "We have to keep moving."
"I know (huff) I just (puff)…" Dexter said as he hyper ventilated "I hate running."
"I know Dexter, but we can't fly otherwise Bell will see us."
"HEEEEEY!" Bunny called out making Bloom and Dexter Look "Are you two alright?"
"Yeah (huff) We're fine (puff)." Dexter said still out of breath
"Out of breath Dexter?" Bubbles asked "Good things Buttercup's not here."
"Ha ha very funny." Dexter said with sarcasm "This is no time for jokes we have to hurry before Bell finds…"
Dexter paused as he looked up and saw Bell hovering above, the girls readied their weapons just in case she went on the attack
"DEXTER!" Bell called out with tears in her eyes "I… I FORGIVE YOU!"
The group stood in shock of Bell's outburst as she continued to cry
"But I will not stop helping Dr. X with his plans, understand?"
"BELL WAIT!" Dexter called out "Why are you helping Dr. X and What are his plans?"
"… I can't say what his plans are… But… He has my father hostage."
"…Is there anything we can do to help?"
"No… I have to do this on my own… Goodbye Dexter."
And with that, in a flash of light, Bell disappeared leaving the others to worry
"Dexter?" Bloom called for a response "What happened in there?"
"I'll tell you later." Dexter gloomily answered "Let's go home."
The girls agreed with Dexter and lifted him up so they could fly back to the lab and wait for Blossom and Buttercup.
Speaking of
Blossom Managed to hide from Buttercup behind a tree, their breathing was heavy and deep and the fight kept going at what seemed like a stalemate
"(Huff Puff) Don't know why I'm surprised." Blossom stated to herself "She is the athletic one, I have to put an end to this once and for all… And I think I know how."
Meanwhile Buttercup looked everywhere for Blossom as she dragged her hammer in frustration
"Man, I was right by not underestimating Blossom." Buttercup stated in exhaustion "But I will win and I will beat Bell."
Suddenly Blossom's yo-yo popped out of the ground and wrapped around Buttercup's leg. With a mighty tug the string brought Buttercup underground and back to Blossom who threw Buttercup out of the ground and into the air and with another mighty tug slammed Buttercup back to earth. Blossom released the Yo-yo and swung it again to cause two trees to fall on top of Buttercup
"Phew, it worked." Blossom said as she floated in the air looking down only to see a cloud of dust and dirt "Are you done Buttercup?... Cause I know I am."
"I AGREE!" Buttercup yelled as she appeared out of nowhere…
*BAM*
And slammed her hemmer into Blossom's side causing her to fly through some trees and crash in an open area, Buttercup followed, landed and slowly walked to her fallen friend who was trying to get up "Nice trick Blossom, but you know you can't beat me."
"No… not… now." Blossom said as she struggled to get up
"Huh why not, say you give up and let me fight Bell, and then I'll stop."
"No… ugh… get… away."
"Huh, what was that? I win anyway."
"I said… GET AWAY FROM ME!"
"WHOA!"
Buttercup back a way in fear as Blossom's eyes became black and red indicating that Dark Blossom was about to be released
"RAAAAARGH!"
*BAM*
Blossom banged her head into the ground as hard as she could; she then lifted her head and reopened her now white and pink eyes, leaving Buttercup in shock
"Blossom… you've been holding Dark Blossom back while fighting me this whole time?" Buttercup asked as Blossom got back on her feet
"I… I had too…" Blossom explained "I'm here to show you that you are making a huge mistake… not to fight you."
"… humph… could've fooled me… come on Blossom one last rush… COME ON."
"… Sigh… Fine… if that's how you want it… then…"
"Good… now… any last words?"
"Yeah… how can you beat Bell… If you can't even beat me?"
"GRRR… HAAAAAH!"
"HYAAA!"
The girls once again charged at each other with one last attack each in mind, once they came close to each other Buttercup swung her hammer with all the might she had left, but Blossom managed one last jump and flipped over Buttercup's head, Blossom then used her yo-yo and stuck Buttercup's hammer before she could react losing her grip and dropping the large weapon. As Blossom landed she than rushed to Buttercup, who was still in shock from the attack, and managed a good thrust of her leg into her abdomen, then with a quick leap balled her fist and swung with all her might knocking Buttercup to the floor. Blossom then stood above Buttercup with her yo-yo high in the air and with one last swing shot at Buttercup's face, Buttercup braced herself for impact but nothing came, she then noticed the yo-yo digging up dirt and kicking it in her face as it spun in the ground. The toy weapon suddenly stopped spun in reverse and returned to Blossom's hand as she stared down her fallen friend
"It's done." Blossom said as she stood back
"What…? WHAT DO YOU MEAN DONE?" Buttercup yelled as she struggled to get up but to no avail
"This fight… it's done… neither of us won and I glad… I just hope I opened your eyes…"
"…"
"I want a piece of Bell too, I want to unleash Dark Blossom and rip her to shreds with no distractions… but I can't… and I won't… because as much as I want too… I refuse to stoop down to her level, just like you're doing now… so Buttercup please… I'm begging you… think and listen, but most importantly..."
Blossom extended her hand ready to help Buttercup up and end the fight
"Stay my partner… my teammate… my friend."
Blossom smiled as Buttercup looked at her hand as she held it out to pick her up. But she refused the hand and swatted it away reusing her friends help
"Buttercup… you have to stop." Blossom pleaded "This is foolish, you can't beat Bell yet… if I let you go and fight her now… you may get hurt… or worse, that's why I'm stopping you… well, if that's how you feel then… do as you please, I'm going to find my friends and rescue Dexter… Buttercup, if you do find Bell… win or lose… just come home… Please."
And with that Blossom turned her back and began walking away leaving Buttercup to bathe in her own disgrace. Suddenly Buttercup slowly got back to her feet and summoned her hammer, she walked towards Blossom. Blossom heard the footsteps turned around then
*BAAAAAAAAAAM*
The world seemed to have slowed down on Blossom as Buttercup's hammer came in contact with her side. The world sped up again as Blossom flew off and crashed in to a tree back first and landed on the ground… and laid there… motionless
"HA NOW WHAT?" Buttercup asked in manic glee "Still think I can't win? Still think you're not in the way? Well guess what, I WON and you can just eat it! I don't care what happens to me or anybody else, I will find Bell and beat her to a pulp then I'll show you who the real leader is! WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT THAT HUH?"
"…"
"Well… SAY SOMETHING… GET UP!"
"…"
"DID YOU HEAR ME?"
"…"
"Um… okay this is not funny, just admit it I'm better than you… at everything!"
"…"
"Blossom?"
"…"
"H-hey, get up… come on."
"…"
"Quit fooling around… this is not funny!"
"…"
"Blossom… A-are you okay?"
"…"
"Blossom… wha… what have I done?... Blossom I…"
"STAY AWAY FROM HER!" A voice shouted from the sky
*BOOM*
An explosion came between Blossom and Buttercup filling the air with dust. Buttercup coughed as the dust began to settle revealing Princess Morbucks in her monster form with her bazooka standing in front of Blossom
"Princess?" Buttercup asked
"WHAT THE HECK'S WRONG WITH YOU?" Princess asked in anger
"I-I-I just… I…"
"I overheard your conversation… so you want to beat Bell right? How are you going to do that? Are you going to beat her by becoming just like her?"
"WHAT? NO! NEVER! I'm nothing like Bell!"
"Really… you say you're so much better than the others, you act all high and mighty, you get rid of anything and everything in your way… and most of all you attack your friend with a sneak attack when she showed you mercy!"
"…I…"
"Tell me Buttercup… I was hit by Black Z-Rays and now that I can learn and control it I have to know… which one of us is really the monster?"
"…Princess… I…"
"I'm taking Blossom home, you can think about what you've done."
"Princess… I… You're right… I… Let me help you with Blossom."
"I think you've helped enough."
"PLEASE!"
"…"
"…"
"Oh… alright, I got her right arm and you get her left."
"Okay."
Buttercup did as she was told and the two took off with their injured friend. They flew to the professor's lab as carefully as possible when Blossom suddenly woke up
"Ugh… uh… w-what… huh… Princess?" Blossom groaned
"Hey Blossom." Princess greeted "Don't worry, you'll be better in no time."
"Oh… huh… Buttercup?"
"… Yeah?..."
"What happened?"
"You won… but I cheated… and I feel rotten… Blossom you were right, I put my pride above everything else and… I didn't realized what I could have lost… I'm sorry… I realize now that winning isn't that important when you're a super hero… it's becoming stronger so you can protect and keep protecting those we care about… I didn't care about anything, I was just so angry that I ignored all that… but when I saw you there… unconscious, I realized something… I have friends and family that love me; I can't just push them out of my way because of some grudge, I have to remember that I'm stronger because of them and nothing can replace them… and that's why, I'm going to get stronger first and then when I'm ready, I'll fight Bell… not for revenge, but to protect everyone I love and that's why… I am a Super Hero."
"… Wow… Buttercup… that's really deep."
"I… realized that, because… you paid a price you don't deserve to pay… and you were doing it to help me, to protect me and too (sniff) save me… not just from Bell, but from myself… Blossom… I can't thank you enough (hic)."
"Buttercup… that's what friends are for."
"(Sniff) Yeah!"
"But next time you have to take you're rage out on something, try videogames."
"Ha ha ha ha ha!"
"Ha ha ha ha ha!"
'Wow, look at them.' Princess thought to herself 'A few minutes ago they were trying to kill each other, but now they're laughing it off like it was just a little tiff. Hmm, they must be really good friends… I wonder if I have a chance to be like that.'
As the rain began to fall the three flew back to the lab hoping to heal up unaware of what transpired on the other side of the forest.
Meanwhile in the secret base of Dr. X
"So it's true." Bell sat in her pajamas looking through her Grandfather's archives "… Hmm… Dexter huh?... Something tells me I haven't seen the last of him."
*knock*knock*knock*
"Bell, can I come in?" Dr. X asked through the door
"Okay." Bell said as she closed her laptop and Dr. X entered "Need something?"
"No, just checking up on you… so… you couldn't do it?"
"No… Dexter's grandfather was killed by grandpa, but he chose to make him pay for his crime, not kill him. That was never his intention, he did nothing wrong, so I let him go… but that doesn't mean I won't help you, remember our deal."
"Yes girl… tell me why won't you accept the truth… I am your father."
"No, you're just a manifestation of his jealousy for the Utoniums, created by the artificial Black Z-Rays he created."
"We created!"
"You gave me the artificial White Z-Rays and the power I had caused the accident but regardless, you are not my father and when you're satisfied you promised to cure yourself so that we can be a family again, that's the deal and that's why I'm helping you… just remember, unlike me with Dexter, you have no intention on killing the Utoniums."
"I remember dear… once they are humiliated and we rule the world, then and only then… we will be a family."
"Good."
The two angrily stared at each other ending the conversation when suddenly XYZ appeared
"51r, w3 #av3 a v151+0r!" the robot spoke
"Ah good, let him in." Dr. X replied
"Y35 51r!" the robot complied and left the room
"We'll talk later." Dr. X said as he followed "Don't worry, I'll remember my promise."
Bell stood there glaring as the door closed left with nothing but worry and fear
"Good thing I left the Flash drive there so Dexter could take it." Bell said to herself "Now, I just hope Dexter can do something with it."
Meanwhile in the main room
"Ah.. so you decided to come after all… and you brought your son!" Dr. X said as he greeted the mysterious guess "Tell me, what changed your mind?"
"The Power-Puff's friend told me about you." The guest explained "So I figured since I want to destroy them so much I figured, the enemy of my enemy can be my friend."
"Flawless logic, very good Mr…?"
"Jojo… Mojo Jojo, mwa ha ha ha ha ha!"
"I don't know Dad." Mojo Jr. stated only to be ignored "but I have a bad feeling about this."
Utonium's lab again
"WHAAAAAT?" Blossom and Buttercup yelled in shock together "Bell is Professor Protozoan's Grand Daughter?"
"Yup, that's the story." Dexter explained "(Sigh) Even after death, Protozoan's greed and ambition seeks to get us."
"Wow!" Kasey gasped "So does this mean that Bell's not really evil?"
"Could be, but she is helping Dr. X who is in fact evil."
"He did destroy a whole city." Blossom stated "Major Glory said it himself. Dr. X is dangerous."
"Good, evil or neutral Bell is still a threat." Bunny explained "And we have to be careful."
"Speaking of Careful." Bubbles spoke as she wrapped another bandage on Buttercup's arm "Someone needs a time out!"
"I know, I know and that's why… listen." Buttercup got up and spoke "Guys… I just want to say I'm sorry… I'm sorry for being selfish, rude, and arrogant and I'm sorry for turning my back on you when you need me most… I let my pride get the better of me and it put all of you in danger… so all I can say is… CAN YOU FORGIVE ME?"
The whole room stood silent as Buttercup's speech sunk in, unsure of what to say of all people, Princess (in her normal form) spoke first
"Why wouldn't they forgive you?" Princess said making everyone look at her "Do really think every here will just look down on you just because you made a mistake, get serious."
"What do you know Princess?" Buttercup asked
"No, she's right!" Blossom explained "Remember when I said I sometimes think of you as a greater asset to the team then even me?... Well, I still mean it."
"But Blossom I…"
"Buttercup listen." Bubbles jumped in "You are part of the team and you are our friend, we will always forgive you when you do something wrong. You're only human and… we'll always be friends."
"Bubbles."
"Their right…" Bunny blurted out "Um… the truth is, well… If there was any body I wish I wish I was more like… it's you Buttercup."
"Bunny."
"Yeah Buttercup, you're a Power-Puff Girl just like us!" Kasey cheered "We're a team and we'll always be there for each other, forever and ever!"
"Cheep!" Bullet followed
"Bloom… Bullet… I…"
"Well Buttercup." Dexter spoke up "There's your answer, what do you say?"
"I… I… I… (sniff) guys (hic, hic)" Buttercup spoke unable to contain herself "THANK YOU (HIC) THANK YOU SO MUCH (sniff) I'M SORRY, I JUST… JUST…"
"Buttercup, don't hold it in." Mitch came in and spoke up "Show them how you feel… no one will think any less of you, I promise."
"Mitch I… I… W-W-WAAAAAHHH!"
Overcoming with emotion Buttercup wailed tears of joy for her friends and sorrow for her actions, but like Mitch said her friends thought no less of her. Blossom was the first to rise and give her a hug, Buttercup hugged back and cried in her chest. Soon after Bubbles, Bunny, Kasey and Bullet all joined in as Buttercup's pain vanished.
'Wow, they are such great friends.' Princess thought to herself 'I'm actually a bit jealous… hmm who knows; maybe if things were different I may have been a Power-Puff girl too. Maybe there is something to this hero thing after all!'
"(sniff, sniff) Thanks guys." Buttercup said calming down "C-can I get some air?"
"Go ahead Buttercup." Blossom granted
"Thanks." Buttercup spoke as she walked out the room
"Hey wait for me!" Mitch said following Buttercup
The group all gave a sigh of relief knowing they managed to help their friend when she needed them most
"Buttercup." Bubbles sighed
"She'll be fine Bubbles." Dexter explained "But for now the Utonium's and I have work to do."
"What's that in your hand Dexter?" Bunny asked
"It's a flash drive I stole from Bell's computer. If we're lucky we may find some info on Bell, Dr. X and the artificial Z-Rays she mentioned."
"Can I look Dexter?" Ken asked
"Sure thing Ken." Dexter stated as he gave him the flash drive and put it in his laptop "Okay, now let's open this baby up… hmm… here we go… and… ah ha!... No… no no no!"
"What is it Ken?" Poochi asked as he sat next to his friend
"Let me look son." Professor Utonium ordered and looked at what his son found "Oh my… this is…"
"What is it Professor?" Blossom asked
"This has more information than I thought… if this truly is what Dr. X has used to make the artificial Z-Rays and what he's planning… then he's more dangerous than we thought… to us… and too himself."
The man stood firm leaving the room full of gloom and doom, unfortunately our heroes knew that only time will tell what would truly happen next.
'Wow, that sounds scary.' Princess continued thinking 'Will I be able to help them when they need it?'
Meanwhile on the roof
The storm had ended and Buttercup stood in a corner looking at the stars and the moon, suddenly Mitch appeared and walked over to talk to his would be girlfriend
"Hey Buttercup." Mitch called but Buttercup didn't respond "Do you… want to talk?"
"Go away." Buttercup said lowly not looking at her crush
"What… you don't want me to see you crying?"
"Go away."
"Buttercup, you can stop now."
"I SAID GO AWAY!"
Buttercup tried to backhand Mitch again but this time Mitch was ready and grabbed Buttercup's hand
"Now what's wrong?" Mitch asked with frustration
"I… I… I FEEL LIKE CRAP!" Buttercup answered trying to hold back more tears "(sniff) I treated my friends like garbage, I nearly killed one of them and yet they forgave me anyway (Hic) I… I… I love them so much, but how could they just forgive me like that?"
"… Yeah… you did… and maybe you don't deserve their forgiveness, but despite all that they still for gave you and accept you. So why are you beating yourself up?"
"Because… I'm weak!... Who am I kidding? I have so much on my shoulders and I used that as an excuse to do what I wanted… what's worse is that I nearly lost not just one but all my friends. I'm happy they forgave me but… I… I…"
"You can't forgive yourself?"
"YES! And I can't stand it!"
"…(sigh)… Buttercup… you are the last person I would ever call weak."
"Huh?"
"You're strong, passionate and you have so many people backing you up. I've seen you in action; you are the most amazing person I've ever met, powers or no powers."
"Mitch I…"
"If your friends can forgive you than you should be able to forgive yourself, because you have all these people in your life who believe in you."
"Mitch… You're right, I can't keep beating myself up like this I have to keep it up… and if I ever do face Bell again… win or lose, as long as my friends are safe… I can be at ease… thank you Mitch."
Buttercup turned and her tear stained face seemed to glisten in the moon light as she put on a smile
"I uh… wow uh…" Mitch stuttered
"What's wrong Mitch?" Buttercup grew worried
"Nothing… it's just weird seeing you look like a girl."
"Humph… grr… WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING MISTER!"
"UH YES?"
"… I am a girl… and I'm glad I was able to show you that, just like you showed me your soft side."
"Buttercup… it's well… it's because I would do anything for you… heh… Cutie!"
"I TOLD YOU… never mind… Mitch, thank you… that's why I… oops."
"What?... You what?
"I… I… Mitch… I love you."
"Buttercup… I… I.. love you too."
The two embraced each other as emotions they tried to hide flourished. They looked into each other's eyes as they came closer, locking their lips together hoping to stay that way for as long as they could keep fighting.
To be continued!
Author's notes: Sigh… here we go again… I'm going to be honest; I think I'm losing interest in writing this fan fic. That's why it takes me so long to write a chapter, I mean I have the ideas but I just can't seem to get them out on paper. So I want to apologize to all the loyal readers and fans I made.
Anyway on with the story… I don't think I've done a chapter that focuses so much on Buttercup/Kaoru. I've focus on the other girls and Bubbles once, but not Buttercup. While she was never my favorite, you got to admit she has her charm (sort of). I like how in PPGZ she was at first the reluctant one but as the series progressed she grew very close to Momoko and Miyako. So It was nice showing a little character Development... Oh, and Bell's origin and Dr. X's secret is revealed so there's that.
BIG NEWS: In July Cartoon Network introduced their new president, Christina Miller, That's right Cartoon Network's new president is a woman. This is surprising considering Cartoon Network's policies on women (and what happened to Skyler Page, the creator of Clarence, but that's another story) remember the interview with Paul Dini and Kevin Smith, well now only time will tell. According to David Levy, the new president of Turner, Ms. Miller will be working with Turner international to expand the kids business at a global level (ANIME PLEASE). In other words it won't be just Cartoons from America and Canada anymore, they're thinking bigger! Let's wish Ms. Miller and her new vice president Vishnu Arthreya, the former Vice President of Cartoon Network Asia, the best of luck in fixing the network we all grew up with. I think my hopes for PPGZ to come to America has just been rekindled… then I heard that the original PPG are getting a reboot in 2016… oh well… who knows maybe they'll show both… doubt it.
Next Chapter: Dr. X makes his next move which will change someone's life, meanwhile Dee-Dee, Lala-Vava and Mandark return and Blossom faces people who may become her worst enemies… Dexter's Parents!
Until Next Time Fellow Fickers, BYE!