The Oracle of Sledge Rock

Brick tightened his grip on Blossom's hand. Before him, sat the Oracle of Sledge Rock. The Oracle was a monkey standing at an average height, but appeared shorter because he was hunched over in his oversized wooden chair. His face was green, with black fur. His ears were pointy and he wore a black robe and a pointed hat. He had a crooked smile and his pinkish-white eye held a mysterious quality.

Brick tried not to show how nervous he was. And it didn't help that Blossom was digging her nails into his wrist, while she hid half way behind him. "Are you the Oracle?" Brick asked.

The Oracle grinned, folding his hands in his lap. "That I am, the Oracle of this mountain. I am also known as Mojo Jojo, who is also the Oracle of Sledge Rock. No one has visited me in years, which is to say a long time."

Butch huffed, still holding onto Buttercup's hand. She hadn't pulled away or made any move of disgust, so he was almost sure that she had forgiven him. "You are in an isolated location."

Mojo laughed lightly. "I've have resided here since Zion's reign, and only the worthy who come looking for me make it as far as you."

Buttercup put her free hand on her hip. "Yeah. I take it that your dragons back there kill most of the adventurers."

Blossom shot a look at Buttercup who shrugged. She turned back to Brick. "So how are we going to ask him about-"

Mojo held up a hand. "I understand, young one, that you and your friends are here on the account of the information you acquired, as to say got, from the Forgotten Lore. You want to know how to defeat Disoria."

Bubbles blinked with a smile twitching at the corner of her lips. Boomer stood to her left. "How did you know that, Mr Mojo?"

"Same way I know that he is the leader." Mojo pointed to Brick.

Blossom grinned. "You're an Oracle, so you are able to tell the future, and mildly into the past."

Mojo struggled to his monkey feet. "Smart girl." He shot a wink toward Brick. "You got a good one here. Don't lose her. Trust me."

Brick grinned and pulled Blossom closer. Blossom blushed. "We realize that you are busy but, we would really appreciate it if you could point us down a path that could lead to the downfall of Disoria." Brick explained calmly.

Mojo rubbed his temple. "I understand. Being an oracle, I can see thousands of different paths that could lead to different possibilities in the future."

Boomer held up a hand. "So even though you can read the future, the future isn't certain?"

"The future is never certain. The future, or is also said to be what is to happen is affected by the actions, events, or activities people decide to part take in at the time of the present. Everything in the future can be changed through the carelessness of one person." The Oracle clarified.

Boomer rubbed his eyes. "Wait, what?"

Blossom sighed. "Boomer, it means that whatever we do affects what happens in the future. Like if you chopped down a tree, then there won't ever be a tree there."

"Oh okay." Boomer nodded.

Mojo narrowed his eyes, taking in the intricate detail of each guest. Buttercup's feisty personality. The way Butch stands Buttercup's mood swings because he loves her so much. Bubbles and her sweetness. Boomer and his slight stupidity, with a bit of sarcasm that Bubbles finds cute. Brick and his strong leadership skills, which catches Blossom's attention. And Blossom, the smart and logical one. Defiantly up Brick's alley. Mojo studied Blossom for a moment. She seemed edgy. Like, she felt that something wasn't right.

Mojo coughed deeply into his fist, hawking up phlegm, and spitting it onto a rock nearby, resulting in disgusted grunts from Boomer and Bubbles. "It will take me time to prepare myself, which is to say get ready to read your future. Regrettably, it is a long preoperational process to ready myself for the telling of your futures. So relax, my servants will tend to what it is you need." Mojo twisted around so his back was to them. "Slim! Jr.! BM!" Three bluish green germ looking creatures walked through a doorway. One was tall and thin with a brown fedora. The second one was shorter and plumper, with a brown fedora also. The last one was several feet shorter with a black snap back.

"Sweet! Can they do our laundry? I HATE laundry." Buttercup announced.

"Buttercup! We shouldn't have them do our laundry!" Bubbles scolded.

"No, no." Mojo interrupted. "They are yours to control for now. Enjoy what they have to offer. Play or do what children do."

"Children?" Butch exclaimed, trying to cross his arms, but was stopped because he was holding Buttercup's hand. "We are actually dignified ad-" He was interrupted by a prod to the ribcage by Buttercup.

"Perfectly fine, Butch. But back in my day, you were not an adult until you reach 21." Mojo responded, staggering up a step. "Blossom, will please help me to my room? I want to speak with you alone."

Blossom gave an uncomfortable glance at Brick. Brick nodded lightly, then kissed the top of her head. Walking up to the old primate, Blossom linked an arm with Mojo's thick furry arm. Taking careful, slow steps Blossom led the old Oracle up the stone staircase.

Bubbles rushed over to Brick and grasped onto his wrist. "What are you thinking, Brick?" Bubbles asked frantically.

Brick pulled Bubbles' firmly gripped hand from his wrist which was beginning to turn purple. "Don't worry, Bubs. I'm sure the Oracle ain't a weirdo." Brick tried reassuring her.

Bubbles rocked back on her heels, as Boomer came up behind, resting his hands on her shoulders. "But Brick. He's a monkey, and we just met him…" Bubbles insisted, biting on her pinky finger's nail.

"Bubbles, she will be fine." Brick persisted, folding his arms. They watched as Blossom and Mojo climbed the stairs into the dark cave, and out of sight.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU LITTLE TWIRP?" Buttercup's voice rang out throughout the cave. A faint echo repeating 'twirp' bounced off of the cave walls.

Brick, Boomer, and Bubbles whirled around to find Butch restraining Buttercup from punching the lights out of the shortest amoeba. Brick slapped his face. "Buttercup, can't you go 4 minutes in a new place without beating a resident to a pulp?"

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Blossom tried hard to take small breaths. The cave reeked and Mojo's fur smelt moldy and stale, like he hadn't bathed in centuries. She didn't want to be rude, but it was becoming incredibly difficult to keep back her tears. Mojo hacked up more phlegm and spat. "Forgive me," he apologized. "This cave is not the best accommodation in Dorton, but is certainly one of the best protected ones. I have resided here for nearly 800 years, and the cave has seemed to rot away from the inside out, with me in it!" He chuckled sadly.

Blossom nodded, listening respectfully. "No please, don't apologize! My friends and I are very grateful for everything that you are doing for us. Forgive Buttercup and Butch's attitudes. They can be a little…abrasive."

Mojo nodded, turning the knob to a thick wooden door. Blossom kept him balanced as he pressed the door open. "If it makes you feel any better, Butch and Buttercup are officially together and will not break up."

Blossom smiled. She had figured that when Buttercup had made the breakthrough on kissing the boys. She had really seemed to have enjoyed it. Although, it was good to know that they were together forever. Blossom guided Mojo to a brown straw mat on one side of a low table. Candles were set up all around the room, with a bed in the corner of the room. Blossom took a seat on the second mat, opposite Mojo. "You don't have a seeing orb? Or all seeing eye stone thing?" Blossom wondered.

Mojo smiled, green skin creasing by his mouth and around his eyes. Up close, Blossom could see that his teeth were sharp like fangs and his eyes were very bloodshot. His pointy ears seemed to be drooping almost. "That's a typical assumption, hypothesis, or simply a guess that many people make. Wizards and sorceresses use. Oracles help predict the future. We do not know if it is definite."

Blossom's hair bounced softly as she bobbed her head in respond. "But if you can only predict the future, then how can you tell that Butch and Buttercup are going to stay together?"

"The same way you do, plus a bit. They obviously are compatible and love each other. Being an oracle, I can look mildly forward into their future. Some things are certain others are not. Events that have already taken place have secured that your friends will be together until the end of their days." Mojo explained calmly.

Blossom clasped her hands together over the table, and averted her eyes by focusing on her hands. "I was wondering. Could you look into the past?"

Mojo smacked his lips, making a loud clapping noise. "Depends how far and for what."

Blossom hesitated before continuing. She really wished Brick was here with her. She had grown used to having him there, making sure to keep her safe. What if she should keep some information to herself? Well, she already asked. "Well, I'm pretty sure that 16 years ago I was kidnapped. And I believe that my friends Bubbles and Buttercup were also kidnapped. I was just wondering if you could look into our pasts and tell us where we're from. Like, who our parents are."

Mojo sighed, rubbing his knuckles. "I'm afraid to say that it is against my nature to go that far into the past. But I can tell you that your relationship with the other two girls is very strong and important. I cannot place my finger on it, I am not sure, but it is probably going to play a key role in overthrowing the empress."

Blossom pulled her knees to her chest. "Is my role major?"

"As far as I can tell, each of you six are an essential role in the destruction of Disoria's era."

Blossom bit her lower lip. "Will I have to die, to save the continent?"

The Oracle grunted. "I'm not sure whether or not you or your friends will have to sacrifice yourselves. I certainly hope not. You are all bright young men and women. It will all play out according to destiny. If your fate be death in the act of heroism, then that is what your life has been leading up to."

Blossom choked back sobs. She thought that the Oracle had brought her here to reassure her that everything will be alright. That they had almost nothing to fear. But he had basically just told her, that she had to die to save the world. Blossom held a hand to her mouth to keep from making sniffles and snorts. She really wished Brick was here. Struggling to her feet, Blossom began tip toeing backwards toward the door. "Thank you, but I should-"

Mojo held up a hand. His facial expression was full of sorrow and understanding. "I understand that you find this news grievous, and that you must shed some tears. If you wish to look at the stars outside, Berserk, Brat, and Brute are under strict orders to let you six pass unharmed. But remember-"

Blossom turned away from the old green faced monkey oracle and dashed down the stairs. The last thing she heard from him was calm words, calling for his amoeba servants. Racing down the cold stone stairs, scrapes and thin cuts accumulated on her bare feet. When she reached the base, she heard Bubbles soft voice greet her, but she sprinted past the blue, green, and red blurs that she could see through her damp eyes. Blossom just kept running until she found herself at the edge of the cliff. Glancing up, she noticed that the rocky trail curved upward a bit more to where it landed at a landing. With no hesitation, Blossom darted up to the landing and positioned herself so she was sitting near the edge but unseen to anyone below her. There, Blossom let loose and bawled her eyes out. Cried out her worries.

Where are you? Are you safe?

Blossom looked up and blinked. The thought wasn't hers. It was Brick's. She must have let her mental barrier down by accident, but at this point, Blossom didn't care. She wanted his company. She gasped for air and choked back on it from crying so hard. I am on the landing above the entrance to the cave.

I'm coming. What happened in there?

I'll tell you in a minute.

Blossom waited quietly on the edge of the cliff. Shortly after, a black silhouetted figure against the black night sky approached her. Walking over to her, Brick sat down on the ledge beside Blossom. Blossom scooted closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "Want to talk about it?" Brick asked quietly.

Blossom started crying all over again, bawling into his shirt. Her eyes felt damp and scratchy, but tears kept flowing. She felt Brick's strong arms wrap around her, pulling her closer to him. Blossom wheezed and snorted but began to calm down. "He said…that…one of us might have to..." she paused for a moment. "…die."

Brick stroked her cheek tenderly with his fingers. "Shhh," he murmured into her ear. "No one will have to die."

Blossom felt her chest clench in pain from sobbing so hard. "He said..that it might be…part of….my destiny…for me to…die in order to…kill Disoria." She started coughing wildly, but the sensation passed by quickly.

Brick smiled down at her. "You won't have to die. Don't let what that Oracle said get to you. If it was a part of your fate, I would die in your place," he promised.

Blossom shot up and looked at him with wide eyes. "No, you can't die. I won't let you die." She gulped slowly. "If dying meant protecting you, I would."

Brick took hold of her hands, and pulled her closer to him. Blossom bit her lip as she scooched closer again and nestled into the crook of his arm. "Remember when we first met, and I promised that you would never be treated the way Sedusa treated you ever again?"

Blossom nodded with a 'mmm hmm.'

"I meant it." Brick cupped her chin in his hand, and guided her soft pink lips to his.

Blossom felt happy on the inside as she kissed him back. She felt safer now. That whatever happened, everything would all right. Wait, was she falling in love with him? Who was she kidding? She did love him! She truly, deeply loved him. Closing her eyes, she let the moment progress, and it felt natural.

"Guys! Guys!" Buttercup ran up the hill, but stopped when she saw the two leaders kissing. Apparently they had either heard her or saw her, because they broke away from each other quickly, Blossom flushed and both were panting softly. Good job Buttercup! She had now interrupted a kiss between Bubbles and Boomer and between Blossom and Brick. Goody. "I'm sorry, did I interrupt something?"

Brick grinned, pulling Blossom to her feet but never loosening his grip on her hand. "Yes, Buttercup, but its alright. Whats up?"

Buttercup cast a side smile. "The Oracle is ready to fortune tell or whatever he does." Buttercup used her hands to look like she was casting a spell.

Blossom gasped quietly. "Wow, that was fast. I thought it would take him much longer to get ready."

Buttercup rolled her eyes. "Well, you two were out here for nearly two hours." The three teenagers started walking back down the slope toward the cave entrance.

"Two hours?" Blossom asked, not fully believing it. It felt much shorter. Maybe half an hour, or 45 minutes tops, but two hours?

Buttercup nudged Blossom's arm. "You know what they say. Time flies when you're kissing Brick."

Blossom pouted, but then a witty response came to mind. "I bet time flies even faster when you're kissing Butch."

Brick laughed softly at the look on Buttercup's face. She looked speechless, with her mouth agape. "What's the matter, BC? I thought you two were together now."

Buttercup crossed her arms in an annoyed fashion. "We are. But only I get to joke like that."

Blossom and Brick laughed again as they walked. Buttercup seemed a little embarrassed about her relationship with Butch so they dropped the subject. When they reached the cave, Brute was punching a boulder, slowly chipping away the frays of rock. Brat was singing awfully in a corner while reading some mid-evil teen magazine.

And Berserk was seething furious as she watched Blossom and Brick grinning and holding hands. What did he see in her? After all, Berserk didn't look all that different from Blossom. They both had pink eyes and orange hair. Sure, Blossom was a Splitzer, but she was a dragon. That's better than some Splitzer chick who can control Ice right? Berserk started twirling her hair, trying to get Brick's attention to no avail. The two just walked on by, making googly eyes, completely ignoring her. Berserk stomped a foot. If Mojo hadn't place them under a safety guard, she would transform into a dragon and gobble up that goody two shoes Blossom. But alas, they were under strict orders, punishable by death, so there was nothing she could do, but watch as the man of her dreams walked away from her with another a girl. Why was life unfair? Berserk couldn't take it anymore. Right as Buttercup, Brick, and Blossom passed through the arched doorway on the opposite side of the cave, she released a long, loud scream of rage.

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Bubbles paced back and forth, while Boomer sat with his face in his hands. He had tried to help calm her down, but after almost an hour and a half with no success, he just figured they would come back eventually. He wondered what had happened in there. They hadn't been in there for more then 20 minutes before Blossom ran out screaming and crying. Brick had gone after her, but they still hadn't come back for nearly 2 hours. Buttercup left about 15 minutes ago to see where they were. Did Blossom run away, abandon the cause? Boomer sighed. He wouldn't blame her by now. She hadn't cried like that since the first night they met almost 2 and a half months ago when she killed that guy. Whatever was said in there must have really gotten to her to make her act like that.

Bubbles bit her lip, and sat down beside Boomer. She took hold of his hand and kissed him quick on the lips before he could say anything. "Sorry," she smiled at him in an apologetic way. "I know you have been trying to help calm me down. But im just worried for Bloss."

Boomer squeezed her hand. "Yeah. I know. But you could always do what Butch and Buttercup were doing." He pointed over to Butch who was using Slim, the tallest Ameoba Boy, as a punching bag. His hand would pass through the jello like mass, and all he would do was smile and say 'oh yeah!' Buttercup had been practicing her Hand to Hand Combat Gift on BM and Jr, using one as a kick bag, and the other as a regular punching bag, and both had responded similarly to Slim. They seemed to enjoy being beaten up. According to Buttercup, she had said it felt nice using all her power on an opponent for sparring and not worry about accidently killing the dude. Butch had agreed with that.

Bubbles slapped his hand softly. "No. But something tells me that Butch and Buttercup might want to take one as a personal punching bag."

"And something tells me that they wouldn't mind it," Butch said, from across the room. He sent another punch through Slim.

"Yeah, man! You are so strong, I felt my stomach churn on that one." Slim complimented happily. Jr and BM floated a ways away, with grumpy arms crossed since Buttercup wasn't there.

Butch grinned in self-confidence. Bubbles rolled her eyes. "Butch, you have super human strength. Don't get cocky about it."

Butch shrugged. "Its not my fault that these guys are so dumb that they like being beaten up."

Boomer nodded. "Its true. I have never met a bigger bunch of idiots besides them."

"That must be not including yourself." Brick teased, walking into the room. He was holding Blossom's hand and Buttercup and Blossom were chatting.

Bubbles put a hand on her hip. "Brick, be nice to Boomer." She scolded. Her eyes widened then she giggled when she saw Brick and Blossom together. She ran up them gleefully. "Oh my gosh! I knew you would get together eventually! Now we are all together!"

Blossom blushed while Buttercup rolled her eyes. "Yep. That we are." Buttercup grumbled. Butch jogged over and gave her a peck on the cheek and she perked back up.

Brick clapped his hands together. (Bubbles was holding onto Blossom's now) "When is the Oracle ready for us?"

"Right this way, young masters." BM said, leading them down the same hallway Blossom had been down.

Blossom shivered. She really didn't want to go back, but according to a book at Forgotten Lore that her and Bubbles had read, oracles can only predict the future of those present. If she was wanted to know how to contribute, she had to be there. Plus she was curious about if she would die.

Brick rolled his eyes. You're not going to die. I wont let you.

Blossom smiled. Thanks. Thanks for being there for me.

No problem, Pinky.

Nicknames now? Fine. You'll be Red.

I can deal with that Ice Princess.

Nice. Blossom sighed. The light conversation really did help her relax. Maybe when the war was over, they could be together. And Bubbles and Boomer, and Buttercup and Butch would live nearby. No worries, no evil sorceresses. Raising a family. Blossom groaned mentally. If she died, she wouldn't get to enjoy those luxuries and happiness. Damn it. Now she is all wound up again.

The Ameoba Boys led them farther up the stone stairs, past the door where Blossom had conversed with the Oracle. She was feeling anxious. At least this time Brick was with her, plus the other four which was much more comforting.

Finally, Slim, Jr, and BM stopped at an arch in the wall. It was a doorway without a door that led to a wide room with nothing in it except for a large slab of clay. Looking closely, Bubbles was able to make out a face in the otherwise smooth beige clay. She gasped softly, and Boomer place a hand one shoulder.

"What the hell is going on?" Butch muttered out loud.

"Shh!" BM shushed, catching everyone a bit off guard. "The Great Oracle Mojo of Sledge Rock is going into a trance."

Buttercup slapped her face. "Did you have to say his entire title? Its like a mile long." She complained.

BM looked annoyed. "No I did not need to, but it adds a dramatic effect."

"Dramatic my ass. That was just awful." Boomer murmured, earning a light punch on the shoulder from Bubbles.

"Why does he smell so bad?" Bubbles asked, plugging her nose.

"Yeah, and why is he in clay?" Brick wondered.

"Why is his face green?" Buttercup blurted out. Everyone turned to face her, except Mojo, who was going into a trance. "What?"

BM was starting to get impatient. "Before going into these trances, he soaks in a variety of perfumes and then locks himself in a slab of clay to prophecy." He explained.

"Why?" Blossom asked. She might be smart, but not that smart.

BM finally burst. "I DON'T KNOW IM NOT AN ORACLE!"

Brick, Boomer, and Butch made a fist and each took a single step forward, making him a bit nervous. "Care to say that again in that manner, pal?" Brick growled.

BM swallowed and shook his head. "No! No! I'm sorry for yelling."

"Young masters," Jr interrupted, "the Oracle is about to speak."

The six of them dropped what they were doing and turned their full attention on the Oracle. Suddenly, Mojo's old monkey eyes fluttered open. "I see that the path to success against Disoria is a path that will almost certainly fail." He didn't blink, didn't breath. Bubbles couldn't help but stare. It was just freaky. "Looking at the several outcomes, I could only see one possible path to victory." Everyone in the room held their breath. "In order to lead to the distruction of the sorceress and end her tyranny, the six of you must find the Sword of Light and one of you must bond with it. Trials will await thee there."

"Trials? Let me guess, more guardians? Just our luck," Boomer grumbled.

Mojo didn't hear the comment and continued to speak. "In order to be triumphant, Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles will have to unlock the secret of their past. Each should have a talisman, but one is missing hers. Without it, your own doom is certain."Blossom felt her heart compress. Buttercup felt an urge to punch someone. Bubbles could feel tears pooling and felt like crying. "After the girls discover their past, they must form an army that will lead to battle against Disoria's cavalries. This will act as a distraction to the fact that you must infiltrate her prison which she is bound too. You six are Dorton's last hope. If you fail, the continent dies with you." And then he was done. His eyes sealed shut, and BM and Slim got to work removing Mojo from the clay table.

Jr hurried the remaining six out of the doorway, and ushered them down the stairs. By now, Bubbles was crying as Boomer carried her. Buttercup was oddly quiet, which is a first, while Butch held her hand. Blossom seemed traumatized by the prophecy. Brick was carrying her down the stairs piggy back style, and he could feel her heart rate intensify.

No wonder you were scared to go back. That guy is nuts. Brick conveyed to her. He could tell that her barrier was still down. She hadn't even bothered to put up after earlier.

Blossom sniffed. What did he mean discover our past?

Brick shrugged. Probably has to do with where you came from. How you came into Sedusa's care.

I'm interested about that. But Bubbles and Buttercup need to rediscover their pasts too. What do you think that could mean?

I don't know. You all seem to have pretty indistinct backgrounds.

What about the whole talisman things? What is that even?

It's like a special object. Like a magical charm of some sort.

He said that two out of us three have one. But what could that be even?

I'm not sure. I'm not even sure on the whole subject. I mean, how lucky is it that we found you? You play a significant role in this rebellion, and you are the girl for me.

Blossom smiled into his backwards cap and orange hair. Thanks. You're the perfect guy for me too. But we have to form an army? Brick, if one of the six of us die, all of Dorton is condemned to death.

Well then there's one more thing to do.

And whats that?

Don't die.

Well i hope you like the chappie! now before you riot on me about not updating, the day after i said i had internet, it stopped working. But i typed it out on WORD so its alright! Plus, i got more good news: i typed out the chapter after this one, which is uploaded as well as starting the one after that. (I hope your following) BTW; sorry if the kissing scenes are not to your liking but, i never kissed a boy so i dont know what its like, let alone have a boyfriend, so yeah (stupid boys, im the full package, lol) anyways i also typed out a crazy dream i had in Boomer's point of view called Foxes, so read it if you like crazy things! Honestly, i have no idea how crazy stuff such as that gets into my mind i just don't so. yeah. The next chapter is up. Peace!

~P.F.G :D

p.s.~ Mojo called Bossman BM because Mojo is the boss, and he aint gonna call his servant 'Boss'man, if you catch my drift XD