Allies and Rivals II
Chapter 16
Instructions
The City of Townsville…
"Dad, you're alive!" shouted Brick in disbelief.
"Of course! What, did you think I'm dead?" asked Dr. Edwards.
"Well, because we saw you car riddled with bullets, and there was blood…" Butch began.
"Oh it's just a set-up made to make you think we're dead," Dr. Edwards said, "and by the looks of it, it worked."
"Yeah, Dad, we really thought you were dead!" Boomer said. "But you're alive!"
Boomer then went and danced in circles, chanting and shouting, "Dad's alive! Dad's alive! Yipee! Yahoo! He's alive!"
Butch punched the air with his fist, tripped Boomer, and jumped. "You're alive! This is so great!"
"Dad, you're alive. I can't believe it! All these days and we thought you were dead!" Brick said.
"Well, I'm alive and kicking," the doctor replied.
"Well, where are you?" asked Butch.
"I'm still at the place were my abductors…"
"You were kidnapped?" asked Boomer.
"Yes, I was," Dr. Edwards explained.
"What happened?" asked Brick.
"I'll explain it to you later, but right now, listen to me…"
"But where are you?" asked Boomer.
"I'll tell you eventually. I'm okay. But get this. The professor will contact the girls with this watch too, and he'll instruct the Powerpuff Girls to go to the house."
"The Powerpuff Girls? Why would they come here?" asked Butch.
"Well, let's just say that all of you, yes including the girls, need to hear our instructions, and we don't like to repeat it twice!"
"We? Who's we?" asked Brick
"Professor Utonium. Both of us were kidnapped at the same time. Now, in an hour or two, the girls will come over there. The Professor and I will tell you the exact situation that we are all in and the instructions of what you should do."
"Is it really that bad Dad? I mean can't we just find you and beat the living stuffing out of whoever did this to you?" asked Brick.
"All in due time, son. Now, I have only one watch with me and the Professor has got to talk to his girls. You want to say something to me before I leave?"
"Well, we thought that you were dead and Brick resigned as leader because he thought it was his fault and appointed Butch next leader instead but Butch decided to end the Ruff-Puff alliance with the girls but Brick doesn't want that so he tricked Butch into resigning and made me leader instead but Blossom yelled at me when she thought I messed up so I think Brick should be leader again but he said he won't be leader again unless he hears your voice again because he blames himself for your death but now we know you're alive and we now could return to normal so there and um, could you tell Brick to be the leader again?" Boomer said in one sentence without catching his breathe, talking very fast. "Whew, that was long!"
"Boomer!" Brick irritatingly said to his brother.
"Sorry Brick, but it had to be said," Boomer said. "You're the only one who could effectively lead the Rowdyruffs."
"Whoa! Slow down," Dr. Edwards said. "So Brick was feeling guilty because of what happened and he resigned as leader and he appointed Butch in his stead. But things didn't go too well, and somehow Boomer became leader, but you didn't do too well, so you want Brick to be leader again, but he just doesn't want to because he thinks he's responsible for my death?"
"Yeah, that's about it!" Butch said.
"Brick!"
"Yes Dad," he said.
"I'm very disappointed in you," Dr. Edwards sternly rebuked. "You should be leading and inspiring your brothers, instead of wallowing in self-pity the way you have been doing. Why resign?"
"Because I thought you were dead. Me and my brothers have a responsibility to protect you, and we have failed. I was the leader, and I failed you terribly Dad! I mean, how could you be proud of me? I failed to protect you, and even if you were not dead, I still let you be kidnapped. I don't think after all that, I deserve to be the leader!"
"Brick, snap out of it! I am very proud of how you conducted yourself, but not on how you acted recently. Look, it's not your fault that I was kidnapped. I know you did your best. Now, tell me exactly how was it your fault that I was kidnapped?"
"Well Dad, I am leader, and I have to take responsibility to whatever bad happens to the group. If I don't take responsibility, then what kind of a leader would I be?" Brick said. "And if I fail in our most important duties to you Dad, it's my fault, whether it really is or not, because I am the leader, and I've got to take responsibility. To do otherwise is shameful. I must be accountable for my actions, and the only thing I could think of that is appropriate for the magnitude of my failure is to resign as leader. I'm very sorry Dad."
"Brick, that is very admirable of you," Dr. Edwards explained. "But you yourself gave more reason why you should be the leader,"
"Huh? But I just said that I don't deserve to the leader?" said Brick.
"That's it!" Dr. Edwards reassured. "You have almost every quality that a good leader has to have. Tell me, how many leaders would do as you did? You have a very admirable sense of responsibility, and you just don't blame your brothers for your mistakes. I am very proud of you son, but as you said, you must take responsibility. Tell me, you said that a leader should always take responsibility right?"
"Yes Dad," Brick said.
"Now, Butch, when you were leader, did you make any decisions that was opposed by Brick?"
"Well I tried, but when I did, he tricked me into resigning the leadership and giving it to Boomer," Butch said.
"And Boomer, when you were leader, did you do anything that Brick opposed?"
"Well no Dad. I know Brick knew better than me, so I kept asking for his advice, and I never did anything he disapproved," Boomer explained.
"Well, I rest my case. It's clear, Brick, that you have been exercising power without responsibility. You still wanted to control things, and have your way, even though you are no longer leader. The only difference is that you are no longer responsible for your actions, because you can claim that your brothers have the final say!"
Brick then realized that what his father said was true. He didn't think of it that way, but now, he did. He then realized he acted disgracefully by trying to get his way and control the group even though he designated others as leader. He unknowingly had violated his own principle, of being responsible for your actions.
"I'm sorry Dad," was all he can say.
"I'm very disappointed in you Brick," his father said. "But that is the past, I forgive you. But William Bricker Edwards, you must be the leader again because I know you are the best leader around."
"Better than Blossom?" asked Brick.
"Of course," Dr. Edwards unhesitatingly said. "Whatever happens, I'll always be proud of the three of you. But I've got go now, bye!"
Soon, they lost their connection to their father.
The boys looked at each other. Butch and Boomer were overjoyed expressions in their face, while Brick's expression was unreadable. It seemed that his father's reappearance shook him. An incredible burden was lifted from his shoulder when he learned he was not responsible for his father's death because he was still alive. That removed the principal reason why he wouldn't become leader again. But he was rebuked by his father because of his actions, so it wasn't all that good.
"Well guys, I'd like to say I'm sorry if I acted like a jerk this past few days," Brick sincerely said.
"No sweat, Brick," Boomer said. "You see, I knew you'd be the leader again!"
"I'd hate to say this, but at least you've trimmed down your ego a little," Butch added.
"Yeah, but before I become leader again, I want to make certain things clear. If I am leader, I want absolute control over all things important to us. I will only consult you if I so wish, and you will always obey my orders. You can question my decisions, and you can say why I'm wrong, but if you can't convince me, then you will follow my orders no matter what. In short, I am the leader and you will do as I say! That is my terms if I am the leader again. I will only be responsible to Dad, and to some extent to Blossom as long as she is the leader of the Ruff-Puff Alliance, and to no one else. Do you accept these terms? Please remember that accepting these terms would mean that you forever forfeit any meaningful part in making decisions."
Boomer and Butch looked at each other and to Brick.
"Well, we pretty much don't have any say before, so why not? Sure, I accept your conditions," Boomer said.
Butch glared at his arrogant brother, but Brick glared back. After a minute's hesitation, he finally accepted. "Why not! You pretty much don't listen to us before this, so it won't be any different. So yes, I accept!"
"Good! Boomer, technically, you are still the leader, so resign and appoint me as the new leader," Brick instructed.
"Okay. I resign as leader and choose Brick Edwards," Boomer said, happy that he no longer is the leader.
"Thanks!" Brick said, though he sounded arrogant. However his brothers are used to him, so it isn't a big deal.
"Now, what are your first orders?" asked Butch.
"We wait for the Powerpuff Girls and for Dad's next instructions," Brick authoritatively said. "In the meantime, I'm famished, let's eat!" Brick said. They ordered about 30 boxes of pizza and had dinner.
Meanwhile…
The girls were in their living room. Blossom was pacing back and forth, thinking. 'Where could the Professor be? He can't be dead! I just know he can't be dead. And how could I make Brick leader again?'
Bubbles was drawing some pictures. She tried having a cheerful disposition, though it was clear she was sad. Buttercup was watching TV.
"Girls, are you alright!" Professor Utonium suddenly said over the watch.
"Professor!" Blossom shouted.
"Professor!" Bubbles squealed. "You're alright!" She then jumped up in joy, nearly hitting her head in the ceiling in the process. Buttercup was just as happy, and she howled happily.
"Oh girls, you have no idea how I missed you all this time!" the Professor hysterically said. "I'm so happy to hear your voices again!"
"Oh Professor, how are you? Where are you now? Are you hurt? What happened? Did you know that me and my sisters love you very much and you're absolutely the best Dad one could ask for?" Bubbles asked excitedly.
"Well, I'm fine, I have no idea where I am now, perhaps William knows but who knows? No, I'm not physically hurt, and we were kidnapped," Professor Utonium explained.
"Ha! I told you Mojo was the one responsible!" Buttercup proclaimed.
"No he isn't!" the professor quickly rebutted. "And thanks Bubbles."
"Ha, I was right!" Blossom said, "As I always am!"
"Oh, how are you girls? How's it been going?"
"Well, aside from your disappearance, well, it's been fine," Blossom said, not mentioning what happened to the boys. "Anyway, don't worry, we'll find you Professor and bring to justice whoever did this!"
"Well, not now! Wait a couple of days," said the Professor.
"What do you mean? We miss you! We want to hug you and kiss you in the cheek and we want you to tell us bedtime stories and such!" Bubbles frowned.
"All in due time. Meanwhile, sacrifices have to be made for the good of Townsville," the Professor said. "I miss you terribly too, but just wait a little longer, and we can all be together again. Now, here are my instructions. Go and pack your things, call Miss Keane, and go to the house of Dr. Edwards."
"But why?" asked Blossom. "Aren't you going to tell us what's going on?"
"Of course. But I want the boys to know what I'm going to tell you, and I don't want to repeat myself. So just do it. Pack your things and for a few days of stay in their house. And call Miss Keane. Me and the doctor have something to say to her too," the Professor explained.
"What, we'll have to stay with those jerks?" Buttercup protested.
"I like staying over there," Bubbles said.
"But why?" asked Blossom.
"William and I will explain it all to you sometime tonight. Just be together and bring Miss Keane too, okay?"
"Okay Professor!"
"Well, I've got to go. But I miss you and I hope to see you again! Bye!"
And the connection went dead.
The girls looked at each other.
"Yipee! The Professor is okay!" Bubbles shouted, hugging both her sisters. "And Dr. Edwards is too."
"We're not out of the woods yet," Blossom said. "The Professor is still kidnapped, and we've got to rescue him too. Well anyway, let's just pack our things and go to the boys' house. At least now that Dr. Edwards is alive, Brick wouldn't be able to give that stupid excuse on why he can't be leader again."
"Why? You just want Brick to be the leader again so you can talk alone with him because you like him and he's your boyfriend."
"That is not true!" Blossom shouted, her face red. "Butch and Boomer were disasters as leaders, while Brick is at least competent! And Brick is a jerk! I wouldn't like him if he was the last boy on earth!"
"Sure you are, sure!" Buttercup teased.
"Wow, so you and Brick are a couple?" asked Bubbles.
"No, Bubbles, no. And Buttercup, you make a claim that has no basis whatsoever!" Blossom replied, Buttercup's teasing getting under her skin. "But anyway, you and Bubbles go and pack your clothes."
Buttercup laughed as she and Bubbles went upstairs. Blossom followed them.
A few hours later…
The boys were just finished eating the pizza and are drinking coke. Boomer and Butch were arguing about something, while Brick is just thinking.
Suddenly, they heard the doorbell ring.
"It must be those sissies," Butch said. "I hope Dad makes it quick so they can leave. I can't stand them, especially that redheaded leader of theirs."
"I'll get it!" Brick said.
It was the girls and…
"Miss Keane?" said a surprised Brick. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, the Professor said that he wanted to tell me something tonight?" said the boys' Math teacher. "By the way boys, I'm glad that your Dad is okay."
"Well, yeah," Boomer simply said.
"Well, aren't you going to let us in?" asked Blossom.
"Well, if you give us A's in Math maybe we could?" Boomer suggested.
"Boys! I'm surprised at you! You know that you're smart enough that you'll get A's!" Miss Keane said. "So, have you eaten your dinner yet?"
"Yeah, we ordered and ate thirty boxes of pizza," Butch added.
"Um, do you have anything left?" asked Bubbles. "We haven't eaten yet."
"Actually, no," Boomer said.
"What's on your fridge?" asked Miss Keane.
"Well, some wine, milk, soda, and, water," Brick said.
"But where are your food?" asked Miss Keane.
"Well, we usually eat out or order pizza or something, and in the morning, Dad usually serves us some pork and beans or corned beef—usually canned goods. Except for grilling fish, he can't cook to save his life," Brick admitted.
Miss Keane then went and looked around. 'That William is going to get an earful from me when he returns. I mean it's just awful how he feeds his boys.' She then noticed the bareness of the room, and the lack of any decoration except pictures and diplomas hung in the walls. 'Typical of William, it's so bare and he doesn't have any taste in housekeeping.'
"Could I go to the kitchen boys?" asked Miss Keane. "I'll see if I can whip out something to eat."
"Sure Miss Keane," said Brick. "Now we wait for Dad's call."
A few minutes later, the call came…
"Brick, Boomer, it's Dad!" Dr. Edwards's voice was heard from Brick's watch.
"Dad!" Brick shouted.
"Are the girls there and Miss Keane too?" the Professor's voice suddenly said.
"Professor!" shouted Blossom. "Yup! We're all here!"
"Good," said the doctor. "Now, I'll first explain to you all that happened."
"First, you all know that in the past few days," Dr. Edwards started, "there have been very strange events happening. The appearance of super-powered monsters and the thieves who have only whites in their eyes and no fingerprints and their attempt to kill me and take the data from the monster hide. Well, the guy who sent those thieves changed his tactics and kidnapped me instead."
"But why the Professor too?" asked Blossom.
"It was a coincidence, really! I was with William when he was kidnapped. I guess I just went along for the ride," the Professor explained.
"Anyway, the guy who kidnapped us is Ferguson Clucwao, or something," Dr. Edwards said.
"It's Ckracknow, William!" John Utonium corrected.
"Yes. Cracker is a guy about 5'4", and blond hair," said Dr. Edwards, "and he is the one who wants to get the data on the monster hide."
"Anyway, it's Ckracknow, William," the Professor interrupted. "This guy is a mad scientist. He kidnaps and makes experiments on monsters for a living. The monsters attacking Towsville recently were all sent by Ckracknow!"
"I told you they were connected, but a certain redheaded leader-girl here said they have nothing to do with each other," Brick remarked.
"Oh shut up!" Blossom said. "Okay I was wrong, you don't have to rub it in!"
"As I was saying," Dr. Edwards continued, "Clockwork sent those monsters for the sole purpose of killing you, the Powerpuff Girls. He enhanced the strength of the monsters so that you would be no match against them. Fortunately, he hasn't anticipated the training you had that greatly increased your strength nor did he consider the re-emergence of the Rowdyruff Boys. Thus, instead of overwhelming advantage, it was only a tie."
"Ckracknow also pumped the car we were in full of lead so that it would look like that we were killed," the Professor said.
"Here are our instructions," Dr. Edwards said. "Listen good because I want you to follow it to the letter. First, Clacko wants us to give the data on the monster hide. Well, we decided to give it to him."
"What! But Dad…" Boomer protested.
"Let me correct that Boomer, I meant we would make him think that we would give it to him, when in fact, we would just leech off as much information on his own research as we could. So boys, we will stay here for at least five days, after that, we would give instructions on how you could find our location," Dr. Edwards said. "In the meantime, train yourself hard. Preferably until you reach level 15 or something. Today, you are at level 10, as I recall."
"Yes Dad, we're at level 10," said Butch.
"And if you don't know what level 10 means, girls," the Professor continued, "it is about equal hardcore x6. Both of you are about the same in power and strength. And please, do your best. You are facing an enemy like no other before. I'm sure he has a lot more monsters up his sleeve, and I'm willing to bet that they are a lot more powerful than the ones you fought before."
"So kids, don't you ever try to find us without at least reaching level 15. I know you all miss us, but please, sacrifice a bit. Trust me it'll be all worth it."
"And girls," said the Professor, "William and I decided that you would stay in that house during the five days. Have you packed your things like I asked you to?"
"Yes Professor," said Blossom.
"But Dad," protested Butch, "why the hell do they need to stay here? I don't like any of those sissies staying in the same house!"
"The feeling's mutual you know," Buttercup retorted.
"Well it has already been decided, so you just have to live with it," Dr. Edwards said. "The reason is that since both of you are parentless as of the moment, and we can only think of one babysitter, we decided that you should live under one roof. Besides, your training will be easier if you are together. And Miss Keane, could you take care of the kids while John and I are away? I promise I'll pay you $2000.00 or more if you want when this is all over."
"I wouldn't mind being babysitter, but no, I won't accept that money," Miss Keane said. "I'm doing it because I wanted to, not because I want to be paid."
"Well, would you at least receive money for the expenses incurred?"
"Okay, but only for the expenses. I want nothing else for me," Miss Keane stated.
"Okay," the doctor replied, pleased. "And boys, be nice to her or else!" He said it in a deadly and scary tone that would always make the boys shudder and make them more obedient.
"Yes Dad," the boys all said
"Well, we gotta go now," the doctor said. "Talk to you later."
And the connection went dead.
"Okay, we gotta plan this," Blossom said. "Boomer, I think we should…"
"Sorry Blossom, but I, Brick Edwards, am again the absolute leader of the Rowdyruff Boys!" Brick proclaimed with relish.
"Good, now I think we should take a look at that training facility of yours," Blossom proposed.
"Well, you girls will have to eat your dinner first," Miss Keane said. "After all, you can't train with an empty stomach. Come on boys, you've got to show me where you keep the food!"
So in the next hour or so, the girls and Miss Keane cooked dinner, mainly eggs and some tuna, while the boys just watched TV.
After that…
"I think we can now start our training," proposed Brick.
"Yeah, we've got to hurry," said Blossom. "We can't waste anymore time."
"Oh no you don't. It's late now, about nine. I think you should go to bed. You must get plenty of sleep if you want to be stronger," said Miss Keane. "Don't worry, I'll take care of the dishes."
"But Miss Keane!" protested Blossom and Brick.
"I said, go to bed!" said Miss Keane. "You can train all you want tomorrow."
"Yes Miss Keane," said both of the leaders.
So they brush their teeth and washed their faces and went to bed. The girls went to the room they slept in the first sleep-over, while the boys went to their own rooms.
Before they went to their respective rooms, Brick pulled Blossom aside. "Meet me at the front of the door of Dad's lab at ten."
"Okay," Blossom said.
One hour later, at ten…
Miss Keane was downstairs, cleaning the house, while upstairs, the kids, with the exception of Blossom and Brick, were asleep.
Blossom carefully rose from the bed and changed her clothes from the nightgown she was wearing to the dress she always wears. She fixed her hair, then put the bow on her head before heading out.
Brick was already waiting.
"What do you want?" asked Blossom.
"Simple. I'd like to give you a tour of the training facility we use," Brick said.
"Um, okay," said Blossom. "Thanks. But why?"
"I have my reasons," Brick said as they walked in the corridor of stairs.
They soon reached the bottom of the stairs, and Brick opened a door to enter a very short corridor. At the end of the corridor was a door like an elevator with a set of keypad numbers on it. He quickly punched some numbers and a second later, the door slid open.
The two entered the room, which was pitch black. Brick flicked a switched, and soon, the eyes of the two children were treated to a sight of a very large laboratory. Inside the laboratory was a huge large training module. The entrance was by another door, and from the lab, you could see the progress through an overhead glass screen. An operator could adjust the training conditions.
"This was where we trained," Brick said with pride. "And this, is where we'll train. So, is this facility cool or what?"
"Well, not as cool as our training facility, but I guess it'll have to do," Blossom replied.
"Come on! There's no denying that this is ten times greater than whatever your professor has," boasted Brick.
"Well, we can all dream," Blossom replied.
"Well, that dream turned reality a long time ago," Brick replied. "Anyway, as Dad said, we have only five days to get to level 15. Now, let me tell you that it is very hard to get to that level. It's not impossible, but it would be very difficult, so we can't just sit all day and train three hours straight for it to be effective. So, since you're the leader, what's your plan?"
"I realize that," Blossom said. "And I've got a plan. We start at four in the morning starting tomorrow. We train until seven, then we eat breakfast for a half hour. We go to school at seven thirty. We resume training at three o'clock in the afternoon until seven. Until eight, we do our homework, and train for the remaining hour before hitting the sack. What do you think?"
"I think we should scrap going to school. It would cost us too much time," Brick countered. "We can tell Dad to persuade Miss Keane to excuse us for five days. It's not that we can't catch up, I mean we're on the top of our class for crying out loud! We train from eight to twelve, and from one to seven, continuously."
"Agreed. Okay, even though I don't like it, you're right, we can't afford the lost time," Blossom said. "Anyway, after dinner, we would fight until eight, then we sleep. We'll sneak out at about nine, when your brothers and my sisters are asleep, to evaluate our performance and plan the next moves. Okay then, now for the actual training. What should we do first? I suggest we fight at level eleven tomorrow. I think a simulated monster fight would do, don't you think?"
"Okay," Brick agreed.
"Now, we would fight the strongest of strong simulated monsters on that level, and only when we can beat it, would we advance. But that's not all. We would fight our simulated counterparts. Remember One? It's not only monsters that we would have to fight, but men like him. I expect that the opponents in here are up to par."
"Yes they are," Brick replied.
"Now the only thing to do is how to deal with crime," Blossom said. "I'll go and connect the hotline here, so that we'll know if Towsville is in trouble. Now, I know what happened to Buttercup and Butch, so we should change the pairing system. Butch and Bubbles should be partners."
"Are you crazy? I don't think Bubbles will like it," Brick warned.
"So? They don't have any say in it. I'm the leader, and if I say so, then they will do it! But I have to ask you, do you agree?"
"Yup, they don't have any say in this, and I would like that you only consult me on important matters. And no. Don't you know that Butch is the only one of us who doesn't like Bubbles? I mean, Butch would be totally mean to Bubbles, and since I like Bubbles, I don't want that to happen to her, I don't like it at all."
"Oh pshaw! That's nonsense Brick! The reason Buttercup and Butch can't work together is that they hate each others guts, while Bubbles and Butch aren't that opposed to each others. Besides, Bubbles would just follow Butch's orders."
"And if she doesn't like it, it won't matter, because she hasn't got a say in it," Brick said. "You've got a point there. Now, how about Boomer and Buttercup?" asked Brick. "You think it will work?"
"Yes it would, because we would make them work. I know that your brothers would commit suicide if you ordered it, and I can exert the same control over my sisters if I wanted to," Blossom stated. "Now, Buttercup and Boomer it shall be."
"How about Boomer and Butch, Buttercup and Bubbles? I think they would work better with each other because well, they're siblings."
"Yeah, but remember, the goal is to make our siblings closer to each other so the Ruff-Puff Alliance will work," Blossom said.
"Oh cut the crap! We all know that the effectiveness of the alliance depends on our cooperation. With it all could be done, without it, nothing could be done," Brick retorted.
"But it will work better if they like each other!" Blossom said.
"You're delusional!" Brick challenged. "They won't work well with each other!"
"Oh I think they would!"
"No they will not!"
"Well, I am the leader, and what I go says, and I say it would be Butch and Bubbles, Boomer and Buttercup, whether they like it or not! And that is my decision, and nothing you say would change it!" Blossom defended.
"Well, you're the leader, so I'll accept it," Brick retorted. "Okay, I have one final proposal."
"Well, spit it out, Brick!"
"Well, I think we need some sort of punishment system, you know, to keep them from tearing each other apart," Brick proposed. "Remember what happened to Butch and Buttercup? If they haven't fought each other, we wouldn't be in this mess right now. Well, they probably know they'd only get a slap in the wrist for that, so if we punish them for fighting each other, instead of doing their job, they'll be less motivated to fight each other and more on doing what they were ordered to."
"That isn't a bad idea, but what punishment could we do? I mean we can't just beat them to a pulp, it'll be too harsh, and we can't be too light either, it would just be another slap in the wrist," Blossom said.
"Well you're right. How about tying them up and gagging them, tickling them then leaving them tied up for two hours?" Brick proposed. "Nah forget it, it's stupid!"
"No, no, it's a good idea!" Blossom said. "Think of it, when we were tied up, it's didn't hurt that much, but it's really uncomfortable, especially the gag! And I know my sisters are really ticklish. How about your brothers?"
"Same with my brothers, they're really ticklish, even Butch! But why that?"
"'Cause it wouldn't hurt, I know—you and your brothers tied me and my sisters before—and they'll only laugh hysterically when we tickle them," Blossom said.
"Oh you're evil!" Brick said. "Well, I can't think of anything better, so I guess I'll agree."
"Okay, it's agreed then," Brick said.
"Boy, they'll be pretty upset when they hear about this!" Blossom observed.
"But remember, they don't have a say in running the Alliance, only we do!" Brick proclaimed with relish.
"And it's for the good of the Ruff-Puff Alliance," Blossom said. "And we have no choice!"
"Well, do you have anything else to talk about?" Blossom asked.
"Well, that's about it," Brick said. "Just want to remind you, we'll have a hell of a day tomorrow at the training, and we'll be worst than a cockroach that has been squished. Are you up to it?"
"Of course. Don't you forget, we went from being no match to you to your equal after a few days' training! The question is, are you up to it?"
"Duh! We're the Rowdyruff Boys! Of course we're up to it! By the way, when will your Dad or the Professor call again?"
"I don't know. Let's just hope he'll call soon. We still need to find out where they are, and how strong is their defense. Remember, we can't be too weak when we rescue them. And after that, we'll destroy bit by bit whatever that bastard Ckracknow built, and I'll tear him limb by limb so that nobody would recognize his body when I'm done with him! Nobody kidnaps my Dad and gets away with it! By the way, how about Miss Keane? I mean we need her acquiescence to pull this off!"
"I'll take care of that," Blossom said. "Anyway, I just want to say, remember, since we agreed on what we'll do, I expect you to support me tomorrow and will not criticize me openly."
"I'll look like a puppet to you if I do that, but yeah, I'll do it, just remember, you should do the same when I'm the leader of this Alliance!" Brick said.
"You'll never be leader until I'm around," Blossom said.
"We'll see. I am after all, the de facto second-in-command, that you can't deny!"
"True, but that doesn't mean anything. You may be the best qualified leader after me, but that doesn't mean you'll be one!"
"Anyway, it's getting late," Brick said. "See you tomorrow at four in the morning!"
So both siblings sneaked out to their rooms and slept.
Tomorrow would be a busy day. And it was going to be a long five days.