Chapter 31: Beneath the Surface

Bubbles gets to explore what is so different and yet, the same about the world she is in. She meets a couple of people that help paint a new perception of the reality she is in. One of them might be using a bolder color to paint it.

This is a filler chapter that I have wanted to do for a while now. It's a short one, sorry, because I don't want to dwell too much in to this little work.

TW: Mention of attempted sexual assault and blood, at the end.

Chapter 31: Beneath the Surface

It was close to 8 in the morning, and the sun's light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. The rays tickled Bubbles' eyelids, coaxing her from sleep. She stirred, not much of a morning person, but decided to get up nonetheless.

Sitting upright, a yawn escaped her lips as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Once she managed to clear the last remnants of slumber, a small smile crept across her face as she took in her room. It had been a few months since she and her sisters had arrived in this world, and though it hadn't been easy, she was at times, grateful to wake up to a peaceful morning, away from monster attack calls. Her bed, covered with a blue pastel-colored bedspread, housed some stuffed animals she had grown fond of. While they could never replace a very special doll she once had, they still brought her joy.

"Right…" she yawned again, "…let's get on with the day." With that, she slipped off the bed, leaving a slight ruffle in the covers behind. Dressed in her light blue nightgown, adorned with delicate sleeves trailing softly behind her, and with her hair tied back in a nightcap, she made her way over to the closet. Opening it, she peered at her options, contemplating what outfit to choose for the day ahead.

She hummed to herself, "Let's see what we have…"

Downstairs, the kitchen buzzed with activity, or rather, Blossom was busy in the kitchen. Cleaned and dressed in her morning wear, a pink and white t-shirt and a denim knee-length skirt adorned with pink flower embroidery, she wore an apron over her outfit, the fabric slightly wrinkled from her morning efforts. As she prepared breakfast, she glanced over at her sleepy sister.

"Buttercup, could you get off your butt and help set up for breakfast?" she called, urgency lacing her tone.

Buttercup, sprawled face down on the counter, waved a dismissive hand in response. Still in her sleepwear, she wore an oversized black t-shirt and olive-green pajama pants, her hair an even more wild mess, from a restless night. Blossom rolled her eyes at the sight but returned to her cooking.

Using her telekinesis, she effortlessly gathered and placed the ingredients and tools she needed. While she knew how to be organized and cook without her special abilities, a little extra help never hurt. With the assistance of her powers, she didn't mind being a one-woman cooking team on most days. Finishing off the final preparations, she placed three bowls of oatmeal on the table, each with a different flavor to suit each girl's taste: cinnamon, blueberry, and banana, alongside some eggs, toast, and soup.

As she turned around, her younger sister entered the kitchen. "Good morning, Bubbles! Cute outfit! How did you sleep last night?" Blossom greeted her with a smile.

Bubbles beamed back. "Good morning to you too, Blossom! I slept well, and thank you!" She twirled playfully, showcasing her outfit. She wore a vibrant blue and yellow ensemble that reflected her bubbly personality: a light blue long-sleeve shirt, featuring cheerful prints of flowers. Her flouncy yellow skirt, with the flower embroidery, swayed with her movements, complemented by stylish white tights that added a pop of color and warmth. Bright blue sneakers adorned with fun, colorful accents completed her look. She also carried a small backpack, in the case to carry certain items that she may buy along the way.

"Morning Buttercup," she said, as she made her way to the table, sitting right next to her raven-haired sister. "Morning…" Buttercup returned, though hazily. "So, Bubs, where are you off to today?" Buttercup asked curiously. "Seeing as you have that whole… fun day out outfit or whatever," she gestured before taking another bite of her oatmeal.

Bubbles took a bite of her breakfast, before rplying. "Oh, I'm spending the day with Koda. He wanted help with a new design for his hero costume and I was of course, happy to help," she cheerfully said.

"Geez, Bubbles, with the way things are going, you should become a stylist or designer, instead of a hero," Buttercup quipped.

"Not one of your worst ideas, Buttercup," cheekily she said, sticking out her tongue, for which Buttercup just rolled her eyes.

Blossom took her seat. "Well, that's nice of you to help him. But I hope it won't take too long. Tomorrow is school and all."

"Nah, it won't take too long," she reassured. The girls went on to eat, talking about what their own days looked like. After a while, Bubbles quickly left and bid her sisters farewell.

-Musutafu City-

When Bubbles arrived at their meet-up spot, it was around nine and the sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the streets. The bustling streets were alive with energy, and she felt a thrill of excitement as she took in her surroundings. It wasn't long before she spotted Koda waiting for her, wearing a white t-shirt and some comfortable shorts, his shy smile breaking through his typical bashfulness.

"H-hey, Bubbles," he called, waving slightly. "I'm glad you came, thanks you."

"Hi, Koda! It's no problem, we're going to have so much fun," she replied, her voice bright with enthusiasm. She gave him a hug that he returned with an obvious blush on his face. They soon left, on a hero fashion mission. With Bubbles help, the hit the shops, wandered from store to store. They checked out different fabrics, colorful patterns, ordinary clothes and quirky accessories. Koda, though a bit reserved, slowly warmed up to the experience. He shared his ideas about what hero costume designs he wants, and Bubbles listened attentively, her imagination racing alongside his.

"Since you like nature, how something with this?" she suggested, holding up a camo fabric that. "It could really make your costume pop!"

Koda looked at it thoughtfully. "Yeah, I like that, It would definitely stand out…in a sense" he said, inciting a giggle from Bubbles. As they ventured on, his enthusiasm grew, and Bubbles couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at being part of his creative process. It's no secret that her big friend was one of the shyest people she has met, but he was also one of the sweetest and loved that he opened up to her. They spent the morning diving into different stores, Koda becoming more animated with each idea they explored, though Bubbles had to shoot down some ideas of adding too much and vice versa on hers.

Bubbles loved seeing his confidence grow, and soon they had gathered a collection of materials that sparked their imagination. As they made their way out of a particularly colorful craft shop, Bubbles felt a rush of satisfaction. "We really found some great stuff today!" she said, her voice bubbling with joy. Koda nodded, his cheeks flushed with happiness.

"Thanks for helping me, Bubbles," he said, his voice, at an audible tone now, as they made their way to the register. "I really appreciate it."

Bubbles smiled back at him. "It's no problem at all! You're my friend, and I'm having so much fun!" Her cheerful spirit was contagious, and Koda couldn't help but smile, his cheeks tinged pink.

Bubbles was wanted to check out one last thing that caught her eye, so she told Koda and he had no problem waiting by the register. Koda stood by, minding his own business, when a young boy, no older than ten, suddenly approached him, his eyes wide with curiosity. He stared at Koda, making him shift uncomfortably.

Koda shifted a bit, before just addressing the child. "H-hey there…is something wrong?" he asked gently.

The boy didn't answer. Instead, he pointed at Koda and shouted, "Rock Beast!" as the words rang out, it caught the attention of several people in the store. Koda's face flushed with embarrassment, it was then that Bubbles, who was making her back, and like the other people in the store, heard and felt her heart drop. She ran over to the scene. "Hey! That's not nice!" she exclaimed, her tone firm but still kind. "You shouldn't say that to people, especially ones you don't know."

Before the child could say anything, just then, a woman, presumably the child's mother, strode in, her expression stern. "Don't shout at my child!" she snapped at Bubbles.

Taken aback, Bubbles replied, "B-but your son was being rude!" she firmly said. "It's not okay to say things like that."

The woman scoffed, brushed her off dismissively. "Kids will be kids, and honestly, your friend does look like a rock beast," she pointedly said. "Besides, if people like him, don't like people staring, he should cover up when he goes out in public." Her tone dripped with condescension.

"Excuse me, what do you mean, "People like him" exactly?" crossing her arms, a faint glow emanated from her palms.

She rolled her eyes, "I said what I said."

Before she could continue, Koda gently tugged on her arm, whispering, "I-it's okay, Bubbles…really…I'm fine," his voice was soft, but Bubbles could hear the hint of sadness behind his words. Like he was defeated.

"Koda…" She looked at him, torn. She could sense that he wasn't fine, but didn't want to cause more trouble. "…okay, let's go."

The woman huffed, "You should listen to your friend, atleast he knows that what I said is the truth. Maybe he can teach you how to respect your elders," and turned to leave with her child, who had some decency to look bit ashamed. Bubbles felt a mix of frustration and concern as they paid for their items. Koda remained quiet, his shoulders slumped, clearly affected by the encounter.

As they stepped outside, Bubbles glanced at him. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked gently.

Koda shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe next time."

Bubbles felt a knot in her stomach. She wanted to help him feel better but didn't want to push. After a moment of hesitation, Koda surprised her by pulling her into a soft hug. "Thanks for being a good friend," he said, his voice muffled against her hair.

Bubbles hugged him back tightly, wishing she could take away his discomfort. "You're welcome, Koda. I'll always be here for you."

They broke apart, and Koda offered a small smile. "Bye, Bubbles and thanks again for today."

"See you tomorrow, Koda!" she called as he walked away, feeling a lingering sadness. The encounter still weighed heavily on her heart. With a sigh, Bubbles decided to take a walk. She needed to clear her mind, hoping that the fresh air would lift her spirits. She found a nearby park and sat quietly on the park bench, lost in thought 'I hope Koda is okay? That woman…she had no right to-' when she suddenly felt a presence nearby.

She turned to see a girl who looked to be about her age, with skin the color of pale moonlight and messy, light pink hair that spiked out wildly. The girl's unusual crimson eyes sparkled with mischief and curiosity. Sharp claws tipped her fingers, and her smile revealed slightly elongated canine teeth, giving her an edgy look that blended cute and fierce.

"Hey there!" the girl exclaimed, her voice high and lively. "I couldn't help but notice you were sad, so I came over to ask. What's with the frown? You're way too cute to look like that!" She giggled.

Bubbles, a bit surprised, managed a small smile in response, although the heaviness in her heart lingered. "Thanks, but… I just had a rough day."

The girl shrugged nonchalantly, leaning against the bench as if they were old friends. "Rough days are like annoying people, they eventually pass away!" she said cheerily, making Bubbles curious about the analogy.

"But hey, you know what?" she abruptly continued. "I've got a bright idea! Let's forget about the idiots of this world and go have some fun!" Before Bubbles could respond, the girl grabbed her wrist and pulled her up with surprising strength.

"W-wait, where are we going?" Bubbles asked, stumbling to her feet, her eyes wide with surprise. "I don't even know your name!"

"To the arcade first, silly!" the girl chirped. "And you can call me Yuki!" she said, dragging Bubbles along. With a grip on Bubbles' wrist that felt like a playful vice, they left the park and headed to the street.

Bubbles didn't know this girl at all; she knew she should have resisted. Yet there was something about Yuki that stirred her sympathy, as if she were hiding something beneath a mask. Trusting her instincts, Bubbles took hold of the girl's hand as well. She turned to face Yuki with one of her kind smiles. "Okay, let's go! Oh, and you can call me Bubbles," she replied, matching Yuki's speed. She didn't notice a slight change in Yuki's expression. "I know! I saw you on TV!" Off they went.

As they approached the neon-lit arcade, Bubbles felt her eyes widen in wonder. The building was adorned with vibrant lights flashing in all colors, drawing in a lively crowd. The sounds of cheerful music, laughter, and the clatter of arcade machines filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere. Bubbles had never been to an arcade before, and the sheer energy of the place was intoxicating.

Inside, the walls were lined with rows of games, each one competing for attention with its flashing lights and catchy sound effects. Yuki pulled Bubbles toward a racing game, her enthusiasm contagious. "Come on! Let's see who's the best driver!"

As they settled into the game, Bubbles felt a rush of exhilaration, different from flying, of course. The vibrant colors of the screen and the rumble of the controls heightened her senses. They played several rounds, laughing and taking goofy selfies with oversized plush prizes, which added to the whimsical atmosphere. Bubbles found herself relaxing, the earlier incident fading into the background like a distant memory. The thrill of competition, mixed with the joy of unexpected friendship, washed over her.

Next, Yuki grabbed Bubbles and led her to a karaoke booth, its walls lined with colorful lights and adorned with fun decorations. "Your turn! Sing something fun!" she insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Bubbles didn't hesitate for a moment; Yuki's infectious enthusiasm encouraged her. She took the microphone, her heart racing as she belted out a bubbly pop song, the lyrics flowing easily as she lost herself in the melody. Yuki danced around her, clapping and cheering loudly, her vibrant spirit bringing a smile to Bubbles' face. The booth was filled with laughter, and for a moment, the world outside felt far away.

Later in the afternoon, after their whirlwind of games and songs, they ended up at a nearby café, where they enjoyed desserts and talked. Bubbles was on her phone, sending a quick text in their group chat.

RedBow: Hey, Bubbles, glad you're doing fine. If it's not a bother, could you please get me a strawberry cheesecake on your way home?

ButtePunch: Yeah! I want chocolate cake from there, too!

RedBow: Buttercup…

ButtePunch: …please

She rolled her eyes fondly, before she sent a quick "yes," and then looked up at Yuki, who merely tilted her head. "Do I have something in my teeth?" she giggled.

Bubbles shook her head. "No, it's not that. I just feel bad that you're not eating. I offered to pay for your food," she said, feeling guilty.

Yuki merely chuckled. "You're sweet," she mused, a glint in her eyes. "But… I don't really have the same food preferences that other normal people do."

Just then, Bubbles groaned, her mood soured as she recalled the earlier events. "Oh, is it something I said?" Yuki asked curiously.

She sighed. "No… just remembering something that happened earlier, that's all," Bubbles shrugged to play it off, but Yuki wasn't having it.

"Oh, come on! I want the delicious details… maybe I can help. I'm a good listener," she persisted.

Bubbles thought it over. She didn't know this person well, but she felt that sharing her experience could help her understand more about the topic they were discussing. So she told Yuki everything that had happened and how it made her feel.

Yuki's expression shifted, a slight frown appearing, then a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, some people are just uncute when they act so ugly towards others." Then her demeanor changed again, a hint of darkness creeping into her smile. "Makes me want to make them all pretty…though, in my own ways," she mused.

Bubbles felt a knot in her stomach. "Yeah, it was awful. This woman was so judgmental. I just don't get why people can't respect each other, no matter how different we all look."

Yuki chuckled, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. "You must be new here or something. People judging others? It's kind of the norm. Those who don't fit into the box get looked down on."

Bubbles frowned, shaking her head. "Even if that's how it is, it's still not right. Everyone deserves kindness. We should all love and understand each other."

Yuki's smile faltered, and she brushed Bubbles off playfully. "Love and understanding? That's a fairy tale, sweetie. People like us," she paused, glancing at her reflection in the window, "are never seen as normal. We live in a world where no one is made equal, and those who have the privilege to accept that—well, let's just say you learn to like being alone."

Bubbles took a deep breath, her heart swelling with empathy. "You know," she said softly, "you're not alone. If you want, I can be your friend."

Yuki paused for a moment, stunned, before a laugh bubbled up from her lips. The sound was unexpected, and Bubbles felt a little taken aback. When Yuki's laughter quickly faded, she smirked. "You're funny. You're serious, aren't you?" she stared. "You spent the day with a stranger, open up to them, and now you want to be friends? What if I was sent to hurt you? Or kidnap you? I could even want to do something more to my taste!" she said with a smirk that exposed her canines.

Bubbles held a blank expression for a moment, then burst into a warm smile that caught Yuki off guard. "Well," Bubbles said, shaking her head gently, "let's just say I know you wouldn't do that, seeing as you had certain chances today. Besides, you seem like a good person, even if you're wearing a mask."

The comment caught Yuki off balance. "What mask? I don't understand what you mean," she replied, trying to play it cool, but there was a slight edge to her voice.

Bubbles took a sip of her tea, contemplating her words. "I understand what it means to be a bit different where I'm from, but I won't pretend to know what you're going through, Yuki. But I'd like you to know we can be friends."

Yuki didn't respond immediately. Instead, she stared at Bubbles, her gaze unfocused. Then she looked away, as if the words had struck a nerve. "Not everyone needs a friend," she muttered, her tone dropping as she stood up.

"Wait, where are you going?" Bubbles asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Yuki turned around, her expression shifting back to a wide, almost unsettling smile. "I suddenly got hungry! The place to get my special food is just a few blocks away."

Bubbles hesitated, a frown forming. "Do you want me to escort you?"

Yuki muttered something under her breath, barely a whisper, but Bubbles couldn't catch it. "Nice talking to you," Yuki said, her smile still plastered on her face as she turned and walked away without looking back.

Bubbles watched her go, a swirl of thoughts racing through her mind. What just happened? The unexpected warmth of their earlier connection felt like a distant memory now. She stood there for a moment, feeling a mix of concern and curiosity about Yuki, before reluctantly turning back toward the café to fulfill her sister's favors.

(-)

Bubbles stood at the counter, double-checking her order with the barista. After handing over the money, she received her treats with a bright smile. "Thank you!" she chirped, her cheerful tone bouncing off the café walls.

Just as she was about to head out, the door swung open, and her heart sank. There, standing before her, was the last person she wanted to see, the same woman from the store. The moment their eyes met, the woman visibly sneered, a look that reminded Bubbles of Bakugou's trademark scowl. 'I guess she's still in a mood?'

Paying her no mind, Bubbles walked past her, the woman reciprocated, barely acknowledging her presence. Finally outside, she took a few steps away from the café, heading toward the train station. Suddenly, a voice called out, "LADY, WAIT!" Bubbles turned to see the little boy from the store running after her, he stopped, catching his breath. Surprised, she asked gently, "Hello, is something wrong?"

The boy didn't say anything, shifting uncomfortably, his face marred with unease. Bubbles sensed it and was about to comfort him when he blurted out, "I-I'm s-sorry for what I did at the store!" he stammered "I d-didn't mean to make your f-friend so uncomfortable. He j-just reminded me of this c-cool video game character, you know…and…I was s-so excited…but I'm really sorry." His misty eyes looked up at Bubbles, overflowing with guilt.

Bubbles was taken aback. She wasn't angry with the boy; her frustration had been directed at his mother. But seeing him take responsibility touched her heart. A warm smile spread across her face as she knelt down, pulling him into a gentle hug. "It's okay," she reassured him softly. "Just try to be more mindful of how your words affect others, okay?"

He nodded against her shoulder, whispering another apology. Bubbles rubbed his back, continuing to soothe him. "Really, it's okay," she said, her voice calm and kind.

After a moment, Bubbles spotted the boy's mother returning from the restroom. Not wanting to stir up any more trouble, she gently encouraged the boy, "Why don't you run back to your mom? She might be worried about you."

The boy nodded, giving her one last hug before racing back inside. Bubbles stood there for a moment, reflecting on the encounter. 'This world isn't like Townsville, but it still has people who are kind and understanding.' She thought, making her way home.

-Unknown alleyway-

Yuki strolled down an eerily quiet street, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. The air felt thick, heavy with a silence that hinted at something lurking beneath the surface. Dilapidated houses loomed on either side, their paint peeling and windows darkened, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

As she walked, she couldn't help but think about the day she had. 'That girl is really weird…Though, I did have fun beating her at the games, today..." she stopped in her tracks "It's a shame I didn't have much of a taste for her in the end; I wonder why?' she thought to herself. '…she looked really strong and sweet,'

"Not alone… friends…" Yuki mused to herself, a faint smile threatened to tug at the corners of her lips. But that thought was quickly overshadowed by the reality of her existence. Just then, a couple of seedy-looking guys stepped out from an alleyway, their expressions leering and predatory. Yuki didn't flinch; she simply regarded them with a bored expression.

"Hey there, little freaky mutant," one of them catcalled, stepping closer. "What's a girl like you doing all alone?"

"Don't you worry," the other chimed in, smirking. "We're just looking out for you. There are some bad people out there who wouldn't take kindly to someone like you." Yuki maintained her cool demeanor, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips. The two men exchanged glances, clearly misjudging her calm. One of them took a step forward, his intentions clear.

"Well, since you have no objecti-" But before he could touch her, Yuki's hand shot out like a flash, gripping his arm with surprising strength. The man's eyes widened in shock as she twisted, applying pressure until he screamed, "Let go!" Her expression remained focused, unwavering. With a swift motion, she released him, sending him stumbling backward into the wall of the alley. He groaned, disbelief washing over his face.

The other guy, anger flashing in his eyes, shouted a stream of profanity. "We were going to go easy on you, but not anymore!" Activating his quirk, with a flick of his wrist, knives extended from his palms, glinting in the dim light.

Yuki smiled, but it was no ordinary smile, it was predatory. "Thank you for the offer," she said, her voice taking on an unsettling tone. "But I don't think you're my type…"

Suddenly, her skin began to dissolve, leaving the men paralyzed with horror. As gray, viscous liquid peeled away from her, it revealed that her skin had been a disguise all along. The girl before them was transformed: her fair skin glowed in the dim light, her crimson eyes shifting to inward-tilting yellow with thin, slit-like irises. Her hair changed to a pale ash-blonde, styled into two messy buns that framed her face.

With a wide smile, she continued, "But…I think you would be cuter if you wore something…red." A maniacal laugh escaped her lips, revealing her sharp, vampiric teeth, before she jumped the screaming men; their voices echoing through the walls.

She sighed. "Yuck! Those guys were disgusting, outside and INSIDE!" the girls remarked, wiping her face of the horrid taste. "Oh well, no accounting for taste, when you're hungry," she shrugged, leaving the bloodied scene, without a care in the world.

Author's Notes:

I know, I know, I'm late! I am sorry, I was working on the Final Exam arc, but got the idea to write, work on and post this chapter first, before the others…please don't attack me with the pitch forks and torches.

My idea was to get the girls to see a little in to hero society in this world, one problem at a time. MHA hero society is bad and I will expose a little bit here and there. I wanted to also write in Koda, so that it can make sense for the next chapters ahead. Bubbles is the most empathetic one of the girls and that is a skill that might help along the way.

If you've already guessed the character that I like, then just comment. It's going to be, one heck of a ride for all of us. And like I said before, I love writing about clothes and food; it's amazing!

As always, R & R, everyone!