Frenzied

(CW: Violence/Gore)

The PowerPuff girls returned to their usual patrol routes, without the extra pair of eyes from their respective partners they were spread a little thin across the city. But they didn't mind it, remembering the main threat and how it was still very real, once they took a day to remember who they are, and making a promise to each other that whatever happens, a man won't have that type of power over each other ever again. Blossom didn't forget her new coat, quite liking the color, and it was nice at cutting the cold for when she had to fly up high. Once she got her head on straight and went back to work, she wondered what Butch was up to during the week that it took to recuperate after the ordeal; she hasn't heard a word from him since. Even calling Sandra, and she claimed that she hasn't seen hide nor hair of her boys, even getting worried about them. After talking with her and calming her down, Blossom agreed that if she had time, she'd go look for them, and she'd hate to admit that she would take extra long in her patrol to try and scan every nook and cranny that he would be hiding in. The only place she hasn't looked is Citysville, even then that might not be a place he would stay for very long without being a headline on the news. Blossom was on top of one of the taller buildings, looking around for anything suspicious as she usually does, spotting a group of people hanging out in the park.

Zooming in she looked at their bag that was open, whether or not they knew she was there she wasn't sure, but she didn't care as she spotted something that they shouldn't have. In the bag there was a vial of something they shouldn't have, Blossom started taking initiative at this point, no longer would she give criminals the option to run as soon as she said halt or stop. She was down there in an instant, the bag in her hand "on the ground, now" Blossom commanded, all of the group was looking at her, three women and a man. "w-what are you doing?" One of them asked, they started backing up and her hunch was correct "you can't outrun me, so I said on the ground" Blossoms voice was lethal as she held the bag. Fishing into it, the vial contained some X seeing as it was leaping at her, Blossom would then look back at the group "you, call the cops" Blossom gestured to the man, he looked at the other three "if you don't, I'll make you crawl to the police station, so do it" the final warning with the familiar buzz of her glowing eyes. The man conceded and called the cops on himself and his friends, Blossom pocketed the vial of X in her coat, still holding the bag "I, I can't go to jail."

"You will, and you'll answer for what you've done" Blossom was judge here, the woman just curled up into a ball and started to cry, however Blossom had no remorse for what she did. Soon the police would arrive and apprehend everyone, she made her report quickly and went back out on patrol, greeting a few civilians here and there. Each of them had enough of playing nice now, they needed to get things done, no more warnings, if there's a threat it needs to be neutralized however possible. Buttercup was following her instincts, swinging first and investigating later, she wasn't one to bide her time to begin with, and she decided to do what she did when she was first labeled a hero. Bubbles would rather talk to the assailants, and that usually worked until the cops arrived or they would even turn themselves in. Blossom would find a nice balance between that, her naturally authoritative voice would command the attention of whoever she wanted, coupled with a few threats she'd never follow through with unless necessary, she got her way, and no one would stop her. Blossom would search the bag for anything noteworthy, a phone and some spare change for the bus, and throw it with all of her might towards the stars.

Blossom wasn't a wiz at phones, as she tapped it open there wasn't even a passcode, a burner for sure. She sat on the corner of a roof, keeping a sharp eye out just in case, either the girls were doing a good job at thwarting their plans, or they were just moving carefully and being caught regardless. Besides all of it though, she managed to find a few texts here and there, but most of it was made over calls. No voicemails, whoever was behind this phone was just smart enough to cover their tracks, but only just. They probably didn't bet on the phone being captured, and it certainly would be a leg up for them. Still, this wasn't a time to celebrate, Blossom wasted no time going back out to act as a sentry. During the twilight hours is when they were most active, everyone getting out of work the streets were usually packed, and it was hard to decipher who was who. However, that didn't stop them, Blossom stayed put in the air, carefully scanning every inch of the crowd as they dispersed. Making herself unseen in the sky, hiding her shadow under a water tower, this felt wrong to spy on the people like this, but it was necessary for the safety of the citizens. Hopefully they understood, and Sara was doing her best to keep the peace in the public, for the most part they got the message, but there were always those that had something to say that thought they were important. This routine is certainly damaging their image, but it's necessary, and they'll just have to deal with it, making Blossom's guilt rise and fall.

As she continued to spot several people of interest, making mental notes should they prove to be in an area that would be a problem later. She didn't want to get too close in case she would spook someone that's not supposed to see her. There were few going into the subway, and there she caught a gang, two women and two men, looking as if they're coming back from the batting cage. Blossom narrowed her eyes, they seemed interesting, she couldn't see in the bags they held, only baseball bats sticking out, they seemed innocent enough, but the back of her head was yelling at her to follow them. And that she did, rounding around to an alleyway and going to ground level, covering up the pink with her coat. Thankfully it was long enough to hide her skirt as well, completely concealed, her hair was tucked behind the hood and the shadow would cast the light from her eyes. Confident enough she began walking amongst the crowd, and tailing this gang, slowly as they went to the subway was cluttered. However, she still had eyes on her target, following them from a distance as she weaved in and out of the crowd, thankful for once in her life that she was so short. Watching them all joke outside the bathroom, the men went in, shortly after the women followed them. Blossom's suspicion turned to disgust, surely, they weren't those types of people, were they?

Blossom would go into the woman's bathroom and hid in a stall, isolating the conversation and using her x-ray vision. The outlines were blurry but she managed to make something out. Whoever else was in there got out quick, four voices remaining, deducing it was who she was trailing, their mediocre conversation turned dire quickly. "You, have it?" One woman asked, after some ruffling around something must've been presented, some hideous laughter afterwards "you wanna try it?" One man asked, the other declined "not yet" she swears she heard him from somewhere before. Blossom refocused, she saw the woman jab something into her arm, drugs maybe? Certainly sounds like hard stuff seeing as her pain-filled groans turned into yells "ah, god this hurts!" She whined, but it stopped eventually, she stood up "try flying" the man who gave her the drug commanded, flying? With drugs? Maybe it was some term she wasn't familiar with, but no, he meant that in the literal sense "how?"
"Like you're weightless, a feather" he said, and she watched in shock and awe as the woman fumbled flying but her feet were off the ground. Blossom's mouth hung open, looking to see if there were any wires or vents or something pulling or pushing her. She shook her head in disbelief, she should do something, but she'll wait until the time is right, maybe they can lead back to where some sort of hideout. "You got it! Almost though, it's weird because there's a balance in the air, it's hard to explain" the man said, he also levitated in the air "gimme some!" The other woman took the vial and mimicked her friend.

Three of the four were now hovering, Blossom needed to tell her sisters immediately, when the fourth one started levitating though, the other three were surprised "dude! Why didn't you tell us you used Z!?" They were all so jovial, it made Blossom nauseous "because I didn't" they all laughed at his joke, but it wasn't a joke. In a flash the last man to fly wielded his hand like a sword. Cutting through the two newest supers effortlessly, the images in Blossoms x-ray were gruesome, seeing top half severed from the bottom half, there would be a tussle with the two, and she reacted just in time. Jumping away she saw the assaulter toss the other to the wall, the smoke and rubble cleared and Blossom finally got a good look at who they were. The one that got tossed like a ball was no one extraordinary, however the veins in his arm were glowing light there was a flashlight underneath. His skin deathly dark, his eyes were beaming with a sickly orange, it was like a prototype of sorts, that she was sure of. As she looked over to the one who decided to take measures into his own hands, her eyes went wide and her teeth were being ground to a fine dust, she recognized him instantly.

Brick.

He paid no attention to her, thinking she was probably just someone who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was ready to jump him for what he did, killing two people who had to face the gavel instead of him. Killing them so easily, like he's done it before, his hand was stained crimson, the only thing missing was the cap to match. Looking over at the assailant, he would go to try and get at Brick, but Blossom put a stop to it, latching onto his ankle she would use all of her strength to slam him into the wall. There was solid ground behind he didn't go through, but it surprised both of them, as she was in motion her hood came down, revealing who she was "you!" the man she growled at her. He was on her instantly, though Blossom was struggling, he was stronger, stronger than she thought someone with bought powers would have. Using her lasers she got him right in the eyes, stunning him as he stumbled backwards right into Brick. He wasted no time, impaling him through the chest and dragging his arm upwards, splitting him in half and showering them both in blood. Blossom has never seen such brutality, was this what he was capable of? What were they all? Brick didn't even have any emotion as he killed three people with his bare hands. Blossom saw through the red and tackled him, bringing him to the other side and pinning him to the wall with all of her might "why did you do that!?" She screeched, though he was unphased "what are you doing here?"

"I'm the one asking the questions god dammit!" Her patience had been worn very thin, first there's a drug that turns people into supers, now she just witnessed a triple homicide "what happened!? Why were they flying!? What did they use!?"
"Why should I answer anything you fucking say!?" Brick pushed her off like she was nothing, what is this? She looked at him in shock, was he that far ahead of her? Was he just busy training his mind and body while Blossom protected the city? He was designed to kill her so it only makes sense, then again it might just be all in her head, Blossom repeated her action, slamming him against the wall now "because there's a lot that needs to be answered for, like how you killed three people without a second thought!"
"Because I had to! You want people like that running around with powers like you or me!?" Brick pushed her off again but Blossom didn't break her grip this time, instead she put him right back in the wall with a crater formed "you're starting to piss me off."
"I don't give a shit" Blossom said "you answer me now" again he pushed her off, harder this time "I'm doin' this as a favor to Butch, you stay away from me, this is your final warn-" he watched the phone fall out of her pocket, the burner she got from the group this morning.

"Where'd you get that?" he asked, Blossom quickly put it back in her pocket "what's it to you?"
"Give it to me"
"Absolutely not, not until you tell me what the fuck the point of all this was" gesturing to the massacre around them, Blossom's senses were overwhelmed, the entire room smelled like copper. So much red, including the person she's interrogating "look give me the phone and you'll never see me again."
"Not in your life, you tell me what you know and I'll give you the phone" is a half lie, she plans on getting every ounce of information she can from him, but he knows that, they think alike after all. A stare down ensued, a tense silence between the two of them, eyes darting around for some sort of tell or opening, they both went to say something but they heard sirens. Despite being caught in the act Blossom had nothing to do with this, but the law won't see it that way "Fuzzy's cabin, meet me there" Brick wasted no time running, busting the door down. Blossom cursed like a sailor as she too managed to escape unseen, a blur of pink of red as the crowd didn't even notice them, only the savagery that appeared in the bathroom. Soon the police and fire department would appear, Blossom felt as if she could go down there and give a statement, fighting against her nature to put herself and her sisters in a good light. But as far as they're concerned, they weren't involved.

Blossom looked down at her hands and then the rest of her, she was nearly covered head to toe in blood, all because of that wretched person who dares share the same mind as her. Blossom went high, higher than ever before, busting through the clouds she let out a blood curdling cry, hoping that whatever god was up here would be forced to listen to it. First the man she loves has been lying to her the whole time and she's had to wrestle with that in a deep fit of depression. Following the sadness the city was put under martial law, what they tried to keep hidden was made public, and while they understood, Blossom could feel that there was some trust lost. Immediately after that she witnessed three people get cut down by someone, she knows she can overpower, but couldn't, something happened to them over the last decade. She can't understand it, and that's what irritates her the most about it. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup were the heroes, they were the embodiment of justice and all that was good in the world, but her reflection in her palms spoke nothing about that. She failed to stop Brick, she failed to find Butch, she failed to try and figure out what was going on by herself. She couldn't even cry, she shed more than her weight in tears, she just took a deep breath and collected herself.

Blossom made her way to the cabin, if she doesn't have answers, Brick certainly will. What Butch said when they first met comes to mind 'dirty hands keep the world clean' and maybe, just maybe, he was right.

"Have any tips on getting blood out of clothes?" Blossom asked, she can't remember the last time she bled, never thinking to look into it. Brick brought a spare change of clothes, seeing as he was hanging out here. A corkboard full of string and persons of interest, she admired the detective work, thinking back to her own in her room "bleach works" the person behind all of this came out of the shoddy kitchen. Two mismatched mugs of tea "hot water and soap, good luck finding any though" he took a sip as he looked at her up and down "nice coat."
"Nice ribbon" Blossom gestured to the ribbons that Bubbles uses to tie up her pigtails, it was looped in the back of his cap where the clasp was. Brick let out a scoff as he sat on the counter "there a reason why you were following me?"
"Right time, right place" Blossom said, thinking the coat was clean enough and put it back on, way too big for her, but she didn't mind. "Right," Brick said, taking the phone she had and looking at it. "Well, I figured you wanted answers, so, ask away" he said, glancing over at her. Blossom took a seat on the rickety stool "…how is he?"
"He's fucked up, we all are" Brick clapped his hands together, looking over at Blossom "if you were Bubbles, I think I'd break, but you're not, so I'm gonna hold it together until I see her again."
"You haven't?" Brick shook his head "nah, nah not until I get this shitty feeling out of my system."
"Good luck with that" Blossom took a sip, earl gray, a fine choice "she misses you, y'know, she's been in such a rut over the whole thing."

"Can't say I blame her, we did lie after all" they both made eye contact with the floor, both giving a deep sigh, emotions are an awful thing "it was understandable" Blossom finally said "explain" Brick would have her full attention. "Thinking back on it, I don't think the reaction was out of the question. But, if you came back as yourselves, we'd… well it would just be history repeating itself" she can imagine they'd fight and it would just be the same thing over and over "I get it, but, for Bubbles' sake, don't do it again. Poor girl can't take much more heartbreak" Brick clenched his jaw as he was deep in thought. Blossom could tell that he took that to heart "it won't happen again, you can tell her that."
"I'll be sure to pass the message on." Brick nodded, though he was clearly shaken, and rightly so. They all fucked up royally and are in fear of losing someone they hold dearly "she loves you."
"I know" Brick took his hat off and ran a hand down his now long hair, looks like it grows fast "I love her too."
"Haven't said it yet?" Brick shook his head "didn't feel right when I wasn't myself, if I'm gonna say it I should be Brick, not Alex." Sitting here he wondered if he knew Mojo was alive, but she promised Sandra that she wouldn't say a word about it "that's fair" was all Blossom said. There they stayed in a neutral quiet, periodically taking drinks of their tea, unsure of who would say what first "how much of that did you see?" That being the incident in the bathroom "did you recognize me? Why did you follow me?"
"No, I followed because two women went into the men's bathroom."
"You're into that?"
"Pig."
"Voyeur." They share a bit of a smirk "it was a hunch I guess, feminine intuition."
"Well whatever it was, you saw it, and you know that it's dangerous."

"What is 'it' Brick?" Brick would go to a separate room, the bedroom, beckoning her over it was a small makeshift lab "it is something I don't think I've ever seen." Blossom did a three sixty, it wasn't anything like a school or her dads lab, but it was good for whatever he needed it for. Brick took out a vial of orange fluid, it was unstable inside the glass, going haywire in every which way, leaping to Brick, and then trying to jump at Blossom "what the" Blossom took the vial and looked inside. Zooming in she saw that whatever it was, was alive, small parasitic entities were frenzied, scrambling to try to get to Blossom through the glass "this is how X reacts." Blossom said, handing the vial back, Brick would put it on the table between them "it is, I'm still not sure if it's X or something else" she crossed her arms "this is what they were shooting up?" Brick nodded slowly as he took out the syringe, it didn't look like any medical syringe she's seen. It had a pressure release and a needle that was about half a foot in length, hefty, dangerous even. She recalled seeing these around the city but when the professor was tasked with finding out what it was, there was absolutely no residue leftover for him to sample. "If I had a proper lab then maybe we could figure it out" Brick hinted "just so happens I have one at home."
Blossom looked over, both of them unimpressed with one another "street name is frenzy, but I've heard Z too."
"Chemical Z" Blossom clicked, this wasn't a drug, from what she deduced there was no addictive properties, though that was only a surface theory. There was too much of a coincidence that this 'drug' if it could even be called that, would give people actual powers. If this was mass produced then it would be pure chaos everywhere "how many times have you done that?"
"You don't wanna know" Brick said, Blossom left it at that. It didn't feel right, but the results were too good to ignore. She needs to start playing dirtier if she wants to get ahead, though taking a life is something that she doesn't think she'll be able to do "they missed a letter though." Blossom said, Brick went still "don't tell me there's two different agents."
"Not, really" Brick would go over to the dresser, it was stacked to the brim with pens, notes, and files, he pulled out one file and put it in Blossoms hands "what's this?"
"Chemical Y" the manilla folder cracked open and there she saw it. Notes upon notes of Mojo Jojo's homebrewed chemical. What the dreaded RowdyRuff boys are made of, all in his own handwriting "why are you giving me this?"
"To answer your next question that you're probably not going to ask" Brick would shake the vial, if she listened close enough, she could hear those leeches inside screaming "how I was able to push you off so easily." Brick got her, that was going to be something she wanted to know. It just didn't make sense, she put up a fight when they were all younger, sometimes it was a loss, but most of the time she came out on top. She just clocked what Butch meant by the girl he played with when he was younger, then what he followed up with after that. Clearing her throat and ignoring the blush she looked to him "you have a theory?"

"Something like that" Brick put his cap in his hands as he ran Bubbles' ribbon through his fingers "when's the last time you faced a threat? A real one?" Blossom humored him "the doppelgangers, or, clones, or whatever they are."
"Before them" Blossom scanned the floor again and slowly denied anything "you guys, when we were around eleven, twelve maybe?"
"And the reason you beat us so easily is because from five years of age, to twelve you were fighting something each and every day. You were beyond the peak, you were nowhere near the top of your game, you broke the bracket" Blossom realized his theory might be a bit true. It all made sense when looking at the big picture "how did you come to that realization?"
"Because this, Y, this stuff puts at the top all the time" Brick pointed at the envelope "Me, Boomer and Butch, right now we're the top dogs. Not for nothin' Blossom but I could kill you if I wanted to" she gave him a look, and he backtracked "that's just an example. Right now you are in the prime of your life, you're a little below what you were back then."
"Brick, this is one hell of a hypothesis."
"But the studies don't lie" Blossom thought back on it, the only times they were beaten was when it was some sort of mental villain they were fighting. Toying with her emotions and feelings, one such being was Femme Fatale, remembering her as someone she used to think was a hero. Now she's washed up with the rest, how dare she toy with the minds of children like that "I know that you only operate with facts, and while our little experiment has yet to be proven, it-"

"I think I know a way that won't be too hard" Blossom went back to the dining room and put two chairs facing each other on the small dining table "arm wrestling." Brick nodded along; it was easier than a spar that's for sure. They would clasp hands and Blossom took the test a bit further, without warning she would start pushing with as much strength as she could, granted she hasn't had much in the way of healthy food or sleep, but Brick didn't so much as flex. Blossom let out one final grunt before giving up, she was sweating with the amount of force she was giving "this has to be a joke."
"I'm laughing" he smiled, Blossom gave him a nasty sneer "okay so, even if it is right what does it matter? It's not like there's bad guys running around and monsters parading in the city like there used to be" Blossom challenged, Brick didn't have an answer for that one. They both sat and stared at the floor, the table, the poorly decorated walls, Blossom's mind went bright "exercise!" She said with such enthusiasm, Brick didn't get it "how do you exercise when you're already one of the strongest people on the planet?"
"We have an answer at least" Blossom wasn't sure what kind of training regiment she would need but, surely there was something out there that she could conjure up. Surely it wouldn't be too hard when there are things heavier than weights out there, she remembers Buttercup being able to lift a mountain with ease, could she even do that again? Either way they would need to start with something smaller "you're better off asking Butch for help with that, I don't know anything about a workout routine for supers."

"I was partially hoping you wouldn't say that" she slumped back into her seat, defeated, pulling her coat around her for some sort of protection. A habit she hated and liked at the same time, taking a deep breath the dust of the cabin filled her lungs. She hated it, but it's got to be a necessary evil for the greater good "it makes sense." Brick looked at her, wondering what she was thinking "well, out of all of you he can hit the hardest right?"
"Yeah but there's not a thought behind those eyes."
"I saw his math test."
"That he paid me to d-" he stopped "you… saw his math test?" Blossom nodded; Brick ran a hand over his face "so I take it you saw mom?" Mom, such a strange word to see him say. This entire time up until now she thought of him and his brothers as orphans, causing chaos where they wouldn't be challenged by anyone or anything "I did."
"What'd she say?"
"Apart from the embarrassing baby pictures she said she misses you, all of you" Brick fell back in his creaky seat "yeah, yeah I expected that."
"Can I ask why? Of all people" Brick scanned the room like Blossom does when she's thinking of a proper answer, never realizing how alike they were in their mannerisms "to this day I still couldn't give you an answer" he gave a slow shrug "maybe, she treated us like kids and not some, monsters I guess." It was an acceptable answer, they all changed for the better, mostly "I don't think she would approve of what you did though."
"She wouldn't" Brick locked eyes with her "and I'd appreciate it if it stayed between us" Blossom contemplated that and took it as an opportunity.

"I hate lying but, fine if you tell me…" she steadied her nerves, now was the time "if you tell me where Butch is" it had been long enough she thinks. A month and a week were long enough to sort her feelings, even if new ones had arisen from very recent moments. She hoped and prayed he was able to reign himself in and not cause a bloodbath, gulping hard at the thought of him going ballistic in a place like that. Hopefully he was still recognizable if she managed to find him. Looking to Brick who was like stone, eventually he leaned forward with an extended hand "deal" he said, and the pact was sealed once she returned the handshake "he's in Citysville. Matter of fact he's been there ever since, well, you know." Indeed, she does, she knows all too well about it, but it needed to be done and over with so she could move on with her life "just don't be too harsh on him. We're all devastated about what happened."
"What did he do?"
"If you think what I did was bad?" and he left it at that. Blossom felt her eyes swell; tears were threatening to fall but she refused, fighting them back in her tear ducts. "He's still doing good work, just in his own way."
"I'll be the judge of that." She would find it tough to see him in such a state, she's not rightly sure what she would do when they're face to face after such a long time. One way to know however is to go there and see for herself, wondering how twisted he might've become "I want to thank you Brick."
"For?"
"For not being worse" he couldn't help but look at her like she had a second head, or maybe even a third "all I'm saying is, with what transpired, you had every reason to go back to your old self. And while murder isn't the best option, you saved a lot of innocent lives today." Brick leaned back some, listening to her "your mother would be proud of what you're doing, and so would Bubbles."

Brick just sat there silently, giving a slight shake of the head "I don't think so but the thought is appreciated" as close to a 'thank you that means a lot' as she'll get. There they sat once more, quietly, with a deep sigh from both parties, they both stood up at the same time "did you want me to tell Bubbles that you're here?" Brick opened his mouth, not trusting his voice he just gave her the okay, Blossom would agree with him and take the vial from the bedroom "I'll take this with me and I'll text you about what I find."
"Which reminds me" Brick grabbed the burner from earlier "if you find more of these let me know. This asshole thinks he can outsmart me, and I intend to prove him wrong."
"What are you going to do with those?"
"If I can get enough, I can at least narrow down where he's making these calls from, or at least get it to what place he's calling from. That way we're not bouncing between three major cities and hoping for the best."
"Can't he track you back?"
"Fuck no, I've got a VPN. As far as they know I'm calling about his car insurance or some shit" Blossom figured she'd leave it all up to him. Agreeing to bring back any burners she happens to find, maybe the police are willing to part with some evidence if she can convince them. Either way, with a quick goodbye, Blossom departed into the night towards home, if one could call it that. Ever since that debacle with all of them involved things have been rather uneasy around the house, and while it's slowly being repaired, that didn't mean that the process was going swimmingly.

Blossom was lost in thought as she made sure the flight home was leisurely, hesitating seeing her father while he still disapproves of his daughter's choice in love. Half the time it feels as if she's the only one that still cares about that, but it's dwindling, now that she knows where Butch is there's no telling what will happen. Part of her expects herself to be so inconsolably furious at him for putting her through that torment, going to lash out and do what damage she can, even then it won't be enough. Another part of her was going to break down in tears and feel his warm, protective arms over her again, as if nothing ever happened, as if it was all just one big misunderstanding and they can go back to the way things were. And the last part, the part that she recognizes as the most logical one, was to sit down and talk with him about how she felt, explain to him that if he ever did that again, if he ever lied to her about something so grand, they would be done. Partners in business sure, but she would forego any attempt at a relationship ever, not wanting to feel as devastated as she did. Blossom felt as though that was a fair thing to ask, if he wants her, just tell her the truth from here on out, fool me once and all that. She was preoccupied with her approach that she didn't hear what sounded like a rocket go by her, first the sound, then the massive rush of air.

Thinking it was Berserk again she was ready, but with the streak of blue she realized it was her sister. Bubbles looked as if she was going to be the first to bridge the gap, Blossom couldn't help but feel a bit proud, but as she turned the same series of events followed. Bubbles was trying hard to stop "Blossom!" She yelled, going up to her. Bubbles was pink in the face and out of breath, her hair a disheveled mess, it seems they could all go through a routine. As far as she remembers her sweet sister was like a bolt of lightning, faster than any eye could track, but she was gasping for air like a fish out of water now. Hopefully Brick will explain everything "hey."
"Did you see him?" She asked, Blossom nodded "I did."
"How did he look?" her bright blue eyes held nothing but panic and fear, from what she rightly didn't know. Fearful from seeing him after what felt like an eternity, Blossom understood that, and it would be no secret that Brick would feel the same way "miserable without you." Bubbles would then look back at the forest, chewing on her fingernails "should I?"
"Yes, you should" Blossom would zip up her coat "he misses you; he's been working nonstop the same as us." Bubbles would only agree, Blossom managed to tear her hand away from her mouth "just explain how you feel. He may not have been patient with me but for you? He'd find a way to stop time just to hear you talk forever."
"And we both know I can talk a lot" she giggled nervously, to no one's surprise. Blossom would make sure that her sister was presentable. Brushing her hair, fixing her clothing "slow down, okay? He'll be there" Bubbles gave an unstable nod, her poor heart felt like it was going to give out.

Bubbles didn't say much of anything but she gave her sister a nice, big hug, not much else needed to be said as Bubbles didn't listen and sped right away. The force of such a takeoff nearly toppled Blossom, but she laughed nonetheless as she saw the streak disappear. Blossom would continue on her journey towards home, the vial felt as if it was burning a hole in her pocket, and for all she knew it very well might be. Taking it out again to look at it, it was like liquid gold with an orange hue, even to the naked eye it seemed to be moving on its own. This Frenzy or, Z, as it's being called, could very well spell out the destruction of modern civilization. What she wants to know is why bother giving it to civilians? Why not war criminals and those with a real mean streak? Maybe it was using the public as a controlled group, testing on them was easier than convincing a warlord to try this new, highly experimental super serum. After looking at it for far too long she went back to her home, picking up the pace just a bit more.

As she flew she went over town central, there she saw the crime scene from before, police had closed off part of the subway and the entrance, no doubt in her mind that it would make the news in the morning, if it hasn't already for night owls. Blossom stayed a moment to watch everything, the hype of the place died down, it was a Friday night and most everyone stayed indoors. Realizing that Townsville was still a dangerous place after all, she could only give a small laugh at the whole situation "what's so funny?" Looking over to see Buttercup, they both looked down at the caution tape flapping in the breeze "Townsville's still a dangerous place. But it was just a nice gap between then and now."
"It's been way too long since something exciting happened here."
"If that's what you want to call it, far be it from me to tell you otherwise" Buttercup and Blossom would lean on each other as they hovered. Buttercup wasn't a hugger, that much she knew, this was about as intimate as she's willing to get with her family "how was he, Buttercup?" Buttercup said nothing for a moment "he didn't look good, Blossom, as your sister I think it's not the best idea to go near him, not now."
"That bad huh?" Blossoms fear was realized "I wasn't going to see him now anyway, there's something I need to do first."
"Like?"
"Sleep" with a soft laugh between the two, Blossom continued "I just hope he's not like that forever."
"He won't be, you'll knock some sense into him."
"But what if I-"

"Blossom" Buttercup demanded her attention, putting both hands on her shoulders so they could look at each other "you, out of all people, have the power to pull him out of this funk. He would not shut the fuck up about you, even in his… psycho babbling." That brought a tinge of comfort, at least he won't swing immediately "you got this, ok? He's still yours" Blossom gave a harsh sniff, putting a hand on each of Buttercup's arms "you think so?"
"I know so" what surprised Blossom the most was another hug, she couldn't fight it this time as a stray tear managed to fall, tightly hugging her sister back. Wordlessly they agreed that there was more to be done, with one last hug they continued on, glancing back to make sure they were okay. Blossom finally sped down to her home, landing on the doorstep, she went to open the door with a vial in hand but, strangely it was locked. Nearly busting it down she twisted the handle to make sure it wasn't stuck, she was unimpressed, her dad acting like a child locking his daughters out of the house. When he made a curfew, she didn't expect him to follow through with it, however she continued her rebellious streak, breaking the handle and coming into her own home. It felt heavy in here, she didn't like it, but she was a grown woman now, she needed to make decisions that started benefiting her. Looking at the island in the kitchen there was already something there, two things in fact, one was a cartridge for a rifle, the other looked like actual drugs. Both of them however had the same color as what she was carrying.

Z came in multiple forms, wondering what the bag was, she could see that it was resealed. Maybe more testing by whatever vile person concocted such a mess, there were two sticky notes on each one. The round was in Bubbles handwriting, the bag in Buttercups and a lot more curt with her message. Blossom decided to fill the gap and place her own findings there as well, this is the second time she's last when her sisters brought home something, there will not be a third. She stretched her limbs as far as they'll go, contemplating going to bed here, but she'd rather not get an earful from her dad in the morning, or worse, get interrupted while sleeping. Blossom would go back to the door and shut it as best she could, locking it from the inside, it did the trick as she went back up into the sky wondering where she could sleep if anywhere. The clouds were always nice but they were far too cold and unpredictable, the rooftops were rough and tough and far from comfortable. There was even the option of sleep-flying, which it seems that Buttercup was the only one to master, however Blossom was out of options, or so she thought.

With a laugh to herself she went over to the one place where she knew she could get some good shuteye. Hopefully Sandra didn't mind her spending the night again as she zipped on by, stopping at the house in a flash. The lights were still on despite the hour, Blossom actually called ahead this time to make sure that she was still invited "hey Ms. Keane."
"Blossom, hi! Everything okay?"
"Yeah! Well… well no, I-I was wondering if it was okay to spend the night at your house again? Things aren't good at home and-"
"Say no more, I'll have some clothes laid out for you" Blossom breathed a sigh of relief "thank you so much Ms. Keane."

"Of course!" After a short goodbye and a bit of waiting, Blossom eventually knocked on the door and was let inside "is everything okay?" Sandra asked, that being the first thing she did after a hello and a hug. Blossom was polite enough to take her shoes off by the door "it's been a hell of a night" they sat on the couch and talked about what Blossom had been through. Sandra was glad that her sons were in good condition, or, alive for lack of a better word, Blossom explained that they were probably all ashamed of what they were doing, and there's no way they could face her with what's at stake. She kept her word and didn't mention any type of murder or violence, keeping it all on a need-to-know basis. Sandra was at least satisfied with her answers "just tell them to come home, please? I miss them" it has been a wild ride these past few months, and Blossom can hardly blame her for her reaction "I miss my little boys so much." She began tearing up, Blossom wasted no time in holding her teacher until she let it all out.

She had to hold it together for both of their sakes, Blossom doesn't know when but she knows that she'll see Butch soon, and it's still scary to know how she'll react to it all. Only when the chips are down will she know what hand to play, eventually Sandra broke away "I-I'm sorry, it's just been so hard without hearing from them for this long. Oh, my little Boomie" Blossom would definitely tell Buttercup about this little nickname. "Ah, they're grown men! They can take care of themselves" Sandra cemented, trying to convince herself that they were safe and sound. A mother's worry is a sight to behold, even as she knows that her sons are godlike beings, she can't help but think about them all the time "did you want some tea Blossom?
"No, thank you, I think it's best we try and get as much sleep as we can. You must be exhausted" even if she didn't admit it, Sandra looked like she'd been up day and night creating a rut in the floor with all of her pacing "maybe." Sandra yawned, an obvious betrayal "did you want me to wash that coat for you?" Blossom looked down at her jacket, fear spiking in case she missed any bloody spots "oh I washed it this morning, but thank you for the offer!"

After a few more minutes of talking, they both retired to bed. Blossom stripped her outer clothing off, putting the jacket back on and crawling into Butch's bed. The bear was still by his pillow, she wasted no time snatching the plushie and snuggling with it. Her eyes weren't shut all the way as she stared out to the moon, a half moon tonight. Playing a loose string on the bear she looked right at him "I wonder what secrets you have" she challenged, but as expected, she was met with nothing. Now she knew she was going nuts, trying to forget everything that happened from today, all of that blood still fresh in her mind. She got to thinking if she was capable of such a feat, Brick did it as an afterthought, not waiting a second to end those responsible. Blossom believed that if it came down to it, if the person was truly as horrible as she believed, she would be able to follow through with it. Alas, this won't be put to the test anytime soon she believes, at least she hoped so. The last shred of morality would go as soon as she took a life, and that's one thing she wants to hold onto for as long as she's able. Though, she's not sure for how long that would be applicable.

Eventually Blossom would overthink herself to sleep, her eyes became heavy, and while her sleep was dreamless to begin with, it was to the point that every time she tried to enter a deep sleep, Butch's face would flash in her mind. She wanted more of that.

She wanted him.

PPG belongs to the soul devourer Cartoon Network & Craig McCracken