Endless Possibilities

Endless Possibilities

Author's Note: And the story is about to start moving again, this detour into side-plot is coming to a close. And...things can only get darker before they turn pitch black.

Chapter 12

XxXxX

“So how exactly does it work?” Buttercup asked, arms crossed, watching her sisters carefully. The three stood in the Danger Grid, Ms. Keane monitoring them from the other end. Buttercup had finally convinced her sisters to join her, primarily so that she could force them to teach her their new attack.

“It's kind of complicated, and like we said before. We really don't like doing it,” Blossom explained, mitt to her chin. Bubbles nodded, her hands clasped behind her back.

“Yeah, it makes us really dizzy...” She muttered. Buttercup rolled her eyes and clenched her fists, determination set in her eyes.

“I don't care! It was really strong, and I hate being left out! Teach me!” She shouted, narrowing her eyes toward the end. Blossom sighed and rubbed her shoulder, glancing back toward the window. On the other side, Ms. Keane was grading the tests they took earlier that day. The Hotline still hadn't rang. They certainly had the time.

“Well alright, but don't get frustrated if you don't get it right away, it's pretty hard. Bubbles and I just...it was really lucky that it worked the first time, we had to practice a lot to get it where it is now,” Buttercup nodded, stepping back as Blossom and Bubbles stood side by side. Bubbles turned, facing more towards Blossom, leaning lower while Blossom leaned backward. Blossom cleared her throat and looked at Buttercup.

“Alright...so the important part is the Screwdriver. This is done by achieving just the right amount of equilibrium in the air and altering one another's flight pattern to create a drilling movement, like so,” Blossom pushed off the ground, flying in very slow motion. Bubbles stepped toward her, linking her arm through Blossom's while her sister went over top of her. Blossom tugged upward on Bubbles' arm, lifting her off the ground. At the same time, Bubbles tugged on Blossom's arm, pulling her underneath her. The result was the two swirling slowly around each other.

“See? It may look easy, but that's only because we've practiced. If one of us pulls too hard, we through the other off balance. If someone spins too fast, you go out of control. It's very delicate...” The two came out of the spiral and landed, Blossom grinning smugly at Buttercup, “Which is why I don't think you can do it,” Buttercup growled and clenched her fists, stomping up next to Blossom.

“I'll show you I can be delicate! C'mon, Red, let's do this,” Buttercup enunciated the insulting nickname, relishing in the way Blossom bristled and glared. Blossom turned, leaning back slightly. She frowned, noticing that Buttercup was doing the same movement.

“No that's wrong, you're supposed to go under, lean forward,” Buttercup huffed and crossed her arms.

“Why do I have to go under? I can lead just as good as you!” Blossom groaned and put her hands on her hips, leaning toward Buttercup.

“See? That's the attitude I was talking about! It's not about leading, Buttercup! Just go under me and we can work on the pull. That's the hardest part,” Buttercup scowled, but begrudgingly leaned forward, facing toward Blossom as she'd seen Bubbles do before. Blossom nodded and leaned back, getting into position.

“Okay...one...two...three!” Blossom pushed off the ground and flew slightly around Buttercup, linking arms with her sister. Buttercup stepped forward and roughly yanked on Blossom's arm, pulling her around and face first into the ground. Buttercup paused and blushed, crossing her arms.

“W-What? I didn't know how hard you were going to pull!” Blossom hissed and rubbed her sore face, sitting up and glaring at Buttercup.

“Be...gentle...delicate...like...a flower...” The green puff rolled her eyes, but nodded and the two got into position again. Blossom pushed off, going over Buttercup and linking arms with her. Buttercup waited until she felt Blossom pull on her arm, pulling back with the same strength. She flew into the air too fast and the two went spiraling out of control, landing in a heap on the ground. They bitterly pulled away from each other, throwing flustered glares as much as insults.

“Buttercup! Are you even trying!? You. Need. To. Focus!” Buttercup blushed and shoved her mitt into Blossom's chest.

“I'm trying! You're just mad because you're a bad teacher!” Blossom blushed and narrowed her eyes, sparks flying between them. Several more attempts at performing a slow spiral were made, all ending in the same painful failure. Blossom sat up, tears in her eyes, rubbing her very sore face. There was a budding red spot on her forehead from constant faceplants.

“I can't take this anymore! You just can't do it! I...I need to go get some Tylenol...” Sniffling, Blossom stomped to the door, throwing another harsh glare over her shoulder at Buttercup. The green puff sighed and glared at the door, which almost seemed to slam shut despite being on a slider. Buttercup turned to look at Bubbles, who smiled sheepishly.

“Um...I could try to help you learn Buttercup,” Buttercup blinked and smiled gratefully. She jumped to her feet.

“Are you sure? You...you think I can do it?” Bubbles tilted her head back and forth, considering the question. Really she was just teasing Buttercup, she liked making her tomboy sister squirm for once. Bubbles giggled and nodded, grabbing Buttercup's hand.

“Of course! We just gotta keep practicing! C'mon, I'll let you go on top,” Buttercup smiled and nodded, leaning back as she'd seen Blossom do. Bubbles stepped forward as Buttercup flew over. The two linked arms and with a slight tug, Bubbles ended up thrown into the air. Buttercup swallowed and laughed sheepishly, catching Bubbles as she fell back to the floor.

“Sorry...I just can't get that right,” Bubbles giggled and waved her hands, shaking her head.

“No way that was fun! Just...you're trying too hard. You gotta trust me, it'll work, I promise,” Buttercup blushed and set her sister down. She sighed and glared at the door. She had no reason to not trust Bubbles. At the very least, she wanted to learn to spite Blossom.

“Alright, let's try it again,” Bubbles smiled and the two got into position once more.

XxXxX

“James...please pick up this is very important. Please...oh! Hello James!”

“Cassie? What time is it there? I'm so sorry, I've been away from my phone...”

“No, it's alright James! You're very busy, it's understandable...speaking of which. Have you made any discoveries?”

“I think...I'm on the trail of something. I can't make any promises, but it just feels...right,”

“That's wonderful! Oh James, the girls will be so happy to hear that you're doing well. I'm so happy to hear you're doing well...it's been very strange without you around,”

“Oh um...well I...I...yes. I've...missed you as well Cassie,”

“Oh James...no, no I don't have time to get sidetracked. James, there is something very important I need to discuss with you,”

“What would that be? Are...are the girls alright? Please say they aren't hurt! Oh my babies, I'll come home right now! Wait...why are you laughing?”

“Jim, you are so funny! Relax, your girls are just fine! In fact...they've even been making some new friends,”

“That's...wonderful news. For a second there I thought...”

“Well you see...I'm calling you not just as a worried guardian but...as a worried teacher as well,”

“Oh no! God why did this have to happen? No! Oh I knew I should have never left...you're laughing again...”

“Jim, pleas you have to stop! I'm going to wake the girls up! Oh...oh just a moment...I need to catch my breath...alright...okay...”

“Cassie, what's wrong?”

“Well James, you see...Blossom has been very distracted lately,”

“Oh? That's very unusual...she loves school! How are her grades?”

“Well they're the same as always, of course! Whether she's paying attention or not, she's very, very far ahead of the rest of the class. I actually have her tutoring another student now...no I can't brag about her. This is too important,”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“James I just...I don't know how to say this...I've never had this problem. At least not to this degree. It's common for little girls to have crushes but-”

“WHAT?! M-My baby has a crush?! On whom?! What's he like!? Tell me everything! I am coming back immediately! This is unacceptable, my daughter needs me! Oh no, she must be acting out because I left. Oh God where did I go wrong?! We'll need to get a counselor and...Cassandra you really need to control yourself! This is a serious issue!”

“Jim! Stop it please! Oh my Lord, please stop! Please...oh...James...there is nothing wrong with Blossom having a crush. It just...well we can agree that she is very mature for her age, yes?”

“Well yes...yes I'm sorry, Cassandra it's just...”

“No I understand...but James...I don't know if I should talk to her or not, I wanted your input. The looks I see on her face...it's very different from the time Buttercup had a crush on Ace,”

“Um...who was that?”

“He's the leader of the Gangreen Gang. It didn't last very long,”

“Oh well that's good...what about Blossom though?”

“Well she's been...oh how can I explain this? James I think she's...having very...mature...problems. She doesn't act like a little girl with a crush, she acts like a teenager,”

“Um...well...I'm not quite sure...I follow you...”

“I knew this would be difficult...well you see...James I think I...Blossom needs to be told about certain...workings of the body. Workings that I'm sure you were not looking forward to discussing,”

“...Oh...oh...OH! Oh my...oh...but how? She's only...but...”

“Well James, it's not uncommon in children. I just think she's very confused right now. She locks herself in the bathroom, she's not sleeping at nap time, and though she seems nervous at bedtime...she seems very excited as well,”

“Well...Cassandra you are...infinitely more well-versed in these matters than I could ever claim to be. I...trust you, and I will respect whatever decision you make,”

“James...then I'll talk to her...I'm sorry to keep you from your work,”

“No, I'm sorry to keep you awake so late. Sweet dreams Cassie...tell my girls I love them,”

“Of course James...good luck...”

XxXxX

The day had rolled on at a regular pace. Hostilities were are the lowest they'd been since Jack Wednesday arrived with the newest students. As the class began their weekly history lesson, the course of things took a sudden change for the surreal. Though, in recent times the classroom dynamic had suffered a notable lag with Blossom's steady withdrawal.

“Now does anyone remember the name of our first president? Yes Buttercup!” Ms. Keane grinned brightly; she was always thrilled when Buttercup answered a question that didn't involve her being in trouble.

“George...Washington?” The smile on her face grew as Ms. Keane nodded and leaned against her desk, looking at her notes.

“Very good Buttercup! Now, continuing our review for Friday's test...what is the name of the national landmark that has four of our presidents carved into it?” Ms. Keane had finally found a subject Buttercup took a liking to, the green puff's hand shot up in the air, among the others. Ms. Keane giggled, very proud of her class.

“Oh my! A lot of answers! Let's ask...” She was cut off by a sharp answer near the middle of the room.

“Mount Rushmore!” Brick belted out, turned around in his seat, fierce glare locked on Buttercup. Buttercup smirked and rolled her eyes, shrugging with effortless nonchalance. Ms. Keane sighed and shook her head. She paused, a thoughtful smile spreading across her lips. If there was a surefire way to increase productivity, competition certainly factored into it.

“That's correct Brick...but I don't make me remind you again, please wait for your turn to answer,” Brick shrugged and crossed his arms, meeting Buttercup's glare. Ms. Keane bit her lip, almost feeling guilty. Almost, but she had to admit, it was cute to watch.

“Who discovered America in 1492?” Both hands went up, Brick's just a bit quicker than Buttercup's. Buttercup gave Ms. Keane a pleading look, but Ms. Keane shook her head and turned to Brick.

“Yes Brick?” Brick grinned, sticking his tongue out at Buttercup.

“Columbus!” Ms. Keane nodded, checking the question off her notes. She noticed that, with few exceptions, the students were looking at her in confusion. Ms. Keane glanced at Buttercup and Brick, seeing that their attention was drawn, and quickly winked at the others. Before too long, the classroom was divided into two factions, each quietly rooting for their pick of the two. Ms. Keane was giddy with excitement. It wasn't every day that the students were this enthralled in her lecture.

“Okay...here's the last question...who...wrote the Declaration of Independence?” Two hands shot up at blinding speed. Ms. Keane looked around the room, the rest of the class trying to help influence who she called on. The teacher bit her lip, looking back and forth between the two.

“And let's here from...Buttercup!” Brick slammed his hand down on the table, groaning and falling face first against the hard surface. Buttercup jumped up in excitement, showing educational enthusiasm for the first time anyone could remember. She laughed smugly, hands on her hips.

“Thomas Jefferson!” Ms. Keane clapped, laughing.

“Very good job!” The bell rang, just at that moment, signaling the call to recess. Brick jumped up from his seat in a fury.

“That's not fair! C'mon I'll clobber you at dodgeball!” Buttercup laughed and hovered over to her newly formed adversary.

“Yeah right! You're about to get beat by a girl, again!” Brick's face turned bright red, and with a sideways grin, he and Buttercup were outside, a crowd of students flying after them. Blossom started to float towards Boomer's table, but Ms. Keane shook her head, smiling at Boomer.

“Boomer, you go ahead and go out to recess,” Boomer stared back in confusion, looking back at Blossom, who was frowning. Boomer frowned and looked at Ms. Keane.

“But why? I wanna learn more...” He said, blinking at the end of his own sentence. Ms. Keane patted his head.

“I know Boomer, and you have improved a lot since Blossom started working with you! I am very proud of you, but I need to have a private talk with Blossom. So you can go have fun today,” Boomer frowned and looked at Blossom again, rubbing his chin.

“But...this is kinda fun...” Ms. Keane sighed and knelt down beside the blue ruff, touching his shoulder and smiling as sweetly as she could manage.

“Boomer, please go play outside. Alright? This is a reward for improving so much,” Boomer nodded, getting up. He shrugged at Blossom before floating out the door. Ms. Keane noted the pout on Blossom's lips and cocked her head. Maybe...it was Boomer?

“Blossom are you alright?” Blossom blinked and snapped back, facing Ms. Keane with a soft blush.

“Yeah, of course, Ms. Keane. I'm fine...what...what did I do wrong?” Ms. Keane glanced at the window, then sat down at the ruff's desk, motioning for Blossom to join her. Blossom sat down, feeling ashamed though she had no clue why. Ms. Keane wrapped her arm around Blossom, giving her a very firm, very loving hug.

“Blossom...we need to have a very important talk. One that...I'd appreciate staying just between us, and I know you would as well,” Blossom blushed and stared at the desk. Just by her reaction, Ms. Keane was sure the little girl knew where the conversation was going.

“Alright...you promise?” The teacher was, once again, amazed by how young the little girl seemed at times. She smiled and nodded, lowering her voice.

“Blossom, you've been acting very strange lately. I am very worried...your grades are just fine, but it seems like you aren't paying attention in class,” Blossom flushed and refused to look up. Ms. Keane rubbed her arm, shocked at the degree of tension in her little body. The pink puff's lips trembled momentarily, but she quickly wiped her eyes, never once raising her head.

“I'm sorry...” Ms. Keane sighed, keeping a firm, comforting hold on her.

“Blossom is alright...I'm just worried...is there something you want to tell me?” Blossom bit her lip and shook her head. Ms. Keane nodded, leaning closer and lowering her voice, “If I can guess, will you tell me?” Blossom shrugged, a tremor running through her. Ms. Keane nodded once again.

“Blossom...it seems to me like you have a crush on someone, is that it?” Her breath caught in her throat, no doubt Ms. Keane's assumption had been correct. She decided to push her luck and see if she could get further details, “And...because of the way you're acting, I think it might be someone you...believe you shouldn't?” There was a brief moment of silence, but slowly Blossom nodded her head. She quickly wiped her eyes again. The auburn-haired girl's cheeks were the same shade of pink as her eyes.

“Y...Yes,” Finally a response, and the one she'd expected. Ms. Keane smiled and gave the puff a squeeze.

“It's alright Blossom...you can tell me anything,” Blossom quickly shook her head, another tremor rolling through her body. The puff was so tense, her body felt like it was made of steel.

“No, I don't want to...” Ms. Keane nodded and sighed, sitting up, though keeping her comforting arm around Blossom's shoulders.

“Well...I just want you to know that what you're...experiencing is perfectly natural. There is nothing wrong with you,” Blossom looked up, a sideways glance, but definitely an improvement. Ms. Keane smiled, carefully turning Blossom's face so that the two were making eye contact.

“Are you sure? What...what should I do?” Ms. Keane tapped her chin, looking up at the ceiling.

“Well...you could always tell the person how you feel,” Blossom's face went beat red, and once again she became obsessed with the structure of the table. Ms. Keane giggled and gave her student a tight hug and, after a moment's deliberation, a kiss on the forehead, “You don't have to...but maybe if you know how this person felt, you wouldn't be so worried?” Blossom shifted her weight back and forth, eyes twitching from side to side.

“Maybe you're right...” She finally whispered. Ms. Keane beamed, gasping when Blossom gave her a sudden hug. Blossom wiped her eyes again and looked up at Ms. Keane with a smile.

“Thanks Ms. Keane...” Blossom looked down, a wry smile spreading across her lips, “You should tell your Special Person how you feel,” Now it was Ms. Keane's turn to turn beet red. Blossom giggled and floated toward the door, waving before hurrying to enjoy the little bit of recess remaining. Ms. Keane sat back in the tiny chair, blushing and staring at the floor.

'My Special Person...' she mused, a shy smile painted on her lips.

XxXxX

That night, the air grew chilly. The temperature had dropped to the lowest all Spring. The Utonium household was pitch black, save for a hall light, pouring into a bedroom only two-thirds occupied. A pair of bare feet floated down the stairs, just barely brushing against the soft carpet. She ran her hand along the wall, smiling when the kitchen window came into view, moonlight pouring in to light up the sink. She hovered up to the cupboard, taking out a glass and filling it with cold water. While she sipped, she stared up at the moon, debating.

“You...don't have to keep hiding...I know you're there...” The darkness behind her shifted and a wicked figure grew from the blackness. The silence of the kitchen, now broken only by the water slushing in her cup, and his eyebrows flickering in the darkness. The scant few feet between them seemed like light years to the demon. He cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes softly.

“How long have you been aware of Aku's presence, child?” Blossom giggled and took a sip of her water, still staring at the full moon outside. For once, she wasn't working on overdrive. Her mind wasn't racing...now that duty was taken up by her heart. It was pounding fiercely, her blood was pumping through her like fire. She turned and faced him, sighing and biting her lip.

“I...don't know...I think...from the beginning,” He frowned and stared at her. She was...brilliant, he couldn't put that beyond her capabilities. Now, as the moonlight hit her, reflecting off her large eyes, giving a blue tint to her white skin, he felt his chest tightening. The Shogun of Sorrow resisted the insatiable urge to clutch his chest...and the near unstoppable desire to snatch her away.

“It is dangerous...and most foolish to play such games with a monster such as Aku, child. Surely one of your intellect knows this to be true,” Blossom nodded, clasping her cup tightly. She felt light-headed, her chest was fluttering. Every time his form shifted, she dreamed she saw him getting closer. She blushed, her breath caught in her throat. She could almost feel his cold touch stroking her hair, could almost feel his tongue against her cheek.

“I know...it's stupid...I'm not usually like this,” Aku smirked, finally looking away. Of that much, there was no doubt. Nothing about this child could be described as stupid. He turned back to her, narrowing his flaming eyes.

“What is it you want from Aku?” Blossom froze, struggling to resist the urge to drop her glass. She swallowed hard, gasping and catching her breath. The rough...yet silky texture of his voice was paralyzing. So heavy and formal...so ancient. She licked her lips and lowered her eyes to her feet.

“I don't know...but it's my job to defeat you,” Aku chuckled, shaking his head. He edged closer, his fingers clutched like talons. He tenderly stroked her cheek, an act he'd only allowed himself when she wasn't awake. Blossom's mouth fell open, a small moan escaping her lips. He leaned in close, red eyes piercing her trembling pink ones.

“You cannot hope to defeat Aku, child,” Blossom gasped, dropping her glass as a powerful shiver hit her. A tendril streaked out from Aku's shifting form, catching the glass before it could smash. He sat it on the counter, his eyes never once leaving hers. Aku felt a rush like no other. His mind had gone completely and utterly blank, every last thought replaced by her. By this Red Child now in his grasp. He tenderly stroked her cheek, brushing her hair away from her beautiful face.

“I...I...I...” She gasped out, struggling to speak. Though he didn't need to breathe, Aku felt a suffocating sensation fall over him as she began to float closer. Her eyes began to drift shut, the distance between their faces shortening. His chest exploded with unimaginable pain.

Aku cried out, a strangled and foreign sound. He turned to stare at her, the same impossible pain—greater than any magical sword—rushing through his searing chest. He trembled and vanished into the darkness. Blossom, hovering more than seven feet off the ground, slowly opened her eyes. She barely noticed the few tears rolling down her cheeks. He hand went to her chest, holding it tightly. She felt like she was drowning.

“Aku...” There was a loud noise, a sizzling sound, to her left. Blossom gasped, and turned as quickly as she could. Too late, an explosion of orange went off in her face, slamming her against the refrigerator and dropping her, powerless, to the ground. Blossom moaned, forcing her eyes open. She watched the shadowy figure stalk through the dark kitchen. As the moonlight hit him, a wicked glint in his pink eyes, she whimpered in terror. As he stepped out of the light, the darkness overtook her.