Endless Possibilities

Endless Possibilities

Author's Note: Every story must come to an end...

Chapter 17 Part 1

XxXxX

"What has become of me...the Shogun of Sorrow...Deliverer of Darkness...how has such a small child...so completely defeated the great Aku?" The darkness sprawled out for miles, broken only by the dim sea of fire rising up from the pit. Barely able to control his weak moans, the Master of Masters laid in his throne and clutched his searing chest. Cracks of bleeding red broke out across his once powerful form, humming like an overloaded generator. His eyes clenched tightly shut, he struggled to even think through the mind-numbing haze of pain.

"It is as though...that accursed sword itself...is within me," Aku writhed and snarled. In the depths of the darkness, a hundred thousand visions spread like fire. A lifetime of pain and suffering. An entire world wracked in misery and suffering, now blazing in the confines of his breast. He, the greatest of all evils, had never before felt such terror.

That night, he had felt something like never before. As the child came closer, his chest began to...beat. Aku slammed his fists on the arms of his throne. His eyes blazed, but even his eyebrows were but a weak flicker. The samurai killed Aku. But that child had sent him to Hell.

XxXxX

The mornings were typically a sacred moment of peace for one, Ms. Cassandra Keane. Her duties as a school teacher kept her on her toes throughout the day, and her beloved task caring for her dearest friend's children kept her on top of her game in the evenings. She preferred to wake up early and greet the rising sun with a hot cup of coffee. A moment's reprieve in her busy life. She was, needless to say, shocked to find an intruder on her daily ritual. A welcomed intruder, though an intruder nonetheless.

"Buttercup...what are you doing up so early?" Buttercup laughed sheepishly and scratched her head, staring at the kitchen table. Ms. Keane pulled a chair up next to the green puff and sat down, stifling a gasp when she noticed the tears rolling down Buttercup's cheeks. As if the day couldn't take a sharper turn for the surreal. Buttercup must have noticed; she quickly wiped her eyes and put on a brave front.

"I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep..." Ms. Keane carefully placed a hand on Buttercup's shoulder. Her voice was shaking and-did she dare to think it-afraid. The tick-tocking of the clock broke the tense silence, creating a six-thirty symphony in conjunction with the puff's shaky breaths and the teacher's slow, deep breaths. An early morning breeze slipped in through the cracked open door, as if the icy fingers of the breaking dawn outside sought refuge from the day to come. Buttercup trembled, her entire body shook, and lowered her head into her hands. Ms. Keane sat in solemn silence, her heart bleeding in her breast.

"What's wrong, Dear?" Ms. Keane asked in a whisper. Buttercup shook her head and stared at the table. Hadn't Blossom been doing that a lot lately? Buttercup slowly looked up at Ms. Keane, a fragility in her voice that had never existed before.

"I don't know..." The teacher nodded and hugged the green-eyed puff tightly. Warm and safe, Buttercup managed to fight back the tears. But, the inkling of knowledge at the corner of her mind kept her from finding peace.

The gentle breeze slipped quietly around the corner, fluttering up the stairs. It whipped around a portrait of the Utonium family, knocking it unceremoniously to the floor. Undeterred, the breeze drifted into the opened bedroom door, disguised as hall light. The dark room seemed darker still, the breeze tenderly caressing the remaining puff's soft cheek. She smiled and snuggled further beneath the warm, heavy blankets. In her arms, she lovingly cuddled her favorite doll.

Bubbles...Buuuubbles...

The little puff sighed, her mouth falling open as she pulled the doll closer to her face. She lovingly nuzzled him and held him against her cheek.

"What is it, Octi?" She asked in a sleepy, dream-ridden voice.

Are you asleep?

Bubbles nodded. Octi smiled blissfully, almost absentmindedly. Almost.

Are you...dreaming?

"Uh huh..." Bubbles mumbled after a moment's hesitation. Octi seemed to notice.

Is it a bad dream?

Bubbles whimpered and nodded.

Hold me...cloooser to your heart. I'll protect you.

"Okay..." Bubbles hugged Octi tighter and sighed happily. The nightmare subsided almost instantly. Octi rested his head against her chest, watching it rise and fall in slow, steady breaths.

What were you dreaming about Bubbles?

"I don't wanna say..." She whispered.

I can help Bubbles...you can trust me...I would neeever lie to youuuu

"...Blossom..." She whispered, tears in her voice. She hugged Octi tighter and sniffled. He laid in her arms obediently, comforting her with soft whispers.

Blossom has been...a very bad girl lately...you're worried about her, aren't you?

Bubbles nodded and hiccuped, burying her face in Octi. His smile never faded.

Don't cry Bubbles...I'm going to take care of everything...I'm going to take care of you...

"I know...I love you Octi..." That whisper, barely even a whisper, made Octi grin brighter than he ever had in his life. He almost seemed to care; almost seemed alive. Almost.

I always said Buttercup should be the leader.

XxXxX

By the time Bubbles floated down the stares, the sun had already begun to rise over the horizon. Ms. Keane had breakfast prepared, and Buttercup was still sitting in silence. Bubbles watched her uncharacteristically sober green-clad sister pick at her pancakes. The blue puff's entrance went completely unnoticed. With eyes wide she took her seat, watching the steadily thickening silence in awe. Ms. Keane finally saw the blonde girl and smiled, patting her head. Neither sister moved while the teacher got the newest addition to the morning a plate of hot food.

"Why are you up so early? It's Saturday..." Bubbles asked, watching Ms. Keane steadily walk back to her seat. Buttercup shuddered and turned away from her sister. Ms. Keane beamed and cleared her throat.

"Well, I'm always up at this time Bubbles. I like to rise early so I can relax before facing the day," She explained. Bubbles nodded, more intently focused on her sister. Buttercup was distracted, and visibly uneasy.

"Buttercup?" Buttercup sat up and looked at Bubbles with an unreadable look. Bubbles clutched Octi tighter, turning to face her food. She had no appetite. Ms. Keane tapped her lip and got up, peering up the stairs.

"Is Blossom still asleep?" Bubbles blinked and tapped her lip; Buttercup lowered her head and clenched her fists. The blonde-towed girl shook her head and took a forced bite of her pancakes. She could barely taste the maple syrup.

"I don't think I saw her..." Ms. Keane frowned and started up the stairs. When she was gone, Bubbles turned back to Buttercup.

"Buttercup...where's Blossom?" She flinched and her jaw tightened. Buttercup knew the answer, whether she would tell or not was another story. The green puff looked at her sister and sighed shrugging weakly.

"I...I don't know," Bubbles stared at her, with unconscious intensity. Buttercup stared back, the same defeated look of helplessness in her eyes. Buttercup...really didn't know.

"Is she alright?" Bubbles asked quietly, looking at her food once more. Buttercup turned to her untouched breakfast.

"I don't know..." A tense silence fell over them. They heard Ms. Keane scream upstairs.

"Is she coming back?"

"...I don't know," Bubbles nodded. They both looked up when Ms. Keane came barreling into the room, panting. Tears were streaming down her face.

"Girls! B...Blossom is missing!" Bubbles and Buttercup traded a look. Ms. Keane bit her finger and paced the room nervously, on the verge of a breakdown. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves; if anything, she became even more uneasy and frightened.

"She's not in the bathroom...the bedroom...the Professor's bedroom..." As Ms. Keane went over her checklist, the three heard explosions in the distance. The warning sirens were going off in Townsville. Sure enough, the Hotline began to buzz. Ms. Keane stared at the flashing red light, horror etched in her face. Bubbles and Buttercup slowly approached the children's toy; the former turned to the latter for support. Buttercup swallowed and answered the phone.

"Y-Yes...Mayor?" The Mayor was not the one who replied. Buttercup's breath caught in her throat. Next to her Bubbles gasped and her hands flew to her mouth.

"You have five minutes, Powerpuff Girls...do not be late," And a deafening click ended the call. No repetition, no repeated threats. Plain as day...they had been given an ultimatum.

"Mojo is attacking the city...we have to go, now!" Buttercup set the receiver back on its cradle and stared at her hands. Bubbles hugged Octi and stared at the floor.

"Girls...no! You two go, I'm...I'm sure Blossom will show up!" Ms. Keane said, trying to offer a hopeful smile. It did little to hide the tears in her eyes. Buttercup looked at Bubbles. Her sister was pale and trembling, clutching her favorite toy like it was about to be stolen away. Buttercup clenched her fists and took a deep breath. She stepped forward and put a hand on Bubbles' shoulder. Bubbles looked up in shock.

"Let's go, they need the Powerpuff Girls," Bubbles' mouth fell open. She swallowed and started to argue. Buttercup shook her head and Bubbles, despite her fear, nodded. The two turned to Ms. Keane, who offered them her best smile.

"You can do it girls...I believe in you," The sisters smiled and gave her a quick hug, flying for the stairs. Their five minutes was down to three and the clock wasn't about to stop ticking.

XxXxX

In the shadow of the great mountain, there was little in the way of civilization. Thankfully, for James Utonium, a small lodge run by an immigrant served as a checkpoint, a safe haven before his journey into the heavens. He sat inside the lobby, head in his hands and counting down the moments before he ventured into the wild unknown. The owner walked in and spotted him. The Professor looked up, hearing the stomp of heavy footsteps.

"Ye the crazy lad plannin' ta climb the mountain, aye?" The Professor chuckled and nodded. He was beyond crazy, he was desperate. The burly man, well over a foot taller than the Professor himself with a mane of untamed red hair, sat down next to the scientist with a rough plop. The Professor scooted away to give his host more room.

"Why would a wee lit'l thin like yerself risk climbin' that mountain? I tell ye, I tried climbin' it," The Professor sat up, his fatigue chased away. He lit up his pipe, and leaned in to his companion.

"Is that so? How far did you make it?" The Scottish lodge owner laughed and clapped the Professor on the back, nearly knocking him from his seat.

"I didn' make it far, Lad! No mort'l man can tame that mountain!" The Professor sighed and sat back, staring at the dark wooden ceiling. He'd feared as much, but regardless of the dangers, he had no other choice. The Scotsman sighed and rested his massive hands on his knees. He could see the look of righteous determination in the smaller man's eyes. It was a look he couldn't help but respect.

"So why ye riskin' it all on a bitch of a mountain?" The Professor took out his pipe and turned to the Scotsman with a solemn smile.

"I don't have a choice...my family is counting on me...it's not something I can divulge the details of. But...I assure you, there is no other way," The Scotsman smiled, a warm smile. He set one of his massive hands on the Professor's shoulder and poked him roughly in the chest.

"Yer a brave man...riskin' life an' limb fer family. I respect that...what's yer name, Lad?" The Professor smiled, trying to rub his now sore chest as subtly as possible.

"Utonium, James Utonium," The Scotsman smiled and nodded.

"Aye, I'll remember it. Listen Jimme, ye got a rough haul ahead of ye. I'd be a sorry sort of man if I let ye go unprepared, I would," The Scotsman climbed to his feet and stalked to the check in counter. Behind it, mounted on the wall, was a giant sword covered in ancient markings. The Professor watched in awe as his host lifted the massive weapon and snatched an equally massive sheathe on his way back to where they sat. The Scotsman sat next to the Professor once more, holding out the blade.

"Tis an ancient family heirloom...a powerful broadsword, etched with protective runes that make it unbreakable...if yer plannin' ta climb that mountain, I want ye to take her with ya, Jimme," The Scotsman sheathed the sword and presented it to the Professor. Taking it in both hands, he nearly toppled over. It was heavier than it looked. Still...something about the gesture felt tearjerkingly familiar. The scientist smiled and rested his hand on the Scotsman's shoulder.

"Thank you, I don't know how to repay you," The owner laughed and put his hand on the Professor's shoulder once more.

"Ye get ta the top of that mountain, ye bring mah sword back...and we'll call it even, Lad," The Professor nodded and hefted the blade onto his back. His resolution was strengthened, and with one last wave, he set out on the last leg of his journey. The frigid mountain loomed ominously just over the next hill.

XxXxX

The city was quite literally burning when the remaining Powerpuff Girls arrived on the scene. Buildings were collapsing, people screamed and ran for cover. The early morning air seemed blacker and colder than either could remember. The two flew directly for the city hall; the heart of the city lay in utter ruin. Neither puff would admit it, but inside both were praying they would wake up to find it all had been a nightmare.

"Powerpuff Girls you've arrived...you are on time...Mojo is impressed..." The girls spun around, searching frantically for the source of the voice. It seemed to come from every direction. Buttercup licked her lips and thrust her mitt out, steeling her voice.

"Show yourself Mojo!" They heard an irate growl and what sounded like a slithering sound. The soft click of a machine coming to life. Nearby, a building began to crumble when racked by an explosion-perhaps a gas tank hit by the fire. The sisters screamed and Buttercup quickly grabbed onto Bubbles and pulled her close.

"Where is Powerpuff Blossom? She is late," Bubbles whimpered and Buttercup ground her teeth. Mojo seemed off...something was terribly wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on it. It was at times like these she wished she possessed Blossom's powerful mind.

"Blossom isn't coming!" Bubbles gasped, but Buttercup kept going, "We're more than enough to deal with you!" There was a soft moment of silence. The sisters became aware of the increasingly frantic breathing that came all around them. There was a sharp explosion and glass fell to the streets. A primal scream rang out as a massive machine rose up from the Mayor's office, showering the ground with debris and shrapnel.

"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! BRING ME POWERPUFF BLOSSOM!" Bubbles and Buttercup floated back in abject horror, staring at the wicked creation floating over them. The robot could scarcely be called a robot. No, it was more like a twisted machine wrapped around the very embodiment of evil; it was nightmare incarnate.

The mechanoid was easily longer than anything the puffs had ever laid eyes on. It's snake-like tail went on for miles, and its body rose up over the skyscrapers it used to hold itself up. Six metallic arms stretched from the upper body, each bearing three massive metal claws. Eight metallic spider legs stretched from the back, holding the robot up and piercing the buildings it used to stay balanced. Three terrifying heads rose up on snakelike necks. The center, where they could see the cockpit, was crowned with a head resembling that of a bull with six massive horns, piercing the dark clouds over head. The other two, bore dragons heads, both with two massive ram horns that curved back menacingly. It rose so high, it blocked out the rising sun, whose meager glow gave it the imposing presence of a shadowy hellspawn.

"Th-That...that can't b-be Mojo" Buttercup muttered, floating back. Bubbles stared in wide-eyed horror, tightly held in her sister's strong arms. Arms that would not prove strong enough in the face of this new threat. They heard a click and the middle head lowered, steam firing from its nostrils. The robot was plated in duranium, but the Sisters Puff could see something...black running through the blue tubing that ran through the robot. Something sinister, but familiar.

"Where is your sister? Her presence is required! This cannot take place without her! No, Mojo's greatest plan will not be ruined! His moment of triumph, his victory, his final solution will not be sullied by your tricks! Your schemes shall not impede on Mojo Jojo! BRING ME POWERPUFF BLOSSOM THIS INSTANT!" Buttercup and Bubbles watched the robot thrash around, reflecting the rage pulsing through its pilot. The metal legs smashed buildings; the spider arms smashed through the city streets. The three heads turned on the girls, and the air grew deathly still.

"No matter...yes...all shall follow the plan..." Mojo licked his lips, speaking in a distant, out of breath voice. Bubbles looked at Buttercup and nervously hugged her tighter. Buttercup narrowed her eyes, glaring at their arch-nemesis.

"Kill the sisters and Blossom will show, she will arrive and fight with all of her awesome power. Yes, if they die she shall not hold back! And when at least she is conquered and her blood runs red in these streets I, Mojo Jojo, shall be truly victorious! All so clear now...their dying screams will summon my opponent!" Bubbles whimpered and began to breathe rapidly.

"Buttercup...we can't win, we can't beat that thing," Buttercup shook her head and the two floated back slowly.

"Yes we can! We don't need Blossom all the time!" Buttercup swallowed and looked down, "I wish she was here but...but we can do this, Bubbles!" Bubbles shook her head and a few tears rolled down her cheeks.

"It looks scarier than that other robot...and we couldn't beat it!" She cried. Buttercup grit her teeth and turned back to Mojo. They could beat him...they'd beaten Mojo without Blossom before...right?

"PREPARE YOURSELVES LESSER POWERPUFF GIRLS!" Both girls turned to Mojo, bristling at the insult but quivering at the writhing machine. The robot reared back and roared; the sound was like a mocking laugh. All three heads faced them, eyes glowing red. The two sides sat unmoving, staring each other down. The city crackled and burned to the ground around them. People screamed as buildings collapsed on themselves. The warning siren wailed through the greasy gray morning sky. Buttercup heard a pebble falling from the buildings the robot was latched onto. Without a second thought, she grabbed her sister and took off at full speed. With a piercing scream, the robot lunged at them, smashing through everything in its path.

"Bubbles! Fly! Fly as fast as you c-!" Buttercup was caught off violently, smacked out of the air by a devastating explosion. Bubbles spun around and screamed as the sun was blocked out. Missiles filled the air, pouring from the back of the robotic nightmare. Her horror was short lived, one of the dragon heads fired a searing blue laser at her, sending her crashing through half a city block. Bubbles landed, just in time to take off flying again. The explosions seemed to trail her with every missile the collided with the ground. She screamed yet again, watching the robot come barreling towards her with impossible grace. It moved far more like an animal than a machine.

"Buttercup?! Where are you!?" She screamed dodging the swinging tail. The robot continued on longer than she'd imagined, ending in a razor sharp duranium scythe, capable of slicing down entire buildings. There was no doubt in her mind that it could cut down a Powerpuff girl. Just as it came slicing toward her, a missile exploded against her leg, sending Bubbles spiraling through the air. She just barely avoided certain death, only to face it yet again. She opened her eyes and watched a the searing green laser come flying her way.

"BUTTERCUP!? WHERE ARE YOU!?" She screamed again, tears blinding her vision. As she flew over the green laser, she came face to face with the other dragon head, firing a blue laser directly at her. She screamed and threw her arms up, grunting when a force rammed into her side and saved her life. Bubbles opened her eyes to see her sister's sweat streaked face.

"Buttercup! You're alive!" She held onto the green puff with all her strength. Buttercup was flying faster than she could remember, weaving in and around buildings at blinding speed. Over her shoulder, Bubbles watched the robot give chase, tearing through the buildings Buttercup dodged, knocking down more ahead of them in an attempt to halt her path. Bubbles clutched her sister tightly, sobbing as the sky once again filled with missiles. An endless scream of whistling and the drowning boom of countless explosions nearly deafened them both.

"Bubbles! Shoot those rockets out of the sky! Hurry!" Buttercup barked. Her voice was panicked and worn down. Bubbles wasn't sure how many hits she'd taken, but she could tell her sister was slowing down. With a nod, she fired her heat rays in a wide sweeping pattern, taking out the numerous projectiles. They heard a primal scream, one that was quickly matched by a child's scream.

"Buttercup! Fly up! Fly up!" Without a seconds hesitation, Buttercup swooped up at a ninety degree angle. So sharp and so sudden was her turn, that both took the brunt of her own sonic boom, quite literally knocking them from the sky. Buttercup's head spun, and she felt her consciousness slipping. Below them, a massive pink laser took out everything where they had once been. Staring at the dug trench, Buttercup closed her eyes and moaned. She grit her teeth, an image of Blossom's haunted eyes in her mind. She felt her blood begin to boil...she could hear her sister's pained scream. She could see her tear streaked face and watched the blood trickle down her bare back.

She saw her sister's unbreakable stare, her perfect determination. Buttercup opened her eyes and grit her teeth. With a sharp spin, she avoided the scythe heading her way. Mojo screamed as Buttercup shot off at full speed, weaving around the robot and luring it deeper into the city. He took off in full pursuit, just as a blue streak tore free from a collapsed hotel. Just on the outskirts of town, the battle was not going unwatched. The most unlikely trio stood in horror, keeping just out of sight as destruction wracked a city that had...come know as their home.

"No way! The girls can't beat that thing!" The once proud rivals of the Powerpuff Girls stood in complete paralysis. Never in their lives had they imagined their father capable of something so...hellishly effective. In a few short moments, the Powerpuff Girls had been rendered utterly defensive. There was no opening to exploit, no tactic that could overwhelm the endless array of powers the robot possessed. At this rate, the Powerpuff Girls had no option but to lose.

Boomer scanned the skies, on the verge of tears, and clutching his head. Every so often he looked back at the fight and whimpered. Butch, in a shocking display, stood completely still. His mouth hanged open, but his tongue stayed in place. His trembling green eyes tried to keep up with his frantic blue-counterpart. Brick stood at the helm, practically frothing. He wanted nothing more than to dive in and help his rival, to save the annoying tomboy so he could beat her one day. All three boys remained paralyzed by fear...and by the growing pool of darkness behind them. After a tense moment of silence, Brick spun around and thrust a mitt at their disappointed benefactor.

"We're going to help them!" Brick shouted. Aku narrowed his eyes and sneered.

"You will do no such thing...you have failed to fulfill your obligations to Aku," Boomer whimpered and kept scanning the skies.

"Where's Blossom?" Butch stomped his foot and thrust his mitt toward the fight. They could hear Buttercup scream, a bloodcurdling sound. Aku remained unmoved.

"They're gonna lose! They can't beat that stupid thing!" He barked, his head jerking to the side with a violent twitch. Aku narrowed his eyes.

"It would seem you have forgotten your purpose...no matter, I shall take back that which belongs to Aku," The boys stumbled back in horror. Boomer searched the sky more frantically; she had to be coming. She was the hero, she had to show up. She just had to! Brick shook his head and glared at Aku. His eyes...were pleading.

"W-What? N-no way! I like this! You can't have it back!" Butch clutched his chest tightly and ground his teeth together. The thought of losing what they'd been given. He turned back and stared at the blue streak flying through the hundreds of explosions sprinkling the skies.

"Blossom should be here..." Boomer cried, watching as Aku descended on them. Brick made one last effort to fight back, throwing a punch at the demon. It uselessly passed through his approaching claw.

"We're gonna help our...our friends!" The boys tried to find the courage to fight, tried to find some kind of counter to the demon's pull. But, in the end their efforts proved futile. Muffled screams joined the sounds of war behind them and three bodies fell limp to the ground. As the darkness faded away, the Rowdyruff Boys laid helplessly on the ground. The boys they had become...now just a passing dream.

xXxXx

The Professor's frozen fingers dug into the next precipice. It took nearly all of his strength to pull himself up to the ledge. Panting, he fell forward and stared at the blinding white snow. His jacket was torn...he'd fallen more than once. The sword strapped on his back was quickly draining his admittedly meager energy reserves. The Professor shuddered and stared up. The summit seemed miles away still. Narrowing his eyes, he climbed to his feet and stumbled to the next cliff, digging his bloodied fingers in and pulling himself up.

"I have...have to get...get to the top...the girls need me...I have to do this..." In the distance, he heard a goat bleat, but thought nothing of it. His mental faculties were devoted to ignoring his numb fingers. Devoted to ignoring the storm whipping at his body. As he climbed, he could scanned for any sign of the monks who had gone before him. Perhaps they'd left behind a piece of bread, a frozen cracker...even a glove. Anything to aid his ascent.

"Th-th-that sound a-a-again..." He murmured. When he laid down, nearly beaten, on the next cliff, he heard the goat's cry closer now. The scientist pushed himself up to his hands and knees, his snow streaked hair falling over his eyes. Just barely visible through the blizzard was a tall form, stalking closer to him.

'Maybe it's one of the monks...' he thought hopefully. The Professor stood up, breathing heavily. A violently shiver overtook him, forcing him to double over and rub his numb arms. He heard the goat's cry and looked up, screaming when a powerful fist rammed into his stomach. Another, vice like claw came around and caught him by the neck, holding him over the cliff he'd just climbed. The Professor stared in horror at the monster. A frigid goat man, with bulging arms and legs. Twisted horns rose up from his head, and his wicked eyes seemed to be glaring into the Professor's soul.

"Pl-please...let me...please..." He stuttered, gasping when the goat clutched his throat tighter. It gave a cry and flung him across the cliff, rolling through the snow and stopping just inches from the edge. The Professor gasped and quickly stumbled back, only to be forcefully thrown over. He screamed when the ram's horns collided with his back. The goat caught his leg and swung him around, ramming him brutally into the side of the mountain. The Professor dropped to the ground, barely able to move. The goat cried and kicked him toward the edge once more. Had it not been for his coat catching on a jagged stone, the scientist may have very well plummeted to his death.

"N-No...girls...I...c-can't m...I have to..." The Professor weakly climbed to his feet. Hot blood streamed down his back. His leg was throbbing and he could barely stand to put any pressure on it. Weakly opening his eyes, he lost his breath when the goat rammed him a final time, sending him flying over the edge. The Professor plummeted through the blizzard and landed, thankfully, on an outcropping several yards below. He heard the goat's cry, but faintly...as he slipped into a final slumber.

XxXxX

Buttercup dashed behind the nearest building, panting and closing her eyes tightly. She held her breath, listening to the mechanical terror come to a halt.

"Come out Powerpuff Buttercup, your time to die is now and it is at this time that your life shall be ended by me, Mojo Jojo!" Buttercup grit her teeth and resisted the urge to retort. Mojo wanted to lure her out, and he knew she couldn't back up and insult she flung at him. Buttercup had never worked her mind so hard, even on her history test the day before. What would Blossom do?

'Gotta find a weakness...gotta find an opening...' Buttercup opened her eyes, nearly choking in horror. She had to find Bubbles. The green puff swallowed and took off at full speed. She narrowed her eyes and ignored the clanging, swooshing sound of the robot coming in hot pursuit. Without her sister, she was as good as dead. And...no, she shook her head. She wouldn't think that. Bubbles was strong...stronger than Buttercup herself. She would be fine.

"Bubbles! Come out!" Buttercup shot into the sewer and came back up at another street, flying as high into the air as she could. When the robot whipped around to face her she quickly dodged the blue laser fired by the dragon's head and screamed at the top of her lungs. The supersonic waves arced out and set off the missiles flying at her. The robot lurched up through the explosions, unhindered by her efforts. She dodged the six slicing claws and dove through the piercing spider legs. Buttercup realized, too late, that she was falling straight toward one of the heads. The dragon opened its mouth and unleashed a green blast of heat. Buttercup clutched her eyes and waited for the searing impact.

Instead, she lost her breath as something collided with her side and knocked her out of the air. They hit the ground in a pile and quickly separated. Buttercup's glare became a tearful smile of excitement. Without a moment's hesitation, the two flew into each others arms.

"Bubbles! Stay with me! We can't get split up again!" Buttercup noticed with a grimace, the blood streaking Bubbles' face. Somehow they were able to fight the same robot, completely unaware of each others plight.

"I...I will...B-Buttercup I...we...we can't," A primal scream cut her off as the robot lurched up and came at them. Buttercup grabbed her sisters hand and thrust her arms out.

"Use the Starburst Ray!" Reacting instinctively, Bubbles fired alongside Buttercup. The two rays combined into a gleaming burst of swirling green and blue. The laser collided with the advancing robot, failing to slow its progress in the slightest. Buttercup cursed and grabbed her sister's hand. As the two fled, she wracked her brain to come up with a plan.

"Try the Mega Blast!" They spun around again, quickly taking out the advancing missiles with their heat rays. The girls thrust their hands out and again fired, more powerful rays of energy this time. They combined into a glistening sphere of teal light, which exploded outward at the robot. With a crazed laugh, the robot's dragon heads lurched up and fired back their lasers, consuming the Mega Blast. Buttercup and Bubbles were caught up in the resulting explosion and flung through the air. Buttercup stared through the light and reached out for her sister.

"No! Bubbles!" She collided with a building and lost sight of the blue puff. Mojo wasted no time in knocking over the building Buttercup had landed in. The green puff flew into the sky, once again weaving between lasers and projectiles. She jumped over the tail-scythe and scanned the city streets frantically. Her sister was nowhere to be found.

"No...not Bubbles...please no...NO! NO! NO!" Buttercup screamed and held her head as she flew away, luring the robot with her. She could see Blossom's haunted eyes; she watched her walk out the door. She could see Bubbles' look of absolute horror; she watched her disappear in a ray of light. Buttercup screamed and began to sob, hitting the ground and rolling, avoiding the pivoting spider legs crashing down around her. For a moment...a fading moment she debated letting one of them pierce her. In her mind she again saw Blossom's haunted eyes. She again saw Bubbles' horror-stricken scream.

"You cannot win! It is only a matter of time before Powerpuff Blossom arrives! Then...then MOJO WILL HAVE HIS TIME!" The maniacal laughter that followed pierced Buttercup's soul, and brought new, angry tears to her eyes. Inside, she could feel a tightly wound coil suddenly snap.

"You...I won't...I won't let you...let you get away with this!" She took off again, her eyes narrowed and her jaw set. Though she was forced to stay on the defensive, inside her heart was on fire. She'd returned to the question from before: what would Blossom do? In her mind's eye, Buttercup saw Blossom's determined glare, even through the haze of tears and humiliation. She narrowed her eyes...and Buttercup knew the answer.

XxXxX

The Rowdyruff Boys began to come to, just as Buttercup and Bubbles were separated for a second time. They sat up, looking around in a bleary eyed daze. Chaotic as they were, their attention was quickly drawn to the collapsing city. By now the sirens had been destroyed, leaving behind only the sound of destruction. In what was, perhaps, the greatest calamity to befall the city of Townsville, all of its citizens had been evacuated to underground bunkers. Only the Powerpuff Girls remained, fighting their deadliest and oldest foe.

Brick leaped to his feet and cackled, staring at the destruction with the wide-eyed awe of a newborn. He kicked his brothers and pointed at the sea of fire and ruin before them.

"Dudes look! Is that Pops?! Ho man! He's tearing the place up!" He cheered, grinning and walking closer. Boomer got up with a spring in his step, running to the edge of the hill where they stood watching the fight. He beamed and clapped his hands.

"Pops is whooping those wussy girls! That's awesome!" Brick glared at Boomer and punched him in the face. Boomer stumbled back and rubbed his cheek.

"Shut up Boomer! Butch are you seeing this?!" Butch slowly stood up and joined them. When his eyes fell on the blue streak rushing through the air, his grin faded and he unconsciously took hold of his left hand. Boomer shoved Brick and glared at him.

"I don't wanna shut up!" Brick punched him again, knocking Boomer down the hill.

"Shut it, Boomer! Butch, man isn't this awesome?" Butch kept a close watch on the disaster taking place just miles from them. The whole city had become an arena...one that was quickly crumbling to the ground. The air was screaming with the sound of laser fire and missile explosions. He could hear an evil laugh, and heard a pair of screaming voices. He twitched and narrowed his eyes, still holding his left hand. His eyes drifted down to it. Brick glared and put his hands on his hips.

"Dude, what's your problem?" Boomer had rejoined the two and was half-glaring at Brick while also giving Butch a concerned look. Neither was prepared for the green ruff's reaction when an explosion, bright enough to be seen over the din of napalm showers, went off and a pair of screams fill the air. They could faintly see a blue streak spiraling out of control.

"We have to help them!" Without further explanation, Butch took off, flying toward the city. Brick snatched at his leg but missed, staring in horror.

"What?! Man get back here! Let them get clobbered!" Brick and Boomer watched the dark green streak arc through the air. Boomer quickly took off, leaving Brick behind.

"W-Wait for me man!" Brick stared in horror. He grit his teeth and clench his fists. After a brief internal struggle, he too left for Townsville. Bubbles fell heavily through the air, barely on the brink of consciousness. She gasped breathlessly when a green streak snatched her and pulled her to the ground. Too weak to open her eyes, she smiled thankfully.

"Thanks Buttercup..." She heard an uncomfortable grunt and opened her eyes. Butch stared back at her, blushing ever so slightly. She gasped and weakly climbed to her feet. The Rowdyruff boy kept her held steady, staring at her closely.

"Are...are you alright?" He asked, his voice cracking. Bubbles shook her head, turning to watch the robot chase after her sister. She hiccuped and burst into tears, throwing herself at the nearest source of comfort. Butch blushed dark red, and held her awkwardly.

"We can't win! We need Blossom's help! It's so hopeless!" She cried, clinging to Butch. The other two ruffs landed nearby, staring in confusion. Faintly, Brick could feel a memory tugging at the corner of his mind. Boomer blinked and could smell old ink and age-worn paper. Something...almost like a dream trying to become a reality.

"What's going on here? Butch what are you doing?" Butch narrowed his eyes and peaked out from their secluded location. The green puff was doing her best to avoid Mojo's robot, but she couldn't run forever...she was going to run out of city to hide in.

"You...they need help so...we'll help...or I will," He muttered, tripping over his words. Bubbles shook her head and stood up, clutching her sore body and peaking out at the fight. Her hands flew to her mouth and fresh tears rolled free when she heard Buttercup scream her name.

"No...no you guys have to run...please, or else you'll get hurt!" Butch stood up straight and shook his head. A twitch wracked his stern expression.

"But...no I can't!" Boomer ran up to them, tugging on Butch's arm. For some reason, his gaze drifted to the sky. Someone should be coming...they needed someone else, but where was she?

"Butch we gotta go!" Brick watched silently, his stomach quivering. He had froze when he heard the green puff's cry. The Rowdyruff leader shook his head and approached Bubbles. She was good at dodgeball, he thought randomly.

"No we're gonna stay here and figure out how to stop that thing...?" He trailed off, his order becoming a question. Bubbles smiled and gave him and Boomer a fierce hug.

"Thank you boys..." The Rowdyruff Boys blushed, stirred by awkward feelings they couldn't remember feeling. All three tenderly rubbed their cheeks; somehow the memory of rubber stung painfully.

xXxXx

The snow fell down in blankets, coating the battered scientist. He shivered and struggled to open his eyes. Blood seeped through the snow beneath him. Icicles clung to his sweat-streaked face. The Professor could feel his mind dwindling. He was painfully aware of his own breath, of the beating of his own heart. Darkness seemed so inviting, so inevitable. His heart beat slower with every shallow breath he took. He couldn't even feel the cold anymore.

"Will you give up so easily?" A voice asked, tugging at the depths of his soul. The Professor shuddered. He saw his beautiful little blonde-haired angel, his sweet little Bubbles. She sat in the living room, coloring on several sheets of paper stuck together. Her playtime was made all the more magical by the blissfully off-key tune she sang to herself. She looked up, seeing him walk in the room and squealed with delight. Pure...sweet Bubbles.

"Will you die and leave them to face the darkness alone?" The voice asked, rising up from his stomach. The Professor moaned. He saw his beautiful little raven-haired warrior, his feisty little Buttercup. She was furiously pounding on a side of beef, grunting with every hit. She, unbeknownst to her, sang the theme song from Rocky as she worked. When she saw him, she threw up her fist and grinned. Proud...feisty Buttercup.

"Have you no heart? Can you not be their light?" The voice asked, piercing the back of his mind. The Professor shuddered. He saw his beautiful little auburn-haired genius, his bright little Blossom. She sat crowded over a pile of books far too thick for her age, writing furiously. As she turned the page in one, she scribbled more as a smile spread across her lips. She saw him and gasped, smiling as she held up her equation. Perfect...bright Blossom.

"Will you let them go? Will you simply hand them over to evil?" The Professor clenched his eyes and balls his hands into fists. He slowly forced his eyes open, breathing fiercely. With all of his strength, he sat up, and cringed.

"Go Professor! Get up and fight!" He opened his eyed suddenly and narrowed them dangerously. He climbed to his feet, his torn jacket falling to the ground. His skin was chapped and red, nearly frozen. But his eyes...they were on fire. The scientist looked down at his feet and saw the sword. With shocking strength, he hefted it onto his back and began to climb again.

For his girls...there was no mountain too high, no demon too strong. He would fight...and he would win.

To Be Continued...